Abuse Books

Greg Everett's Screaming At A Wall is a dark and intensely personal memoir of sex, drugs, rock-and-roll, and offers today's readings uncanny insights into the out-of-control aspect of the so-called "90s youth culture". From stealing a key as a middle school prank, to using cocaine for recreation, and flipping through a string of girlfriends, Screaming At A Wall is a remarkably candid account of Everett's blind obsessions with breaking the rules. Screaming At A Wall is a disturbing yet compelling account, and as difficult to look away from as a house on fire or a twenty car pileup on the freeway.

This was one of the most unique and interesting books i have ever read. It follows the life of the author, Greg Everett, from childhood to present-day, and kept my interest from the first page until the last. I think that Greg's life has aspects that almost anyone can relate to, and his life's story is one that will entertain everyone who cares to read it. His life is filled with hard choices and big decisions about everything from his love life to his drug habit and, although some might say disagree, paints a relatively accurate picture of adolescent life. I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their age or background.

This is the autobiographical story of one person's journey through 1990s youth culture.

Greg is your average resident of the Bay Area of San Francisco, more interested in drugs and the opposite sex than school. A couple of teachers along the way attempt to "reach" him, thinking that he is some sort of troubled teen, when a much better diagnosis might be "smart but bored with school."

He has a variety of jobs during this time, including spending a couple of years working behind the counter of a local bike shop. It's the sort of place where items like air guns and super glue are used in all sorts of intesesting ways. After high school, he intentionally gets out of town and enrolls in a sort of alternative college in Arizona to learn search and rescue. He leaves there after he finds that the school is the sort of place where the faculty would rather look at the goodness inside each of the students than actually teach search and rescue. During this time, Grundle Ink Publications is born, as Greg hand binds copies of his writings and hands them out to friends.

Everett eventually ends up in the college town of Chico, California, where Grundle Ink becomes more of a "full-time" job. The fact that he knows absolutely nothing about the publishing business is irrelevant; nothing like learning the hard way. He also makes several attempts to get off drugs.

Throughout this book are many relationships with the opposite sex. Some of the women Everett meets are decent, reasonable people, while others can best be described as one-dimensional idiots. He is unable to break off the relationship, so he intentionally acts like a jerk until the woman gets frustrated and does the breaking up. The conversations recounted are not literary masterpieces; sometimes, they consist of little more than "dude" and "(insert swear word)."

Because of the very large amounts of drugs and swearing in this book, it is not for the faint of heart. To attempt to understand youth culture of the 1990s, this does an infinitely better job than the various stories and films of adolescent hijinks. The writing is honest, sobering, and, in places, very funny. I loved it.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page. I found the writing to be very entertaining, insightful and on that selfish level, was able to identify with most of it. It kept me totally entertained for the last week and a half. I have quite a bit more to say about it, but suffice to say, it was damn good on many levels.

Charles Fuss has penned an exhaustive account of the maritime drug war (predominately marijuana) of the 70s and 80s. With accounts from law enforcement personnel from the Coast Guard, US Customs, DEA and others, Mr Fuss presents a very readable text with many exciting narratives. Included is insight from "bad guys" as well. Mr. Fuss stays away from partisan politics, which is not easy in any volatile suject, such as drug interdiction. The men and women who have fought, and still fight, the war against drugs deserve our admiration. This book recognizes the efforts of these ardent warriors. As Mr. Fuss states toward the end of "Sea of Grass", "We persevered, comitted more resources, ignored defeatist media advice, and prevailed against the grass boats. That should be a lesson."

Since I am his son, I would be expected to say good things about this book. Actually, I am also a BM3 USCG, and can say from experience that this book will be an asset to any member of a maritime law enforcement agency, or anyone interested in the subject. It is an easy read and is well written. Would be a good souvenier for anyone involved in the major maritime drug busts during the 70s and 80s. Also a good tool and reference for future cases

Two thumbs up to author Charles M. Fuss, Jr. With his years of experience and knowledge of maritime drug enforcement, and his past history as a mariner, Fuss gives great insight into the drug war of the 1970's. His acounts of actual cases are entertaining and informative . I especially enjoyed reading accounts from smugglers as well as enforcement personel. This book should be a must for the men and women who were directly involved with maritime interdiction during this period. It's also great for anyone interested in the subject. With the changing times and administration, I believe it is extremely important to take heed of Fuss's warning!

This book hit home HARD. Pastor Blythe is a Ps. 112 Man for real. Many have issues of life that WE need to overcome. It is not written for those who's desires is to abide in their sins and allow the leaven to consume to whole of God's purpose in their lives but it is a Clarion Call (a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones) to sanctification and holiness. This is a prime example of how we are to go through the Valley of Shadow of Death...as the 23rd Psalms instructs us.

This is a journey portrait of one mans Valley, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the reason we `go through'... "Is as one who is on tour with Jesus, He allows us to go through to take notes and learn from the experiences so that we can know the way to strategically go down to the `Gates of Hell' and pull up and out those that are being tricked, fooled, run-a-muck and set up for the old trick of the `banana in the tailpipe to hand over their souls to the evil-one!

God is saying to His children enough is enough GO and TEACH My People! TELL THEM THE TRUTH! And this is what this book is all about the telling of the truth the whole truth and nothing but.

If you want to be set free from the bondage of sins or if you know you are drowning in iniquities and cannot seem to get up and out. I say to you this, the same simple yet powerful command Jesus gave Peter to walk on water COME! Oh come, taste and see that the LORD IS GOOD. HE is so `Good' that He doesn't leave us in our mess. He will put a laborer or even Jesus before us a say COME!

This anointed book is yet another way the Lord has provided needed help for His people. You can be free TODAY! This is a Rhema Word, Fresh Manna from Heaven and as a Woman of God I entreat every man, woman and teenagers to read this book if this is not your struggle than you will know how to be more sensitive to the Spirit of God when dealing with your sisters and brothers who are put before your path and minister to their areas of need by being equipped with example of a Great a Courageous Man of Valor who trusted enough in God and His Word to tell the truth so others may be saved from His Testimony. Revelation 12:11 tell us that "And they overcame him (the devil) by the BLOOD of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...this is an breathtaking tool against the devil. Be blessed!

In His Service Evangelist Tracey M. Johnson.

This is an extremely well written and practical book by Pastor David Blythe, tackling an issue that most men struggle with on a daily basis...the struggle to keep our heart and mind pure. Most men, Christian and non-Christian alike have struggled in the past or currently do struggle with some form of unhealthy sexual behavior, such as the viewing pornography or lusting after women. The results of such struggles are a distant relationship with God and those closest to us. This book informs its readers that these struggles are very common and need to be addressed before they destroy our relationships and the plans that God has for us.

David Blythe in this book shares his struggles and how God helped him to overcome them. He gives good solutions to overcoming this addiction and shares how it has worked for him with God's help. This book is a good tool for ministers who minister to men dealing with these issues and I highly recommend it to every man who wants to be free!

It was not easy for this young man to open his life up like this. He did it in this book because the Lord has given him a ministry to help men be delivered from the most secret sin that we have in the American Church Culture today. This book opens to us the spiritual and the practical ways to be set free from sexual addiction.
The book is like a breath of fresh air on this subject. It is not a guilt book, it is not a slap in the face book. It is an honest description of how one young man was set free gradually through the practical means of the Holy Spirit.
The chapter on depravity is one that every male ought to read. Although he explains that not everyone could end up like those men. It is a stirring chapter that it could happen to any man if he is caught up in the web of sexual addiction.
The chapter on accountability is a wonderful example of a man in David's group that found himself in a compromising situation. He then called David and they prayed, but also did some practical things so that this brother would not yield to temptation.
I enjoyed this book because of the practicality of how to rid oneself of the problems with the internet. The part about the computer being in the home where everyone can see it is just one of the steps that he suggests.
If you are a minister or your work makes you travel a great deal then this book is a must. Every man should read this book even if the problem is not yours it will give you practical steps in how to help those who have this sin problem.
I am grateful to David Blythe for his class, character, and conduct in how this book was written.

I love all Monica's Woods books but this one is my favorite - so far. It is a heartbreakingly wonderful book told with great sensitivity.

I'm so glad I discovered Monica Wood. Her language is gorgeous, her characters compelling, and she oh so delicately describes the pain and joy of human relationships, in a way we can all identify with. I highly recommend Secret Language, and can't wait to read more by this talented author.

This was the first novel by Monica Wood, one of my new favorite writers! I first read "My Only Story" and then managed to find "The Secret Language". In between I read her newest book, "Ernie's Ark".

I loved all three books even though they were quite different. All are about families and how they shape us. Part of this theme is that families may be those whom we assemble around us rather than those related by blood.

In "The Secret Language", both Connie and Faith have suffered damage and serious neglect at the hands of their parents, Billy and Delle, traveling actors who were semi-famous but never achieved the fame they sought. These were people who really loved only themselves and the idea of who they were, and their two pretty little girls were part of this image.

The strong coping mechanisms that the sisters developed as children helped them then and continued to help them in adulthood. Unfortunately, the way that Faith coped was to try to avoid feeling too deeply. Despite having married into an outgoing family, the Dohertys, Faith has been walled off for so long that she is unable to connect and always feels like an outsider....they seem overwhelming to her. She seems incapable of allowing Joe to love her, and feels as if she is frozen and incapable of being any other way. Her sister Connie also fears love, but in a different way.

When Isadora appears and wants to be let into their lives, to be an instant sister, she does not realize she will never really be on the inside because there are no shared experiences. She will never see their father, Billy, for the narcissist whom he was, caring only about himself and the image he projected. Like Billy, Isadora is also self-absorbed and a user who will do almost anything to get her way. To say that she is manipulative is an understatement.

I really appreciate the way Wood develops her characters. As a reader, I feel that I know these people: feel their pain, their joy, their sorrow. What a gift!

Secret Language is a five star book in my opinion! It's about two sisters, Connie and Faith, who grow up in various hotels while traveling around the U.S. with their semi-famous parents. The two girls growup very fast because most of the time they are left alone. By the time Faith is just getting out of high school and Connie is in her senior year, they are left to take care of themselves because of the death of both their parents. They, especially Faith, go through their life stumbling over obstacle after obstacle. It takes Faith a long time to put her past behind her and to start over. There were charaters who were always there to help them through their journey and to let them know that they are special. This never really happened when they were kids. Monica Wood is an excellent writer and I'm excited to read some of her other books.

I am neither a Nun nor an alcoholic, but I read this fascinating, profound, and even humorous book in a single sitting. "Molly Monahan" is a wonderful writer, whose description of her own experience of alcoholism and recovery gave me some insight I never had before - "It's not about will power" - and a new understanding and appreciation for the power of the 12 Steps, not only for AA but for me, as well. And she does all this with great wit and humor, as well as compassion. I laughed and cried as I read this book and I want to give copies to everyone I know. Way to go, Molly!

Sister Molly Monahan is a member of AA who honors its traditions and so writes under a pen name. She does not write as an spokesperson for AA, but what she hands on is its essential and impolrtant message along with some sense of what is it like to follow its program and take part in its fellowship and meetings. In passing she explains also a lot of its slogans that are called clichés but are in reality informal shorthand for big chunks of wisdom that are foundations for recovery and sobriety. People expecting an unusual story because she is a nun might be disappointed; alcoholism afflicts nuns and priests pretty much like every other kind of person, and their decline and recovery are remarkably like anyone else's. But she hands on what got and keeps her sober and it is a message worth repeating. Only at the end of the book does she touch on her Christan beliefs in any depth to show how AA has helped her come to a deeper appreciation of different elements of her faith. She has found, she says, in AA the link between the experience of being saved from her alcoholism by faith in a loving God and the truths and practices of the Catholic religious tradition. That is something she does not push on other AA's, but Christians in the program might be especially interested in that section. A good message plainly and clearly put.

This is a book for anyone who wants a better life -- spriritual or not. Live Molly's journey through each of the twelve steps with real people confronting real demons supported by real angels. In my prayer group, we use this book as a study guide to challenge us on our personal faith journey. Who are my angels? What demons do I have to overcome? Who helps me? Who do I forgive?

I learned the twelve steps are universal (previously thinking the twelve steps are for those other people). Each step has a deferent spirituality that uniquely mine -- twelve times. Each step helps me live a more authentic life. Profound book!

This book presents a cogent and insightful analysis of the spirituality of AA. However, it does far more. There is something valuable and helpful in the book for anyone interested in spirituality-- insights about forgiveness, thanksgiving, gratitude, humility, peace of mind and freedom. Monahan's breadth of vision is not surprising, since she believes that all of us, at some time in our lives, are powerless over something, that alcholism stands for our human condition in its sad, lost and sorry state, and that AA can show us what God has in mind for everyone in community, love, and service. In particular, Monahan uncovers within the Twelve Steps the ancient threefold way of the spiritual life-- purgative, illuminative and unitive. While providing the reader with a better understanding of alcoholism as a threefold disease -- physical, mental and spiritual -- Monahan offers deep insights into the relationship between the 12 step program and one's search for God.

The Self Parenting Program: Core Guidelines for the Self-Parenting Practitioner (You Can Become Your Own Loving Parent) is a great book

This book contains the practical, daily tips that enable an individual to correct the inadequate or abusive parenting that he or she may have received as a child. The focus is on meeting needs that one carries into adulthood and not blaming parents for unhappiness or ineffectiveness. Exercises are very doable and effective.

I really do appreciate the program that Dr. Pollard has put together with his books. This is the second book detailing some of the finer points for practicing daily sessions that he outlines in his first book "Self-Parenting: The complete Guide To Your Inner Conversations" which I would suggest reading first. These are "How To Actually Do It" books. Other Inner Child books discuss the assets of developing a relationship with your Inner Child but discuss little in the way of an actual program you can put to work every day. This is a very practical approach on how to actually develop a relationship with your Inner Child through daily exercizes.

Dr. Pollard wrote this book primarily to help people become reacquainted with their inner child, understand their child's needs, and to have that inner child engage in active dialogue with the inner parent. I first was recommnded this book by a therapist in 1987, and it helped greatly. I also met Dr. Pollard during that time, whose office happened to be across the hall from mine in Malibu, CA.

Now, however, I am a school psychologist, dealing with many kids in trouble, often because of a lack of parenting, either through divorce, death, abandonment, or simply a decision made by a woman to have a child with no father. I now utilize this excellent book in therapy to help kids find their inner parent, which many of them have internalized despite a lack of decent role modeling. The exercises in this book are at least equally helpful for kids needing to find their inner parent as it is for parents needing to find their inner child. This great book becomes more and more relevant as time goes on. Dr. Pollard, you have given this world a great legacy with this timeless book.

Chuck Wintner

WONDERFULLY FUNNY, WRITTEN WITH A FLAIR THAT ONLY A LOVING SPONSOR & SPONSEE COULD SHARE. I WAS UNABLE TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN, THE DIALOUGE BETWEEN TYLER AND EDWARD IS SO TRUE TO RECOVERY. ALWAYS CHALLANGING US TO FIND THE ANSWER AND DO THE "NEXT RIGHT THING",. "THE SEVEN DEADLY NEEDS" IS A LIGHT LOOK AT SOME VERY PRESSING "NEEDS"., MADE ME FEEL GOOD ABOUT NOT BEING SO "UNIQUE"................

My appreciation of Edward Bear's latest book began the minute I picked it up and read the title. THE 7 DEADLY NEEDS with needs listed as the Need to Know, Be Right, Get Even, Look Good, Judge, Keep Score and Control.

It was something about reading those words and thinking of them in the context of being "deadly" that rang very loud alarm bells in my head.

The 7 mentioned "needs" were really okay, weren't they--not even harmful, much less deadly--all part of life--right? Right! How could there be anything "deadly about them? Yet here I was, stuck with this gut level response, this recognition that in some subconscious space dragons were stirring and I had better find out why. I opened the book and began the journey, expecting very heavy going.

What a joy (and relief) to find I had stepped not into the dragon's den, but into "Steady Eddy's" house next door (or down the block...a place in everyone's neighborhood) to meet with Eddy and that magnificent aging paragon of madness, wisdom and gentle humor know simply as Tyler.

For the next 7 chapters I was privileged to follow along as Ed and Tyler drummed, pounded, danced and laughed their way through a very weighty but terribly human set of needs which, when carried to their most obsessive, are extremely deadly.

In the course of this journey I began to become aware of how many of these needs are not, as I had always believed, just normal desires in my life but actual, can't live without, needs.

This kind of awareness, we all hope, leads to the ability to make changes in our lives. A few weeks ago I was arguing with a friend over some minor news of the day. The argument got quite heated until I had a flash of insight. I realized that the person I was arguing with was not even tracking my brilliant logic. He was pursuing his point because he needed to Be Right. And on the heels of that--what do you know--the sure knowledge that I was just as obsessed as he in my need to Be Right! I stopped the argument there with, "Well, you may have a good point" (not total surrender...yet). We left it, still friends, with none of the animosity those encounters usually leave.

The above is an example of the subtle power of this book. Once you have read it, healthier ways of dealing with your life start to sneak in. Suppose we could all stop having to know everything, to always be right, to get even at any cost, to do whatever it takes to look good, to be judgemental in all our dealings, to keep score of each deed and misdeed and to be control of every force in our lives.

Who knows, aside from making this world a lot saner and more loving, we might even find we can relax and enjoy it for a change.

In one chapter Tyler talks about the 2 Greatest Spiritual Practices being Gratitude and Forgiveness. For THE 7 DEADLY NEEDS I wish to express my gratitude to Edward Bear for its creation. And I wish to thank him for helping all of us to understand that the road to Forgiveness begins with self forgiveness. Well done, Mr. Bear.

this book was everything i hoped for and more. after reading the first book by the author some time ago, i was very happy to see he had written something of a sequel to the dark night of recovery.

tyler picks up right where he left off in the dark night. once again offering up platitudes and plain old common sense, he guides another traveller past a slippery spot in the road.

As a trudger on this happy road, i found this book to be interesting as well as insightful and fun as well as full of life affirming observations.

This is truly a wonderful book.

How many times in my life have I wondered 'How did I get into this mess?' As Edward and Tyler ramble through their discussion of each of the seven deadly needs it became clearer and clearer how I had set myself up. How often had I tried to control everything or to know everything only to have it end up with more chaos in my life.

The style of the book is simple, easy to read...but the content teaches some powerful lessons on how to be happy in this life.

Thank you Edward Bear....You have given us a wonderful gift.

Dee Brown

This important book has been around for a decade, and I'm pleased to see it is still in print. Rutter, a psychiatrist affiliated with the C.G.Jung Institute, was one of the first authors I know of to publish a book in the popular press about this topic. He demonstrates clearly the essential nature and healing potential of maintaining appropriate boundaries in helping relationships. Although I might, as a female mental health professional, take issue with his unilateral depiction of the man-as-powerful/woman-as-victim dynamic, his point is certainly well taken. I've read this book twice over the years.

Whether you are a man in a position of power/authority, or a woman who routinely encounters men in power and authority, this book should be required reading. Men using their positions of power and authority to victimize women is a problem of huge proportions. Some men are predators, some men are culpably ignorant of their own individual weaknesses. Dr Rutter attacks this issue of sexual tensions in relationships between men and the women who should be able to trust these men. His true stories are very clear and chilling. They are chilling because if you are honest, you can see yourself in those situations. Dr. Rutter has expressed the subtle emotional undercurrents that go on within a man-woman work/professional relationship better than any other book I have ever read. He does not mince words or try to nicely talk around blunt, painful and destructive sexual encounters within the "Forbidden Zone." If you want to bury your head in the sand and pretend that these interpersonal sexual dynamics are not there, then stay away from this book. If you want to deal with reality, try to understand yourself and safeguard your professional relationships, then read this book.

Written so clearly - it would be hard to misunderstand! :)
Yes, the role of male as authority/powerful and female as submissive/victim - needs to be addressed. Sex in the Forbidden Zone is a well written self-help to knowing your rights when considering relationships in any professional arena. I am so very pleased.

I've read this book 3 times over the years and refer back to it often. The book has helped me in so many ways and on so many different levels. The author is needed to continue writing many more such books so we can address this male/female power imbalance in society.

david eckman has espousing "the shack" view of the trinity long before the book was written - and his treatment the theology of emotion as it relates to addiction is powerful, effective, and insightful. it has helped free me from my own addictive tendencies and examine ignored pain in my life.

Great book, truthful insights...but can we trust David Eckman's own Biblical Translations of the Bible?

A follow-on to his book, Becoming Who God Intended, Eckman illuminates a difficult topic by focusing on the intent of the words in scripture; going beyond the simple words, Eckman infuses the writing with an emotional meaning that makes these words come alive.

Dr. Eckman does a wonderful job of uncovering what is happening under the surface when it comes to all types of addiction. This book is not only helpful for those facing battles with drugs or alcohol...it would be a helpful read for anyone facing any type of addiction. He points to the family background and its long term effects and simple processes and patterns within addiction. He points people to a new understanding of what it means to be a child of God and find our security and meaning through our Creator. It's well worth the price and time to read. I highly recommend it.

The information and revelation contained in this book is phenomenal. It is a must read for all those in ministry, especially those that work with young people as well as the youth themselves. This timely work not only unveils sexual abuse in the church but also the inner turmoil and heartache that many of our young people are experiencing. It reminds the church of one of their God given mandates...to be a sanctuary of refuge and healing for all the Tiffany's in the world.

The author completely shares her heart's passion and demonstrates how God can turn your mess into a message and then into a ministry of helping others. It is evident that Pastor Tiffany has fully embraced the forgiving and healing power of God. That is her testimony and the underlying message of this work.

Minister Francine Brooks

The author is a living testament of how God can heal and deliver you from any affliction. She is a strong woman of God who is willing to "step out" and tell her story to help others.

This book will help you learn to allow God to heal you not only from sexual abuse, but also from any hurt or betrayal! It is a must read for anyone who works with young people or anyone who is ready for God to "mend" them emotionally.


Stacie Thompson, MS

This is a very brave look into a side of the church and community that no one wants to acknowledge. Ms. Watkins exposes the truth that all of us need to open our eyes to and address. Not only is she brave in telling her story, but she also encourages the healing of not only the victims but the predators as well. It has a way of making you reexamine your life and interaction with youth. I'd recommend this book to anyone, not just members of the church. I can't wait for her next endeavor.

- Kristen Jordan, CHES

This book will serve as a wake up call for many and I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in helping to prevent sexual abuse among youth within the church!