THE BOOK
A stark depiction of childhood trauma, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines is a harrowing coming-of-age story defined by resilience in the face of unimaginable odds.
Born into a family riddled with dysfunction, Adriene Caldwell knows what it means to be unwanted. When their mother becomes increasingly unstable, Adriene is the only person her baby brother David can rely on, despite her young age. It isn't until a brutal attack leaves her emotionally and mentally shattered that Adriene realizes that to have even a semblance of hope for her future, she must take her fate into her own hands.
Unbroken explores themes of family, love, and what it means to find your place in a world unwilling to play savior. A gripping firsthand account of the effects of untreated mental illness, physical abuse, sexual assault, pedophilia, and traumatic foster care, Adriene's story is one of destruction and discovery-of darkness given free rein and an innate light that refuses to dim.
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It is a tale of triumph over tribulations. It is a remarkable story of survival that will encourage the hopeless.
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—SALISA BROWN
Your story is incredibly powerful and raw, with a compelling voice that draws the reader into the depth of your experiences
—DANIELLE CABRAL
My jaw was on the floor for most of the book…No one can accuse you of making anything up cause you got receipts.
—PRISCILLAH BANCY
I would like to congratulate you on taking the first step. Whether you are in a bad situation now or recovering from one, please join me as I share my traumas in the hope that they can be a beacon for you, a light on what can be a very dark path. With each step you take, you are further from your maelstrom.
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Adriene Caldwell
I live in the armpit of Texas, also known as Houston. We have days where we start using the heater and end the day using air conditioning.
I finally convinced my husband to let me have a pet, a fan-tail goldfish. Sounds a little fishy to me.
I received my very first speeding ticket doing 100mph. Thank goodness that I slowed down. In my defense, I had just returned from Germany and the speed-limit-free Autobahn.
The fastest speed I have ever driven is 159mph. I just couldn’t get the car to 160mph, despite my best efforts.
(Kids – Don't try this at home. I was in a very dark place.)
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Finally, when my husband (not the current one) wouldn’t exit the highway so I could use a restroom, I put my butt out the window and peed. He was driving 90mph at that time. I really had to pee.
I competed in a bikini mechanical bull-riding competition. Sadly, I did not win.
I straightened up, mostly, after having my daughter. I made the decision that I was capable of caring for her, and more importantly, I could give her a better life than I had. I have done everything in my power to ensure that she has what I didn’t, a happy childhood.