Hot Peas and Butter: The Children in the Basement

I loved reading this book and could not put it down. Joanne has a lovely way of writing with consistency of the events. My heart broke for those children. I admire the strength and dedication for her in writing her memories of that very painful time. Thank you Joanne for exposing and bringing awareness of what happens so often and outsiders do not see the excruciating pain and aloneness in these children’s eyes.(In reading the above reviews there is a negative review that seems to be from someone who perhaps did not read the book and has some sort of personal argument with the author perhaps it may be one of the siblings that is not yet able to come to terms yet with what happened to them?).I sincerely would recommend reading this book where you will find strength, bonding and survival of the fittest in these children.

Thank you for sharing your childhood experiences, both the pleasant and the memories that were too painful to remember! The book was impactful and I applaud you for rising above. God bless you! I still have my copy! Hopefully one day you will autograph it! ☺️

I recently met the author, JoAnn Rodriguez Matos. She told me about the book she wrote describing her childhood full of abuse from her stepmother. I went on Amazon that night, bought her book and couldn't wait to start reading it. This book is an incredible account of the tragic childhood for JoAnn and her siblings. The book is riveting, horrific, heart wrentching and emotionally moving. It is all written throught the eyes of this young girl that lived this day to day abuse along with her brothers and sisters at the hands of their evil stepmother. The emotions expressed are complex, as she shows an understanding that her father is really the one to blame for everything, yet still adores him and yearns for his attention. Never a dull moment! JoAnn has devoted her book and her life to bringing attention to the atrocities of child abuse in an effort to help our children of the future. I highly recommend her book.Bob D.

Horrifying what these children went through. This will bring tears to your eyes but keeps you wanting to read more.

This book was especially hard to read since one of the children was a childhood friend. Not knowing such a secret I don’t know how they all survived physically and emotionally.

most moving book, tears at times, a real page turner.

It is a very good book. From it we can learn a lot on how to treat children

The book has and amazing cover and it will keep you wondering what is next. It hard to believe this still happens in America. JoAnn is an author with great skill in telling her story, which takes a lot of courage.I am sure it was not easy writing or publishing, Hot Pea's and Butter. I was really moved by here story exposing what can happen behind closed doors. It is so sad that so many children in the world, could carry this kind of pain around for a long time. I hope there is healing for everyone that has gone through this kind of emotional abuse. I hope one day they all can find peace.I noticed a negative review that may be from someone that may not wanted this book to be published. Perhaps from someone that may have know her, maybe a friend or family member that may not wanted this book to get out. Thank you JoAnn for sharing your story, I know this wasn't easy shining light on a very bad time in your life. Stay strong and I wish you the best. I think more people should read this book. I recommend it, to make you aware of what could be happen right next door.