The only daughter of a bipolar woman, Mae's childhood innocence was bartered for the ease of a "secure" life. At twelve years old and after years of abuse, Mae realizes she must fight for herself. When she is sent away from her family, she's forced to navigate years of abandonment in a children's home. Throughout her turbulent adolescence and well into adulthood, the need to be seen as enough and the ache to become a mother shaped her life. It is this heartbreaking journey that leads to her deepest loss. Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Ideas is a collection of personal essays shining light where abuse and trauma-induced shame brought darkness. As life often led toward grief, Mae reflects back on her most shattering moments-nearly always tied to the women she loved the deepest. The poignant reflections through Mae's heartbreak, grief, and eventual self-acceptance will serve as an inspiration to those navigating hardship and trauma, reminding us we are not alone.