Amanda Uhle, an author from Ann Arbor, is set to release her new memoir, “Destroy This House,” on August 26, 2023, detailing the tumultuous life of her family. The book chronicles the financial struggles, numerous relocations, and complex choices that shaped her upbringing and paved the way for her journey toward independence. Uhle is notably the publisher of McSweeney’s, a nonprofit publishing company renowned for its literary journal and humor website.
Her memoir paints a vivid picture of a family constantly on the move, starting with her father, a dreamer whose boundless optimism often led to questionable financial decisions, including unpaid debts. Uhle’s mother, a compulsive hoarder, filled their homes with excess, showcasing a unique sense of independence through unconventional choices, such as neglecting basic hygiene. As Uhle writes, her parents were vibrant yet trapped in their own distorted reality.
In the prologue, she reflects, “The years I spent with my parents are preserved by vivid extrasensory memories, but the actual facts of what happened feel impossible to pin down.” Uhle notes that her family, particularly her parents, were “masters of reinvention,” often crafting elaborate stories to navigate their lives. Despite their struggles, the family’s bond remained unbroken as they journeyed from state to state, eventually settling in suburban Detroit.
Understanding Family Dynamics and Personal Growth
Uhle’s narrative is not merely a recounting of her family’s dysfunction; it also explores her own evolution as she transitioned into adulthood. The memoir shares her journey from a confused teenager to a self-aware adult who understands the boundaries of her responsibility toward her parents. “I kind of never got over it,” she admits, referencing her ongoing struggle with whether she did enough or perhaps too much for her family during their tumultuous years.
Throughout the memoir, Uhle draws connections between her family’s experiences and universal themes of love and resilience. “I think of it as every single family has difficult members and challenging circumstances,” she says. “And we all have to navigate them.” This exploration of family dynamics mirrors other notable coming-of-age memoirs, such as “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls and “Educated” by Tara Westover, combining relatability with unique personal details.
The title, inspired by recurring dreams Uhle had about her family’s cluttered homes, serves as a metaphor for the chaos and emotional weight her family carried. Uhle’s father, an ambitious salesman, once experienced a brief period of financial success, even landing deals overseas. However, as his ventures faltered, the family found themselves living in increasingly precarious conditions.
Uhle recounts how her father’s shift from aspiring entrepreneur to Lutheran pastor marked a significant turning point for the family. They went from living in a spacious home to a cramped rental, relying on side jobs as mystery shoppers to make ends meet. This stark contrast encapsulates the Long family’s journey through hardship and resilience.
A Journey of Reflection and Celebration
Despite the painful truths depicted in her memoir, Uhle balances her narrative with humor and warmth. She recalls her childhood as “strange and difficult,” yet also filled with laughter and love. “My parents were unparalleled in their love for my brother and me,” she affirms. This complexity adds depth to her portrayal of her parents, underscoring that even amidst chaos, love can flourish.
Uhle’s brother, who read the memoir in parts during its creation, remarked that it felt like “watching a movie of our childhood,” indicating the authenticity and resonance of her storytelling. As she prepares for the release, Uhle is scheduled to appear on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on August 25 and will hold a launch event at the Ann Arbor District Library.
Her upcoming cross-country book tour will include stops in cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, and Washington D.C., with plans to include Detroit later in the fall. Uhle reflects on her own life as she navigates her role as a mother and stepmother, emphasizing the joys of building a welcoming home, a stark contrast to her childhood experiences.
Uhle acknowledges that her parents might have mixed feelings about the book, theorizing they would be “a little embarrassed and a little mad” at first. Nevertheless, she aims to celebrate their lives and honor their memory through her writing. “I really did aim to celebrate them and honor them with this book,” she states. “I’m proud that it’s true.”
As her memoir hits the shelves, Uhle hopes her story resonates with readers, offering both a glimpse into her family’s complexities and insights into the human experience of love and resilience.
