Abuse Books

We live in a time when fourth graders are suspended from school for "sexually harassing" little girls on the playground and the names of 10 year old boys names are published as registered sex offenders in the state of Texas. Some publicly proclaim, "sex before 8 or it's too late." And the American Psychological Association was forced by nationally known a radio advice show hostess to explain itself for publishing perfectly good, peer reviewed literature about the lasting effects of child sexual abuse, because it suggested the some politically unpopular (though scientifically supportable) conclusions. A sense of balance and fairness is badly needed and Dr. Toni Cavanagh Johnson provides a good does of it in this book.

Children are sexual people and she isn't afraid to say so. But she also describes how their sexuality is different from adult sexuality and how the two don't mix without risking dire consequences for the child.

Dr. Cavangh Johnson describes normal childhood sexuality as one end of a continuum. Most children fit that description. A few are on the other end - sexually aggressive children who assault others. In between are sexually reactive and sexually pre-occupied children, also carefully described. Concerned adults are given guidelines for assessing their child's sexual behavior, putting it in context and acting without over-reacting, when action is indicated.

As a practicing psychotherapist and Continuing Education Instructor for Child Welfare social workers, I'm whole-heartedly recommending this thorough, yet short and easy-to-understand book to parents, foster parents, teachers, social workers and anyone interested in sexual development and sexual behavior of children.

We live in a time when fourth graders are suspended from school for "sexually harassing" little girls on the playground and the names of 10-year-old boys names are published as registered sex offenders Texas. Some publicly proclaim, "sex before 8 or it's too late." And the American Psychological Association was forced by a nationally known a radio advice show hostess to explain itself for publishing perfectly good, peer reviewed literature about the lasting effects of child sexual abuse, because it suggested the some politically unpopular (though scientifically supportable) conclusions. A sense of balance and fairness is badly needed and Dr. Toni Cavanagh Johnson provides a good dose of it in this book.

Children are sexual people and she isn't afraid to say so. But she also describes how their sexuality is different from adult sexuality and how the two don't mix without risking dire consequences for the child.

Dr. Cavangh Johnson describes normal childhood sexuality as one end of a continuum. Most children fit that description. A few are on the other end - sexually aggressive children who assault others. In between are sexually reactive and sexually pre-occupied children, also carefully described. Concerned adults are given guidelines for assessing their child's sexual behavior, putting it in context and acting without over-reacting, when action is indicated.

As a practicing psychotherapist and Continuing Education Instructor for Child Welfare social workers, I'm whole-heartedly recommending this thorough, yet short and easy-to-understand book to parents, foster parents, teachers, social workers and anyone interested in sexual development and sexual behavior of children.

While this is not an introductory text, it does cover many topics that are areas of concern for parents. Since there are so many children who have been exposed to adult sexuality, abused, or just experimenting with growing up, it is important for parents and clinicians to be able to access accurate and uncomplicated information. Dr. Cavanagh-Johnson has articulated this well in this book. A very good read.

This book is an excellent reference for educators and parents of a child who has been abused, but it may not be what the average parent is looking for. If you are simply looking for ways to help your child develop a normal sexuality, a different book would be better. If you have a child with a persistent sexual behavior which disturbs you, then this is your book. It can help you decide what is normal, what is not, and what to do next. Some of the statistical information is confusing and poorly explained, but the practical information could be invaluable.

This is a wonderful book explaining in simple language various levels of sexual behvior and development. Helpful to parents and professionals, you will be able to identify and recognize differences between normal, inappropriate and troublesome sexual behavior. Also helps parents understand how to talk to their children about sex at the child's developmental level.

I'm not Lacanian in any way, as the author is, but I fond the work of Annie Rogers very enlightning.
She starts writing about her personal trauma, then she illustrates how the trauma influences our life, developing her toughts through well described clinical cases about traumatized girls she worked with, analyzed on the framework of the Lacanian psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
While I don't agree with her in many theoretical consideration, I found her ideas on the uncounscious work of the relational trauma works very interesting, somewhat useful in clinical practice, absolutely sensitive of the clinical process
The trauma is a core concept in clinical psychology today, and the work of Rogers shows that there is the possibility to deepen different points of view on the topic, very far from the psychoanalytic "mainstream" but autentically eand sincerely developedfor helping patients.

Dr. Adriano Schimmenti

I really enjoyed this book and learned from it, but found it less compelling than "A Shining Affliction". Possibly I felt that Rogers was trying very hard to convince me of the validity of Lacanian theory. It felt a tad defensive - as though somehow she was warding off a critical audience in her use of Lacan to understand what some of her patients were going through. And yes, at times the word-play felt a bit excessive and the meaning forced.
However the reason I loved this book and Rogers' work is her ability to tolerate ambiguity and nuance, and find a way into relationship with patients who are desperately alone in their experience and their minds. I always learn from her, and so appreciate her willingness to share the struggle for understanding in the name of healing and connectedness.

I am not an expert in this field.
This book was an introduction to a deep way of thinking about humanity.
About Freud and psychoanalysis.
The book takes the reader through a process. The authors experience, clues, cases, clues, structure, clues. Trusting the reader, Ann Rogers takes the care to let our consciousness unfold. The material and stories of the girls and of her reactions is frightening. Horrifying. Her technique of not blaming the perpetrator nor leaving the victim in the sole role of victim was difficult but at the same time open doors to understanding the past, the behaviors and the future.
I can't recommend it more highly.

I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I'm just beginning to deal with it at the age of 17. An older friend of mine sent me this book in hopes it would help.
I didn't expect it to help so much.

I went through it with a highlighter, marking all the meaningful, important lines; each page is near fully yellowed.

I read this book in a week. I could not put it down.

Highly, highly recommended--not only for CSA survivors, but for psychologists, and anyone else interested in understanding.

It's probably not a coincidence that it is difficult to put into words what Annie has communicated in her book about the hidden language of trauma. Through her entrancing and lyrical use of language, she somehow magically illustrates how the invisible marks of trauma on the body repeatedly surface through the spoken--and more importantly non-spoken--language. In her work with traumatized children, Annie mirrors back traces of their unconscious she remarkably detects in both their words and silences, and ultimately helps the child to give voice to the haunting "unsayable."

Admittedly, I am still trying to process all that was said in this book. And as I do so, I take comfort in Annie's final words of the book when she said: "..if your body in pieces has begun to speak, and if you are now brimming with words and their sounds--and you're no longer sure of what you're hearing or saying...you are the one person I've written this for, the one to whom I entrust these words."

I really enjoyed this book. As a survivor of sexual abuse who has gone through many stages of healing (and most likely will continue), it was comforting to read and know God's truths and dispel the myths that survivors believe about being sexually abused.

This book provides practical steps to equip a person interested in helping someone who has been a victim of sexual abuse and/or someone that desires freedom from the pain of past sexual abuse. This book illustrates the process of healing and provides a framework to becoming a person who is whole and healthy (emotionally, spiritually and physically).

What an amazing resource for today's world in which sexual abuse is more and more prevalent than it ever has been. So many have been abused and do not know what to do - this book is a great tool to help people understand that there IS hope after being abused! There IS freedom! I've recommended this to those in my life who work closely with youth and may need to help someone who has been abused. Awesome resource!

Nancy really helps people understand this issue in such a practical way. From this book people can learn how to handle some of the issues that stem from being violted. I have referenced it to many people to either help or educate them about this issue and they always thank me later. This book serves as a friend and voice of hope to those who feel isolated or alone in the world of this issue.

This book brings hope for victims of sexual abuse. It is also a very informative book for family members and friends who have someone in their life they love going through the emotions of past abuse! Great job Mercy Ministries

As an Occupational Therapist and CEO of CaralWorks Inc,a comapny that addresses women, Chemotherapy, feelings, support through images and cards I am much about communication inward & outward. I am also happily married for 17 years.Void of Moon captures the inward and outward importance of communication, yet one does not have to be separating from ones spouse to really appreciate this book. Separation comes in many, many forms: Void of Moon depicts and relates this beautifully. I enjoyed Ms. Falcones style, honesty, perceptiveness and frankness. Thank-you.

Ever been in a cave? We all have. Ever come out of a cave?
Yes, at least we all believe we have until in a rigorously fast-paced 21st century we are asked to---share.

This authoress reached through the millenia to the Golden Mean that connects us All through heart and wove our tale.

Hale, Falcone.

Denise needs to be commended for writing such a brave and honest account of her ending marriage. This work takes the reader through the frightening and empowering maze of the human experience. The author illustrates that in relationships, and especially during their tumultuous endings, there is no good guy or bad guy. Throughout this book Denise gives a voice of fear and feminism at once, and takes the reader through her ups and downs while constantly reminding you that life is still happening around you. As the child of divorce, I found it astonishing and brilliant that Denise is able to keep the needs of her child in the forefront while her needs and emotions were scattered and raw. This book is beautifully written and honest in that Denise accepts responsibility for her actions as well as the responsibility to make her life what she wants it to be. It is rare to find a book in which the author puts it all on the line. And whether you have experienced a divorce or not in your life, this book is for you if you have ever had the sinking feeling in your chest that your relationship is not working. The book reminds us that our lives are ever changing and unsettled, but through change and readjustment comes happiness and self respect. Thank you Denise for putting this out there and for your bravery to paint yourself in all of life's colors.

Void of Moon validates my life perpsective. I lost myself in this book, and came to, feeling good. Denise shares her experience and guides with subtle suggestions. This book is wonderful and greatly needed to us all.
Thanks,
Victoria Van Deven

Denise, you could not have told your story any better!!
I relived my own journey of pain & tears, and finally
(which seemed like forever) the strength, the self confidence
and the ability to laugh again.
Your book is an inspiration because you show no matter
how difficult it may seem at the time the effortless days do
lie ahead!

This is a penetrating story written gracefully and honestly by a courageous woman. Its compelling and essential messages are delivered with exquisite subtlety, so that our appreciation for the earth, for the people in our lives who lift us, for the waters that cleanse and renew us, and ultimately, for ourselves, is heightened and sharpened by each flowing page. What's more, Hemingway's Southern wit, charm, and guile make this book a heck of a lot of fun to read.

For anyone who has ever witnessed a loved one do the slow dance with alcoholism, Lorian Hemingway's memoir is waiting for you. Yet another lesson that life is best described with four letter words: love, hate, hope and dirt. I laughed out loud at her hilarious drug hazed antics and cringed as she began her long drawn out fall. Her honesty is astounding: no regrets, no finger pointing, no pass off of responsibility of her actions. Thank you, Lorian, for this memorable book.

Forget all that you've read about redemption and the bad girl made good, if you like to live in the real world and to fish, this book is for you. Not to mention that it's pretty damn well written to boot. Good Stuff!

WOW! I didn't buy this book expecting much. Yes, I knew it was written by the granddaughter of the Ernest Hemingway and yes, I know it was about 'fishing'....but I really had no idea. Really..no idea how this woman's words would grab me. Knowing that she lives in the same city where I work, I'm hoping to one day stumble across her and just tell her how much impact this book had on me. A co-worker just went through alcohol de-tox and this book gave me some vague notion of what he went through. Thanks for that! I'm not a fisherwoman....but I love fish and I work with dead fish parts daily as a science-lady, and this book is full of fish-wisdom, honesty and beautiful, true words. This book is full of all that. Humor, honesty and love. Again, WOW!

The book was recommended to me by a friend and I thought it would be a great lazy day reading book. Was I wrong! Once I started, I couldn't put it down. The book grabs your soul from the beginning and by the end, you can't believe it's over. It iis truly the ultimate in survivor stories and it proves the adage.."What does not kill you, will make you stronger." Obviously, the author is (at the end) a stronger, resiliant woman .

I met the author at the Maui Writer's Conference. She seemed to cruise the crowd like an angel in disguise, looking for those of us in the non-fiction group that could use a kind ear and a few tidbits of advice on writing about trauma.

Reading Ellen Taliaferro's book helped me handle my Post Traumatic Stress I was feeling regarding mother's murder. I thought I was over it, but the cold case was reopened 30 years later and I never imagined not being able to cope with the crush of emotions, anger and dysfunctional behavior that threatened to overwhelm me. Working through the book's journaling exercises helped me open up to myself, and gave me a safe place to figure things out when all around me the world felt unsafe.

I am not the type to go to a therapist, and this book's exercises fit in with my spiritual beliefs and helped me to tune into myself, rather than seek an outside solution. I especially liked the exercises on dealing with stress and anger and handling and feeling emotions.

I suggest a nice pen and a notebook of paper to go with the book as the space provided inside for journaling was not enough for me. Plus, you may want to gift this book to others once you feel healed enough to do so.

-Susan Hernandez

I love Dr. T's book. As a person with abuse in my past, the book really spoke to me. Before I read the book, there was so much of my life that I had blocked out due to the pain of confronting the abuse.

I realized that it was time to remember who I was and stop being afraid. The exercises in the book served as the perfect vehicle for helping me to discover and explore many of my old beliefs that kept me a victim. The book validated me and helped me to understand that I chose to be a victim long after the abuse. Now I am a survivor. I make choices based on having a conscious awareness and not based on old patterns of behavior. This book is a Godsend! Thank you, Dr. T.

I was so inspired by and impressed with the sensitivity and insights included in this book, that I have to recommend it to anyone who has suffered trauma, but more importantly to those who help victims of trauma. Psychologists, therapists, and family counselors as well as anyone who works with those suffering from physical or psychic injury, will benefit from reading the book and sharing information from it with patients. The book helped me!

WellWriting for Health After Trauma and Abuse: Five WellWriting Ways to Regain Your Health and Life by Ellen H. Taliaferro, MD, FACEP.

Review by__Monique Rider___

Dr. Taliaferro's book is insightful and inspiring. It is packed with practical and useful information for those struggling with the affects of abuse. Of particular interest to me are the areas on anger, forgiveness, and how the body says 'no'.

Dr. Taliaferro addresses some important points about learning to let go and using anger constructively.

How often our bodies speak to us and we do not listen! Dr. Taliaferro drives home the point of becoming aware of our bodies and learning to trust them. Trust is such a sensitive issue when one has a background of abuse. The trust must first begin within, and listening to the body is how it all starts.

It was also very helpful to be given the opportunities and prompts to journal throughout the book. I found that feelings were surfacing throughout the book and it helped to have a reminder to stop and journal.

Dr. Taliaferro addresses the whole issue of stress. After all these years of working to overcome my past, I still find that many of my stressors relate right back to my abuse. That is frustrating but at least now I can recognize it almost right away. Dr. Taliaferro validates the fact that many of the affects of abuse linger for a very long time. And she offers helpful tools to keep the reader moving forward.

I was happy to see all of the resource links provided in the book. For anyone needing support, information, and direction the many resources will help immensely.

Dr. Taliaferro's book offers a refreshing and uplifting way to deliver information about a painful topic. I also enjoyed reading about her experiences as a physician. I would highly recommend this book.

© Copyright 2005 Monique Rider.
You have permission to publish part or all of this article electronically or in print, in your newsletter, on your website, or in your e-book, as long you maintain the hyperlinks in the article for web or e-book publication and include the following information: "Written by Monique Rider, transition coach, author and wellness expert. Monique can be contacted through [...] A copy of your reprint or publication would be appreciated.

This book is about what happens when the abuse stops. A person may be safe but still not feel safe. There may be overwhelming fear, guilt, or sadness that has to be expressed somehow in order to heal. Dr. Taliaferro's book shows how personal writing can be a big part of that process. The book is easy to follow and has some wonderful exercises. It's warm, positive, and looks toward the future. Highly recommended.

"When I Go To Bed At Night" is a beautifully illustrated book with exquisitely empowering words inviting the reader to find and acknowledge the seeds of truth within and see hope beyond the confining shell of abuse. Most importantly, this book encourages disclosure and discussion. Karen A. Dahlman, MA, LPC, A.T.R. Creative Visions, Lake Oswego, Oregon

When I Go To Bed At Night is written in the language of the child and takes the reader through the tragedy of sexual abuse with the care and nurturing of a strong and sensitive advocate. Mary Lansing, M.A. Marriage and Family Therapist, Portland, Oregon

When I Go To Bed At Night is a deeply moving and beautifully told story about the reclaiming of self and healing from sexual abuse. It is inspiring and a "must read" for women and men who seek to free themselves from the past by telling and facing the truth. Sue Anne Wiedenfield, Ph.D. Seattle, WAshingto

I remember the basement horrors of my own shredded childhood, and I remember believing that fairies could take me up, up, above Gardner Lake on a silver cloud to a place of peace, where no abuse could reach me. Little did I know that Susan Bassett floated there, too. Her book brings back not only the sadness of abuse, but also memories of the time in my life when my belief in fairies kept me whole. I shared this book with my own children. They intuitively understood both the harm done to little Suzy, and the healing work that freed her. As a mother and a survivor, I am glad to have found the magic and truth in this book. -- Kiesa Ka

Susan Bassett's journey through the "dark night of the soul" speaks from the depth of a child crying out in pain - before embracing love, compassion, forgiveness and acceptance. Joelle Tuttle, Women's Health Center, Seattle, Washingto

I THOUGHT THIS WAS A VERY GOOD READ!! I ENJOYED THIS BOOK SO MUCH THAT I AM GOING TO PURCHASE IT AGAIN! I LOANED THE BOOK TO MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, WHO HAD STOPPED READING, SHE ENJOYED THE BOOK SO MUCH THAT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO RETURN IT, BUT THE BEST PART, IT STARTED HER READING AGAIN!!!

Dear Bev-e: Thank you for writing this book. I was so ashamed of myself for some of the things that has happened to me. After reading your book I was able to face my abusers. If this book was written for only one person, it would be for me. I thank you so very much Bev-e. By the way I had a chance to see you speak. You are very beautiful. Who would have thought that you've been through as much. Please keep writing. Can hardly wait to read your next book.I love you Bev-e.

Even though I'm not a victim of the abuses this author has experienced, the book identifies and shows hope, healing, and a chance to recover from the aspect of abuse, even from the self lost of childhood. The author Bev-e has done an excellent job of integrating the healing aspects spiritually, physically, and emotionally through this book ...to recovery during her adult life. Absolutely -- A MUST READ!!!

I could not begin to imagine the pain and suffering Bev-e has been through. Would like to know more about her non-profit organizations, and how is she doing today. Her strength is of unspeakable relisiency. You go girl.

Bev-E, I LOVE YOU. Your strength is unbelievable. I hope that you will get a chance to see my comment. I am also a survivor of many ills, and reading your book and feel your strength has help me to overcome. You are an amazing woman. I wish I could hug you.

Want a visceral take on addiction? Want a first hand account of real world application of Jungian technique? Want a "romantic" account in the imaginative, inventive, supernatural sense besides the usual understanding of the term? This your book

GLB

This is actually an appreciation - not a literary review. I am an alcoholic in recovery and have an immense gratitude to Linda for writing this book. In her book I found answers, or rather experiences I could relate to, so similar and fitting to many issues burning and un-explained within me. My daimon has been enriched and my recovery program enhanced as a result of reading her great work. I have become a survivor (witness) to the road less travelled up the ladder out of the Abyss - I am no longer terrified to visit that void of darkness because I understand the burning issues of Creativity and Addiction parallels and inter-relations all that much better for reading her book. I am able, daily, one step at a time, to unshackle myself as a hostage to my addiction and choose to harness my creativity productively as a result of being a student of "Witness to the Fire". And I am a student of her work still, and always will be, due to my acceptance of my powerlessness over my lifelong disease and my need for every tool I can find to keep me healthy and strong. But I have chosen to let My Higher Power guide my daily existence and can therefore cope and be creative once more. Linda's book is constantly next to my bedside along with my "Big Book" and "My Recovery Book" - in daily use during my prayers and meditations. You helped save my life Linda - Thank You. Colin Tatham

Never have I seen anything quite like this. This is the definitive book on creativity. & When you don't create, ahhh, the ills that befall us. We fall into an addictive pattern trying desperatedly to recreate that atonement w/God. Failing that, one either drinks, or does whatever to replicate that feeling one more time. Again & again. This book revealed the essence alcoholism. Why certain people drink or create. Simple as that. I've reread this one @ least 2x now. Enjoy your journey.

This is a unique and courageous book, as heartening to the artist as to the addict in each of us. It is a marvelously distilled meditation on creativity's darkness en route to the light. Leonard has deftly woven literary, spiritual, and psychological treatments of the dark night of the soul into a seamless tapestry, and found precious meaning in some of the most devastating aspects of human experience. For anyone facing their own darkness, this book is a welcome and comforting companion, an inspiring guide, and a very wise friend.

Should be mandatory reading in any drug/alcohol counseling course. I've read this book 2x and have savored it completely each and every time. I've gained new insights into myself. I finally understood the reaons for which I drank and how barren and empty my soul was for spirit. How badly I wanted to be "drunk" with spirit. And in my inability to replicate that experience, which fed my frustrations and in turn, lead me to drink. Understood the "voices" in my head that were there to punish me for every imagined infraction. Those harmful "parental voices" mocking approval and throwing tibits of love at me. My need to feel the connection to the spirit and the easy road that I took as a young adult. Every time I have re-read a page or two out of this book has always led me to create some form of art in some way.

This book is a celebration of women and the beauty and power of their indomitable spirits. I often found myself in tears reading the interviews and looking at the art photographs. But these were not tears of sadness. Rather, they were tears that emerged from being moved and touched deeply. They sprung forth from being inspired and having my heart opened, from being sourced by women who rose above the challenge of abuse and domestic violence to find healing. In the book, 40 women-ages nineteen to ninety-five-bared all to express their triumph over trauma. In this daring approach, fine art black and white photography combines with moving interviews to portray the essence of each woman's journey from the violence of abuse to transformation and healing. This is the most hope-filled book you will ever read about abuse and recovery. Begun as a photography exhibit, Out of the Shadows, the subjects are women who have experienced every economic situation from homelessness to the champagne lifestyle; they span many ethnicities; they are the well-known to the obscure-like the "ordinary" 62-year-old farm wife who left her abusive marriage. Each woman helped create her portrait as a personal symbol of healing, often focusing on one aspect of her body she felt was most affected in the healing process. by Alissa Lukara: Author of Riding Grace: A Triumph of the Soul

The body of a woman is beautiful, perhaps more so as she lives life and overcomes the many obstacles waiting to trip her up or tear her down. But what about the body of an abused woman? Is she still beautiful? Can her body be beautiful? Photographer and author Jan Goff-LaFontaine met with forty women, aged 19 to 95, all survivors of abuse. She photographed them in the nude to celebrate their ownership of their bodies after experiencing the victory of surviving abuse.

Women in Shadow and Light is not a book for voyeurs or those seeking a thrill. Instead, it is a deeply moving tribute to womanhood, in particular, to women who have survived abuse. Each woman allowed the part of her body she most associated with her personal experience of abuse to be photographed-only now that body part is seen victoriously.

Completely shot in black and white, the images in this book are not just works of art-they are works of love, celebration, hope, triumph, and acceptance. Their beauty is enhanced as the meaning of the portrait becomes clearer, using a narrative in the subject's own words as well as notes by the author. Some portraits include a post-interview letter from the women speaking about the experience of the photo shoot.

In Jan's own words, "I wanted to make the book a celebration of the strength and beauty of women; a reclaiming of their own joy and a gift of hope to others."

Why choose nude portraiture to offer hope? Jan says, "The question haunting me was: how can we change our perception-and even influence society's concept-of what it means to be a beautiful woman? My vision was to allow each of the women to help create her own portrait in order to see her body in a new way; to see it as beautiful and precious. To see it as a work of art."

I recommend Women in Shadow and Light for all women who are recovering from abuse; for counselors and pastors to share with those seeking affirmation. It is an inspiring tribute to the power of a woman and the beauty that arises out of the ashes of a fire that once threatened to suffocate the essence of God's most stunning creation: woman.

Two quotes from participants in Women in Shadow and Light:

"It's truly a gift to be part of this, and to be able to speak up, knowing that my story of courage can inspire others. Instead of feeling small and damaged, I am brave, I have healed, and I am an example of how others can heal, too."-Cheryl

"I'd like to hold out hope to other women...to let them know they aren't alone; they aren't the only ones these things happened to, and they can survive."-Ellie

Jan Goff-LaFontaine is a photographer and writer who is dedicated to bringing awareness and healing through art. She uses a 35 mm and medium format cameras to focus attention on people, sometimes spending hours to capture a moment. Each sensitive portrait is handcrafted by Jan to offer viewers a glimpse into the essence of her subjects.

Women In Shadow And Light: Journeys From Abuse To Healing by author, editor, and photographer Jan Goff-LaFontaine showcases the stories of forty women ranging in age from nineteen to ninety-five who found the courage to overcome personal trauma. Their inspiring stories are beautifully enhanced with sensitive portrait photography that offers a visual glimpse into the essence of these individual women. A unique body of work, Women In Shadow And Light is especially recommended reading for anyone struggling with verbal, physical, or emotional abuse within their own lives, as well as for those who enjoy the blending of photography and text to portray memorable examples of the human condition in our contemporary times.

Abuse and women have gone hand in hand throughout the centuries; the battle for liberty and freedom rages on even now in our modern times. The subject matter of this book is not new, the stories told and the tears shed are not surprising, but what is, is the courage found within these women and the positive reflection their words leave with the reader.
As author Jan Goff-LaFontaine shares the heart of these women with frank interviews, she somehow shatters the wall of secrecy that has been carefully laid, and takes you to the other side of their prison wall where liberty awaits them.
At first I was surprised to see naked pictures of these women, but for them this too was a liberty, a breaking free of abuse and negative impressions of their inner-self; as they shared the parts of their body where healing began.
Abuse in any form is not a pretty picture; the degrading of another human being must never be tolerated. This work, I believe, will give hope to thousands of women to take that first step to freedom.

There are lots of books thar dwell on the abusive part of domestic abuse--how many women die, how many bruises they get, and how they get hurt. This is certainly important to know, as are the signs of abuse and how to get out of an abusive situation. But WOMEN IN SHADOW AND LIGHT does more than that. It presents women who have survived abuse and are in the process of healing from it. Author Jan Goff-LaFontaine interviewed many women about their lives, focusing on how they got out of their abusive situations, and how they made themselves whole again. Once she finished the interviews, Jan Goff LaFontaine photographed the women, working with her subjects to find poses that they thought best exemplified their healing. The result is a compilation of powerful words and images that hit the reader kapow--right where they should, in the spirit. It's enough to send a person soaring. WOMEN IN SHADOW AND LIGHT is worth getting to know on several levels, first as a metaphor of stepping from shadow to light, second as literal shadow and light in the photographs, and third as a tool we all can use to help each other. If we know someone who has been abused, this book is the ideal gift. If we're wallowing in self pity over some trivial thing that happened to us on the way to work, we can stop to ponder how we'd handle ourselves if we really had a problem. Or if we just want to be inspired by women who got themselves together, we can pick up WOMEN IN SHADOW AND LIGHT.