Abuse Books

I have not read the book but have talked with Chris on the telephone on several occasions. I do plan to read the book as soon as it arrives.

Having written many books about child abuse, as well as many stories for the Chicken Soup for the Soul Books; I can tell you this is a very interesting story and one that has been written from the heart. I have heard that the emotion it invokes is well worth the read.

Having been verbally, emotionally sexually and physically abused as a child, I know well the strength it takes to write such a book.

It is not easy trying to tell a story and get the word out to the public about child abuse, or what it does to an adult in their adult years. It takes many hours of work, sometimes years, just to tell a story correctly. Many authors had fallen to the wayside and many stories will never been told because the public will not purchase or support such works. That is why the world continues to be plagued by child abuse

I have much respect for Chris.

I stumbled upon this book title while surfing a Woodstock website. This was an awesome read. It in an anthem for all of us who face demons as we travel the road of life. This is the story of a troubled boy who suffered with an unstable family life and learning disabilities. Religion enters his life, which gives him hope for his future. With plans to enter priesthood, the turmoil of the 60's takes it's toll. Inner struggles cause him to re-examine the direction of his life. I don't want to give away too much. Buy this book !

My nephew wrote this. The Closer's Song is a book that will touch many hearts. I grew up on the "Farm", and it is amazing how after so many years to read about this wonderful place. It was not a palace, but a home with a lot of love. Christopher put in writing a beautiful story about his family life and the struggle to do what he felt was right after all the tragedy of taking a turn down the wrong road. I am very proud of his accomplishments in life, and wish him much success in his future.

Read this book. You will not be disappointed.

My cousin wrote this book. The Closer's Song brings back many memories from my childhood. All the ranges of emotions were captured from the best of times to the worst of times. Everyone I have asked to read The Closer's Song have all been in agreement that the way Christopher crafted this book lent itself to be a common blueprint of everyone's growing up. Christopher recognized that there was a need for all of us to take a deep breath and take a long, hard look at where we have been to appreciate what we have today. I am happy that The Closer's Song not only tells stories of glory that hit our hearts but relates the tragedy of life that touches our souls.

CLOSER'S SONG is a special story and my response to it is deeply personal. It is a spiritual journey that begins when an autistic child realizes his view of the world is different than his peers'. Dyslexia conceals a gifted mind and he finds himself ignored by family, abandoned in classes for the mentally challenged, laughed at and ridiculed by his peers. He is isolated and lonely, and it is within this atmosphere that Jesus calls him to a special mission, one that will go unrecognized for forty years.

He spends that time searching for understanding, first with Francis, his alter-ego, a gregarious and popular teen who introduces him not only to friends and the beauty in the world, but also to drugs and a counterculture that leads to further alienation. He finds peace for a time within the serenity of the parish rectory, deals with his learning disability, and enters the seminary. Instead of finding God, he finds a road filled with potholes and detours that include anti-war demonstrations, pop culture, sex, money, power plays, and finally betrayal at the hands of someone he'd thought to enrich. Gerald's journey is my journey, the story of a million other people entering a new millennium...troubled souls looking for answers to age-old questions, searching for God, hoping the search will not be in vain.

Christopher Cole has overcome dyslexia and he has written a book. As a teacher I find that as inspiring as the journey he relates. The editing challenges were daunting; the few that remain are evidence of a courageous battle...waged and won.

Dr. Ruden is my Physician and all I will say is that he is the best doctor I have ever have. If I ever have to switch Insurance and have to go outta network to see him, I will.

When you read this book, let it be known that you are in good hands.

Why do I stuff a whole bag of candy or quart of ice cream into my face? Why am I obsessed with Suzy down the street? Why do some people become alcoholics while others don't who drink just as much? Why am I so depressed? How can I learn to be satisfied with just the amount of food, sex and excitement that is good for me? This amazing book explains a neurobiological mechanism common to all these questions and more. It also provides helpful tools for the management of excessive cravings. This is done with such clarity and simplicity, and is potentially so valuable to humanity, that I believe it should be taught in school.

Anyone who has had issues with depression, obsessiveness, impulse control or addiction should be sure to get the Second Edition, which adds a lot of material on non-drug management of such problems.

On Jan. 23/00 I was waxing and waning on the merits of this bio-balance approach to addiction. Well , confession time ; I wrote that the day I severed the bond (33 years) with nicotine How - Zyban - if that is O.K. to mention .... but somehow ,in someway , that particular concotion ... ( its really wellbutrin), did everything that Ruden talks about.... it is definitely in the neuro-chemical balance in the brain; for me it worked; it cut the chord so to speak; ever since I can decide that I do not wish, desire or want to smoke......and 347 days later still agree with delightful easement. If only the medical establishment would get serious and start doing some baseline metabolic type test : why did it work on me and not on .. Joe or Mary ???? Letsget with it!

Finally , something on , about addictions that seems to hit the proverbial nail on the head. A forward assault on the bottom line of'addiction' ..the craving brain .....the complex of neuro-chemicals , especially dopamine and serotonin , and the yin/yang; up.down ; getting the right balance. Presented as a theory ... as such holds the potential as a very fruitful theory.

Ruden's work is revolutionary. Not the final word, of course, but as a psychologist in the field I can say that The Craving Brain has been of immense value to me in both my research and clinical work. I recommend this book to anyone who is trying to understand and overcome an addiction.

Fiona Whelpton's story is amazing. Conversion syndrome is unknown to most people; read this book now to find out more about it. This book endeavours to raise awareness about this illness, and to ensure that people suffering from this illness do not feel alone in their suffering.

This is the touching story of a woman who suffers the Conversion Syndrome Disorder. It is a book full of hope and optimism in spite of the gravity of this syndrome which ends in a complete paralysis of the body.

Being Fionas son i thought that the book was exeptional quality and really said what it's like having Conversion Syndrome Dissorder. I am so pleased that she had the courage to write such an exeptional book after all that she has been through Lots of love. Well Done

A cathartic semi autobiography about a woman with conversion syndrome disorder. Life is extremely hard for Fiona Whelpton but her optimism always shines through. The book is hard hitting in parts describing the pains of mental illness, an abusive husband and having a domineering mother. Amidst all the chaos is a beautiful poetic voice desperate to get out. This book made me have more patience for people who find life difficult.

Fiona Whelpton tells a story full of hope, optimism and promise. This is admirable considering the severe disability she faced. A single mum triumphing over disability, neglect and disempowerment. Poetic and romantic language keep the reader alive.

I read this book in two days. Cathy Glass is an amazing writer and an amazing person. Made me cry buckets and although it does not have a "fairytale" ending it leaves a lot of hope out there, knowing there are people like Cathy in this world. I also read her other book Hidden, which is equally good.

First things first, I love this book! It is very well written but the story is unbelievably heartbreaking! I had to put the book down a few times and just take a break from it. The things that happened to this little girl are horrid!!! I've read many books that dealt with child abuse, drug use, and many other books of the kind. But Damaged was the first book I've read that dealt with sexual abuse. Cathy Glass is an amazing foster mother and I commend her for the hard work that she does. I cannot imagine having to learn from the child herself what has happened to her in her short life. It's ridiculous. My heart absolutely breaks for this child. She will be in my heart forever and ever. Thank you Cathy Glass for caring enough to tell this little girls story so that maybe it will help someone who's gone through the same thing. Maybe this story will catch somebody's attention about a child they know of who may be going through sexual abuse and take he or she out of the situation before it is too late. Every child deserves the chance to live a happy childhood. Children are little blessings from Heaven. They are so innocent and fragile. I hate that there are people out there who do not feel the same way. A child's duty is to run in the park, paint pictures of the parents they love, and to just be a child. NO ONE has the right to take that away from a child.

THIS IS ONE BOOK THAT I WILL REMEMBER FOR A LONG TIME. IT LEFT ME WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT EMOTIONS. ONE THING IS FOR SURE, I HOPE "EILEEN" IS NO LONGER WORKING FOR SOCIAL SERVICES!!!

This book really made my heart bleed and pound out of angrier for this little girl. Cathy Glass is an amazing woman; she has a great powerful message for all adults who work with children. Try hard to get to know these children who seem to be troubled or are silent and sad. There is so much that can be missed if you don't spend enough time with them. We need more people like Cathy to make a difference. This is a must read book!

Very insightful story told by the foster parent point of view. I could not put the book down and finished reading it in two days. Anyone who works with children should read this, it is a story you will never forget. Thank you Cathy.

I just bought this book and i must say it is a must have. It will speak to all your areas of need. ALL survivors definitely should have this as a companion. It's value just cant be measured. Buy this book and take your healing journey to the next level.

This book has become my constant companion. A comunication between myself and my spirit. I take it with me wherever I go and it literally never lets me down. I highly recommend it. I plan to try one of her other books next.

I found this book at a thrift store for .99 cents; it's worth much, much more. This book really helped me get through a very difficult stage of the healing journey. Highly recommended

I highly recommend this book to all women survivors of sexual abuse. I am an atheist and have trouble finding non-God related meditations. This book has some references to God, but focuses on your thoughts and feelings. Each page seems like I wrote it myself.

These meditations are precious. Though I've been in therapy for many years, read many books, I STILL wonder why I feel afraid, why I can't get mobilized, why I isolate, why groups frighten me, and so forth. My "why's" are being answered in a way that touches my very soul. It is extremely helpful. Highly recommended, very comforting.

This book is well writen and very highly recomended.This book shows the real life of some teens and what they go through to be cool, or popular. Macon,Iowa. A small town with very little people. Kyra has lived here all of her life, and everything was perfect. Until a new teacher arrives and mixes up everything. How did it go down hill so fast? Who was the cause? Read to find out.

This series is about the guilt three different people feel involving the death of Sammy, who is a twin brother to Kyra. This book is Kyra's point of view. This series is interesting because there are three different points of view and you get to see how each person tells the story. This book was absolutely amazing! Everything in this book was so real, I could actually see something like that happening in my town and in my highschool. Everyone can relate to something in the book, maybe even more than one thing. I could not put it down and found myself staying up late just to get further into the book! I can't wait to read the next book, Miranda's story. I would recommend this book to all teen girls out there or anyone else looking for a great read! You won't be disappointed, I know I wasn't!

i think this book was a very good book. it is a good book for young teens/adults should read before they go out and do something like partying or drinking underage without thinking first.and hopefully they will think before doing things. over all it was a great book and i would read it again. i recomend this book to young adults, and hope that everyone else who reads it too likes it.

Kyra's Story is about a girl named Kyra, and her troubles in life. She has a Brother named Sammy, and friends named Miranda and her boyfriend Ryan, and her best friend in the world Dylan. She is a senior and is so nervous about the play tryouts. She always gets the lead, and she is nervous that she won't get the part since they have a new English teacher named Mitch. When she doesn't think that her tryout is good enough she demands that she tryout again. She gets nervous and sneaks into his pills. After that she felt like she needed pills so she took her mother's pills and blamed it on her brother. When her brother finds out he makes her stop and then tells him that he's a geek and so shy and up tight. So after that she didn't see him until the night of the play. after the play they threw a party at Miranda's house but something went terribly wrong. Something Kyra and everyone their will regret for the rest of their lives.

Sammy James is dead. His twin sister, Kyra, believes that it's all her fault. He wouldn't have been in the compromising situation that resulted in his death if Kyra hadn't driven him to it. As she awaits her turn to testify at the trial for Sammy's murder, Kyra looks back at the past few months and ponders her role.

Kyra has held the lead in every play since kindergarten in her hometown of Macon, Iowa. She's a cheerleader who runs with the "in" crowd, and has already been accepted at NYU for next year. The charismatic new English teacher, Mitchell Wade, forges an instant connection with the students on their level. He is in charge of the senior play, and Kyra's tension mounts as she's not sure she will impress him enough to win the lead.

In contrast, Sammy is laid back and does his own thing. Kyra feels the stress building each day--the constant pressure to do, act, and be the best. She starts sneaking Xanax from her mother in order to take off the "edge", and that works for a while. As Kyra becomes more and more addicted, her perception of her relationships is altered. When Sammy finds out what Kyra is doing, will she stop? What exactly is Kyra's role in Sammy's death?

I was pulled into KYRA'S STORY from the first page. It is one of three books in the DEGREES OF GUILT series; each book is written from a different person's perspective. After reading the book, a code is included and the reader can go to the website and read that person's trial testimony. Also featured at the website is the final verdict naming who is responsible for what happened to Sammy.

Kyra could be any high school senior. Her struggles with perfection will hit home for anyone who is currently experiencing the drama of high school, as well as those who are looking back. My daughter is a senior, and she said, "Wow, this author really knows what we're going through!" Sammy is the innocent victim, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out over the course of the next books. Mitchell Wade is the ultimate villain; he's cunning and integrates himself into the lives of the teens in a way that seems commonplace and natural.

A subtle faith message is included, as Kyra learns to depend on God rather than the drugs for her strength. KYRA'S STORY has universal appeal, and is highly recommended for both adults and teens. All three books are available now, and readers will want to pick up all of them to get the full picture of the events surrounding Sammy's death.

Courtesy of www.BookLoons.com

In her debut novel, M.P. Barker pulls together a page-turning plot that will thrill all ages while also bringing to life 1830s rural Massachusetts. As you bite your nails over what will happen to our heroes, Ethan and Daniel, you milk the cows with them, work alongside them in the kitchen garden, eat dinner with them in the Lyman parlor, and walk the pasture with them with their beloved horse, Ivy. The best part of A Difficult Boy is that you get the experience of a great story and the experience of what life was like for early Americans, which is the icing on the currant cake.

Ethan's family is in trouble. His father, a smalltime farmer in rural New England in the 1830s, owes money to Mr. Lyman, a wealthy storekeeper and landowner. To help pay off the debts and save the family's property, Ethan, who is only 9, is forced to work for Mr. Lyman as an indentured servant, in an arrangement that is only a few steps away from slavery.

Ethan is paired with Daniel, an orphaned Irish teenager who is also indentured to Mr. Lyman. Daniel has grown hard and sullen after years of being subjected to Mr. Lyman's bigotry and beatings, and at first the two boys have an uneasy relationship. But it isn't long before Ethan also feels the sting of Mr. Lyman's hand, and he and Daniel form a friendship forged by shared hardship and their love of a spirited horse.

In its second half, the book begins to take on the trappings of a detective story. The Lyman household has many secrets, and Ethan begins to suspect that his own family's desperate financial situation is not of their own making. As the plot thickens, the pace quickens, and "A Difficult Boy" builds toward a climax that is filled with revelations and suspense.

Through the judicious use of historical details, the author, M.P. Barker, creates a bracing sense of immediacy. Even the milking of an irritable cow becomes an occasion for tension and danger. Scenes of Ethan and Daniel riding bareback on Ivy, their master's horse, through an open field and later racing a scruffy peddler have a lyricism that will lift readers' hearts. "A Difficult Boy" is a deeply satisfying novel that both entertains and enlightens.

What a pleasure to read this book on so many levels. Not only is the story compelling, but the historical background material is totally accurate. I felt like I was right there!!!!
The author's eye for detail is exquisite. .....lovely to read.
I was caught up in the story from the first page. The characters are all realistic and seem to mirror 19th century customs and culture.
The story about prejudice and how it is overcome when you get to really know someone is fabulous, but does not hit you over the head with it.
It's a great way to show people that underneath it all we are all alike.
Loved, loved it and I can't wait for her next book.

MP Barker's A DIFFICULT BOY grabbed me from the beginning. Her main characters, Ethan and Daniel, are engaging, well-rounded and likable boys. I adored the horse element of the novel and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

Although I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction, I absolutely could not put this book down.

A Difficult Boy is the story of an indentured servant, Ethan, who gradually makes friends with another servant named Daniel. Everyone calls Daniel a difficult boy because he appears unfriendly and unkind. However, Ethan unravels the source of this unfriendliness: both boys are severely beaten by the man who owns the land that they work. Daniel is also beaten worse than Ethan, because he is an immigrant from Ireland and the owner of the land, Mr. Lyman, does not like him for this reason. Driven together through this, Ethan and Daniel forge a strong friendship that brings them together so that they can escape the beatings and that life.

A Difficult Boy is a worthwhile historical fiction that is both well written and interesting.

This is a wonderful book for those looking to find their calling. It lays out in a very straight forward way how to discover what it is God is calling you to do with your life at any stage in your life.

This book has enriched my life. I have bought several copies to gift to friends and loved ones. It contains an empowering message of what we can be and accomplish with and through God in our lives.

For any Christian who is stuck in a rut, this is a good book to read. It gives some spiritual and practical advice about finding your own niche. Doing the written exercises will give you a great starting off point to make changes in your life.

I have to agree with Marc from Pennsylvania below. This is one of the most important books ever written for Christians--it deserves a much wider reputation than it has thus far.

In 1997, I turned 40. My father had just lost his final battle with cancer, and I was questioning my career direction. I'd read Kathy Peel's "Do Plastic Surgeons Take Visa?" and loved how she combined humor with practical suggestions for coping with everyday life--and I especially loved her story about how she went from being a housewife to a woman with a speaking and writing ministry. That story is repeated in "Discover Your Destiny" and it alone would be worth the price of the book. But there's MUCH more. Chapter by chapter, they talk about everything from discovering your dreams and passions, to preparing yourself physically, spiritually, and practically to embark on your next step. There are three great lists that I used not only with myself, but now with my students: "Spotting a Dream from God," "Preparing for Your Dream (this one is great--very practical and powerful at the same time) and the Growth Op for discovering what you're passionate about (For example, what issues make you pound the table and say, "Someone's got to do something about this?")

It was through doing the work in this book that I realized what was missing in my own everyday work--the career counseling component. These last five years I've attended professional meetings, bought books, gone out of my way to work on things related to what I wanted to do. And. . .oh, yes. . .I prayed. OFTEN. It took time. . .but when I finally helped create a position last year that combined academic advising with career counseling, it was the RIGHT time. I was truly ready to do the work. Even a year ago, I wouldn't have been ready.

This WORKS. Though I cannot proselytize on the job, I can certainly use the principles outlined by the Peels as the foundation for how I live and how I help others do what their book did for me.

This one is another one of my desert island books. Five stars are NOT enough!

It's revolutionized the way I live from day to day. The Peels have masterfuuly written a book that catapults the dreams in your heart while showing you how to practically live them out each and every day. Besides, it's loaded with quotes from major players in history who have reached their maximum, God-given potential. I recommend this book those who are worthy of it!

One of the best christian books I've ever read. It is very realalistic. It deals with issues teens deal with today.

I love all of the raise the flag series, but this one is my absolute favorite. I've read it several times, and love it every single time I read it. I would definetly reccomend this book to teen girls. This isn't a cheesy "life is great because I'm a christian" book, it deals with real issues that christian teens like myself deal with every day, such as standing up for what is right, even when you are literally shunned by everyone. Not only is the plot engaging, but it's very well written. I'd reccomend this book for anyone who is looking for a good page turner!

I am constantly browsing the bookshelfs at my local Christian bookstore for good books for teenagers. I work with the youth group at my church and am literally shocked by the garbage they read! I want to be able to provide them with alternatives. This series of books by Nancy Rue is wonderful! It's the first really well-written series that does not focus on romance exclusively... it takes hard-hitting issues from teenagers' real lives and weaves a wonderful story. This book deals with the traumatic topic of sexual abuse and may not be for younger teens. Parents may want to read the books themselves, first, and then dicuss them with their children. I couldn't put this book down and I ended up going out to buy the whole series (six in all!)

When I first got this book I thought it would be boring. But this book makes you feel like your in the story. I remember that once I started reading it I couldn't stop reading it. She is an excellent writer and I can't wait to get another one of her books.

Let's be up front here. This book deals honestly and somewhat explicitly with the sexual abuse of a female student by a male teacher. Be aware of this before you hand it to your twelve year old daughter, as I almost did before I read it. That said, I have to tell you that it is an incredibly well written, well researched story with an engaging plot that you will not want to put down. These girls are not portrayed as Christian superheroes who have all the answers. They still need and depend upon their parents and other adults to guide them through a very difficult situation. I liked that.

I am in no way affiliated with the author or publisher of this book. I was just in the middle of recommending it to a friend and looked it up on Amazon, at which point, I figured I should add my own "two cents". Anyone who drinks,ever, regardless of how often,should be in possession of the knowledge contained in this manual. Not only does it eliminate hangovers, it stops the damage done by drinking. My high regard for this book is obvious; do yourself a favor and buy this book!

I do drink more than I should but I have no intention of quitting. I have been taking my vitamins like advised in this book. I can't say I feel any better or worse. I think the point is to NOT get sick, that would be the only way to know if it's working.
As for the person who said they have a drinking problem and need to abstain, the authur makes no qualms about the fact the book isn't suppossed to address these kind of problems. It is only to help you to drink as healthy as you can, if you choose to drink.
i'm glad I bought this book.

No, we aren't talking fairy tales. This is more a situation where someone a long time ago said something was true and its been repeated for so long that everyone believes it. Beyerlein explodes a few of these old wives tales along the way. Helpful charts tell you how long to wait after eating to begin drinking, what foods are okay to eat while drinking, what are liver killers and other helpful information. This book is intended to be a guide for drinkers. It isn't intended to help people who don't drink or want to quit, although some of the information on supplements would be good info for anyone. Loompanics has a real wide variety of books that they publish. Check out their site or call 8003802230.

The most informative book you can own if you drink. I drink often, so sometimes I over drink, the "life-force nutrients" (available at drugstores or health food stores) mentioned in this book can help you protect your health. This is not a book for those who need to stop drinking. If you are able to continue to drink, but still occasionally over-drink, this book can help your `day-afters'! I tell all my friends about this book. I enjoy wine, sometimes a little, sometime a lot, either way, I no longer loose a day because I had too much to drink the night before.

This book highlights that drinking can done in a safe manner, if you know how to do it. Let's face it, for all the "demonization" that occurs regarding alcohol, the medical community is increasingly admitting the positive health benefits of drinking (it reduces dangerous blood clots and thins the blood, thus preventing heart attacks and heart disease).

But I think it is funny how the medical community in the U.S. states that the maximum you should drink a day is two drinks if you are a man, and 1 if you are a woman. At the same time, the same medical community admits that alcohol has tremendous heart benefits, but that those heart benefits only kick in "at two drinks, minimum". So, according to the medical community, the minimum for health effects is two, which is - shazam ! - simultaneously the maximum you can allow yourself. Pardon me if That results in me not really believing them, and I think the author does a good job at highlighting the way they play with the statistics and data and conclusions.

My only caveat to this book is that I have done a lot of reading on milkthistle and other herbs that supposedly "protect the liver". From what I have read, for instance, such things as milkthistle are, at best, only moderately supported by evidence as to their "liver detox", or "liver-protecting" qualities. The studies that show that milkthistle protects the liver, are mostly very old, European studies that are not designed well. Also, stuff like licorice and artichoke is, as far as I have read, unproven in its liver-promoting qualities. (note: I have read one doctor who is a liver specialist say that dandelion, far from protecting the liver, can perhaps even hurt the liver !). [note that recent studies have shown one substance to really be protective of the liver, and that is coffee. There is now a lot of hard science that shows clearly that drinking 2+ cups of coffee a day protects the liver from cihrosis and liver cancer, and the more you drink [up to 4 cups], the more it protects !!].


Other than that caveat, I think that the idea of drinking water and taking vitamins are good ideas, and the book is full of a lot of good ideas. Also, the author has a lot of other good ideas about having "drink-free days", and treating the liver like a muscle in the sense that when you "overwork it", you have to "give it a rest". I think most doctors who are liver specialists would support that idea. My advice is read this book, but don't also try to pick up a book written by a doctor who is a liver specialist.