Abuse Books

I read this book after my mother died 16 years ago and I still recommend it when someone I know has lost a loved one. It really explains the grief process and lets you know that no matter how you feel and how you respond, you're not losing your mind. I found it very comforting. I also pulled it out and reread after having a miscarriage. This book is full of wisdom that will help with any loss. I highly recommend it!

Lead Me Home:: An African-American's Guide Through The Grief Journey

My husband of 46 years committed suicide 3 months ago. While reaching out to every resource available to me, I came across this book. After reading it, I went back through and highlighted it everywhere it hit the mark. It took two days. This is the most astoundingly helpful book I've seen and I've read a lot of them. I've also recommended it to my therapists as a wonderful source of wisdom, insight, and understanding for those who are dealing with all kinds of grief: death, divorce, job loss, giving birth and many other events. What a lot of helpful insights Dr. Bozarth offers! I recommend it unreservedly to all who are traveling down this road. God be with you. Elizabeth J. Riney, M.D.

At a time when I had lost 3 people that I loved very much over a period of only 6 months, I was not sure where to turn. Friends, family and co-workers said, "just take it one day at a time". Although this is a very true statement, understanding the emotions you are feeling and why can really, really help after a loss. This book doesn't just touch on death, it encompasses all losses from a job or divorce to the loss of a loved one. There are so many different things to consider and this book helps to drill down to your connect to the job or person and why the loss if effecting you in the way it is. I highly recommend this book, it does have a bit of a religious spin but not as a turn off, as a warm welcoming feeling that someone else understands.

This book has helped me so much during a very rough time in my life where I've split from my husband, lost my house that I dearly loved, and moved to a place that I hate. It helps you understand what you're going through, and it gives you things to do that can help. An amazingly good book!

I purchased this book after the sudden death of a friend. I was at a complete loss as to how to deal with it, and had never experienced this type of loss before. I was shaken.

I can't believe my good fortune to have this book. It taught me so much about the role Grief plays in our lives, as well as it's not just limited to the lose of a person or relationship. Grief can come in all forms from all things. I found it very comforting to discover this and it actually helped me to embrace grief as a natural precursor to healing.

This is definitely a great book to have around, and did give me some tremendous insights. I highly recommend this book for anyone having experience a loss or a feeling of loss that you can't seem to attach to anything. I really feel like this book was a sanity saver in a sense, as it helped me identify something I would have never recognized as 'grief-worthy.'

Mary's journey is truly extraordinary! I couldn't put the book down. She is an amazing human being to have overcome such adversity! Great read!

I loved this book. Like most of the books I love, it offers a glimpse into a reality so different from my own. BTW, I can't stand depressing books...although Mary had a tough childhood, her book never left me feeling depressed.

I let a woman at my work read it after me and she loved it too!

Could not put the book down. What a quality written autobiography that reads more like a fiction. Entertaining, motivational and educational. No "poor me" in this one - just the facts told in a straightforward manner. As a professional who has worked in the field of Behavioral and Mental Health, I can highly recommend this book to adults AND teens. After reading what Mary experienced as a child and what she overcame to become an educated, successful and caring adult you too will understand that it IS possible!

My career was as the Director of a rape treatment center and child protection team. Having read Mary's book, I assure you that it is a compelling read, hauntingly told without hysteria or histrionics. In an almost eerily pragmatic tone, Mary tells her story of a seriously deprived childhood in which she quickly adapted and accepted the status quo. It is a story with which many of us can identify because of the slow, insidious, and steady impact of growing up in families that not only cannot provide the basic necessities of life such as food and shelter, but do not provide safety, security, or emotional and psychological support. As children we are great at taking responsibility for the family. Mary's story is a plain truth story of survival and determination. I was quite moved and I've heard it all.

This insightful and touching memoir - Catcher in the Rye meets Horatio Alger - makes you wonder how a young woman exposed to such a difficult and deprived childhood can graduate from high school, not to mention earning a PhD from Harvard and becoming a leader in her profession. Even with elaborate support systems in place, most of us accomplish much less. Mary Kilgour's story is just an incredible eye-opener, told with such self-deprecating humor and honesty that you'll find yourself laughing and crying - and happy to learn that Ms Kilgour is now working to help children who are growing up facing some of the same issues she did!

This book is great as a resource for anyone who helps victims of abuse. It should be a resource in every church. This book is also a valuable tool for any sufferer of abuse seeking help.

This book is an outstanding resource for understanding what abuse is and the steps required to overcome abuse through faith and forgiveness. I purchased the Mending the Soul Workbook that goes along with this book from the Mending the Soul website.

This book has been and will continue to be, a very helpful resource for me to use on my own road to healing.

I highly recommend this book.

This book is helpful for healing abuse victims of any age, but also is helpful in preventing abuse. Verbal abuse is addressed as well as physical abuse. It describes warning signs of potential abusers and has sample forms to screen future employees that will be around children.

I am a Christian survivor of incest. I have read many books on dealing with and healing incest issues. This is the first book I have read that presents material for Christians, and it has had a profound effect on the issues I have faced. Not only does it address the nature of abuse, it also addresses the aftereffects of abuse: shame and powerlessness. In my opinion, the most important section of the book is The Healing Path. It gave me hope and explained the steps needed for the survivor to know God can indeed heal the soul.Other books address the mental and emotional aftereffects of incest. This book addresses the most important part of abuse: the damage it does to the soul. As a believer in God, it gave me a path to follow to heal my soul. For anyone raised in a church and felt abandoned by God because of incest, this is a must read.

This book really helped me to view forgiveness & reconcilliation from a true biblical perspective. Joe in the previous review states it so clearly & logically, especially in the last paragraph of his review. I think we can unintentionally draw people towards us that continue this cycle of emotional abuse. By abandonment, betrayal, lies or avoidance which can be the most difficult to overcome. With any abuse or negative issue in life, our self-esteem can take quite a hit,it also makes us feel if we are not forgiven or loved by someone & how can God love or forgive us? that's why the recovery is such a challenge & this book deals with this healing process, moving forward & growing in Godly love.A very insightful encouraging positive biblicaly based book that deals directly with many of lifes challenges, especially the very common emotional abuse so many of us have experienced.I highly recommend this book.

Finally, a personal account of PTSD specifically tailored for women sufferers. After years of reading and research into understanding my own struggle with PTSD, Lady's struggle revealed to me the starting point for survival. Her struggles and fears are felt so strongly while reading her life story. A book full of ah ha's for the women who feel so alone and fearful of their own emotions and behaviors. I praise Lady for her ability to provide the painful details of her own life so that others may find hope and healing in their struggles with PTSD.

"My Journey to Peace with PTSD" is a must have for any professional practicing in the field of mental health. It is necessary for women sufferers who find their own story too difficult to discuss to first feel a connection with another woman such as Lady. Only then can we release ourselves from a world of secrecy and shame to make an honest commitment to therapy and the prospect of healing. Lady's book has opened up a clearer pathway for my ability to speak about the details of my own traumas in therapy and with family. That is an amazing step in my own life, one filled with avoidance, and a step that has already provided fascinating results.

My Journey to Peace with PTSD has helped me connect with myself. Lady is a real Heroine. You have to be very Brave and Strong to expose yourself to others the way she has.

This book is an extremely vivid and authentic account of one woman's traumatic experiences, building up from sexual abuse during early childhood and culminating in a brutal rape while she was in the military - all of which remained suppressed until she experienced a breakdown in her early 60's. Throughout her life, Lady exhibited all the symptoms of a PTSD sufferer but no one seemed to notice, least of all herself. When the break-through moment came, she courageously looked at her life and asked for help. Then she turned around and asked, "How can I help others?" I was fortunate to walk with Lady as she recovered her memories and committed them to writing - intelligent, no-nonsense and compelling prose. If you have suffered trauma, or wish to help (or at least better understand) someone who has, please read this book. I promise you will be a changed person when you reach the last page. I was!

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/07)

In "My Journey to Peace with PTSD" Lady Cerelli tells her life story. She experienced a great deal of abuse in her life. It began with her stepfather raping her as a child, and her mother's refusal to acknowledge that it really happened. It continues on through her life where she continues to encounter men who brutally victimize her. Along the way, Lady tries to have a "normal" life, but finds herself drawn into inappropriate, self-defeating behavior. It seems like Lady was acting out so that the wounded child within her could be heard. Instead, she encounters more abusive types of people and continues a downward spiral.

Lady's behavior follows a pattern that is common for people with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). As an adult, she is finally diagnosed with this after she has some seriously traumatic memories surface. While getting help, Lady discovers how her behaviors have been caused by traumas that she has experienced. On the difficult road to recovery she begins making positive changes in her life. Her relationship with her husband also deepens. She learns about real love.

In many ways, it was difficult for me to read "My Journey to Peace with PTSD." It is always hard to read about a child experiencing abuse and not being helped. Lady did have a special older lady touch her life. This made me think about being more careful with the emotionally fragile students that I work with. If I can touch someone's life like she did, I can really make a difference. It was also hard for me to read because it drug up some painful personal memories of my own childhood. These were memories I buried. Lady helped me to understand a lot of my past and why I react like I do. She also provides information about exactly what PTSD is, and will help others determine if they have it and need help. She also answered a question that I had about why people who have been abused seem to attract abusers. This was really informative and thought-provoking.

"My Journey to Peace with PTSD" came into my life at the perfect time. Not the easiest time, but the perfect time. I am very grateful to Lady Cerelli for telling her story. I know that it couldn't have been easy. By doing so, she brings something good into something that was bad. In the six hours that her book has sat on my desk, she has touched three additional lives including my own because people have asked me about it and we start talking. I went to her website and discovered more useful information. This is a book for people who have abusive pasts and those that work with them. It will really open your eyes and help you understand who you are and what you can do to make a difference, either in your life or someone else's.

My Journey to Peace with PTSD is a gut-wrenching read. It is well written and easy to understand. It may act a textbook for anyone suffering from PTSD. It will let them know that they did not ask for or cause their personal trauma. It will let them know that they are not alone in their feelings of anger and despair. Reading this book will also
prove helpful to anyone close to a person suffering from PTSD. Ms Cerelli's first person story offers a glimpse of the pain and alienation
suffered by PTSD victims. It was an an act of courage for her to share her story with the world.

I don't even know how to begin to say how much I enjoyed this book. How does one describe Inny, who seems to be just evil, and sometimes she really is. But why? Maybe she is the way she is because of the way life has treated her. Things that happened that she never told her family. I found myself crying for her & wishing that her family could understand why she did the things that she did & why she acted towards people in such a detestible way. Just read this book.

This book illuminates the life of someone who seems evil for evil's sake. That's at first glance. While no excuses are offered by the author or the character for the deeds done, layer after layer of this mean-spirited woman are removed until we see into the dark depths of her, and learn what she harbors there. Told in three points of view, the first two take us to the edge of the precipice while the third plunges us headlong into the hard facts of life. Skillfully handled by Mrs. Mitchell, the characters live on the page and in our minds long after the last page is turned. Aunt Inny is a character worth getting to know, and one to be reckoned with. I look forward to other works by this new author.

My dad saw in the newspaper that a teacher from Wellborn had written a book and immediately ordered it. I was so excited when I found out Mrs Mitchell (one of my favorite teachers) had written it.
It is a Great Book and noone deserves praise more that Ruth Mitchell. She took time with us in High School and I'm sure most would agree that she is a favorite among all of her past students.
Thank you Mrs Mitchell for everything you did for all of us and for writing such a great book!

this book was one of the best that i have ever read. i'm from anniston, alabama. reading the book and picturing in my mind where things took place. i really enjoyed reading the book. Mrs. Mitchell was my high school english teacher. she was a very excellent teacher and she is an excellent writer. Hope she'll write more.

Ruth Gunter Mitchell is genius in her storytelling. This is a book you'll not want to put down. Aunt Inny, the main character, is a complicated soul, indeed. I dare say she may remind us of someone we've each known who confused, dismayed and disappointed us. Yet, despite their serious shortcomings, we loved them, always hoping to understand what makes them act the way they do. This is a book you'll find yourself thinking about long after you've put it down. Count Ruth Gunter Mitchell among the South's finest writers!

The first edition helped me find serenity and sobriety in a way only God could have directed. I was on the brink of destruction and this book helped me find my way back. The influence was overwhelming. I have also read the recent, expanded edition and use it to help maintain my serenity and sobriety.

"Prayer Steps" is so powerful, it helped me tie my belief in God and Christianity to the Twelve Steps in a way that changed my life. Using this Twelve Step Journey along with my Faith, I have managed to return to sanity and keep my family and friends.

Early A.A. was a Christian Fellowship.Real Twelve Step Fellowship History. It emphasized Bible study, prayer, and Quiet Time.Good Morning!: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation, and Early A.A.. It utilized lots of different religious literature and devotionals to enhance the spiritual growth of its members.Dr. Bob and His Library: A Major A.A. Spiritual Source, and Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939: A.A.'s Principles of Success. And here is one of those authors who has the courage and ability to link "spirituality" and "religion" and "twelve steps" to the heart of Christian recovery techniques that produced the astonishing cures of early A.A.A New Way In: Reaching the Heart of a Child of God in Recovery with His Own, Powerful, Historical Roots God Bless, Dick B.

Be certain you buy the "New Serenity Prayer Edition" of this book, for it has 12 new daily readings on The Serenity Prayer keyed to each of the 12 Steps for a total of 84 readings (7 readings per week for 12 weeks on each of the 12 Steps). The new edition is also 68 pages longer than the older edition, but sells for the same price as the older edition. The book is easier to read and study with a Workbook on the 12 Steps, called The Twelve Steps Journey, as a part of the book. Unfortunately for some, there has been some confusion between the two editions, and the older edition should be showing out of print, but there are still some older copies being sold. I did change the title from "the Twelve Step Journey" to "the Twelve Steps Journey" and I did add the subtitle to the new edition: "New Serenity Prayer Edition." I hope this helps you buy the newest edition, and I am thankful that so many gave such wonderful reviews for the earlier edition. The latest edition is just better and larger.

I am Bert Newton, pastor, Creekside Baptist Church, writing through my wife's account, as our purchases are made through it. L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. has made a powerfully challenging statement through this book. It causes one to focus on the practical life change that will occur with Christ at the helm of anyone's 12-step program. He helps a person to realize that to be truly effective, it takes the "new creation" power that comes from the Lord Himself living in us and helping one overcome their addictions and/or ungodly behavior. I read it as a book, but know that it would work for anyone to use for devotional study.

Prayer Steps to Serenity is truly beautiful inside and out. The cover and the reviews drew me into buying the book. Then, I was surprised to see the picture of the Tree that began each new step take on new growth and leaves as I read through the book.

From my experience, this book has captured and presented the basic keys to Serenity and changing your life. My Sponsor and I often talk about the spiritual aspects of our Fellowship and I bought her a copy after she saw mine.

I wish I could personally thank the authors for this book. Parents who find themselves in this circumstance feel very alone and frightened. Our 17 year-old daughter needed to be rescued from an abusive relationship. This book supported us as she was finally able to break away. Can I give it more than five stars?

A very important book that should be mandatory reading for all educators, especially in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Abuse and male privilege are far too common and even accepted by so many. Saving Beauty from the Beast is very readable and compelling. All school counselors should read this book. As a former victim of domestic violence I know what an uphill battle it can be as the victim is often blamed by the police and clergy. This book is a ray of light in a dark tunnel. I am grateful to its authors.

If you even SUSPECT that your child may be in an unhealthy relationship, please read this book! It contains so many insights that would have helped keep my daughter safe had I known. Out of ignorance we let her continue a breaking up and 'getting back together' cycle with a young man who we now know has been abusing her for almost a year. Fortunately, some friends convinced her to tell us, so we can help her get out safely, and make sure he gets the help he needs so that he doesn't do this to someone else.

Besides the many chapters for parents of abused girls, there is a chapter for parents of suspected abusers, and one for youth who suspect a friend is being abused. I feel so guilty that this has happened to my daughter, and the book addresses that as well. It also gives very practical information about how to set up safety plans, minimize the chances of his finding her new phone number, etc.

Dating abuse is so much more common than it used to be. This book is an excellent tool to help us protect our children. Every parent should know about the 'power and control spiral', the cycle of abuse, and the warning signs of potential abusers and abusive relationships, and educate their children about them as well.

In a 2003 "Montel Williams" show on dating violence, Vicki Crompton, co-author of Saving Beauty From The Beast, did more than plug her book, co-written with Ellen Zelda Kessner; she told the highly personal story of her daughter Jenny's murder at the hands of boyfriend Mark Smith, and offered advice to young women and parents torn apart by callous teenage boys, adolescent angst, parent-daughter conflicts, and a culture that, as the book points out, romanticizes forbidden love, taking what you want at any cost, love that hurts, and having a boyfriend.

Crompton, hand-in-hand with parenting author Kessner, has turned her daughter's shattering, unthinkable death into a brilliant, readable book that draws on real teenagers and their parents from all backgrounds, speaking in clear, intelligent voices, articulating the myriad pressures young women today face when involved in a love that hurts. Crompton and Kressner do not make light of peer pressure, or fail to note that the very rich and the very poor of today's youth are the most at risk to become abusers, or shrink from advising parents to "back off" and accept the relationship. The personal safety plan for daughters in abusive relationships, the safety plan for daughters who have left the relationship, the ingenious suggestion of a "code word" signaling danger, are useful tools. The coda of Crompton confronting Mark Smith in prison serves as a poignant reminder and incentive for all parents of teenage girls to read and share this book with their "Beautys."

I recently bought several books on abusive relationships.

My husband (a very picky reader) has read many passages out loud to me from this one.

It is filled with many examples of abusive relationships that are unbelievably similar to what we have seen. We almost feel as if the authors know the young man we are concerned about.

The book is clearly written, provides good details and ideas on how to cope.

Buy this book before your daughter gets involved with an abuser, or at least at the first signs of an abusive relationship. You want to know, as early as possible, what can be going on.

The book is worth many times what it costs..

Saturday, October 25, 2008
Conversations Presents its "Top 25 Non-Fiction Titles of 2008"
Conversations Book Club is pleased to announce its "Top 25 Non-Fiction Titles of 2008". There are so many true-life accounts on the market right now, however, these are the ones that we feel should be on your bookshelves and centerpieces in your discussions.
(Listed in no particular order)


1. "Resilience" by Alonzo Mourning
2. "Look Me In The Eye" by John Elder Robison
3. "Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration" by Marcia Ann Gillespie, Rosa Johnson Butler and Richard A. Long
4. "Mississippi's Uncovered Glory" by Jerome Gentry
5. "Rollin' With Dre" by Bruce Williams
6. "Rewriting The Script" by Arlether Wilson
7. "The Express: The Ernie Davis Story" by Robert Gallagher
8. "From Pieces To Weight" by 50 Cent
9. "Prince Among Slaves" by Terry Alford
10. "Hard Times & Great Blessings" by Kenneth F. Worth
11. "War of the Bloods In My Veins" by Jiwe
12. "Shattered Reality" by Kimberly Cheryl
13. "It Never Rains In Tiger Stadium" by John Ed Bradley
14. "No Place Safe" by Kim Reid
15. "How To Wow" by Frances Cole Jones
16. "Laying Down My Burdens" by Brenda L. Thomas
17. "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop
18. "How To Get Out of Debt" by Harrine Freeman
19. "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty" by Rodney Lofton
20. "Hiding In Hiphop" by Terrance Dean
21. "Do Travel Writers Go To Hill" by Thomas Kohnstamm
22. "I Don't Want To Die All Alone" by Joseph Henderson
23. "The Enemy Between My Legs" by Stephanie L. Jones
24. "Teach With Your Heart" by Erin Gruwell
25. "Zoom Power" by Monica Carter Tagore

JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
Posted by C. A. Webb at 1:00 PM

This book very graphically brings to light a major problem in American society that is too frequently covered up, because of the impact on the family, and is ignored by the judicial system, because it is a family matter. Ms. Cheryl does a wonderful job of describing the emotions and frustrations that accompany abuse of a child. The resource material that is included is invaluable.

Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (9/08)


It was May 1st, 2007, and Kimberly was having a normal conversation with her brother-in-law. Their discussion started out talking about a simple school play, but then the brother-in-law's voice took on a more serious tone as he told her that he had something important that he needed to share with her. "He began by explaining how his mother had approached him with a concern she had as a result of an observation made at our birthday party. He went on to enlighten me on how she had been coming up a stairwell and witnessed my daughter walking into the house with her arms overflowing with presents." There were a lot of people running around and many things going on. During this time, the mother-in-law witnessed Uncle Jim kiss 13-year-old Tivona many times on the neck and remarked on "how hot and sexy she looked." (p. 18)

From this moment forward, Kimberly's life would never be the same as she uncovered more details from her daughter about the sexual abuse that had been taking place for three years. Following proper procedures to report and go through the court system, Kimberly thought that justice would be served, but that was not to be the case. She learned that "rape and sexual assault cases are the hardest felonies to convict and therefore, the ones that the Prosecuting Attorney's don't want to pursue." (p. 75)

"Shattered Reality" is the story of child sexual abuse told from the mother's perspective. As one can imagine, the struggle to deal emotionally with something as horrific as this is terribly difficult. We watch the author as varying emotions flood through her and watch as she attempts to pick up the pieces and help her daughter to feel whole again. The way that the court system handles cases such as this one is very disappointing to me. It is ridiculous that so many child sexual abuse cases are closed without prosecuting. The facts and figures that the author shares throughout the course of the book are very discouraging. Our children need to be protected, and if something doesn't change, the problem will only get worse, especially if the abusers know that they can get away with it.

I applaud Kimberly for putting her and her daughter's story out there and for trying to make a difference. The statistics and resources section at the end of the book was very informative and I will be utilizing some of the tips to talk to my own children to try to protect them from what appears to be a much more common crime than I was originally aware of. Although there were some areas of the book that could have used some editing (mainly spelling errors), for the most part, the book was well written and the author did an excellent job at conveying her feelings and emotions to the reader. I think this book is an important one and that all parents should read it in an effort to increase their overall awareness of this issue.

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (9/08)

Kimberly Cheryl, in "Shattered Reality," recounts her traumatic experience and emotional journey after finding out her daughter had been sexually assaulted by her uncle; an uncle that was like a second parent to her immediate family. Once out in the open, she was ostracized by the uncle's family, as well as other members of the family. However, Kimberly goes on a mission, with the support of her immediate family, to expose her well-known, community-minded uncle.

The author describes the long struggles with the legal system, court battles, and prosecuting attorney to no avail. The case keeps getting thrown out even though there are five witnesses as well as testimonies from authorities that her daughter is telling the truth; indeed she was sexually molested over a three-year period by this man.

"Shattered Reality" contains a testimonial letter from Kimberly's daughter expressing her emotions and the outcome. It also contains statistics, signs on spotting an abused child, fact sheet, tips, and resources.

Kimberly and her daughter must be commended. They took the risk and are now advocates against sexual assault of children. Kimberly's daughter volunteers in the community by helping others to overcome the traumatic experience. Kimberly herself is continuing to work for the cause and is engaged in the third round, this time a civil suit, against her uncle.

Kimberly has tenacity and it shows in her writing in "Shattered Reality." The story is gripping and heart-rending. One can't help but cheer Kimberly and her daughter on by supporting the cause - bring to justice the perpetrator and show that sexual assault of a child is not acceptable.

Kimberly Cheryl
ISBN: 9781440404597
Fresh Perspectives, LLC, 2008
5 Stars
Should be required reading...
I sat down to read Shattered Realit,y expecting to read it in one sitting. I had to lay it down several times, do something, anything; I had to move. After a deep breath, I again returned to read "Shattered Reality."
This book brought me anger, frustration, and sadness. Kimberly Cheryl is a courageous mother. Rather than sweeping this under the rug, she has become an advocate for her daughter and for other victims. Despite a few proofreading errors, I am giving this book 5 stars. I am begging and pleading for the world to read this book. Ms. Cheryl, it is my prayer that your family heals. I pray that this monster is taken off the street, so that he cannot harm anyone else. Parents, grandparents, teachers, law officers, everyone should be required to read this book.

I loved every second of reading Sometime Art Can't Save You. It is thrilling, authentic, and captures teenage years by the neck. Abuse is more relevant for high schoolers than I thought and this book made me feel like I wasn't alone in the situation with my mom. The ending left me wanting more. I am already recommending this novel to friends and family and would happily purchase any other Jill Ferguson book in the future.

Sometimes Art Can't Save You is powerful, compelling and poignant. Author Jill Ferguson has the courage to tackle the tough topics in society today. Jess has difficult issues to deal with and quite a story to share with the reader. The book is brilliantly written as if you are a trusted friend and Jess is sharing her secrets with you. It wasn't long until I forgot Jess was a character in a story. She became real, a friend I cared about. When she smiled, I smiled. When she cried, I cried. And when things were awful, I felt her pain. I anxiously await the sequel so I can continue on her journey.
Sometimes Art Can't Save You should be on high school reading lists. The difficult themes in the book will probably prevent that from happening, which is a shame. So I encourage teenagers, young adults, educators, and parents to read this important novel. A girl like Jess could be your friend, student, family member, or even you.

"Sometimes Art Can't Save You" is a poignant tale of an awkward teen who is living the nightmare of sexual abuse and self-mutilation. I was swept away into Jessica's world, related with her feelings of vulnerablity, mourned for her lost innocence and feelings of despair. Jill Ferguson brought these characters to life and exposed a reality so prevalent in modern society that one has no choice but to face it. The cliff hanger at the end fairly had me crying out. The next book cannot be published fast enough.

'Sometimes Art Can't Save You' is a must read book. It reveals the horrific world of abuse and secrecy in which the innocent are forced to live in. This book guides you through the life of the main character who is a sensitive young girl who's voice is caged by her painfuly unbearable family experiences. Jill Ferguson's book put me in that place and helped me to experience those emotions. This is something I would have never felt on my own and for this I thank her.

Ferguson captivates the teen experience so well, you'll be tempted to check in the mirror for pimples. The heroine, Jessica, thinks she's ugly. Is mortified by her mother. And is hesitant around the opposite sex. But poor Jess undergoes more than any normal teen. And you'll find yourself rooting for this child-woman, hoping she'll survive and find her way. This seemingly upbeat story takes a dark turn which leaves you thinking...and thinking....and thinking some more.

Strangers in a strange land... but those strangers may very well be her family. "Spirit Unbroken: The Two Sides of Love" is Alice Garlock's recollection of trying to find her ancestral origins. A product of the intermingling of American GIs and Japanese women after World War II, Alice returns to her mother's land in order to find the family she never knew. The tale is touching and will encourage those with estranged family to attempt to seek them as well. "Spirit Unbroken" is a great choice for those seeking an upbeat tale of finding home in a place so far away from it.

Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (8/08)


When you sit down to read "Spirit Unbroken: The Two Sides of Love," be sure to set aside a nice sized chunk of uninterrupted time, because this is a book that you are not going to want to put down. Luckily for me, I had just that, and stayed up well into the night because I was so involved in the story, and there was no way that I was going to go to sleep until I finished it.

In the Prelude we learn that Alice's mother was "a Japanese Korean War bride." Alice's father deceived her into believing that if she came to America she would be better off, live a prosperous life, and have everything she ever dreamed of. The life that waited for her in America was a full 180 degrees from the life that she had anticipated.

The memoir is co-authored by Rick & Alice Garlock, and told through Alice's eyes. The story alternates between Alice's life as a child and Alice's visit to Japan to reclaim her heritage as an adult. Her childhood is rampant with abuse, fear, and pain, and her adulthood is filled with hope, love and acceptance.

The stories of abuse that Alice's father inflicted on her, her mother, and her siblings are absolutely horrifying. I found many of the instances so disturbing that I had difficulty even getting through them. One particular passage that sticks with me is when Alice was around four years old and is eating breakfast. She has an aversion to eggs but her dad makes her eat them anyway. She threw up while gagging on her eggs and her dad made her bend over her plate and "lap up my own vomit like a dog." She threw up a few more times and was made to continue to eat it.

I have a son this age, and to think of him being put in that same situation completely sickens me. It is repulsive to me to think that a father could treat his daughter in that manner. Unfortunately this instance was just the tip of the iceberg in a long string of physical, mental, and emotional abuse.

The other, more cheerful part of the book focuses on Alice's visit to reclaim her Japanese heritage. She had not met any of her Japanese relatives, and as an adult she returns to her mother's homeland to learn about the family and history that she was never allowed to know. Unsure of how she will be received, she is anxious, but finds that her Japanese family welcomes her with love and acceptance.

"Spirit Unbroken: The Two Sides of Love" is an emotional, heart-wrenching memoir, but also shows just how strong we are capable of being. The book is very well written and the transitions between Alice's childhood and her visit to Japan are skillfully bridged. I highly recommend this incredible story.

Thank you for sharing your story of great pain, great strength, love and unshakeable faith. This was an amazing read, and I love the way you move from past to present (which is almost a neccessity for one to breathe). This book should be on everyones 'to read' list.

I couldn't put it down.If anyone ever questions love,faith,strength,or hope this book is one way to renew all feelings.Very gripping to say the least.The best thing anyone could do after reading this book would be to pass it on, because there's something in it for everybody to be learned.

I loved your book! Remember me, I was the first person to buy your book at the Vancouver Mall book signing?

The book touched my soul. I cried so many times while reading about all your struggles. I am 49 and grew up in the same time frame that you did. It was a rough time as parents used blunt force to rear their children. My father beat us regularly. I thought my childhood was bad, but have since changed my outlook some. Like you, my father has passed but I feel nothing, absolutely nothing about his absence in our lives. Your book is very moving and has given me hope. I found myself reading at times I would never read a book. I loved the way the book flashed back and revealed the past while moving forward, showing the promising future. So many times I wished I could just hug you. It was that much more special to read it because I actually met you. You are a strong woman that deserves a loving and caring husband. I'm so glad you overcame the horrific childhood you endured. I told my friend at work that is japanese, and she wants to read it. Thank you for sharing all the bad to lead us to a place where we can find peace with either God or what ever solace we can find. I feel really bad for all your mother endured too. I hope your sister is doing o.k. now, and I really liked how you ended the book.