Abuse Books

This beautiful book exposes so many of the abuses that Tennessee Walker showhorses suffer along the way to winning ribbons and trophies for greedy owners. It is a shame on the industry that these abuses STILL occur today. Offenders have even made a science out of covering up their transgressions and only get what amounts to a slap on the hand for getting caught. This book not only makes you despise the abuse but also respect and admire the proud history of this fantastic breed. The gentle horse who is the narrator in the book does everything he can to please people despite the awful way he is treated, and this is so typical of Tennessee Walking Horses. I think anyone who enjoys this breed or even anyone who loves horses at all should read this book. It is touching. I hope it helps turn the industry towards sound, naturally gaited horses.

Anyone who reads this book and is not motivated to change the Walking Horse training methods has no soul. The horrors that Walking Horses are put through in the name of beauty are absolutely and without a doubt the most cruel and unhumane practices on the face of the earth. If people would just appreciate the horses' natural ability and gait it would be a much more enjoyable association.

Every horse lover should read this book. It is so heartbreakingly true it will bring you to tears many times as you read. Someday this abuse has to be stopped. I love the way the book is written, with the horses telling the story. A very powerful book.Thank you, Mr Davis for writing this book. So many people choose not to see what is happening to these beautiful and naturally unique horses.

My family is just getting into the Walking Horse industry, and I felt this book was a good way to find out some of the history of the breed.

I was very upset of find out that these animals are treated in such a manner. It almost makes me embarressed to say that I want to be a owner and breeder of these fine animals.

All I can say, is that now that I know what is actually happening, I can try to do all I can to promote sound horses and help in the fight to get this to come to end someday.

More people need to read this book, and maybe someday there will be enough of a push to make all this torture end.

I showed pleasure Tennessee Walking horses for years and a padded horse on one occasion. I saw most all of the things mentioned in this book done to these wonderful horses, with perhaps one exception. Although I never sored any of my own personal horses, due to the fact I love them too much and a blue ribbon isn't that important to me, I was shown how to do it and encouraged to do it and did show horses which were sore (although I was not their owner but was riding them for their owner). I cared to much about my animals to sore them and was very interested in reading this book when I found out about it. It is pretty painful to read but it is very honest in describing what does happen to these wonderful horses. Unfortunately today the plantation pleasure horses are going through as much as the padded horses, only minus the pads. If only they could talk and Mr. Davis has done a really nice job giving them their due. I hope this book will enlighten many, but at the same time will not turn anyone away from this breed because it is a wonderful breed to own, ride and show; and all these things can be done successfully without abusing the horses. Funny how the characters in this book really remind me of some of the exact big time walking horse trainers and showmen I know of.

AFTER NEARLY 42 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SMOKING I READ HOOKED BUT NOT HELPLESS. I PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND NEVER PICKED UP A CIGARETTE AGAIN THAT WAS 6 YEARS AGO THIS PAST JANUARY, 05.
I HAD TRIED TO QUIT MANY TIMES TO NO AVAIL. SOMEHOW AFTER READING THE BOOK IT GAVE ME A TOTALLY DIFFERENT MIND SET ON SMOKING. I DIDN'T FOLLOW THE BOOK TOTALLY. THE BOOK RECOMMENDED YOU TO PICK A QUIT DATE. BUT AS I MENTIONED AFTER READING IT I WAS CONVINCED AND NEVER PICKED UP AGAIN.

It works. That's the #1 thing you need to know. The author's program was recommended to me by two ex-smokers I trust, and I purchased it online at Allison's site, stopsmoking dot com. If you're not willing to do that, you owe it to yourself to at least try a used copy of her book. Why? Because I don't smoke anymore, after 27 years of addiction.

after smoking a pack a day (two packs a day on weekends) for 17 years and quitting and relapsing innumerable times, i finally succeeded using this method. i have been an ex-smoker now for 4 1/2 years!!! the arguments here give you the rationale to combat addict thinking and overcome the mental tricks your addiction uses to get you to start smoking again. i bought this book after my father and step-mother used it to quit about 7 yrs ago (they are both still ex-smokers). i had it on my shelf for a year and one day i decided to quit smoking and i grabbed the book and read it instead of buying another pack of cigarettes. i haven't had one puff since. i recommend buying it and let it sit on your shelf til you are ready.

I smoked for over 40 years. I tried 10 times over a five year period to quit smoking. I checked this book out of the public library in February of 1996. After reading it, I told my husband on Valentines Day of 1996 that I was giving him the gift of quitting smoking. That's been over 6 years now. This book is priceless. I've told numerous people to get the book. It saved me.

I had the pleasure of a personal secession with Patricia Allison over 10 years ago. Her program really works by enpowering you to take control over your life. TRY IT!

"from one nightmare to another" in I Romanced the Stone, Marvin Wilson carries us through the horrors of addiction to the glory of salvation in a rollicking, sometimes terrifying journey to joy.

A great reference book for anyone involved in "The War on Drugs" no matter in what capacity. I plan to obtain a copy for my police officer grandson as well as my eldest son who has overcome his personal addictions. [first to drugs and then to "That Old Time Religion]

Raw, down-and-dirty, and unfiltered, "I Romanced the Stone" is the story of an aging hippy and his descent into the madness of becoming a crack user. Marvin Wilson had used just about every drug known to man during the Peace and Love Years of the 60s so what would one little experimental hit from the crack pipe hurt? He soon found out that smoking crack cocaine wasn't the same as smoking marijuana, the main drug of choice for the "tune in, turn off, and drop out generation." Marvin is a very lucky man in the fact that he is still alive to tell this compelling story. "I Romanced the Stone" is a must read for all who have even THOUGHT about taking that first hit from the crack pipe.

Kristie Leigh Maguire
Multi-published, award-winning author
[...]

Little did I know when I sat down to read Marvin Wilson's I Romanced The Stone" I would be reading about myself and my addictions. Different drugs of choice, of course (computer, television and procrastination), but addictions nonetheless. Anything that keeps you from being your true and total self and anything that keeps one from finding their true inner peace is a drug. And just when I had "serious doubts about my ever being whole again", here comes a book so poignant, so deep, and so apropos I now know that healing is possible. To experience the joy of being healed, delivered and set free has to be an awesome feeling. A must read for everyone who is addicted or not! Rosa Ferguson author of LOVED TO DEATH: A Different Kind of Love Story

Marvin Wilson transports you into the world of a drug addict with the art of a writer. This is a well written book and a testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit in crisis.
He lost everything before he was forced to face his demons. He faced them head on and won the fight. This book speaks to everyone who has known his agony or had known someone who has walked the same path as he.
This book is a must read.
Pamela Templin

Marvin Wilson destroys all the stereotypes of drug use on both ends of the scale. He is neither part of the Hollywood/New York "elite" associated with upscale drug abuse, nor is he a part of the underclass. He is just an average middle class guy who fell into a bottomless pit.
His recovery from drugs and the recovery of his marriage is an inspiration for anyone who has felt that their lives had become hopeless.
His book takes the reader on a ride of emotions as he shares a truly remarkable story of despair and redemption.
This is a must read.

Several years ago Dr. Pat and her astonishing book brought one of my family members back from severe emotional trauma, and cleared the way for her to gradually mend her life and her marriage. I was not privy to the sessions she had with Dr. Pat, but I know that the book was crucial, first in persuading her that this was not just another glib self-help cookbook, and later in reminding her of the professional and spiritual journey Dr. Pat herself made before she understood the long-term effects of physical and emotional trauma, and the various measures available to gradually overcome those effects. If you know someone who has experienced serious trauma, this book is certainly worth more than the $12.44 that Amazon charges.

I have read and re-read this book since receiving it in August. The author explains many of the things that I have thought were "wrong" with me are not my fault. The abuse suffered in early childhood causes changes in the brain which can only be corrected by laying down new neuro templates through healing relationships. These relationships might be friends or perhaps even a therapist, but one need not be in therapy to be able to understand the princliples in this book.

One "can't get over it" or "think your way out of it" referring to depression and other mental disturbances. The truth of these statements are found through a thorough reading of this book.

One problem I've had, though, is that her listed website keeps coming up "not found" despite changing servers, waiting, and trying different forms of the site's listed name which is www.trauma-reovery.com. It does NOT work!!

This is a common sense approach to phyisological & phsychological issues suffered by abused people.

I really enjoyed the basic needs being met for the patients in the mental & phsycial realms, by the most fundamental way; caring & connecting instead of giving a pill or powder to shut them up or quickly get them on to another program that won't work.

Every one on the planet that has ever had or will a have a relationship with anyone should read this; professionals in this field especially!

I found this book fascinating. When I was a young mother, I knew it was important to relate to my child in a helpful, healing way. I read many books on childhood development and none gave me the information that this book does. In the early chapters, the book explains the mechanics of brain development and the importance of the bonding relationship between mother and child. Watching a close friend of mine with her infant son has given me the opportunity to be an educated observor of this (thirty years too late for my own child!). The second half of the book takes the reader through a case study of a woman whose upbringing did not provide any opportunity for healthy development and whose subsequent life reflected this. Through the parenting process of therapy the counselor actually restructured her brain, helping to close the pathways that caused pain and pathology in her life.
This book would be helpful for therapist's needing to understand more fully the transformative nature that therapy can provide. Also I think young mothers could also benefit by understanding the choices that mothers make and the consequences in raising their children.

I need a book on that. I was in the mental health system for 20 + years and never had one. And they all missed the point of my real problems. Then when you try to get a doctor like her to have a healing relationship, she does everything under the sun to keep her distance from you while at the same time pretending not to, which is a specific example of a general affliction of so many people in the mental health field which is having an expert ability to lie as well as being a hypocrite when needed (convenience) and then covering it up. Where is the honesty? How many therapists are the same way as people as they are as therapists. And that is a real problem for the whole mental health system.

I saw your book in the bookstore a few days ago. I did not buy it right away because after reading it in the store I thought it was not for me due to my recent arrival back into AA. Your approach is radicle but after a few days I thought about it and decided to buy this book. I have been battling this disease for years now and I decided I had to give it another chance. I will apply all the tools I could find because after many attempts to stay clean, I kept returning back to the bottle. I am optimistic about this attempt to stay clean because I do like the realtity of this concept. Even though it is not oriented on a twelve-step approach it does allow the freedom for me to incoropate my current tools and enhance them with the exercises and more importantly ERP.

Thank you and keep the information coming.

This book was great. The concept is so realistic and simple but the actual sessions seem unbelievable. I would love to experience them myself. If you have any trainings. let me know, I want to tell my therapist about ERP.

Thanks,

This book was intense. I heard about it from a friend so I bought it. The idea was rightv on, the exercises so real, but the pictues and session, WOW!!!. It seems very intense but after reading more and doing more, I realized just how real ERP is. I like the idea of choices along with the concept of not being dictated by the addiction, but moreso giving the person power over their addiction. Nice concept. Thanks again for the ideas and help. I highly reccommend this book to anyone with a addiction.

I saw your book in the bookstore a few days ago. I did not buy it right away because after reading it in the store I thought it was not for me due to my recent arrival back into AA. Your approach is radicle but after a few days I thought about it and decided to buy this book. I have been battling this disease for years now and I decided I had to give it another chance. I will apply all the tools I could find because after many attempts to stay clean, I kept returning back to the bottle. I am optimistic about this attempt to stay clean because I do like the realtity of this concept. Even though it is not oriented on a twelve-step approach it does allow the freedom for me to incoropate my current tools and enhance them with the exercises and more importantly ERP.

Thank you and keep the information coming.

I had to write and tell you that I bought the book and found it very provactive. As a substance abuse counselor, the book was right on the money. It talks about the reality of the addiction and makes clients look at how their drug use encircles all aspects of their lives. Nice job! I reccommend this book to anyone working in the field who has an open mind to change. ...

Thanks You;
TM

Graham Chapman is a comedy genius, and this is more proof.

I really enjoyed this book even though it is kind of confusing and wierd. Graham Chapman has always been my favorite Python because of his humor but this book shows antother side to him. If you don't like him before you read it you wiil afterwards. A bit after the end is touching and also very funny. This book isn't for everyone and you might not like it even if you are a Monty Python fan. If you are looking for a laugh a minute book in true Monty python style look somewhere else. Not to say that the book doesn't have some funny parts but it is also pretty serious. I also wouldn't recomend it to anyone under the age of 13 because some of the contents of the book aren't apropriate for smaller children. But if you think you will like it by all means read it because it really is a wonderful book.

My mom got me this book for Christmas four years ago, and I could not put it down. Back then, I wasn't really reading for pleasaure, but I knew this book would really get me started! I found Chapman's autobiography to be rather silly, but serious at the same time. He has been my tied-for-first favorite Python (next to Idle) since the first time I watched any of their sketches and The Holy Grail, but this book made me love him even more. I really got to see a different side of this comic genius, and reading about his struggles to gain acceptance and respect, along with his trials when it came to put down the booze, made me only appreciate him that much more. Four years later, this is book is still in my top-three favorites of all time! I would recommend this book to any Python fan.

"Come to think of it, most people like a good laugh more than I do, but that's beside the point!"

Is there any way to encapsulate Graham Chapman's great comedic talent? No. But he tries in his own autobiography, anyway. A gift to those of us who truly appreciate the absurd from the master himself, this book is a must for anyone who enjoys Monty Python and those who just don't get it. After reading this book, I feel I understand this great pouf even more than watching the Python movies.

I'm just sad that his last video appearance was in an Iron Maiden video...

Not your typical autobiography by not your typical writer. A Liar's Autobiography is a now-classic look at the life of Graham, written by Graham (and others) at a time when he felt that, due to his alcoholism, he was not long for planet earth. This proved to not be true (he survived another 10 years and did not die from alcohol-related causes but cancer). At turns hilarious, silly, touching and sad, "ALA" will leave the reader with a much greater sense of the looniest of all the Pythons who was, at heart, a very shy and serious man. By all means BUY THIS.

Believe those of us who know Mr. Clem and his family - this book is true, comes straight from the heart, and was written to help others going through the same battles with addiction in their families, as well as to help in the healing process. Mr. Clem spends his time (and money) selflessly helping others, and wrote this book with that intent. He does not need to show pictures of Carren at rock bottom, or to prove that it actually happened. Anyone that lives in Northwest Montana, knows first-hand what he and his family have been through. Read the book, and be thankful if your own family doesn't have to go through this. Ron Clem's only agenda is to help others with what he has learned. Read the book, you will not be sorry, and you might be all the wiser.

This is not a book I wanted to read - but my wife talked me into it. I also live, like the Clems, in Montana and have always felt this is a very safe environment. The Clems do a fabulous job of showing both sides of the drama - that of the daughter and the father. As a father, I can relate to his side of the story better and I appreciate how Ron puts his mistakes in the book as well as what he did right. I found myself thinking "that's exactly what I would do..." as I read about his reaction to first picking Carren up after she had been raped. The painfully explicit and eye-opening description of the fall-out from that reaction has caused me to have a number of difficult but necessary conversations with my own daughters, some of whom are now teenagers.

I am most appreciative of and impressed by Carren and Ron for being willing to share such a painful story - pain that must be re-felt each time they talk about the experience or in writing the book. By sharing their pain, they may have helped me avoid the mistakes they made and know how to better help one of my daughters, if ever the same circumstances find us in our "safe" Montana home. It also gives me hope that despite the unbelievable process, Ron and Carren have re-created the bonds of father and daughter. The book helped my children - boys included! - realize the amount of pain to everyone around them their own drug use would cause. I think it opened their eyes as well and cut through a lot of the "sales hype" drug users or sellers would tell them.

One can only hope. I encourage every parent and teenager to read this book - they may not like what they read, but it could well save their life and that of those around them.

Loss of Innocence is one of the best and most compelling books I have ever read. After I found out my daughter was a meth addict and later came to find out the tragic circumstances surrounding her addiction, I began searching for books about drug addiction. Loss of Innocence is by far the best I found. The books makes very effective use of offering contrasting perspectives of the father versus the daughter. Neither one knows the whole story that is unfolding. While I could relate to the father's perspective, it was most helpful to see the daughter's.
Loss of Innocence is a must-read for every parent or future parent of a teen. It points out how parents can seemingly do everything right and a child can still be victimized by a very evil world. This book provides invaluable information on detecting drug abuse. Oh how I wish I had read this book sooner than I did.
This book helped my daughter and I to heal. Loss of Innocence will most assuredly save thousands of lives and families. Parents think something like drug abuse will never happen to their children or family. Please read this book so that you will not be as ignorant as I was.

No child comes with a "How To Raise" manual; parents do the best they can with the tools THEY have from their own life's experience. I greatly admire this family. When they realized they were in trouble, a comprehensive search began to find ways to correct the problem. Carren is no different then Teens anywhere in America in this day and age, in that she chose to take her own way. For every choice there is a consequence and these parents had the courage to make new choices to save their child's life. There is pain, suffering, laughter and positive growth between the covers of Loss of Innocense; this is a must read for every citizen! We all are involved with our youth in some way and this book gives great insight into positive interaction. We CAN make a difference!

This story was so amazing, I couldn't put it down. I have never written a review before, but this book compelled me to do so. This story is too true of so many of our teens today, and so many parents don't know what to do or how to help. Ron (the father) shows incredible courage and strength in trying to bring his daughter back. He refused to give up, and for most teens that is what it takes. I have recommended this book to everyone I talk to. I loved the way the story told both points of view - Carren's and Ron's. Carren is also a strong and brave individual, her story is chilling, yet shows her incredible determination on both sides of addiction. I love that they told their story together for the rest of us to read and learn about addiction, teen troubles and parents who fight for their teens. The support network and the programs like the one Carren went to in Jamaica are real and amazing. They are committed to making a difference for our teens, one child at a time. I am glad they were mentioned in the book. I absolutely love this book!!

This book was written in a very interesting style - full of honesty and compelling stories but totally realistic.
I have recommended it for reading to my sponsees and the parents of young addicts/alcoholics.

Amy (AJ) Crowell has written a beautiful book that can be an inspiration to all people who think they are hopelessly addicted. Amy proves that addiction can be beaten. AJ is to be commended for baring her life to help others. Anyone who is struggling with addiction should read this book.

Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis, Author I Am Your Disease (The Many Faces of Addiction)

Not only is "Loved Back to Life" the journey of recovery and the process of recovery, but it is also the facts of addictions. Amy gives true facts about alcoholism and addictions directly relating to individuals, families and the nation. The book provides a sober reality of addiction and recovery that millions of people have gone through and their story is not told.

This is one of the first and only books that combine facts with the story. Every aspect of the addiction recovery process including depression, co-dependency, suicide, stigma, adolescent stages of addiction, and the truths about the recovery process are all explained in this book.

Amy also taps into the many roads of recovery such as 12 Step Programs, treatment, hospitalization, medical treatment, dual diagnosis and medication assisted recovery. This book will "Love Anyone Back to Life" who has been struggling with addiction/alcoholism.

I see this book being used in a variety of ways including schools, colleges, universities, treatment centers, behavioral health, hospitals and will assist therapists, counselors and doctors by guiding the process of educating others with the facts and recovery tools. This book is the wave of the future for the nation's healthcare providing behavioral health tools for addiction/alcoholism.

Loved Back to Life is solution oriented and provides personal suggestions to recovery from alcoholism/addiction. Every family member should have this book who has been challenged with alcoholism in their family. They will not only relate to the author, but will learn to express and share their own personal history.

After reading the book as the Executive Director of Association of Persons Affected by Addiction, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified Acudetox Specialist, a Board Member of Voices & Faces of Recovery, and a Board Member for Mental Health America Texas, I highly recommend we help everyone be "Loved Back to Life" by reading and utilizing Amy 'AJ' Crowell's book to help individuals, family members, and the community on the road to recovery.

The best book to hit the shelves about the struggle thru addition into a productive life. It even has tips for parents who think that their children may be struggling as well as a self help test for the readers themselves. It was hard to put down.

Amy, your book is virtually an encyclopaedia of addiction. There is so much wonderful information and inspiration in 'Loved Back To Life', for addicts and non-addicts alike, including the self-tests in your book.
There was an interesting reference to a statistic,"Teenagers whose parents talk to them on a regular basis about the dangers of drug use are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents do not."
That reference completely affirms for me that this is a topic no longer to be denied, and to be brought out in the open for discussion in our families and communities.
Your book provides great access to opening up that very important, and often avoided conversation. Being drunk and being alcoholic, are poles apart.
Your book is a must read for anyone with an addiction, or who knows someone who is addicted - to anything.
Thea Westra
Thought Leader And Author
www.forwardsteps.com.au

This was a wonderful read and I would recommend everyone read it, especially men who are for the fight against violence against women.

It's a good read as an intro text, but after the fourth or fifth chapter, it's really just repeating the same themes over again.
I would recommend it as a good book for a rainy day, but certainly not a beach read and it is geared towards a male audience.
A helpful classroom text, but not the best.

...how they see and conduct themselves in society, how they treat women and other men and, this book can help. Thoroughly accessible, Katz simply asks us, and shows us how, to take responsibility for change. This book certainly has changed to way I look at things, the way I talk to men and other women and, most importanly, the way I listen. Highly recommended.

This book is both accessible and sophisticated in its approach. It covers political and social issues and popular culture in great depth. However, Katz pitches his argument to the broadest possible audience; he almost never uses jargon. I used the introductory chapter in a classroom with both high school and college students, and they all responded to the piece with enthusiasm. Another aspect of the book that elevates it above many similar works is Katz's use of personal anecdotes from his career as an anti-sexist activist to illustrate his points. These stories not only help to ground the book in reality, but they make it clear that the author has tested his ideas in the field of deeds. He has constantly sought out new audiences and been challenged to refine his approach. He advocates for a very inclusive model of gender violence prevention. He wants us to be honest with ourselves and call "domestic violence" what it is--men's violence against women. However, he also makes it clear that viewing all men as potential perpetrators is not the answer. Rather, encouraging men to take the issue personally and own up to their social responsibility, while encouraging others to do the same, can make a huge difference. For anyone who would like to learn more about men's violence against women, or gender and society in general, this book is a great place to start.

Jackson Katz's book could be one of the most important I have ever read, hands-down. Two years ago, after my wife came home from a graduate-level class, she told me we needed to watch Katz's documentary, Tough Guise (MEF). The documentary revolutionized the way I veiwed masculinity both in myself and in our culture. I then found Katz's book. The Macho Paradox does the exact same thing: Katz includes an amazing array of statistics as well as references to a variety of studies and cultural icons in order to prove his case--that masculinity needs a serious overhaul in our contemporary culture. No longer can we allow women to be abused in such rampant fashion. Katz explodes the myth that men are simply "born" with a bent towards aggression and violence; rather, he questions and explores what in our culture teaches men to behave the way we do. I highly recommend this book to both men and women, as its message is one we severely need today.

This book is a view into the life of a young girl forced into adult hood and is forced to cope with the trials and troubles of an adult in post WWII. It shows a very brave woman with a strong sense to survive. This book is a must read for anyone who would like to understand what people had to go through during post WWII or anyone who wants to read a captivating book. Very, very good book.

This book is a poignant account of Gertrude's childhood in Germany during and after World War II. She intertwines the historical perspective well with her childhood memories. The book is written from a young girl's perspective with amazing details. The feelings and fears of a child in an abusive situation are compelling. As a social worker, I find this to be a very realistic account of a child's life in an abusive environment.

Gertrude's story is by far one of the most intriguing true life post W.W. II experiences written. In her book, she expresses some of her most traumatic life experiences, and how she survived with the help and love from her grandmother. A well written novel, and must read.

An outstanding novel this is from the beggining to the end. A true epic bringing up emotions while forcing one to the edge of there seat. For all who have not read this fascinating book, please read it, you will definatley enjoy it.

An astonshing peice of work that Gertrude has written. One of the greatest books of this era. Very few books have been written about post German war. Many must read this novel to fufill there voidness of the time, a wonderful novel.