Book excerpt: Have you ever felt like a goldfish in a bowlthe way the goldfish seems to be full of anxiety swimming around in circles as if trying to find a way out? In this memoir, author Onika Pointer discusses how she felt like a goldfish in a bowl for most of her life, and she demonstrates how she learns to take responsibility for her own happiness. Granddaughter and great niece of the famous singing group, The Pointer Sisters, Onika was born at the peak of the groups success. In Humble Bastard, she talks about the privileges and advantages afforded to her as a result of her familys stardom. But this memoir also addresses how some of that privilege came with pain. Abused by her mother both physically and emotionally for seventeen years, Onika reveals the darkness in her lifeweight issues, suicide attempts, homelessness, a tragic accident, and the deaths of those close to her. Endowed with a sixth sense that allows her to see past time and before time, Onika looks within herself, discovers personal strength, and prevails. Humble Bastard speaks to those in similar situations and demonstrates that hopes, goals, and inner peace are all attainable.