Abuse Books

This book sends a profound message of hope and healing to anyone who reads it. It speaks to parents, teachers, children, mental health care professionals and to anyone who has known someone who has gone through childhood abuse or whom may be experiencing it now. KUDOS to the author for her bravery, creativity and for reminding us all that the real hero in any story is our faith.

This book is an excellent resource for mental health professionals who work with teens and adult survivors of abuse. The illustrations are profoundly moving and the written words of the author vividly depicts the shattering and crippling effects of childhood abuse. An outstanding resource for therapists to provide to clients to assist them in understanding their abuse trauma and the process of recovery.

This book is a great read for survivors of childhood abuse and should be on the shelf of all mental health care workers who provide services to adolescents and adults. The story grabs you from the beginning with an element of fantasy and the inherent innocence of all children. As the story progressed and reality took over I found myself going through so many emotions I couldn't put the book down until I reached the end. It was only after I finished reading it and had time to ponder it did I grasp the many messages the author is trying to share with the readers. The simplicity of the format, the characters and the sometimes hidden meanings all make for a deeply profound story. I give it 4 stars only because I was so moved by the story and the author's message of hope, I would have liked it to be longer than the 65 pages.

I like the authors' attention to defining words in the beginning of the book and think it picks up on a gut level, with more mass appeal, when individual cases are examined. Don't skip the appendix because there's some good practical stuff there. I know one of the authors and have met both here in Denver, so I might be biased on the positive side, but I think they offer some refreshing views of a subject that touches just about everyone's life. The ideas of social capital and of beating addiction without traditional forms of treatment are worthy of more attention, and I speak in the context of having seen treatment fail for others.

As a prevention professional, I found Coming Clean a breathe of fresh air on a topic graced with strong beliefs and passions. The book is particularly germaine for the person contemplating a tobacco cessation program! A must read for the prevention professional and for the treatment professional alike.

Can addiction be overcome without treatment? This confronts the disease model of addiction, providing a set of alternatives to treatment programs for overcoming drug and alcohol addictions. The words and experiences of recovering addicts are used to enhance a title focussing on alternative recovery processes.

Speaking as a counseling therapist, who specializes in codependent, abusive and other dysfunctional behavior patterns, with only very minor exceptions I agree with and recommend this book to all abusers to incorporate into their ongoing therapy. I also recommend it for therapists who treat both abusers and their victims, the codependent.

As a trained domestic violence perpetrator and victim treatment counselor, and one who has been in abusive relationships, myself, I know first-hand the details of these patterns, their causes and their cures. This book is am important part of the awareness, which is the first part of moving oneself toward that cure.

Read and take heed (both of you!)... Do not discount this important book.

I bought this book for my husband; I read it too. It is a powerful first step in his, and hence, my recovery. Because it is written by a man who was an abuser, my husband agreed to read it. It has opened the door to his past and given him the courage to read more.

There comes a time in everyones life when they must take accountability for their own actions. Bravo to Mr Robertson for having not only the bravery to take that resposibility, but for taking the initiative to share those lessons. This book is an invaluable resource for the abuser, the abused, and those who have suffered while watching a loved one go through the cycle. It is obvious that this book has an advantage over all other books that I have read on this subject, in that the personal perspective and intimate insight into the mind of the abuser is so overwhelming and so convincing, as to make other studies seem cold and analytical. If you are truly ready to make a change for the better in your life, and if you are willing to take accountability of your own actions, than you are ready for this book.

A wonderful collection of reflective conversations that slow a racing mind and heart, and provide an audience with some realities of life too easily ignored and neglected. Rob's conversations with Lucy are a gift from both that are best read and read again.

This book offers a charming and candid view into the sorrows and joys of pet ownership, love and loss. I strongly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an honest, emotional and witty read. My favorite of all the poems, "Squirrel Killer," put a smile on my face as I thought of my old dog Blackie. It's refreshing to read such a relatable and lovely compilation of poetry.

Dr. Pasick's conversations and poems remind us why dogs are known as man's best friend. The book is a warm leisurely read that you will want to share with friends and family members.

This book hits the nail on the head on corporate abuse. I displays the greediness and quest for a good "bottom line" instead of treating employees with the respect they've earned.

I read this book when I was working at a very abusive organization. It brought clarity to my confusion, removed the personal burden I had been carrying and alleviated a great deal of stress from my life. We stress when we don't understand. This book will bring you understanding. If this was all "Corporate Abuse" did it would be more than worth the price. However, the clarity of the author's ideas combined with the personal anecdotes made otherwise esoteric and ivory tower theories shockingly real and applicable to daily life. This is not a 'whoa-is-me', 'corporate = bad, employee = good' diatribe. It offers incredible insight into how corporations work and why these situations are inevitable when certain foundations have been laid. It is just as valuable to the corporate mind as it is to the employee. In addition, the authors offer guidelines for both parties to either improve the situation or avoid it all together. That's why it gets a fifth star!

Perhaps the greatest benefit of this book for those who find themselves in abusive work situations is coming to the realization that there really is a problem and that they are not to blame for it. Abusers are well-skilled at making those they abuse shoulder the blame for the abuse. Wright and Smye make it clear that the abusive work situation is both dysfunctional and wrong. The sub-title "How Lean and Mean Robs People and Profits" makes it clear that no one wins. The writers identify three patterns of workplace abuse (there are likely others). These patterns of abuse are systemic rather than situational. To that end they identify them as cultures. The first pattern is the "culture of sacrifice." The essence of this culture is its insatiable demands on the employee. The employee can never give enough to satisfy the demand and personal boundaries are treated as non-existant. The second pattern which they identify is the "win-lose culture". The essence of this pattern is healthy competition turned demonic. Co-workers are pitted against one another in a Darwinian expectation that the strongest will prevail, thus making the corporation stronger. The third abusive pattern is the "culture of blame." In this pattern someone is always to blame for any problem. Problems are never the result of processes or systems and the culprit, once identified, is destroyed. This book is not about some soft-hearted sentimentality that cannot deal with competition, hard work and difficult decisions. It is about recognizing and understanding what it means to be human and treat others in the workplace with respect. It is about building a culture with an eye to the long term in which both the bottom line and the potential of the worker are maximized. The book is an easy read and provides a good balance of analysis and examples of dysfunctional workplaces. If you've ever found yourself in an abusive workplace (or if you are currently in such a place) this book is a must-read for understanding your situation and extricating yourself from it.

Alcoholism cuts across all divides, afflicting the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the famous, the unknown. In this very absorbing book, author and interviewer Dennis Wholey meets with a few of them and presents their thoughts on how they became alcoholics, how it affected their lives, and what they did in an effort to control their disease.

The book breaks down into several sections. After a short introduction by actor, singer, and alcoholic Gordon MacRae, Wholey describes his own journey--and then launches into sections titled "The Beginning," "The Progression," "Quitting," and "A New Life," in which the likes of Doc Severinson, Shecky Green, Gary Crosby, Bob Welch, and Thomas Tryon describe their personal experiences with the disease at various stages. Other sections include "The Woman Alcoholic," "Alcoholism and Homosexuality," "Wives and Alcoholic Husbands," and "The Families of Alcoholics."

Although the book finishes out with information on Al-Anon and A.A., it does not actually "preach" either organization as a cure-all for every alcoholic, and several of the interview subjects found relief through various other organizations or techniques.

You might suppose this book will be of interest only to other alcoholics, but that is far from the case. With a broad range of personalities involved--Gale Storm, Jason Robarbs, Grace Slick, and Billy Carter to name but four more--it offers a truly fascinating look into both the individual and the disease. It also offers inspiration for any one who has ever faced the need to make substantial life-changes for any reason.

If there is a flaw in the book, it is that it has a slightly dated quality. Although it offers a section on "The Woman Alcoholic," the emphasis is on men, and the "Alcoholism and Homosexuality" section consists of a single interview that has, in many respects, suffered a great deal from changing attitudes and better research. Even so, while an update would be welcome, COURAGE TO CHANGE remains a powerful testament and inspiration.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Great buy, would definately recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with the affects of alcohol in their life.

When I read The Courage to Change the first time (1987, the original edition) it changed my life because it explained alcoholism in a concrete way that was easy to understand. The stories from alcoholic (and some nonalcoholic) celebrities go a long way toward illustrating the damage this disease causes while showing that you don't have to be the proverbial falling-down drunk or daily drinker to be an alcoholic. The stories also, by the way, are entertaining and show the humanity of some of the household names who tell them. Wholey mixes up the rhythm of this book enough that you don't get bored. Something here for everyone--I've personally bought literally more than 12 copies to give away. I recommend it highly. Thanks, Dennis Wholey!

Few people have gone through what Jim Cyr did as a child. The fact that he survived, and has created a successful life for himself, is a testimoy to grace. This book is shocking in mnay ways, but Jim is as graphic about the way to his healing as he is about the horrors he experienced. The stories he shares, and how they helped him heal, are especially fresh. Searing in its honesty, without a hint of self-pity ... I applaud Jim for his courage in sharing his story. I hope it points to the path of wholeness for many.

I know Jim personaly and wanted to tell everyone what a kind and compassionate man he is. To know now what he has been through, and to know him as I do just shows what Gods Grace can do for anyone of us, whether a sufferer of childhood abuse or not. Read this book, it will truly amaze you, and to know that their is help and a light at the end of the tunnel.

Jim has written a compelling and incredibly transparent account of what can only be described as a miracle. The story of his life is riveting - but most importantly, it is encouraging. Buy this book - read it and recommend it to your friends and family.

When I saw this book, it was the cover that caught my attention. I was in the band and a lot of my life had a musical theme. I didn't read the notes about the book, I just decided to get it. I read it that night until I couldn't keep my eyes open and finished it the next day. I decided that I wanted to have a copy of this book and ordered it at a local bookstore. I re-read it when it arrived a few weeks later.

It is truly a great book and I'm sure my sister will enjoy reading it, too.

I am in band, and a sax and oboe player, just as a coincidence! A friend of mine, also in band, had lent me the book after I just randomly grabbed it off of her desk during class one day. I asked her what is was about, and she told me that it was one of the best inspirational books she had ever read involving two things we both loved: Music and romance. Me, being a band geek and a sucker for inspirational books, I immediatly took an interest and began reading. And I have got to tell you, this book will suck you into a world unlike one you've ever seen. It takes you into a world seen from Andrew's eyes, a handsome, yet abused tenor sax player in a suffering high school band. He has problems at home on the farm so Andrew sees band as a safe haven. With the arrival of a new band teacher, and the growing crush on the "5-foot, 12-inch" female oboe player, Andrew's life gets better and worse at the same time. The bridge scene kept me on the edge of my seat! This story truly shows how the power of music and trust and teamwork can lead you into a life that does nothing but...well...Crescendo!!

(Crescendo ~ to build intensity; to grow)

I couldn't put this book down, even though it was written for a younger audience. It may be too mature for the 11- to 13-year-olds. Definitly an inspiring book for high schoolers, especially those in band.

From the concrete streets to Wall Street there are signals and if we are alert to them we can hopefully avoid some unwanted close encounter with people that are sending all kinds of warnings they are bad news from body language, dress, to bosses with bad tempers like Ivan Boesky and Martha Stewart who Givens covers in his book as well.

I enjoyed this book and it is fast read like an entertaining novel but it is non-fiction.

Excellent insight into the mind and body language of today's criminal. A sorely needed work in today's world where you should be afraid to walk out to your car at the mall. The author makes it easy to spot the evildoers and the writing is presented so we can all understand it. Well done.

This book is a life saver.
While here in Australia we have the worlds most dangerous snakes, ferocious sharks and the cold blooded killer - the crocodile, nothing comes near the most dangerous creature, Homo sapiens. This book is filled with substantiated insights to the non verbal behaviours of this, the worlds most dangerous animal. As crocodile hunter, the late Steve Irwin, used to say, "Danger, danger, danger!". Humans are much more dangerous than crocs, and more emotional, too. For those who engage with humans on a regular basis, from parents, nurses, ambos, police, peace keepers and other contact professionals, this is an important book to study. By noting of the non verbal signs, and engaging your protective behaviour, you will continually stack the deck in your favour.
The author, Dr David Givens, director of the Centre of Nonverbal Studies, has set the book out in an organic structure, peppered with real life day to day examples, which gives it a strong practical edge. The format also makes it is easy to pick up read sections at a time.
After working with law enforcement and protective behaviour across the education spectrum for the past 23 years, I wish I had more of this type of insight as a rookie. And even as a street veteran I have had my eyes opened with this book. Parents, school teachers and community workers should read the section on drugs eg. meth and coke, its enlightening. And we all need a refresher on the telltale behaviours of thieves.
David Givens delivers.

I find this book to be disturbing in the sense that it could have been anyone of us who were close to the Church. The photography is stunning and beautiful. My heart goes out to the men and women who suffered/suffers in the hands of these monsters. It has changed my view of the church. Hail to my cousin Carm who helped put the facts out there. My prayers are with all those people.

Picking up this beautifully bound photography book, one could not imagine the experience hiding inside. In his debut publication called SHELTER, Lucky Michaels rocks the photography world with a book chronicling the lives of the young queer people living at a New York City shelter. Michaels' images are shockingly intimate and from first page to last, they weave a story of what it is to be queer, young, and homeless. In one image, a shelter resident snorts the blue powder from a pixie stick. In another, a pair of transgender girls fix each other's hair as they get ready to leave for the day. Michaels has an eye like no other photographer and it's clear that he truly loves his subject matter.

The photographs are accompanied by text that tells a more narrative version of these young people's lives. We follow the lives of a handful of the people seen in the book and see what the world is like through their eyes. The stories are often tragic, gut-wrenching vignettes, but each of them holds an element of hope and promise that their worlds will get better. The real magic, however is found in the photographs themselves.

This book is a treasure that deserves a place on everyone's bookshelf. It's a reminder of the work still left to do and a celebration of young lives that excel in survival. And watch out for Lucky Michaels. This guy clearly has a healthy, successful career ahead of him.

The material in this book only contained three posed shots, realistic imagery of the lives of LGBT runaways and discarded youths. They need a shelter and a home - this book brings to light that need and lays it very honestly before you. It has a prominent place on my living room table for all to see and inquire.