Cassandra’s Daughter — Readers’ Favorite Review

JAMIE MICHELE

Readers’ Favorite | 5-Star Review

Destiny Nakita Arnold’s Cassandra’s Daughter is a memoir about growing up as the daughter of Cassandra Gail Dixon, a young Atlanta mother whose life was judged through a public tragedy before it was understood as a life. Arnold begins with Cassandra at fourteen in Capitol Homes, then turns to her own childhood in Decatur and Atlanta homes where care is uneven. Ruby Kate Dixon, the grandmother Arnold calls Mom, becomes her main source of steadiness before adoption by an aunt brings stricter order. Cassandra remains near enough to be remembered, yet not dependable enough to be the mother Arnold needs. As Arnold grows up, she has to sort through family silence and other people’s assumptions. The memoir follows a daughter trying to tell her mother’s story and keep her own childhood in full view. Destiny Nakita Arnold’s Cassandra’s Daughter is a fantastic memoir, and Arnold writes with a steadiness that is much clearer and stronger than most would be able to produce under similar circumstances. I love how Arnold handles place. Cottage Grove becomes an address with purpose, and with a church beside the home, Arnold describes an incredible scene of a neglected child walking toward help before she knew how to ask for it. Arnold is excellent at sorting through communication barriers, and what can only be called a form of selective compassion. There is a sharp incompatibility between the protection of some reputations and leaving Arnold with chatter that no one corrects. Well written and powerful, readers who enjoy memoirs about daughters reclaiming the truth and their own story will adore this.

INGA BUCCELLA

Readers’ Favorite | 5-Star Review

Cassandra’s Daughter by Destiny Nakita Arnold is a memoir written about and for her deceased mother. Cassandra’s life story unfolds slowly and cautiously to prevent assumptions from being made about her, which occurred often in her lifetime and even after her death. This recounting gives voice to a misunderstood woman, who happened to be the author’s mother. Arnold makes the point that a poor decision should not define a human being. But sadly, some people find that a simplistic story, especially one rooted in judgment, is easier to remember. This retelling of such a life story weighs on the next generation. But the author is bound to reset some people’s memories in the writing of this book. She does so by dissecting the facts, as well as she can recall, and in doing so unravels some years of her chaotic upbringing. In writing Cassandra’s Daughter, Destiny Nakita Arnold pays homage to her misunderstood and imperfect mother. What impressed me most about this story is the compassion and objectivity the author expresses toward a mother who was often absent mentally and physically. I also admire the courage and honesty needed to open this book. In this shared-life story, the author defends her mother’s honor by addressing assumptions and judgments made about her. Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Cassandra did the best she could, with what she was given, or not given. Her daughter is doing better than she did. I highly recommend this insightful book, which I found so absorbing that I read it in one sitting.

PIKASHO DEKA

Readers’ Favorite | 5-Star Review

In Cassandra's Daughter, author Destiny Arnold tells the true story of her mother through her own perspective. Her mother, Cassandra, was only fourteen years of age when she gave birth to Destiny. Her father was seventeen. Because of her young age, Cassandra didn't really know how to raise children. She had a fierce love for music and really cared about how she looked. Destiny and her family moved around a lot when she was younger. After fifth grade, she was in the care of her aunt as her mother was unavailable. But it was her grandmother who truly raised her. Over the years, as Destiny grew up, Cassandra continued to come and go in and out of her life. According to Destiny, Cassandra's life held more than one story. Cassandra's Daughter is a touching memoir. I think it will resonate with anyone who has had a complicated relationship with their parents. Destiny Arnold paints a vivid portrait of Cassandra's life and reveals how her mother influenced her own life. Reading this book tells me how much of a part Cassandra played in shaping Destiny as a person. For better or worse, parents have a big impact on their children's lives, and Cassandra's story is a testament to that. Destiny writes concisely and has an engaging way of telling her family's story. This book makes you relate to her on a human level. In my opinion, Destiny and her mother's story illustrates the often complex nature of familial relationships and how they change over the course of time. The author also touches upon how selective compassion can lead to false narratives about a person. I will definitely recommend this book.

MANSOOR AHMED

Readers’ Favorite | 5-Star Review

In Cassandra's Daughter, author Destiny Arnold tells the true story of her mother through her own perspective. Her mother, Cassandra, was only fourteen years of age when she gave birth to Destiny. Her father was seventeen. Because of her young age, Cassandra didn't really know how to raise children. She had a fierce love for music and really cared about how she looked. Destiny and her family moved around a lot when she was younger. After fifth grade, she was in the care of her aunt as her mother was unavailable. But it was her grandmother who truly raised her. Over the years, as Destiny grew up, Cassandra continued to come and go in and out of her life. According to Destiny, Cassandra's life held more than one story. Cassandra's Daughter is a touching memoir. I think it will resonate with anyone who has had a complicated relationship with their parents. Destiny Arnold paints a vivid portrait of Cassandra's life and reveals how her mother influenced her own life. Reading this book tells me how much of a part Cassandra played in shaping Destiny as a person. For better or worse, parents have a big impact on their children's lives, and Cassandra's story is a testament to that. Destiny writes concisely and has an engaging way of telling her family's story. This book makes you relate to her on a human level. In my opinion, Destiny and her mother's story illustrates the often complex nature of familial relationships and how they change over the course of time. The author also touches upon how selective compassion can lead to false narratives about a person. I will definitely recommend this book.