What people are saying:

Honestly, I do not know where to begin. This tremendous story about one’s pain throughout her life and how she was able to still find happiness after the fact, is truly remarkable. Dr. Karla Hylton allowed her readers witness her vulnerable side as she takes us through key events in her life from a traumatic event when she was in grade school, to a broken marriage that seemed to stay broken, no matter how hard she tried to fix it. Dr. Hylton starts her book out by explaining how moments in our lives regardless how joyous or painful they may be, have some way of teaching us lessons and helping us by shaping our own futures. While reading, there were times when I had felt the need to stop to reflect on certain events because there were times when some of her situations would hit close to home and I feel like I am reading my own story at that moment. Dr. Hylton created in my eyes, a story that I believe everyone should read. While reading, I felt myself cheering her on in hopes that all of the pain she has been through would finally stop and the rest of her book would be about joyous times and no more pain… unfortunately it did not happen in that way. The way the author strung her words together to not just tell us about her life but the way she told it as a story kept me wanting more. As I continued with Dr. Hylton’s story, I saw the personal growth and how each of these painful moments shaped her and not break her. I smiled when she smiled, I felt her frustrations and anger when she felt them, I cried when she cried, I hoped for her happiness when things started to become unbearable. This story, this masterpiece of one’s own pain and how they were able to battle those demons to see another day, has given me a sense of hope and dare I say a sense of calmness, to know that it is okay to not be okay, it is okay to feel anger, sadness, betrayal, sense of loneliness, in events that broke us. But it is also okay to feel happiness, joy, in charge of your life, taking your life back from the darkness that has been consuming it all for a long time. It is okay to feel everything one minute and then the next, nothing at all, that is what makes us human, that is what makes Dr. Hylton human. After finishing the book I felt as if a weight has been lifted, to know that it’s okay, everything will be okay, and to take these moments even the ones that bring pain and find a purpose.

."........Hylton revisits her traumatic past with remarkable courage, aiming to foster open discussions on mental health and provide solace to others facing similar challenges. Her memoir stands out for its frankness and introspection, touching on the anguish of domestic isolation and hostility and the complexities of personal accountability during vulnerable times. This book is an immersive memoir that offers an in-depth look into Hylton’s life. The narrative is enriched with detailed accounts of various challenges, including a harrowing childhood incident and her struggles for financial independence during critical health crises. The memoir encompasses a wide array of themes, such as divorce, trauma, education, writing, therapy, parenting, familial conflicts, loss, childhood experiences, manipulation, psychological treatments, friendships, and extramarital affairs, presenting a multifaceted exploration of Hylton’s life.

This memoir is particularly resonant for those who have endured abuse from narcissistic partners or acquaintances. Dr. Hylton’s forthrightness in sharing her experiences with depression and suicidal thoughts is not only brave but also immensely inspiring for others in similar circumstances. The Unvarnished Truth is a testament to Dr. Hylton’s generosity and commitment to shedding light on challenging yet crucial topics."