Summary: In the mesmerizing autobiography, Once in a house on fire by Andrea Ashworth. The protagonist, Andy must cope with her father's death and the new abusive, violent, and drunken stepfather. The setting takes places in Manchester, England, but then moves to Canada where Andy and her family now live. As the book progresses, Andy, her mother and siblings return to so does Andy, her mother, and her siblings pain. The stepfather, Peter Hawkins has made a once happy family scared to death and full of pain. Andy deals with the pain and abuse which to me shows how the character matures and how she copes with her Stepfather. Towards the ending of the book, I noticed that Andy would mature and deal with her stepfather in new ways. Andy also focuses on school and takes responsibility of her family in order for them to live life better. This though, all depends on Andy, her decision-making skills, and the love she shows for her mother, and siblings.
Quote: "Six A's, Two B's, and a C", I told Tamsyn" (Ashworth 264)
Reaction: My reaction to the quote I chose was surprising because what goes on in the Hawkins home obviously doesnt spread to school. These are the grades that Andy got that qualified her to a above average, good college that would help Andy significantly. I believe that this is the beginning of a good time that leaves abuse, hatred, and pain in the past. Throughout the book, my reactions have become stronger and stronger, the book progresses and gives out a postive and negative feeling that leaves the reader torn. By torn, I mean the reader will never know when theres a negative part of the book or a positive part. The stepfather is the cause because he is sort of bipolar which helps Andy mature and realize how to learn from her own mistakes. All in all, these struggle led to what her outcome was, good grades which led to a good college that separates her from her family but will benefit after a while. The book has been excellent and I would definitly recommend to other readers who enjoy autobiographies filled with conflict.
