Abuse Books

This novel set in Missouri in the 1960's transports the reader to another time and place, where the problems faced by Billie Standish are just as real as those faced by teens today.

Billie's parents wanted a boy, hence the first name of William, and spend the majority of their time ignoring her. When the river starts to rise and threatens to flood, Billie's family is one of the few to stay. She forms an unlikely friendship with an elderly woman, Miss Lydia, who begins to show her that there is more to life than her parent's disappointment and that she is capable of far more than she thought.

When a horrible tragedy befalls Billie, Miss Lydia is the only one who can help.

Crocker tells the gentle story of Billie Standish with grace and sensitivity, contrasting the innocence of a time when space travel was astonishing with the dark actions humans are always capable of. The novel follows Billie's life as she grows from the age of eleven to graduating from high school, and as her friendship with Miss Lydia and the secret they share shapes and transforms her life.


**Disclaimer: This novel contains sensitive subject matter that is geared towards older, mature teens.

Reviewed by: Dena Landon

Amazing first novel from Nancy Crocker!
Just started reading this book yesterday and finished it today. The author has captured the voice of main character Billie Standish so well she seems like a real person, and you'll just have to keep reading to find out what happens to her.

Having grown up in a time and place not so far from Billie Standish, I can say with some authority that Crocker has captured an American voice with an authenticity that makes the 1960's smack you in the face all over again. My daughter loved it. I loved it. It's not just a coming-of-age novel. It's a book about finding your way through life and the constant struggle to love and be loved; themes that last a lifetime. It may be considered a young adult novel but it had one of the most cynical adults I know (me) by the throat, pulling me along every step of the way. Young people may see Billie's life through one prism. Adults may see it through another. It's the kind of child/adult read that could lead to "teachable moments", although I won't tell my daughter that.

This book is a two-for-one hit! My handicapped English students struggle with reading. They rarely, if ever, read a book cover-to-cover. But they ALL read the first Binge. They devoured it. They related to it. They analyzed it, discussed it, were sometimes shocked by it. And now comes what we all had been hoping for, both students and teachers -- Binge II with The Road to Recovery. The AFA/Eight Steps program is going to change lives, probably save lives. It belongs in every school in the country.

S. Georgia Brown Silva, Eden Prarie High School, Eden Prarie, MN

Binge II: Recovery is clearly a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against alcoholism. I have researched this matter thoroughly and can confirm that AFA/Eight Steps is the first and only program of its type in the entire world. Spontaneous group therapy is quite common, but not "programmed" group therapy with specific steps to achieve specific goals. Substance-abuse treatment has become a multibillion-dollar industry in this country -- and is a colossal failure. Then along comes a simple, inexpensive program that points the way not only to recovery but to a better life, a program that offers hope -- and seriously threatens vested interests. Friends, Binge II: Recovery is a light at the end of the tunnel for America's alcoholic crisis. Let's help make AFA/Eight Steps household words, okay?

Betsy Fries, young-adult specialist, Toledo/Lucas County (Ohio) Public Library

If I could, I would give this book TEN stars! It has given me a wonderful new lease on life, and I'm sure it will do the same for countless others. was a notorious closet drunk. I would drink wine by the gallon, vodka by the fifth, beer by the case. I thought I had everyone fooled. Then one afternoon, while home alone, I collapsed in an alcoholic stupor. It was so bad, I couldn't tell up from down. Luckily, my son happened to stop by. He quickly dialed 9-1-1. At the hospital, my blood alcohol content was 0.54. I was nearly dead. Then I went into "treatment." First a counselor (expensive). Then as a patient in a treatment facility (more expensive), and finally a two-week stay in a substance-abuse ward of a hospital (the most expensive of all). Through all of this, I was bombarded daily with the horror stories of other patients, which was quite depressing. At the same time the counselors kept haranguing me that I am "powerless" over alcohol and must seek help in a "higher power," that there is no other way, which was even more depressing. And then after I was discharged, I discovered Binge II and the AFA/Eight Steps program. It was like opening a window and letting the fresh air in. The Fourth Step is about love; the Fifth Step is about all of the good that is within me; and the Sixth Step is an excellent rule of life for anyone, not just for alcoholics. "We resolved to be true to the best that is in us and to help other people, recognizing that in helping others, our own problems fall away." AFA/Eight Steps is a positive program, an upbeat program, a happy program, and I thank Mr, Ferry for writing it.

housewife, grandmother, recovering alcoholic, Rocherster Hills, MI

Stella Funk's "Blackflash" is an incredible biography about childhood abuse which caused her to have numerous parents...each
with their own issues. Stella's pursuit of a "normal" life, has
given her great courage to write about her past in hopes it will
help other's to face their own memories. Stella is a passionate woman who has devoted her career to helping multitudes of street kids, as her ministry of love...encouraging them to be strong in
their faith walks...seeking out their own "truths". Blackflash is but a glimpse inside of Stella's darkened past which has been illuminated for the masses to embrace her journey of recovery. I
could not leave this book unread...it is so masterfully created.

Uniquely written:
A compelling story of a child subject to the atrocities of abuse and her ability to rise above her past. Just as Stella's determination to un-riddle her painful youth so will be your desire to stay up late at night to turn page after page revealing her torture and her struggle to understand it, intertwined with God's providence in her experiences.
I applaud Stella's victory and her willingness to share with the world the hurt caused by so many.
....there is healing.
"Come, let us return to the Lord! He has torn us in pieces; now he will heal us." Hosea 6:1

Blackflash is the soul-wretching story of a young girl that is raised in multiple homes and subjected to horrible events that change her forever. Stella survives in a world that is painful, cruel and unmerciful. Years later she questions her past and decides her healing process depends on her sharing her story with others. The outcome is this candid book which emerges from the soul of a lovely, bright, talented, spirtual woman. Stella, thank you for sharing your life. You are truly a survivor!

More than just an autobiography of a woman who fell for the wrong man, Blinded By Love is a real-life account of Monique Houde, who explains how she fell into the trap of an abusive relationship, how she allowed herself to ignore danger in hopes of finding real love, and how she handled her abusive situations. Any reader concerned about domestic violence issues will find Blinded By Love a riveting autobiographical account of how one woman overcame her dangerous addictions to a violent man.

I cried with the writer as she justified to stay with her abuser and blame herself, just as I did. I really didn't know my relationship wasn't normal. I wish I would have found this years ago, it would have saved me from so much pain and suffering.

I couldn't put the book down. I was so drawn into what was going to happen next that I had to keep reading to find out.

Sandy's writing takes you to a place you'd usually rather not even visit!!! She shines her beacon through the darkest recesses of the illness she combats daily.

Sandy you are a truly awesome person....in the real sense of that word.

Sandy Jeffs depicts the terrible, violent relationship between her parents and ts effect on her. Jeffs uses the second person to address the dead, as when she tells her father: 'Years of your blistering anger/has severed her senses from life's delights' in 'Farewell Old Bastard'...Jeff's poems about her mother express symathy and empathy, as in 'Mavis's Song': 'Her songs burst forth as though/her life depended on them'. Whilst Jeffs diction is not always inventive, her spacing, timing and self editing are superb, creating disciplined intensity which many readers will find impressive and cathartic, reinforced by the work's wider social dimensions. - Jennifer Maiden, Australian Book Review

At last a poetry book I can read that speaks to my experiences. Thank you Sandy for breaking the silence! on a topic that is widespread but noone ever talks about it. This books invites you into the harrowing world of domestic violence and alcholism with poetry that is both accessible and evocative.

This book is a good book about a girl with an eating disorder. This book has a good lesson about eating disorders. Someone who thinks they're big would probably like this book because they can relate to what's going on.

I love ballet and I always dream of being a ballet dancer though I know I am probably not good enough. I take ballet lessons and envy the girls who are very thin. Until I read this book I never really thought about how unhealthy being too thin can be. I think if Daly's father hadn't lost his job she'd still try to get too thin because she thinks and her teacher thinks she is fat when she isn't. I have a serious crush on Ray. Carlos is cool but Ray is more fun. Everyone should read this book. The kids and the story go on just like a real t.v. soap opera. I am never sure exactly what will happen. And you have to buy the next book to figure it all out. Even if you don't love ballet you will love the story. I already have book three, In the Spotlight and I really love that too. I don't want to give the end of two away so I can't say more. I only wish there were more about Laverne and about the ballroom school too.

This is the second book I've read in the series and it's even better than the first. I loved the story about Daly's family facing hard times and how that affected Daly and her eating problem. And then there's the story about Sophy and how she and Carlos might have a thing, or she thinks they do but he doesn't. And of course the dancing's all great--it's like this whole world that you really feel exists. I love these characters!

This book is unlike anything else written for the hard core user. The author talks straight to the deepest, darkest reasons/excuses for remaining a drug user. Divided into chapters by the user's excuse for continued use. A very logical approach that shoots holes in every possible reason for not quitting. It also helps the parent of a user relate to why their loved one is so lost in the addiction bliss. It is easy to read, straight (even blunt) talking and uses real world examples. I highly recommend it to anyone having trouble kicking the habit or anyone who loves someone like that. A very refreshing approach to drug/alcohol counseling. As the book references, the physical substances passes through the body very quickly, so obviously the remaining addictions are mental...not physical.
Worth every penny and then some!

I immediately used the book in group. It was easy to understand and easy for me to extend to clients in treatment. Thank you

The thing I like most about this book is that it just tells the drug user or the drinker streight-up. It doesn't plead or whine; it treats the reader as an adult; it says--here are the facts, now you decide, so what do you want to do. I think this is the best book I have read for anyone who has a real problem with drugs or alcohol and wants to understand what is going on without all the academic gobbly-gook.

The best part about this book is the ambiance of college life and the realistic feelings of the main characters in the days and weeks after the horrible events take place. I can really feel the reality of both girls being attacked and their struggle to "break even" afterward.

I loved Kat and Jenna and really felt like I know them! Ms. Moore draws a very clear picture of them both, and the book flies by. I stayed up all night and read it!

A heartbreaking and yet uplifting book. Moore imbues her characters with real life, pain, emotion. We really feel for them as we follow their story, their struggle to "overcome", as they triumph in the end. I love stories that are about friendship at the core of them, and this one definitely is.

When her best friend, Jenna, is raped on the University of Nebraska campus during her senior year, the event brings back all the horror of Kathleen's own rape that took place on the same campus four years before. As Kathleen struggles to support her friend during the difficult aftermath, she is determined that the only way either of them can "Break Even," is not to allow the pain and humiliation of the events to ruin the rest of their lives. While Jenna's approach to overcoming the trauma is quite different than Kathleen's, each learns in her own way that through the love and compassion they have for each other, it is possible to overcome anything.

This story gives hope to women everywhere who have been attacked and are rebuilding their lives...it is possible to go on!

The author's extensive experience makes this an outstanding resource that provides the guided direction needed to give traumatized children the opportunity to find relief from the terrors of their traumas. A must for all mental health professionals who work with traumatized children. Readers in general will find the more than 90 drawings by children from violent homes both fascinating and poignant. Author presents the use of art therapy with clarity and simplicity,so that therapists can immediately learn the use of this tool in their work with children who have been abused.

This text offers a solid framework for working with children who have been exposed to violence and who need to ventilate their concerns in a safe and supportive environment. With clinical skill and masterful teaching, Cathy Malchiodi provides an instructive manual that offers clear and informative information on how drawings can be used to help children overcome their negative life experiences. A significant contribution to the mental health field.

This book offers extensive knowledge of both the children's perspectives of their home life and shelter life. Working with this population is trying at best, one never knows if the mother is going back; because of this children learn to cope in ways that are mostly nonverbal. They've learned to stay quiet for the sake of family. Cathy Malchiodi explores this silence; in ways that, only art and other expressive therapies can offer. This book offers insight for new and experienced therapist who are working with this population.

First, if Blase really was up for "breaking the silence," he would've laid down these tips on wax, yo. Second, the only thing teachers ever asked of anyone at my school was to not break the silence, particularly when principals were involved. Third, it's nice to see teachers's advocates going straight to the Ministry of Cliches when defending their wards - a gold star for all involved in choosing this tome's provocative title!

The American Society for Ethics in Education (ASEE) STRONGLY ENDORSES "BREAKING THE SILENCE" for use in ALL teacher/administrator training programs, as a tool to assist abused teachers as a healing tool to overcome the intentional devastation inflicted upon them by evil administrators, and as required reading for schools and districts that have been found in violation of abusing teachers by agencies, such as the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

ASEE had the great honor of reviewing this book in advance of its release. Without question, Breaking the Silence is destined to become THE definitive book on the shocking topic of teacher abuse by corrupt and evil (we're using that term in the most literal sense) school administrators. This horrifying look at what is so prevalent in American schools is based upon genuine research, conducted by respected scholars Drs. Joseph and Jo Blase, from the University of Georgia's, College of Education. Their research was conducted over a three year period, using well established and accepted methods. Essentially everything regarding teacher abuse is covered:

* personal (anonymous) testimonies from research subjects (i.e., abused teachers),
* personality characteristics of corrupt administrators and their innocent victims,
* lack of support from district office personnel,
* refusal of most teachers who work in foul environments to reach out to abused colleagues,
*inability for abused teachers to find legal assistance,
* failure of unions to support abused teachers,
*strategies used by corrupt administrators to enlist "support" for their sick behavior through favoritism with certain staff members, and developing "spy" networks (weak-kneed teachers and staff who "snitch" on those that refuse to compromise their ethical behavior),
* suggestions for those who are currently, or have been, in abusive situations,
* the devastating short and long term impact upon teachers' physical/physiological/psychological health, and
* the overwhelming detrimental effects on schools and society.

The list goes on, and on, and on . . . Without question, this book will not only serve to validate the experiences of abused teachers (the number one comment of those writing to ASEE comes from teachers who, until having visited our site, have felt "alone"), but it is also the first serious work on a topic that has long been regarded as "education's dirty little secret" - severe and intentional infliction of evil on highly competent educators. Still not convinced? Guess who wrote the "Forewords" to the book?

Don Saul,
American Association of School Administrator's
Superintendent of the Year (2000)

and

Dr. Gary L. Anderson,
Professor of Educational Administration
California State University, Los Angeles

Certainly, such esteemed educators, both of whom have a vested interest in school administration (and administrators) must have significant and compelling reasons to lend their support to a study that reveals that members of their peer group are among some of the darkest and most evil members of American society. ASEE was founded by teachers to help expose this evil. We salute these educational leaders for displaying the courage to lend significant professional credence to something that both the news media and society in general have continually ignored.

This is a book that needs to be read by every intelligent taxpayer in the United States. Improving education is a frequent topic for both the media and our political leaders. But this book very quietly points out one of the major weaknesses in our educational system. The abuse of teachers by their adminstration and school boards.

Read this book and ask a public school teacher how much of it rings true in your schools.

Teachers are the most valuable link in the value chain. They are also at the bottom the totem pole. What way does excrement run?