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Before I Was Born, She Did This.: A True Story, Of Survival, Secrets, Lies And Being "At Risk" From Day One
Amazon Kindle #1 Best Seller. No publicly known self-published author from a working-class or council-estate background has held the #1 spot on Amazon for Six months, followed by #2 for two months, then charting #3 in the eight month. Many authors have achieved bestseller success, but month-by-month chart dominance combined with a working-class story remains unclaimed, a challenge I’m proud to take on.
This isn’t an easy read. But it’s a story that needed to be told. Before I Was Born, She Did This is Alia’s raw, unflinching account, laying everything bare, right from birth. she lived under a false identity and endured cruelty at the hands of her mother. She was starved, bitten, neglected. Left alone in a freezing room, soaked in urine, with no bedding. She was on the child protection register, but no one came.
At fifteen, she escaped. Loving friends helped her survive. But it was poetry and music that saved her soul. Through words, she found solace. And eventually, her voice.
Her mother barely spoke to her, except to bully and humiliate. Years later, Alia uncovered a truth more terrifying than memory. Her mother had a past conviction. A baby who didn’t survive.
This is not just a memoir of survival. It is a reckoning. From being thrown into a women’s refuge to reclaiming herself through drag, through the spoken word collective Raw, and through this book, Alia pulls the unfiltered truth into the light.
A life that was never meant to be lived, lived fully.
Ruthless in truth. Raw in heart. Impossible to ignore.
She lived to tell it.
And now, she’s telling it all.
This isn’t an easy read. But it’s a story that needed to be told. Before I Was Born, She Did This is Alia’s raw, unflinching account, laying everything bare, right from birth. she lived under a false identity and endured cruelty at the hands of her mother. She was starved, bitten, neglected. Left alone in a freezing room, soaked in urine, with no bedding. She was on the child protection register, but no one came.
At fifteen, she escaped. Loving friends helped her survive. But it was poetry and music that saved her soul. Through words, she found solace. And eventually, her voice.
Her mother barely spoke to her, except to bully and humiliate. Years later, Alia uncovered a truth more terrifying than memory. Her mother had a past conviction. A baby who didn’t survive.
This is not just a memoir of survival. It is a reckoning. From being thrown into a women’s refuge to reclaiming herself through drag, through the spoken word collective Raw, and through this book, Alia pulls the unfiltered truth into the light.
A life that was never meant to be lived, lived fully.
Ruthless in truth. Raw in heart. Impossible to ignore.
She lived to tell it.
And now, she’s telling it all.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 24, 2025
Amazing surviving skill
Wow! Heartbreaking story. I'm impressed you had the courage to speak out. Why do those claiming to help young children do nothing but report it? What use is this position or training? Your life depicts a child almost killed by a sick woman ( does not deserve the title of mother) that they protected. That's disgusting and shameful they should owe you for that error. I'm thinking probably others as well due to their negligence. If nothing else it should save others from a truly horrible childhood.
In light of that being said. You're amazing ability to survive and tell your story despite the pain and sadness ,only to work caring for others is truly telling and honorable. She couldn't extinguish that light and kindness. That irks evil people like that. My sympathy for your loss , my respect for your honesty and strength.
Wow! Heartbreaking story. I'm impressed you had the courage to speak out. Why do those claiming to help young children do nothing but report it? What use is this position or training? Your life depicts a child almost killed by a sick woman ( does not deserve the title of mother) that they protected. That's disgusting and shameful they should owe you for that error. I'm thinking probably others as well due to their negligence. If nothing else it should save others from a truly horrible childhood.
In light of that being said. You're amazing ability to survive and tell your story despite the pain and sadness ,only to work caring for others is truly telling and honorable. She couldn't extinguish that light and kindness. That irks evil people like that. My sympathy for your loss , my respect for your honesty and strength.
August 9, 2025
Brutal read, but the resilience of Alia is astounding
It's such a heartbreaking read. As a mother, it angered me, reading that not only Alia, but Paul went through such trauma. Thank you for sharing your story.
It's such a heartbreaking read. As a mother, it angered me, reading that not only Alia, but Paul went through such trauma. Thank you for sharing your story.
August 23, 2025
Indescribable
I can't find the right words to give this book the justice it deserves.
I am in awe of the strength of Alia. The rawness and realness of this book are what draws you in.
I can't find the right words to give this book the justice it deserves.
I am in awe of the strength of Alia. The rawness and realness of this book are what draws you in.
March 23, 2026
Good story
As a southern/american lady, some of the difference in wording is difficult to understand, but worth it.
As someone who had some of same issues but different reality, this story is sometimes hard to comprehend, again worth it to try!
As a southern/american lady, some of the difference in wording is difficult to understand, but worth it.
As someone who had some of same issues but different reality, this story is sometimes hard to comprehend, again worth it to try!
August 7, 2025
Shocking
The story is hard to read, I didn't realise the justice system was and still is so corrupt. I hope Alia gets the justice she rightfully deserves for her and Paul.
The story is hard to read, I didn't realise the justice system was and still is so corrupt. I hope Alia gets the justice she rightfully deserves for her and Paul.
August 9, 2025
Heart breaking
Absolutely horrifying story, so so sad
Alia is such a strong ,intellectual girl
Good luck in all you do x
Absolutely horrifying story, so so sad
Alia is such a strong ,intellectual girl
Good luck in all you do x
December 11, 2025
An incredibly harrowing story.
As an avid reader and author of horror, I can genuinely say that there are far too many monsters that are given the name... mother!
As an avid reader and author of horror, I can genuinely say that there are far too many monsters that are given the name... mother!
January 4, 2026
I’m in the minority, but I just couldnt get into this book. Dnf at 20%.
January 16, 2026
this book made me cry and laugh what Alia has gone through is shocking . Even now social services fail children and they failed Alia and her brother years ago.
March 25, 2026
12% in and the terrible grammar and choppy sentences are doing my head in
May 4, 2026
Heartbreaking, but what a true inspiration x
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews