Abuse Books

This is an incredible book. The author articulates the dynamic of abuse in the most understandable language. Helpful to victims, as well as professionals.

"APPLICABLE TO BOTH JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES. The coping strategies and intervention techniques that are outlined provide guidance in pinpointing the sickness at its source and restoring felicity and order to religious leadership and the community."

Reviewd by: Adolescence

"Dr. Benyei's perspective expands the conceptualization of clergy sexual misconduct beyond the individual . . . to an occurrence within a community that is affected by a wide range of community issues and dynamics. . . . AN UNFLINCHING LOOK AT A TOPIC THAT IS CONTROVERSIAL AND PAINFUL. Highly recommended reading for both clergy and laity."

Reviewed by: Christine A. Courtois, PhD, Author, Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy and Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse; Clinical Director, The CENTER Posttraumatic Disorders Program, The Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Washington, DC

For the last decade or more an item often landing in the news has been the misconduct and abusiveness of clergy. In the late eighties this often had to with scandals surrounding TV evangelists, but lately much attention has been focused on the sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. However, clergy abuse and misconduct have no boundaries as far as denominations, and unfortunately there does not seem to be a denomination yet with a good track record for dealing openly and truthfully when these things occur. The web site "Pokrov" for Orthodox victims of clergy abuse and misconduct stated:
"Over the last three years we have received several copies of letters our readers have sent to their churches to tell about their abuse -- letters that never received any response from the hierarchs. Some of our readers have even met with bishops in person. Many of our readers find that their letters and pleas to authorities come to a dead end because the bishop or hierarchs ignores them or discredits them. They end up feeling even worse than they did before. These stories have prompted us to write the Pokrov guidelines which are from a victims' perspective." This web site warns victims not to go alone to their church authorities to report abuse. This is disheartening to say the least.
A significant book that addresses the issue of clergy abuse and misconduct is Understanding Clergy Misconduct in Religious Systems: Scapegoating, Family Secrets, and the Abuse of Power by Candace R. Benyei, PhD. This vital book demythologized spiritual leaders and helps the reader to see the negative effects of placing them on a pedestal. It is an incisive look at the outrage of abuse from the perspective of victim, perpetrator and counselor.
In most churches and religious systems when abuse or misconduct occurs, it is generally covered-up and kept silent. Though there may seem to be good reasons to do this, Benyei documents how this secret keeping is destructive to the victim(s) and the congregation, whether they know it or not: "The keeping of the secret produces more pain to more people than the original insult itself"(Pg 104).
"The secret may be closely held by a few main players; the secret may be vaporous and no one may know anything for sure. . . nonetheless, a great deal of energy is used in keeping the lid on Pandora's box, which includes not only the secret but the resultant rage, anger, loss, fear and shame" (Pg 106).
One of the worst results of abuse or misconduct is the fact that the victim often becomes the scapegoat. Benyei notes, "Because it is unbearable to believe that the beloved spiritual leader could commit such acts, since that would shatter the fantasy that one had at last found the ultimate caregiver, victims are often unforgivable." (Pg 95).
It would be an advance if the clergy and hierarchy and spiritual leaders of churches and religious systems would make it their responsibility to inform people about abuse and misconduct they themselves might commit, but this is highly unlikely. Therefore it is incumbent on lay people to educate themselves and others when it comes to abuse in religious systems. So often we portray the Church as a safe place to come, a sanctuary, a haven. It often is a place of healing. However, it can also be a place of deep wounding and sin. As Mother Gavrilla of blessed memory once said, "The Church is like a huge ship full of sailors, biting each other in the throat, tearing hair, punching, but the wonder is that the ship is coming into port because Christ is at the helm." This side of the Church must also be revealed if it is ever to be healed. For healing to happen, we must understand the illness. I highly recommend Benyei's book as a place to start.
* * *

Using systems theory Dr. Benyei presents a balanced and fair approach to clergy misconduct. She astutely outlines the power dynamics in a church and the difficulty a lay person will have when bringing a complaint against a minister. She challenges us to give up our idealization of ministers and see them as the flawed human beings they are. This will not only help prevent abuse and hold ministers accountable but will also free ministers to be more genuine and receive the help and support they may need. In her final chapter she presents specific proposals to reform our churches and promote safer communities. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone concerned with building better, healthier church communities.

This book is heart-breaking. It is an account of incredible suffering and horrific abuse perpetrated against the children of the Albert family. This book is a story of extraordinary courage and endurance in face of astonishingly difficult odds.

The story of the Albert family should be read everywhere. Furthermore, it should be required reading for Catholic bishops and clergy throughout the world. I hope this book gets picked up and read.

I too am a survivor of child sexual abuse and clergy abuse. I am also a Catholic priest. I know well the horrendous legacy of abuse - the crippling trauma from which healing can be so difficult.

The institution of the Catholic Church is - in so many ways - sinful, sick and dysfunctional. The Church needs repentance, conversion, purification and healing.

The terrified voices of abused children over so many years cry out to God in Heaven on account of the evil perpetrated within the Church. God's Church should have been a place of compassion, love and care for those children in society who were most vulnerable - most in need of gentleness, love and nurturing. Far too many, like the Albert children, experienced just the opposite.

Thankfully, however, more and more of those children who suffered, as a result of the evil and criminal behaviour of perverts and sadists in religious garb, are no longer frightened voices. They are becoming strong and demanding voices - demanding truth, justice and redress.

The adults the Albert children have now become deserve profound awe and immense respect. I hope they find peace, gentleness and healing after all the horror they endured when they were children. May God bless them - the True God of Love.

May that monstrous and false god - the fearsome construct of those who abuse their power and position over the defenceless and the vulnerable - be forever de-throned.

Those predators who happened to be priests and religious - along with their conspiring and conniving superiors and bishops - have actually abused and betrayed Christ Himself in the persons of His little ones.

Jesus is very explicit in what He thinks of those who have scandalised "any of these my little ones". (Matthew Ch. 18:5-6 and verses 10-11). How could so many cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests and religious have behaved so scandalously in the face of innocent suffering?

How could they have so negated the essential message of the Gospel - both clerical abusers and those in positions of authority who sought to cover up their crimes - by they way they behaved towards the victims?

May God forgive them! May God have mercy on their immortal souls, for one day they will all stand before the Judegement Seat of Jesus Christ. And their attorneys will be of no use to them!

For the past several years there have been several books written about the scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church.

Unto Us A Child is another one of these horrendous stories only this time with a different twist.

New York Times best selling author Donald R. Phillips relates in Unto Us A Child how an entire family of seven children were placed into an orphanage and subjected to unbelievable acts of cruelty at the hands of some of the nuns and priests who were the administrators of this orphanage.

More particularly, it is the story of the Albert children from Kansas, who, when they were very young, were placed under the care of a Catholic run institution because their parents were too poor to feed them or care for them.
While living in the orphanage they were constantly subjected to vicious behaviour on the part of their caretakers.

How can you rationalize the molestation of the Albert boys by an alcoholic priest...?

Where is justice where another priest had a continuous ... relationship with one of the under-aged Albert sisters eventually leading to her impregnation and probably the cause of her suicide years later?

This same priest today is no longer a member of the clergy; however, he is presently living in a Catholic retirement community, and was never brought before the courts for the crime of [being] with a minor.

Ironically, it was this same priest, who with the alcoholic ..., made sure that the scandal was all hushed up and that the child born out of wedlock was put up for adoption.

Phillips was apprised of this inconceivable and painful story when one of the grandchildren of the Albert family, who worked for him, related this tragedy and asked him if he wanted to write about it.

After careful investigating the various facts and interviewing the Albert brothers (two of the sisters were already deceased), Phillips decided to pursue the matter and "tell all."

There will probably be howls of anger after readers have the opportunity to ponder over the gravity of the crimes committed.

The damning evidence meticulously exposed in the book uncovers lies ... and injustice that underline the enormity of the problem that has beset the Catholic Church in recent years.

No doubt, many readers will shake their heads and ask themselves, how could members of the clergy break the sacred rule "do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

I agree completely with the review from New York.

This book was not an easy read. It is very disturbing. I have read (and heard on TV) many stories about abuse in the Catholic church, but never one that includes so many members of one family. Of course, the Catholic church felt there was no truth to these stories (and the priest who determined this is now the Bishop in Dodge City, Kansas). I am not sure how he could come to this conclusion since there was a baby that was born after one priest sexually abused one of the daughters from the age of thirteen (Eventually the priest was defrocked after another paternity issue arose).

The Catholic church must address these issues. They WILL NOT go away. The victims deserve justice.

I can see this book being made into a movie. It is truly the most disturbing story I have yet to hear involving abuse in the Catholic church.

Unto Us A Child chronicles the lives of one family as impacted by the Catholic Church. Their experiences of sexual abuse caused devastating problems, coupled with the refusal of their diocese to admit the truth behind the Albert family's allegations. Unfortunately, this pattern of denial by the Church has happened countless times throughout the U.S. This story will open many eyes and touch many hearts. Sexual abuse thrives in secrecy. Placing a spotlight on this issue will help society as a whole, because the more educated people are about the long-term effects of sexual abuse, the more involved they will be in finding ways to prevent it. Our son committed suicide several years ago, a few months after revealing that he had been sexually abused by a priest when he was twelve. Families who are telling their stories are enabling other families to protect their children. Each person can strengthen the fight against sexual abuse by giving emotional support to the victims and by insisting on legislation requiring churches to report child sexual abuse. The Albert family is to be commended in their relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

This is such a sad story, but one that needs to be read. To think that the Catholic church is so callous is heart-breaking, but we have read enough of these types of stories recently to know that it is true. The hierarchy within the church are not only callous but are self-righteous and even hateful, in my view. This family suffered so terribly and unnecessarily, each and every one from the parents down to the 9 children and beyond, that it is a heartache.
This book is so well researched and written, it certainly deserves a higher priority in the bookstores! I just happened to come across it on a table of "new books" in my local bookstore; I am saddened that it won't be widely read, because it needs to be. We cannot continue to blindly trust huge establishments, such as the Catholic (or any) Church; and we must fight injustice all the way, as this family did. Unfortunately, outdated laws are preventing the remaining family members from any sort of justice, let alone compensation, but maybe laws will be changed down the line and these people will find the courage and strength (not to mention money and time) to continue their battle. I am ashamed of the Church. I have come to despise it. Please read this book and see what they have done to our children and to it's members who have taken a wrong step when they were minors......

If "The Doors Of Perception" was the most important work on psychedelics because of its influence, this then is by far the greatest because of its impeccable research, its far-ranging implications and its clear, lucid and compelling putting together of the evidence for the remarkable therapeutic and consciousness-illuminating value of LSD and other psychedelics (principally peyote). They don't, however, proselitize, and this is much to their credit. In fact, they go to some lengths to inform the reader that an active pro-drugs "for the sake of drugs" mindset is fraught with peril, and do so in a way that is both impartial and learned.

They're at their best, however, in their extraordinary recounting of the psychedelic experiences they conducted themselves as guides. There are so many instances where the subject, usually a person with a very intense psychological or emotional problem, arrived at a life-changing breakthrough, that it lingers long in the mind.

But the book is most of all a primer for their very lucid theory of the psychedelic experience and its various stages or levels. It is, in fact, so well thought out and explained, that this reviewer wonders why it had so little impact on the great body of psychedelic research, even after all these years. To me, it is the only theory that makes any sense and it's also the only one that could be used in a therapeutic setting so that the chances of errors or mistakes in guidance be effectively minimized.

this book is an excellent primer to understanding the many incarnations of psychedelic experience.
the information is put forward in a very professional way.
benefits of LSD and other drugs in therapy are thoroughly weighed against potential detriment. This is a serious book, that confronts the question of where the real value lies in the psychedelic experience, and whether it exceeds the risks.

the concept of levels of psychedelic experience, is a good introduction to the works of Stanislav Grof and Transpersonal Psychiatry!

Very well written. Masters and Houston provide a description of what I would call their skeptically optimistic approach to psychedelic therapy.

They advance a theory on possible levels of the psychedelic expererience. Also, there is *a lot* of helpful advice to 'trip sitters'. If you are going to trip sit I reccommend reading this and looking at erowid.org.

Brand new re-issue of the classic 1966 work.

If "The Doors Of Perception" was the most important work on psychedelics because of its influence, this then is by far the greatest because of its impeccable research, its far-ranging implications and its clear, lucid and compelling putting together of the evidence for the remarkable therapeutic and consciousness-illuminating value of LSD and other psychedelics (principally peyote). They don't, however, proselitize, and this is much to their credit. In fact, they go to some lengths to inform the reader that an active pro-drugs "for the sake of drugs" mindset is fraught with peril, and do so in a way that is both impartial and learned.

They're at their best, however, in their extraordinary recounting of the psychedelic experiences they conducted themselves as guides. There are so many instances where the subject, usually a person with a very intense psychological or emotional problem, arrived at a life-changing breakthrough, that it lingers long in the mind.

But the book is most of all a primer for their very lucid theory of the psychedelic experience and its various stages or levels. It is, in fact, so well thought out and explained, that this reviewer wonders why it had so little impact on the great body of psychedelic research, even after all these years. To me, it is the only theory that makes any sense and it's also the only one that could be used in a therapeutic setting so that the chances of errors or mistakes in guidance be effectively minimized.

Huston and Masters give a well detailed and extremely fair minded account of the psychedelic experience, primarily via LSD sessions that were recorded by observers who were trained in psychology. The book covers the myriad aspects of "the trip" from perceptions of the human body to the deep religious experience.

The book is somewhat more scholarly than the works of someone like Timothy Leary but this is what is needed if this movement is to ever regain its legitimacy in the eyes of the general public. While it does not condone the illegal use of the drugs, it decries their suppression and the utter halt of legitimate research into these fascinating and important substances. Read it with an open mind, but remember that the drugs are illegal and therefore also potentially dangerous. That aside, the book will almost certainly spark your curiousity.

I picked this up as a bargain for my 12-year-old, then finished it myself that day. While some characters fall into stock categories (looks and popularity-obsessed pretty girl, scruffy tomboy, burdened-but-valiant poor girl), they are well-drawn enough to come fully to life and even present a few surprises. The adults are similarly nuanced, flawed but appealing. The special beauty of the story is its realistic and sympathetic handling of the mother's mental illness: the roots of it, the paths to healing, the reactions of family, especially the 13-year-old main character's. Little touches, too, keep this far from formula, such as the father of the poor girl, who in other books would turn out to be an abuser, but here proves to be neither noble nor savage. A tiny quibble: in 1960, no one wore white lipstick (try mid-to-late 60s) or used Dippity-Do (invented in 1965)--nitpicking, I know, but annoying--and there are a couple of other anachronistic details. Here and there, plot twists feel a bit facile. Overall, though, the strengths more than compensate for the few, minor weakensses. An honest, gentle, moving and uplifting book, with a big heart and a family of individuals you grow to love and are sorry to leave.

An amazing book. I am anxiously awaiting Ms.Fritz's next book because this was excellent. The mix of character development, humor, complex and realistic thoughts and beautiful lines make this book a great read.

Every once in a while a book comes along that your have to take the time to recommend to other readers, and this is one of them. The book is set in 1960 in a small southern town, and isn't about social issues, but rather about a trumatic experience in a young girl's life as she is preparing to enter highschool. The above editorial review covers the reasons behind her mother's breakdown, so I wont recap them, but I want to comment on the characters in the story. Buddy - is a rare jewel of a person, who is very open and honest and wise beyond her years. She alternately combines sorrow, confusion and humor without overdoing any and is totally believeable in all aspects. I was captivated by her 22 year old Aunt Sherry, who held the family together in more ways than one. The rest of the family and friends rounded out the story, but Buddy, her mom, and Sherry were what made it one of the best reads I have had in a long time.

Buddy is looking forward to a wonderful summer before she begins high school, but family problems are keeping her from fun. Her older brother, killed two years earlier, still haunts her mother's memory and just before the big summer picnic, her mother suffers a breakdown and enters a rest place for those with emotional problems. Determined to get her mother back from 'that place', Buddy embarks on a campaign which will change her family's life in Waiting To Disappear, a warm story of a family adjusting to emotional upset.

I love an author who can handle "angst" humorously. All the characters in Waiting to Disappear are the kind of people who live across the street or who you meet at the grocery store...real, interesting people. Buddy's determination to get her mom home is so palpable and I found myself rooting for her to succeed, even though I knew it wasn't likely. This book doesn't end with everyone living happily ever after, but there's a lot of hope here. I can't wait to read April Fritz's next book!

Dr. Chamberlain combines resources of academic research, well established inspirational writers and anecdotes of his own life and the life of his patients to create a simple, logical and convincing view of the dangers of our self-indulgent culture. His work shows how addictions affect all of us. He then shows how simple it is to reverse the trends of "more" in our lives.

If you think you are not part of the addicted society, this book will make you rethink your views. Then you can get on being part of the solution.

In his book, Wanting More, author and psychologist Mark Chamberlain explores two interesting paradoxes. The first paradox described by Chamberlain asserts, "Increasing the intensity of stimulation in our lives can actually spoil our capacity for enjoyment." The second paradox is intrinsically tied to the first, and states, "Tolerating less stimulation in our lives can actually increase our pleasure." In addition, Chamberlain explains how immediate gratification and excessive indulgence quickly damage and overload the human psyche, numbing the ability to experience pleasure and joy. He then fills his book with wise and hopeful suggestions designed to help the reader end their quest in search of ever increasing intensity and instead, learn to more fully appreciate and therefore truly enjoy life.

I highly recommend this book to others and bought several additional copies to give as gifts to my friends. Chamberlain offers practical solutions and sound advice on how to truly experience a fulfilling and joyful life.

I'm a college student. I'll say that I'm highly satisfied with life, but am always looking for more enjoyment (note: not stimulation :-)). I find that I have my little additctions / over stimulations that really do rob me from enjoying life fully. This book is awesome. Generally speaking it's concise, illustritive (sp), and enjoyable to read. Buy it now.

My wife, my 12 year old son and myself all read this book. I don't read many self-help books, but this one not only made me feel good while I was reading it, but the ideas also stayed with me since putting it down. As a person who generally tries to cram as much activity as possible into every minute, this book opened my eyes about our modern culture, and some of the things we can do to keep our sanity. As my 12 year old said, "everyone could benefit from reading this book."

I am a proffesional counselor with eight years experience. I have worked with addictions from weight loss to abuse and find this book a very clean and balanced presentation. This book summarizes what I want everyone to learn and understand about the choices we all make and the thoughts that we struggle with as human beings. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a better understanding of themselves and others. I also have had a chance to meet the author and found him to be authentic and caring.

This is a coming of age story of a girl and her brother living in a dysfunctional home. There were definitely times when I wanted to shout, "enough!". Still, the novel rings true, emotionally, and the protagonist is exceptionally well drawn, slowly maturing before your eyes. Thankfully, Eisenberg has a great sense of humor and there are some wonderfully lyrical passages. When the characters are briefly happy, so most definitely is the reader.

This is a brillant book, tracing a young kid's passage through family violece, addiction, pain, and love. The narrator blends the child's immediacy with the adult's wisdom, both touching you and teaching you. It's a real story that engages, reaches into your heart, and reminds you of your own pain and strugges. I love this book. Lucy is a winner, defying all odds--like David Copperfield, but from the Bronx! I can't remember when I read book I liked this much and that stayed with me this long.

Nora Eisenberg has written a book about growing up that is both achingly moving and hilarious--quite a feat to pull off! The small vignettes about her childhood gave me entrance into her family and neighborhood, and more than that, into life in New York in the 40's and 50's. I loved the honesty and compassion, the beauty and humor on every page of the book. A delicious read!

The "War At Home" is a beautifully written menoir-novel of a child, Lucy, struggling to grow up in a chaotic home where her parents are not up to the job in which they find themselves. The author writes in the child's voice with sensitivity and humor, the challenges growing up in a disfunctional family. The bond between Lucy and her brother Nicky is particuarly poignant, as they each find different ways to cope with their family's plight. The author, also, is adept at presenting a balanced picture of her parents, their strengths and weaknesses that gives depth to the story. I loved this book, and reccomend it highly. It stays with you long after you are finished with it.

This is an amazing book. It is the story of children who have to parent their parents. It made me cry but it also made me laugh over and over again. Once you start it, you can't put it down because you're rooting for the kids so hard. It is beautifully written and emotionally so true and satisfying. If you've experienced family violence, alcholism, drug addiction, or madness, you'll connect immemdiately; and if you haven't, you will feel like you have! If you liked This Boy's Life or Angela's Ashes, you'll love The War at Home.

Wendy Richardson needs to find a larger audience for her work - the information is invaluable. This is one of my favorite books of all time. I have bought extra copies to give away to people in the field that need to understand the link between biology and addiction. 6 stars... BRAVO!!!!

I see the devastating effects of AD/HD and addiction every day in my private psychotherapy practice. The GREAT NEWS is: THERE IS HOPE! Wendy Richardson presents crucial information about the connections between AD/HD and addictive behaviors (not just drugs and alcohol) in an easy read that is both enlightening and encouraging. This book presents the perfect balance between scientific facts and gentle words of encouragement. Ms. Richardson is very clear in making certain that the reader is not left with just information about the connection between AD/HD and addictive behaviors. She also provides the reader with valuable, "ready to use today," suggestions of what can be done right now to start the healing process. "When Too Much Is Not Enough" is the book to read - for individuals struggling with addiction, their family members, and everyone in the helping professions.
Jonathan Scott Halverstadt, MS, LMFT

Wendy Richardson once again writes an imformative and helpful book about AD/HD and addiction. This book delves deep into addictive behaviors that many adults with AD/HD face. This book isn't just about well known addictions like drugs and gambling. It discusses every day things like shopping, food, and the internet. Wendy also provides helpful ways to deal with AD/HD and addictive behaviors.

I read through this book in about an afternoon. The author does a fabulous job of telling you what parts you need to read and which you don't, depending on what type of AD/HD you have and what possible addictions you may also have. In addition she presents the information very clearly and includes a lot of information not discussed in detail elsewhere.

This book answers all the of questions I had about my close friend. It is a great source of knowledge and gives inspiration to getting the help you need.

Gives sound advice for Christian victims of domestic abuse. The author has survived and been set free from horrendous abuse and explains how she did it, with God's grace. Her own story is mind boggling. She discusses the problem of 'addiction' to an abusive spouse well, without in any way blaming the victim. Very helpful.Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence

This book forces open the door on a subject so many would rather avoid than face head on. It has never been acceptable to look away when someone is being harmed, yet we see that attitude all the time when it comes to spousal abuse. Victims of domestic violence are so often misunderstood because of the effects that abuse has on them. Women subject to the control and violent abuses of their spouses lose their dignity, self-respect, and spirituality. They need support from their community, not criticism.
Simply written, this book forces us to take a very honest look at ourselves and how we view (or choose not to see) this subject. It is so easy to pretend and avoid rather than face the ugly truth. This very moving book provides enough clarity to help us all have the strength we need to be honest and ultimately supportive of those who need it most.

I was so excited to find this book. I have a lot of Christian women approach me for advice on what they should do with their abusive husbands. I now have at least a book to refer them too in their time of need. I have written a full review on my website. Thank you!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54021.asp

In a day when popular Christian leaders put most of their eggs in one basket where Christian marriage is concerned, and focus on putting the responsibility of making marriages work upon the shoulders of wives, thereby implying that husbands are permitted to treat their wives as they will, this book is sorely needed! "Woman Submit! Christians and Domestic Violence" is a work that tells it like it is, using her own experience of being beaten by her husband and left to die as a springboard to educate readers about the atrocities being committed against women here in the United States, in the land where freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is proclaimed as the inalienable right of all men. (perhaps that's the problem; some men think it's the right of men--not women) Ms Andersen is not afraid to name names, including Dr. James Dobson, to help explain how he, along with other Christian leaders advise wives to return to their abusive and life-threatening husbands, and even explain how the wives are responsible for their husbands' abusive behavior.

Throughout the book, Ms Andersen paints a compelling picture that provides answers to the question "Why doesn't she just leave?" For the Christian wife, besides other pressures like economics and fear for her safety, the pressure--and teaching--to stay with or return to her abusive and violent husband comes from Christian leaders and the Christian community, and all too often even from a woman's church. Considering that in Isaiah 58, God spells out that the fast he will honor is that of delivering people from oppression, it is reprehensible that the church has not been leading the charge against domestic violence, but instead has been perpetuating the oppression of women. Society has had to educate Christian leaders about family violence and appeal to them to do their part to teach against it and stop it. The statistics in chapter 5 were especially chilling. That 1 in 4 women had experienced domestic violence as an adult, and another survey said 50% of women who had been abused never reported it to anyone. This would suggest that 50% of women have experienced domestic violence as adults! I repeat, this book is sorely needed! The church must stop sanctioning wife oppression!

Woman Submit! also goes deeper than other books dealing with the abuse of Christian women. "Keeping the Faith" by Marie M. Fortune, for example does correct misinterpretations of biblical passages, but it does not go deep enough. For a woman who has had "Wife Submit! in everything and no matter what he does" pounded into her head, a writer saying the wife does not need to yield all the time and that the husband is commanded to be nurturing, just does not carry much weight. But Ms. Andersen points out the passage in Proverbs that was so helpful to her. When wisdom enters an abused woman's heart, knowledge, discretion, and understanding will deliver her from the way of the evil man. There it is: God is for deliverance from an abuser.

Thank-you, Jocelyn for obeying God and writing this book. It must have been tough to have to relive the pain of what you went through in order to write it in such a succinct (in that nothing was repeated or wallowed in) yet thorough way (taking the time to write enough detail that we get the picture and to explain Bible words and meanings). I will definitely use your book as a resource in my effort to help women.

In addition to this wonderful and helpful book, please check out Jocelyn Andersen's blog, [...]. The post "A Question of Submission" for example, adds insight about the Ephesians 5 question, and other posts keep us up-to-date on the comments, teaching, and efforts of popular Christian leaders.

Waneta Dawn is the author of Behind the Hedge, a novel. Visit [...] to read chapter one, for information on the damaging effects of non-physical violence, and/or to order.

This book was quite an eye-opener for me. It is the first hand account from a woman who was brutally beaten by her pastor husband. She explains the dilemmas faced by Christians in these situations who believe that divorce is wrong and are willing to risk their lives for those beliefs by staying in an abusive relationship. She does a good job presenting the problem in many churches where the staff seem to focus on getting the wife to not provoke the husband, rather than using church discipline to correct the out-of-control husband. But as the author explains, the abuse is going to occur whether there's real provocation or not. It is the abuser who is the problem, not the victim.

The book gave some excellent guidance in how to talk to someone you think is in this situation and how best to help. Although the material is mostly from a biblical perspective, the advice it provides would be useful for anyone, regardless of religion. For example, I was surprised to find that the trite comments we think are helpful and encouraging, are instead just the opposite. And she explains why women are so relunctant to go to the police or their pastors for help. This book should be in every church library and required reading for all pastors and counselors!

i live in Lexington NC and they are using forced annexation to force many hundreds of poor people our of their homes.
Lexingtontruth.com has abuse of power listed as a must read.

The truth is this land is no longer you land.

Author does a fantastic job of documenting cases where city council members and local governments propose a dime on the dollar to take private property in order to allow big business to add taxes to their pockets. No accountability! Small property owners do not generally have the money to hire the right lawyers to fight the system and are often overcome by eminent domain abuses of the local government. Without a lawyer, it is hard to know the law well enough to fight local government abuse of power. Books like this one can highlight what should be a great bipartisan case to protect average citizens like us.

Kelo, et al v New Haven, Conn. will be heard by the Supreme Court this session. New Haven is attempting to condemn a series of properties and LEASE the land to a developer for 99 years at a $1 a year. That is a unique twist. The city will own the land but the developer gets to build and sell the houses and commercial buildings. What makes this even more incredible is that the new owners of the the homes, never own the land. So 20 or 30 years from now the city can take their houses and build something else the "City" deems better use of the land.

A Must Read!!!

This book is powerful, succinct, and full of examples and recent cases. It will blow your mind and hopefully, if you have a soul, it will wrench it. First, you'll see clearly, with in the first chapter, how the government does it so readily and easily and they dupe us as a whole into thinking what they're up to is innocuous. Then you'll see how unjust and un-American it is. Then join me in a battle to preserve our fundamental freedoms.

As someone who has worked on the other side of the table in eminent domain for government agencies for over 20-years, allow me to unhesitatingly endorse Orange County Register columnist Steven Greenhut's book Abuse of Power: How the Government Misuses Eminent Domain. For this book to be authored by a journalist is unusual because, while it is an expose mainly of the abuses of condemnation, on many aspects it reflects an insider's knowledge of the eminent domain game. Any good journalist knows the formula for writing a popular book -- champion the little guy against big government or large corporations. But Greenhut's book is not just another tale of victimology meant only to make money selling books. There are entire shelves of popular books out there that make out some bug or plant as the victim of development as an excuse to steal someone's property. There are many guidebooks to help government agencies in taking property for redevelopment projects that short change the small property owner because there isn't enough money at stake to hire an attorney or appraiser. There are innumerable regulations that can invisibly transfer the bulk of the value of vacant land for the benefit of others without just compensation. Greenhut's book is an antidote to all the above. It is a highly readable 300 pages with 417 endnotes and a helpful list of resource organizations for property owners. Greenhut is on to something big - really big -- in his book. Government property acquisitions for redevelopment projects are predicated on the buy low - sell high principle to make the project pencil out. Greenhut points out the upsidedown definition of "blight" in redevelopment projects as the absence of something, namely tax-producing commercial development, not the presence of slums or hazardous conditions. Thus blight becomes the absence of what Peter can gain at Paul's expense, not the presence of something owned by Peter that hurts Paul. Conversely, there are abuses by hired gun lawyers and attorneys on behalf of property owners at the expense of the public. But the Constitution was meant to protect the small property owner from the abuses of government. The large property owners, developers, monopoly utility companies, and public agencies have their armies of lawyers and appraisers. The small business owner, vacant land owner, the small church or synagogue, or widow is often left defenseless against the predations of government. But now they have Greenhut and his book. It has taken someone with the coincidental name of Greenhut (green=money; hut=house) to expose the "milk-cow" system of eminent domain that feeds lawyers, appraisers, judges, developers, and monopoly utility companies and railroads at the expense of the property owner -- that is unless they have the wherewithal to fight. This book gives them that wherewithal. Property owners need to read it; government agencies should heed it; attorneys should feed it to their clients; academics need it for their classes; and the media should learn to lead with it.

The Addiction Monster and the Square Cat, although geared toward 5th and 6th graders and up, is equally pertinent to the older teen and even adults. While this may be a children's book, you shouldn't let it stop you from reading it.

The story is a fictionalized version of the long struggle and ultimate death of the author's (and my) son. The story is told by the sassy but lovable family cat, with humor and pathos. It also tells of other young people who had ambition and goals, and dreams of achieving the American dream and being successful. Unfortunately their dreams were stolen from them by not only drugs, but by the disease of addiction.

Most anti-drug books focus on drugs, but this book takes it one step farther. It explains to the kids in clear, easy to understand language, that while drugs will harm your brain, it is the side effect of drugs - addiction - that is the real killer. Some kids may choose to do drugs but they do so without the knowledge that drug use can cause addiction.

Addiction is a proven brain disease and the only way to prevent addiction is to never use drugs. The author also explains that scientific research has shown that the human brain does not fully mature until the age of 24 or 25, and the last part of the brain to mature is the part that controls our decision making processes. This is why it is so critical that kids do not do drugs.

Do yourself and your child, or any child you might know, a favor and get them The Addiction Monster and the Square Cat. This book affords a wonderful opportunity to speak honestly to kids about the dangers of drugs and more importantly, the dangers of addiction. No one knows, before they do their first drug, if they have the addiction gene, and if they will become addicted. Sadly, once they find this out, it's too late...the Addiction Monster has already taken hold of them and has them in its grip. Then the long road to trying to beat drugs begins and once addicted, the chances of defeating the Monster are incredibly small. It's much easier to not do them in the first place.

Taking drugs is easy - but stopping drugs is hard. As the author so wisely says, Be Smart - Don't Start!

If you have had the privilege of reading Ms. McGinnis' other books, than you will clearly know that this one.......though written more for adolescents, it is nothing short of telling it "like it is" on a level that both parents and children will learn from...... together!! The topic of drug addiction in this world, is as real as the chair you are sitting on, whether you want to face it or not, or whether you think that it will never happen to you, someone you love, and most of all..... you children, who are exposed at a much younger age than you could possibly imagine!! This book is a wake-up call, told from the perspective of a cute, but sassy cat! The reader will understand the urgency of the problem, long before the final page, but you won't be able to put it down until the very end!! A MUST-READ is purely an understatement, and should be a part of every child's and parents' library, as well as every school library....... world wide!! It took me all of a 30 minutes to read the book, because I could hardly wait to see what was said on the following pages - just as you will!! This book will hit you squarely between the eyes, as you begin to understand the seriousness of the message!! Without giving it away, just know that there are moments of humor, as well as sadness, though being addicted to drugs and alcohol, is in no way a laughing matter!! Our children are dropping like flies on a daily basis, and without educating yourselves and your children, before they start experiementing, (which all children do - even though they may have heard of the dangers), you may well miss the signs - which you will also learn in this magnificent, yet hard hitting jewel of book!! Whatever you do.........don't miss it, or any other of Ms. McGinnis' work, as she speaks from first hand experience!! I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts here, as I would NEVER be as educated as I am now, (affording me the knowledge to help others)...... which I wish I had known, prior to my own child's death from the scourge of addiction!!! If you think that you have experienced pain in your life before, there is NOTHING which comes close to losing your child, when it could possibly have been prevented - had you or your child known!! Oh yes, TRUST ME........it most certainly can happen to you and yours!!! Now that you know that this book has been written and is available here, there is NO EXCUSE for not reading this with or to your children!! Undoubtedly, you will thank Ms. McGinnis for having the courage to write her books on this subject, which still carries such a stigma. It is up to us to remove that stigma, and to educate ourselves and our children............ before it's much TOO LATE!!!

I bought this book for the education of the dangers of drug abuse for my nephew who is 10 yrs old. children must be educated EARLY to prevent the demon of drug addiction. Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis is amazing, this book should belong in EVERY school library and in every home of children.

Bravo! Ms. Letzgus McGinnis has done what I had hoped she would after I read her first book by speaking directly to the children. This book presents young people with the invaluable lesson that the disease of addiction doesn't just hurt the person that is addicted; it hurts everyone around them. As a first grade teacher, mother of two young boys, and an animal lover, this story speaks to me from every angle of my life. PLEASE READ THIS WITH YOUR CHILDREN!!! Save their lives and help them save the lives of their friends whose parents don't take the time to educate them on the dangers of the disease of addiction.

The Addiction Monster and the Square Cat is the first children's book by Letzgus McGinnis. It's geared toward children in the 5th grade and up and is told by the "sassy but lovable family cat."' It is a fictionalized version of the long struggle and ultimate death of the author's son from a multiple drug overdose. The story is heartwarming and explains about addiction to the younger set in terms that they can understand. The author even explains what "bingeing" and "alcoholism" is and she takes great pains to deliver a very sobering message to children without scaring them. She writes of other children too who had lofty goals and aspirations but never lived to realize them because drugs stole their future from them. This book should be required reading in all elementary schools because we have to teach them about drugs and addiction before they begin experimenting with same. I highly recommend this book, not only for the younger kids, but also for older kids and adults as well. It's the perfect book to read with your younger child also.