Abuse Books

... is the story of Jessica Savitch, who was certainly the Golden Girl of Philadelphia broadcast news at one point and whose name lives on in infamy in this city. I was the little girl who looked up to her; my father adored her; my mother felt her to be a good career example. Thus was the face that fooled everyone, including herself. This biographer's work is extremely thorough and very well written. Every paragraph is captivating. I couldn't put it down -- and I knew how it ended.

I could barely recall who Jessica Savitch was, but I love biographies so I read it. It was a breathtaking journey into a young girl turned celebrity's life. I read this book in one day and I couldn't get her out of my head for weeks afterward.

In high anticipation, I watched the movie "Up Close & Personal" which was supposedly based on this book. Even though the movie was good, it really had very few similarities to the book. I was dissapointed.

I strongly recommend this book.

Alanna Nash's biography of Jessica Savitch is a fine work, richly detailed and competently researched. In reading the story of this gifted, tragic woman one recalls the old Greek dictum, "Those whom the gods wish to destory they first make mad." I recall witnessing that now famous Sunday evening news broadcast, many years ago, when Jessica appeared in a foggy, bewildered state. I was busy with a young family at mealtime but stopped to watch as she seemed to self-destruct on the air.

Jessica Savitch led a charmed life, was blessed by the gods at first. Beautiful, intelligent, and charismatic, she found all doors opening to her. She entered television journalism with expectations on all sides of great success. She died at an early age after suffering through miserable relationships and becoming addicted to drugs. This modern-day morality tale makes somber reading, but is worth your time. Recommended.

I've kicked around a little bit - I know how easy it is to fall into the crapper, but this book- my heart was broken for Ms. Savitch. A person who wasn't what you would call whole to begin with goes into television and that television becomes her whole life, everything secondary to it. A little instable to begin with, maybe if she came across the right people early enough things might not have been so bad for her, but she didn't get the help she needed in time and ended up losing herself in drugs and promiscuity, her compartmentalized life finally seeming to collapse on her at the end.

I was very interested in the technical people and the description of the jobs they did and tried to look a few of them up, many of them spending their whole lives in camera, sound, film and videotape, but there is not much of a public record, which I think is a terrible shame; I think these people would have a lot of interesting things to say about recent developments in their prospective fields, the shape of the job market, etc. It is a shame these people don't get more attention - are you listening, union bosses, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.? As important as Ron Kershaw was to the industry in his years in it, there is zero to Google about him, and I only came up with one piece of film of him as a reporter in his Houston days on the Vanderbilt web site - a double shame!

Get the book - very interesting for myriad reasons. And be thankful you are not Jessica.

It was impressive!
I could tell that Alanna had doneso many researches and interviews to write this book.

Jessica Savitch was one of the most well-known anchor in the
American broadcasting history. After reading this, I felt like she is still alive and watching the journalists today.

If you want to be a jouranalist, you should read this
and learn the other side of TV world.
It's a stressful world. Besides, you need efforts, patience,
lucks, and talents.

Even though Jessica ended up her life with tragedy,
I think she lived her life hard.

I can't wait to read Alanna's new book.
She has done a great job to let us know how important
Jessica was for anchor-women.

David Ford's book reads like a James Bond tale of intrigue. From humble lifeguard beginnings, through Hollywood illuminatti, sexcapades and fast-track adventures, David shows compassion and concern for the Average Joe's right to smoke and be free. A long time advocate of legal and safe use of marijuana, this book is not a polemic but a story of one man's journey. A great read and a great romp.

Good Medicine, Great Sex! is the personal and iconoclastic memoir of David R. Ford in which he unashamedly proclaims the virtues of marijuana for creativity, medicine, pleasure, and sexual enhancement. Sharply denying the government's strict anti-cannabis stance, and framing the his own illustrious, successful, and high-profile life with great acknowledgment for marijuana's beneficial herbal powers, David Ford is intriguingly unrepentant in its advocacy in behalf of marijuana usage. This along with wonderful anecdotes of his personal encounters with Gary Cooper, Don HO, Bing Crosby, Henry J. Kaiser, Groucho Marx, Wayne Newton, Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Cab Calloway, Liberace, and Jonathan Winters, make Good Medicine, Great Sex! good autobiography and great reading!

I throughly enjoyed David Ford's new book Good Medicine Great Sex. The author has found the perfect balance of information on the history of marjuana prohibition and attention grabing experience of his over fifty years of using marjuana to enhance his productive life.
I was glued to every page wondering whether I would be giggling inside from the unbelievable and creative stunts David would pull to achieve his goal or have tears pouring from my eyes from the dramatic losses he has had to endure.
I recomend this book not just because it will captivate you as the reader but also because you get a unique perspecive on how and why Marjuana is illegal from someone who has lived through all of it's changes for the last fifty years.

I WISH EVERY AMERICAN COULD READ THIS BOOK! David Ford's eloquent and often hysterically funny life story tells us all we need to know. We bought into LIES for over three decades! WHY NOT LEGALIZE, TAX and REGULATE cannabis? DAVE FORD DESERVES A MEDAL for his refreshing candor and his extraordinary courage. His Mother's uncommon wisdom, and his appreciation for her, touched me deeply. BUY THIS BOOK! I guarantee you'll enjoy it. ** This reviewer is a retired (reformed?) 'drug warrior' - now a public speaker - deeply scarred by her own role in DRUG PROHIBITION, and our government's hypocracy. Drug prohibition is a nightmare...but every cloud has a SILVER LINING ~~ David Ford is positively a RAY OF LIGHT in these dark days of PROHIBITION. THANK YOU DAVE FORD! signed MARTHA DEWOLFE, speaker, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition LEAP.CC misterjebediah@cswebmail.com

I wouldn't normally read a book on marijuana. I questioned whether marijuana had medical value. I must admit, the title of author David R. Ford's newest book caught my attention: 'Good Medicine, Great Sex! How Marijuana Brought Me Creativity, Passion, and Prosperity'. It is so different from what the government propaganda says, I bought a copy. I'm so glad I did. The 50 plus years of true-life adventures of a man who has
interacted with thousands of medical and social users of cannabis, kept me reading.

This courageous book by a cancer survivor, and former broadcaster with CBS television in Hawaii, has convinced me that the government is lying about this herb. The author makes the medical value clear, and with excellent reference notes. Now I believe that no one should go to prison for having
cannabis in their possession. You will learn why the government and big business keep this virtually harmless plant illegal. Everyone should read this book who wants to know the true reason why this plant is kept illegal!

This has been such a great book for me. It was such a big eye opener for me. I knew that my life as a child left me scarred, but without any physical signs of abuse I felt that maybe it was all in my head. It was hard to read and realize that the emotional abuse I have suffered still has a great impact on me today. I loved how they spoke of God and seeking Him in your road to recovery. This book is so well written and it's easy to understand. It has identified the different types of abuse and I can see the type I myself have suffered from. Even if you have never suffered emotional abuse I would still recommend this book.

I've been reading a lot of self-help books, but have rarely been so moved to recommend them to others. I found this one uncommonly wise, kind, and helpful and sensible--you come away
with a grounded, helped feeling...hopeful, too. I'm not crazy about the word "empowering," but this book is empowering, I think. If you're looking for help in this area, this book is worth reading. (I know Bill Blass used to say in those magazine perfume ads that he didn't like people (women) who thought they could be helped by self-help books--remember?--but I don't care! This is a truly good one!) If you are in pain and you suspect past emotional abuse might be a factor contributing to it, please check this book out. You might even be moved to pass it on to friends--I am already plotting to purchase additional copies!

This book is very well written and helpful. It gives a good Christian insite into the effects of emotional abuse. If you have been emotionally abused in your life I recommend this book.

The topic of emotional abuse is one that must be addressed in our time. Physical abuse is highlighted quite often but not emotional abuse. Everyone should read this book. It will change the course of many lives.

This book is an excellent resource to help a person recognize the difference between criticism and emotional & verbal abuse. Criticism is normally given IN LOVE, there is an enormous difference between criticism & abuse. This book will also help anyone who was previously in an abusive relationship to be able to recognize some of the common traits all emotional abusers and potential emotional abusers exhibit and steer clear of another abusive relationship. I even found instances in my own life where I was the one doing the controlling through emotional abuse & have been able to discontinue that behavior through self examination & prayer. Excellent book!

This was very well done, and I think illustrated Lois Wilson's personality. One topic I wish the author had added a little more detail on is the issue of co-dependency.

For all those struggling with loved ones with the disease of alcoholism, this book is excellent.

Excellent book and tranaction. Received as promised and in excellent shape.
Thanks you Seller

This book should be available through every public library for those who do not have it on their own shelf.

The Lois Wilson Story: When Love is not Enough
By: William G. Borchert
Hazelden
Center City, Minnesota 55012-0176

Lois Wilson was an amazing, wonderful woman and the world is a better place because she and her husband were in it. Author William G. Borchert used his words to express this woman's life, her trials, tribulations, and sanctification. Lois Wilson was the co-founder of the Al-Anon, and Alateen fellowships. Her husband Bill Wilson was one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This amazing book about her life starts as a flash back. It begins with introducing you to a very unhappy Lois in the early 1930's. Then it shifts to her beginnings. The book takes your hand and walks you through the entire life of Lois Wilson, her family, and some of her friends. It gives you explicit details about her life, how AA came about, Bill, and Al-Anon.

Lois met her husband Bill, who was four years her junior, in Vermont. This would prove to be a love that stood the test of time and alcohol. They married in January, before he went of to fight in WWI. They had a beautiful wedding in her parent's house in Brooklyn, and they were married for fifty-three years.

Lois's life with Bill was full of ups and downs. He was in the Army, and then an investigator on Wall Street. Bill was a genius. He began his drinking days when he was overseas, and it continued as it was seen as acceptable in his profession. This later carried on into him becoming an alcoholic.

Lois was forced to be the breadwinner of the family as Bill's drinking got worse and cost them everything that they had. Through all the years that she went through with him having this horrible sickness, she began to change and harbor much resentment. To add to her pain she was unable to have children, and when they tried to adopt, a friend put a stop to it because of Bill's drinking. Later Mrs. Wilson came to realize that it was for the best that they did not have children, and she looked at all the alcoholics in AA as her dear children.

As Bill started to recover after many hard years of his illness, Lois was still hurting inside with deep resentment, and anger. Bill formed Alcoholics Anonymous with Dr. Bob Smith, in Akron, Ohio. He found that the only way for him to stay sober was to be with another drunk. This revelation only injured the already wounded heart of Lois even more. She had wanted to be the reason and the one that caused her husband to be sober and to stay that way.

As the fellowship of AA continued to grow, one day Lois went out on the porch and noticed that there were other wives just sitting in the cars that lined the street. She went out to the other women and invited them in. She had a revelation that there were others out there hurting just as badly as she from this horrible alcohol demon. Thus started her little kitchen group. As the years progressed, this kitchen group concept developed into what is now Al-Anon. They followed the same twelve steps that AA did, but they also had their own twelve steps to follow as well.

Once it was realized that the children were being left out Lois, and some of the volunteers who helped with Al-Anon decided that something needed to be done for them, thus the dawning of Alateen. It was headed by one of the original volunteers, and each group was set up to be fostered by an Al-Anon member. Lois took particular interest and joy over the group for the children.

Because of the will and determination of Bill and Lois wisdom, there is now what is called a "cure" for alcoholics, and their families. Alcoholism is a disease that effects all members of a family, co-workers, and even some people in the community. Monumental steps were made by these two amazing people, and none of it would have happened if Lois had not stayed by Bill's side.

This is a story about heartache, pain, stamina, faith, and above all love. God had both Lois and Bill Wilson here for a reason, and I believe that they fulfilled their calling. Mr. Borchert did a wonderful job of telling the story, and letting the reader feel that they also personally knew Lois Wilson. This was a hard life to read about, but I learned a lot from the experiences in the pages. I hope that God will use this book to expand understanding about alcoholism, and the strong family that it takes to support one.

My mom was a victim of incest and it affected every aspect of her life. She didn't reveal the incest until shortly before she died. I never had an opportunity to talk to her about it. This book helped me to see what my mom lived with and is helping me come to terms with what the years of secrecy did to her life, as well as to my own.

Marilyn doesn't just tell you about a problem, she inspires you to do something about it & gives you the tools to be effective. As an elementary school nurse & ped-SANE (pediatric sexual abuse nurse examiner), I read the book hoping to gain insight into the problems of children who have been sexually abused. As a former victim of abuse, I read it hoping to gain insight into the emotional quagmire that was my life. Marilyn's balance of emotions and matter-of-fact-ness in telling her story, catapulted me into the world of purpose & action. Now I have the means to help other children as I could not help myself. I am more successful in my profession & have started a class with the help of the school principal & the district's asst superintendent to teach mandated reporters to be more effective in protecting our children. Thank you, Marilyn, you have multiplied the joy in my life a thousand-fold.

"Miss America by Day" shows that the more we share about our own experiences, the more others with similar experiences can relate. My copy of this book is filled with "Her too!" comments . . . The fear that friends and family would turn their backs on me if I disclosed, my inability to buy a book about incest because the clerk would "know," the physical ailments of unknown cause that slowly dissipated after I began to recall . . . and the importance of partners, children, friends, and therapists in the healing process.

I especially appreciated the way van Derbur interweaves her personal experiences with research by experts such as Drs. Chu, Hermann, Briere, etc. She did her homework.

(...)

It is hard to find books that relate the emotional truth of sexual abuse, not only from the victim's point of view, but from all points of view. I am not a victim of sexual abuse per se but I have seen the eye of a perpetrator - a man exposed himself to me when I was 9. I am, however, very close to a woman who was abused as a child by a family friend. And, I am now processing the knowledge of an assault that happened between 2 families to whom I am close to. It is incredibly difficult to understand this kind of criminal behavior, and I wasn't raised in the greatest family. It is also difficult to understand the effects of sexual abuse. Thanks to Marilyn Van Derbur, I am able to get a better handle on these very complicated issues. And, more importantly, her description of herself almost parallels the description of someone else close to me who I once believed was simply "abused" in her childhood but, after reading this book, now believe that she may also be the victim of incest. It changed my mind about her obvious pain and odd behavior.

So, I do recommend this book to anyone who has come in contact with a victim of sexual abuse. It will make you think and it will help you understand a great deal more about this very difficult topic.

I am contributing this book to our local library. I was surprised it was not already there.

Review of Miss America By Day: Lessons Learned from Ultimate Betrayals and Unconditional Love by Marilyn Van Derbur, Oak Hill Ridge Press, Denver, CO: 2003. ISBN: 0-9728-298-4-9, Autobiography/Abuse
Marilyn Van Derbur, a native of Colorado, is one of four daughters of a prominent Denver businessman (he is deceased). Her father was on numerous boards and committees, was honored with buildings named for him, and was president of "all the college fraternities in America." Both parents were active volunteers, donating time and money to culture and civic organizations. Marilyn's mother would often state that she had the "perfect marriage" and Marilyn was told that she was "blessed by being born into a perfect family." Marilyn's life appeared to be perfect, as depicted by the smiles in the pictures she shares throughout the book. Marilyn was crowned Miss America while she was attending the University of Colorado in 1958. When she graduated (with honors) Marilyn was a guest host on Candid Camera and a panelist on To Tell the Truth, as well as in commercials. She also waved to the public while in the Cotton Bowl and Thanksgiving Parades. She chose motivational speaking as her career, and was named the "Outstanding Woman Speaker in America" and was inducted to the "Colorado Woman's Hall of Fame." Indeed, anyone reading her story might experience a twinge of envy for all the fame and fortune that seemed to come to her so easily and effortlessly.

Except...Marilyn suffered from physical symptoms including insomnia, tics, ulcers, and panic attacks. When her body and mind rebelled against the constant travel, she experienced full body paralysis, yet doctors found no organic cause. What else might Marilyn be rebelling against? She had to search her mind and spirit to find the answers.

One of Marilyn's earliest memories is of her mother reading the Bible before bed. Another of Marilyn's earliest memories is of her father entering his daughter's bed after dark. What came next was repressed for decades until Marilyn realized that her father had committed incest from the time she was five until eighteen, an estimated six hundred times. All the while, her mother knew. Marilyn shares her split between the "night child" victim in contrast to the "day child" over-achiever. The physical symptoms she had endured were a manifestation of the connection between child sexual abuse and adult ailments.

Marilyn writes, "I had never prayed. I didn't want a more powerful father and I knew, deep inside, that the Father my mother was praying to when I was a child wasn't protecting me." However, when her story went public via the Denver media and People magazine, she asked of a Higher Power: "I want to help...If you show me the way ...I will do whatever you ask me to do." Thus began the next chapter of Marilyn's life. She writes that it is "my mission to educate judges, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, therapists, and especially parents" about child sexual abuse. Not only does she educate with this book and her speeches, she also helps victims become survivors by sharing her healing journey. Throughout the book, Marilyn also shares with the reader her relationships with her husband and daughter, and the reader relishes in the emotional relief their unconditional love offers Marilyn. Ultimately, Marilyn manages to find peace.
I would recommend this book as an astonishing story and educational tool regarding child abuse and sexual assault.
review by Lynn C. Tolson

This bullying book actually looks at possible solutions to the problem and helps children think through behaviors, offering the opportunity to discuss realistic choices.

This is a great lesson and beautifully written. Children of today need to know there is a difference in helping each other, when reporting or being afraid comes to mind. The lesson is clear in this book.

This book is very important for all to read. It holds the key to teaching children and adults the difference in telling on someone or actually reporting a problem. It is easy reading with full meaning and will be meaningful no matter what the decade or school or premise. It should be circulated to immediate attention in all school libraries especially.

This book is literally "timeless" for all ages, especially for adults as well as children. It should be placed in school and church libraries, and discussed over and over again for making certain understanding is there. The Publishers should keep this book out front for many, many years.

This book is rated among the timeless and yet it is VERY TIMELY for this period of our lives. It is not only interesting, but it guides 'anyone' to understanding the difference in "telling" and in "reporting something to prevent harm". The author is at the top of the list for the very best of authors in Childrens' Books!

Reverend Wren shows great courage in her willingness to share her powerful struggles with others. Wren has an honest and straightforward way of telling her story that speaks the truth of the strength within each person's soul to overcome hardship. I recommend this book for anyone who has had their own experience of abuse and struggles to find a way out.

Hilda Thomasine Wren offers a keen firsthand look into the life of the human struggle to survive the pains of one's past. She delivers a very poignant detailing of abuse and victimization. She captures the mind and emotions of her readers through opening herself and revealing descriptive accounts of her experiences. Her story is one to gain strength and hope from as it helps victims of any type of abuse move beyond past hurts. It shows that victims can cease to be victims. Rev. Wren's shows her readers that they can not only survive but grow beyond and begin to thrive in life. Kudos go to Rev. Thomasine Wren for going where many would not dare...inside to face the past. Keep looking at the Light inside.

I started reading this book and could not put it down. I am always shocked when I read that people will harm children in any way. Ms. Wren has shown the courage to pick her self up and move in a positive way to help others. May she reap rewards all her life! Don't pass this book up, it will keep you on the edge. I provided the book to others as a Christmas gift so they will participate in furthering her great works with the abused in this society.

Thomasine Wren is my friend. We met a year ago while taking a Theta/DNA healing class and were partnered up for the 3 days. Now we are dear friends. She gave me a copy of her book in June of 07 and in total honesty I was afraid to read it. Not because I thought it would negatively change my opinion of her, but because I was afraid to know the details of what she went through to get to where she is now. The book sat on my nitestand for 6 months - I froze. I just finished reading it and WOW. My love and respect and esteem for her has compounded tremendously (as if it wouldn't anyway).

Her story is written with straight forward honesty. It documents that Thomasine was born into and literally forced to accept abusive and degrading situations as "normal" at a young age. It speaks of painful betrayals, decisions, abandonments, and burdens throughout her life leading to PSTD (post traumatic stress disorder) She has a personal and intimate style of writing.

Her story also moved me to really ponder the racial struggles our society has endured and the personal toll it has taken on many, including Thomasine. I am inspired by her courage to put her painful story out into the public. I am especially inspired by her spiritual path to healing herself and the foundation she has founded to transfer her experiences into positive change.

Anyone who has been a victim of abuse on any level will benefit from reading this book.

Rev. Wren's autobiography is an accurate portrayal of what millions of children suffer with every year - child abuse and neglect. It also vividly describes the typical betrayal by family members to justify their own involvement and/or denial of the truth: that a child in their family was being exploited to meet their disgusting adult needs. As so many other child abuse victims do, Rev. Wren unconsciously internalized her abusers' behavior as somehow she was to blame and was unlovable. This was reinforced by the men in her adult life. Rev. Wren learned in therapy and through her spiritual journey that in spite of all her psychological torture, her loving and gentle soul remained free. Rev. Wren has been transformed and has made the choice to cherish and live daily through the expression of that love rather than perpetuate the hate and abuse of her family. I applaud her courage and new mission in life.

The Karen Vanderlaan story is an epic chronicle of warm moments sprinkled lightly along a gut-wrenching trail of sadness. It moves inexorably on decline to an eventual inspiring uplift, if not of dreams actualized -- if not of reality warmly embraced -- then of reality acknowledged and fought to a coexistent truce. One could almost characterize this autobiography as a psychological thriller -- a novel with clues to later behaviors deftly woven into a little girl's childhood experiences of warm sibling relationships squeezed all the tighter by a near universal set of negligent, indifferent, or horribly abusive adults that populated the early phases of their lives.

Karen doesn't blink in laying out a gripping chronicle of her family tree adorned with virtues and values, along with more than a few ugly warts and blemishes. There is an element of Stockholm syndrome at work here, where the victim forms an adhesive association with a brain-washing abuser. It takes an incredible amount of intestinal fortitude -- and the fortuitous intervention of some better angels -- to face such overwhelming demons and emerge from the battle a stronger person with life values intact and in control.

I found this book a bit disturbing but incredibly inspiring. Karen's love of endangered children and horses -- and her valiant struggle to make a difference in their lives -- is a theme that shines brightly through the dark shroud that she sets about removing from her most eventful life, thread by thread, fold by fold. I highly recommend it for a very emotional, yet soul satisfying read.

What could possibly go wrong with an all-American family in Vermont who seems to be living the American Dream on a farm straight-out-of-Norman-Rockwell's-Saturday-Evening-Post cover; the Milky Way Farm? Well, plenty could, and did, go wrong with this idyllic family, in what could best be described as something akin to a Stephen King novel.

By her own admission, Karen Vaderlaan was "born in Paradise." Her father, a kind and gentle man who saved animals from certain death, tucked his children in at night with love and affection, but who would grow into an indifferent person as the years grew and the turmoil continued. Karen's stand-offish mother was not your typical nurturer, leaving that chore up to her husband; she was musically inclined and that dream was the prime motivator which made her leave paradise and strike out on the road with Bunny, another musician with no regard for anyone but herself.

For Karen, horses were, and are, a huge part of her life, plus she sought salvation in the form of different religions, none of which comforted her for very long. This is a sad story of outright meanness and interference by Bunny, the outsider, who dominated Karen's mother, the children and Karen, who sought love from, but was denied. This search for love eluded the Karen, the child, for years. It is the tragic story of what happens when uncaring adults do not have the welfare of their children at heart.

It is also a story of devotion. Karen Vanderlaan's loyalty to her horses is her salvation and her comfort. A survivor in the most chaotic examples of abuse, Karen eventually winds up in Utah, marries, has children, and grandchildren, and of course, through it all her magnificent, and some not so magnificent, horses. This is a story of vindictiveness, cruelty and a nomadic existence, but one with a happy ending, because Karen rose above the appalling way she was forced to grow up into the caring and generous woman she is today. I wholeheartedly recommend this well-written book of memoirs, interspersed with beautifully poetry. Treat yourself. Buy this book!

Why this book is not on The New York Times best seller list, I don't know.

I like reading well written memoirs, and this one definitely fits the bill.

Author Karen Vanderlaan bares both her heart and her soul in this very revealing book, which spans her early childhood days on a small family farm in Vermont to her present days as an educator living in Utah. And Vanderlaan shows and tells, and shares, quite a life's journey in this memoir, much of it extremely painful for her, and for the reader.

But as her life progresses from one difficult stage to the next, one thing remains constant throughout - her love of both children and of horses. Vanderlaan raises her children the best way that she can; she rescues horses few others would want to take the time or the effort to care for; and she teaches her students that life truly is what each and every one of us makes of it - each and every day:

"All you have to do in life is live and die. Everything in between is up for grabs, determined by your own uniqueness, and the choices that you make. Anyone can eat, breathe, procreate, make waste, and take up space in this world. Do more with the time you have than just take up space. Make it matter that you are here."

Sound advice for us all, and I believe a book well worth reading.

Karen's memoir is boldly told, beautifully shared. One can't help but feel her frustration and pain of growing (and learning) in a dysfunctional family, and also be cognizant that this story reverberates in our society...throughout mankind. Hopefully, this story will help many realize the world can be a beautiful place.
At the end of the book, I wanted to know if Karen's sons are well...or do they still try the difficult paths in life? Karen--well done.

They say that God only gives us what He thinks we can handle.
After reading Karen Vanderlaan's book Show and Tell, I think He must have handed her an extra helping...but you know what? She triumphs over any adversity.
Ms. Vanderlaan starts this biography with an almost idyllic childhood - growing up with her siblings on a farm with horses and a father that was active in their lives - her mother was more aloof. Mom has great dreams of being a famous singer.
But horses remained a major love in Karen's life, and the humanity she has for them outshines any degree in animal husbandry.
When Karen's Mom starts singing with Bunny, and they leave find fame and fortune, things start going downhill.
Mom takes her children out of Paradise and into Hell guided by a so-called pious Bunny in search of fame and fortune. But Bunny was an abusive force that the children paid the price time and time again. This abuse was such a regular occurrance, it almost seemed normal to the kids - this abuse was all they knew. When Bunny started 'Bible studies' Karen joined her - in an effort to stop some of the negativity?
When you have grown up in a certain atmosphere, it is sometimes hard to leave that environment, and you may go to a like environment, because you have no other frame of reference.
The main thing is Karen overcomes this negativity through her love of horses - and love of her siblings, and then her children. When I was a child my grandmother had a farm we'd go to often - I'd relish going to the horses and riding and talking to them and seeing their heart and personaity - If there ever was a healing influence, looking into the eyes of an innocent horse surely goes a long way to place balm on the wound.
Interspersed in the prose is Ms. Vanderlaan's beautiful poetry. Indeed it is through her poetry on AuthorsDen that I became aquainted with her work.
She is a strong, talented person who has the gift of telling a story, whether in prose or poetry.
Show and Tell is a powerful book - it is hard reading at times when you read what the children had to endure, but it is with purpose - there is triumph.

In her book, "The Spirits of Sexual Perversion", author Laneen Haniah presents various forms of dysfunctional sexuality, and the ways to conquer them. This book is a must read for those that are struggling to break free from the web of sexual addictions, as well as those that have family members or friends with the struggle. One of the aspects that I so appreciated about the book is that Laneen doesn't just describe the problems, she offers remedies and viable solutions. Buy this book for yourself, or for someone that you care about. You won't regret it!

O.K.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical about reading this book upon looking at the cover.

However, once I had opened the book and started reading, there was no turning back (I was completely drawn into it); the testimonies, personal experiences, and the break down of sexual occurrences that I had even experienced in my own life was a real eye opener to why things had not been working out for me with regard to relationships with others (not just my husband)......I trusted no one and because of this, life was just not worth living!!!

Thank God for the author who was bold enough to touch upon issues that are so hushed in the churches today......You've changed my life in a most positive way!!!

God bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bluntly, this book (truly called of God) will only work for those who really want deliverance in the area of sexual perversion; and are willing (and wholly submitted) to allowing Min. Haniah to take them, step-by-step, through the deliverance/healing process! Based solely on the unadulterated and uncompromised Scriptures of the Bible, each anointed word shared by Min. Haniah is invoked by Holy Ghost-inspired revelation and personal experience of Christ's finished work on the Cross in her life, while serving as a floodlight to one's soul (mind, will and emotions) exposing what satan wants to keep hidden in darkness.

I, myself, an incest overcomer, have first-hand experience of God's matchless power behind this book as it was, in large part, a mighty tool used in the godly counseling I previously received from Min. Haniah. United with the Bible (the foremost Authority in all issues of life), prayer, and submission to her commanding, without concession (yet loving/encouraging) teaching, my deliverance is a manifested reality which, as an ordained minister, I now use to share with others who are bound as I lead them on their journey to becoming overcomers from the demonic spirits of sexual abuse and/or addiction in their lives. God wastes nothing as all things work together for good...!

To say "The Spirits of Sexual Perversion Handbook" is a provocative read is, by far, an understatement: It is a weapon...a spiritual weapon for spiritual warfare, which as you humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, will eradicate sexual sin from your life...and as you take authority, the lives of those in your future generations. The question now is, "How bad do you want it?".

"Sin is no longer your master...." Rom. 6:14

Minister Yvette S. Ellington

This book is awesome and a answer to my prayers. The author Laneen Haniah created a master pieces with direction from the Holy Spirit to send such an annointed Word of God to many of us who needs deliverance from Spirits of Sexual Perversion. As I was really disappointed with my husbands lust for porno and not knowing what else to do, I came accross this book which not only shed some light on my husband addiction, but also on some of my own issues that were in the dark. Laneen caught my attention and I felt a strong connection, when she opened up herself and explained her history.

If anyone of your are searching from answers, please stop and look no further. All of you answers are in this book, along with much prayer and sacrifice.

God Bless,

The Spirits of Sexual Perversion is an awesome, anointed read. Author Laneen Haniah, had to be intuned with God to get the revelation that she shares in this book.

Our church purchased this book for several women in our church, and they're recognizing strongholds, and have sought God for deliverance. They're also telling other women that they've come in contact with to purchase the book. I strongly recommend this book to any woman struggling with sexual issues, or baggage from the past.

With over 26 years of sobriety because of the rooms, I have attended thousands of meeting. The wise statements compiled in Michael's book(s)have brought back many memorable moments for me. I recall how profound these were when I first heard them and how profound they still are years later. Simple and true. Thank you Michael Z.

I created my first gift of recovery; sobriety. Michael blessed me with beautifully written words which I can hold on to throughout my day. Thought provoking, gentle, real. Always easy to read and true to my heart. Michael has weaved together wisdom, grace, love and integrity like a quilt of words which start and finish my day. I also receive weekly e mails which I pass along to my friends, with permission, always hailed with grateful expressions of thanks. Thanks Michael. Your dedication and insight is appreciated.

Michael Z's follow up to his first volume is priceless. Every page sounds like it is speaking directly to me. It is full of easy to absorb common sense information that I can apply to my daily life. I wish I could memorize it and make it a permanent part of me!

This is one of those books you can open to any page, and what you will read seems like it was meant for you and what you are experiencing that day. The information is profound in its simplicity, and just resonates. Michael Z has a real gift for articulating recovery concepts in a way that can be applied to everyday life, and is refreshingly free of any BS. Loved it!

This book gives me such insight on a daily basis. It is easy reading and very understandable. I would recommend this to anyone working a 12 step program. Keep them coming Michael Z.