Reviews (10)

A must read for anyone who has experienced domestic violence
I could not put this book down, I carried it with me everywhere it helped me regain my sanity after a very abusive relationship.
This book is like a best friend with real answers
To begin with, I did not know I was in an abusive relationship, until my friend mentioned to me the word 'emotional abuse'.I researched on the topic and found a lot of great information on the subject.The one thing I didn't find was WHAT THE HECK TO DO after you leave the abusive relationship.
This book kept me sane.
This book was a life-line for me right after I left my husband. I never thought that I could be in an abusive relationship. I am educated, strong and smart. But I was. This book helped me to dealwith accepting it and to heal. It's the only book I recommend to anyone who thinks they might be in an abusive relationship. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abuse - Spousal Abuse    3. Abused women    4. Family Violence    5. Life skills guides    6. Self-Help    7. Separation (Psychology)    8. Single women    9. Sociology Of Women    10. Coping with personal problems    11. Domestic violence    12. Marriage & relationships    13. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (16)

Shines a harsh light- both ways
This is a tough book.As you can probably tell from the other reviews, there is great divisiveness on what everyone thinks this book is trying to say.As someone very much acquianted with verbal abuse, it is very easy for me to see the passions arise about this book, just as the passions arise when verbal abuse happens.I hope I can shed some light on this very touchy subject.
The 'secret' strategies imparted here have been tested by time
Mistreatment by a partner usually is considered physical, so most books on abuse focus on physical abuse - but verbal abuse is just as damaging, and THE SECRET OF OVERCOMING VERBAL ABUSE: GETTING OFF THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER AND REGAINING CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE tells how to overcome it. The 'secret' strategies imparted here have been tested by time and aim to allow the reader to thwart self-doubt, guilt, depression and more. Author Albert Ellis is a renowned psychologist who works with psychological educator Marcia Grad Powers to create a program which works.
This book was a godsend
This book helped me immediately to stop obsessing over matters that I could not change and redirected me to a more positive outlook about myself. I absolutely love this book! The thing that helped me the most was a chapter in the book that told me, I was my own worst abuser by re-examining every verbally abusive event that happened to me. Once I realized I was emotionally beating myself up more than the actual event, I quit doing it.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - Psychological    2. Invective    3. Man-woman relationships    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Verbal self-defense   

Reviews (1)

An excellent examination of historical depictions of rape.
Wolfthal examines depictions of rape during the medieval and Renaissance periods, and reveals tellingly and thoughtfully how complex and varied the attitudes towards rape were from around 1100-1700. In contrast to the more simplistic views with which we are often presented, her essay points out that rape was by no means always glorified, but frequently viewed with the disapproval which it deserves; and she makes her case compellingly and fascinatingly, using a wide range of illustrations from several countries and all sorts of spheres. This is a learned book, but, though thought-provoking and demanding, never heavy or ponderous. It is sure to become a classic on its subject, and should be read by all who are interested in rape and attitudes to it. I have found it one of the best scholarly books I have read during an academic career that spans more than four decades. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Criticism    4. General    5. History - General    6. Violence in Society    7. Art / General    8. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    9. Iconography, subjects depicted in art    10. Rape in art   

Reviews (2)

READ THIS BOOK
For my research paper, I the topic was the "Effects of Rape".I was off to a rough start, but after reading this book I finished my paper immediately.As a rape victim I HIGHLY recommend this book as a guide to a healthy recovery.It's not your fault...

A book worth reading
I was looking for a book like this and I wasn't sure what would work for me. So I headed to Borders and ask a sales girl there to help me look for a book, she looked up the books the store had. This book was one they had there. I took a good look at three books and I really liked this one. I haven't read all the way through it yet but (I just got it today) so far I think it will help with my recovery. So, if you need to go through recovery, I suggest you read this book.. I gave 5 stares because, I think its he best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abuse - Sexual    3. Self-Help    4. Coping with personal problems    5. Counselling    6. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (17)

Not For Everyone
I am a cutter. People should know that this book cannot be the only thing that helps them stop their behavior. A behavior that is so much a part of them can only be changed through counseling, love, support, and the actual desire to change. This help might be an EXTRA help in ADDITION TO therapy for some people, but for most, this is a load of bull. Another thing is that this book and therapy and stuff is only going to work on someone who is ready to stop their behavior. This book should have been more about comforting and supporting self-injurers instead of judging them for a behavior they cannot help. I don't see what is wrong with injuring yourself in order to feel calmer and happier. Even if you do want to stop cutting, this book is no where NEAR the amount of help a person needs to stop a behavior so necassary to their very survival. What a self-injurer needs is a trained and licensed proffessional, not some book they found in the bargain bin.

Cutting
This is basically a self-help book. I think it might be a little too scary for a young person just doing a little mild cutting, because it describes some severe chronic cases.It might not be of much help to a professional dealing with a severely mentally retarded or autistic self-mutilator.
This is THE book to choose out of the several available
This book is appropriate for teens and adult. It is sensitively and sensibly written, and instead of just being a research or story book, it is loaded with insights, worksheet activities, and relevant anecdotes. It also includes information that is usually overlooked in other books: how to talk to loved ones about self-injury, what therapists and parents should know, how to explain the behavior to people who don't understand, and how to cope with triggers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. General    3. Mental Illness    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-injurious behavior    8. Self-mutilation    9. Coping with disability    10. Psychiatry    11. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (11)

Help Yourself Before It's Too Late...
This is not your everyday novel. This is a novel full of real-life advice that can help you prepare yourself for real-life challenges.
Sensitive, insightful, and inspirational
After reading `A Child Called "It"', `The Lost Boy', and `A Man Named Dave', I felt almost as if I knew Dave Pelzer personally. That may seem strange, but after surviving an abusive childhood, I understand his way of thinking, his past insecurities, his need to prove himself, and his willingness to give of himself but being held back by the fear of being rejected. Now, after reading `The Privilege of Youth', which should be read after `The Lost Boy' as something akin to a missing chapter that was significant to Dave's development from a `Lost Boy' to `A Man Named Dave', I still feel the exact same way I felt after completing `A Man Named Dave'. Although `The Privilege of Youth' can be described as a 229 page missing chapter to `The Lost Boy`, that doesn't mean that it's not a completed work on its own.
A disappointing continuation...
I eagerly started reading this book.I was very interested to find out where Dave's life was headed after "The Lost Boy" ended.I soon found out that this book was not nearly as interesting as the first two.I found the writing to be somewhat forced.It seemed as though he downplayed his experiences with foster care and all that went with it.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. California    7. Childhood Memoir    8. Foster children    9. General    10. Motivational & Inspirational    11. Social acceptance    12. Teenage boys    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (13)

A great aid
This book helped me to see clearly the patterns of abuse in my marriage. It helped open my mind to accept as abuse the constant degredation and denial of my humanity, even before I could admit to myself that I had been physically abused as well. I recommend this book heartily. Dr. Miller affirms the value of each person without attacking or blaming them for having experienced the abuse (which is the same thing that their abuser did).
Not Sure . . .
I'm no expert on the subject, but I wonder how objective this book can be having been written by a woman.Don't misunderstand, I certainly believe psychological abuse is real; however, it could be somewhat tenuous depending on the very gender that receives the abuse to determine the definition of the behaviour.

Atlast someone looks at the psychological aspect of abuse
This book makes apparent what those in charge of prison camps have known all along. Psychological abuse is more debilitating than physical abuse. If you even think you are in an abusive relationship or if you feel you have an adult child in one, read this book. It won't make it all go away but understanding is the first step to healing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abused women    3. Abusive men    4. Case studies    5. General    6. Psychological abuse    7. Psychology    8. Sociology    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help / Abuse    11. Violence in society   

Editorial Review

According to author Barrie Levy, as many as one out of three high school and college-age youth experiences violence in his or her intimate or dating relationships. Read more

Reviews (1)

A great book for teens and parents
I thought this book was great. I found it while I was looking for information on doing a project for school. It has signs to look for if you think you're in an abusive relationship, and stories about girls that havegone through this situation.There is also a story from a mother's view. Ithought it was a wonderful book. I think anyone that thinks they might bein this situation should read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse of    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations    3. Dating violence    4. Juvenile literature    5. Prevention    6. Self-Help    7. Social Issues - Physical & Emotional Abuse    8. Social Science    9. Sociology - General    10. Teenage girls    11. United States    12. Personal awareness: safety matters    13. Self-Help / Abuse   

Reviews (44)

A Scared Child Makes It!
Trena Cole has my heartfelt thanks and admiration. It must have been gut wrenching to recall and share what she went through as a child. I commend her for her courage and have the utmost respect for her. I urge anyone who can read about child abuse to read her book, Charred Souls, and I am awaiting her next one. Three cheers for a great woman who arose from a battered child.
Incredible.
Ms. Cole's book was recommended to me by Amazon after a search.I found it to be well worth ordering it and worth the read from the moment I started reading.Ms. Cole has taken a terribly horrid childhood and risen above it in order to write a book that could teach all how to see signs of child or recreational abuse of a child(ren).It is very useful for all who deal with, are relative too a child.This book tore at my soul reading, it hurt to read but I could not put it down.I am blessed to have come acrossed it and have recommended it to others as a nurse, a mother and friend.
What a kid!
I guess I should say "What kids!" because there were seven all together and all were impressive in some way. I had to buy Charred Souls for a class and I can't wait for school to start so I can discuss it with my professor and fellow students. This is an incredible story about constant emotional and verbal abuse of children. I was impressed with the raw emotion Trena Cole emitted with her writing and I was actually impressed with her style. Yes there are grammatical errors but I think this story is important enough to forgive those. I give her enormous credit for sharing her emotions and feelings through her book. It wasn't an easy read but it couldn't have been an easy write either. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family & Relationships / Abuse    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. General    8. Women    9. Abuse    10. Abused children    11. Adult child sexual abuse victims    12. Biography & Autobiography    13. Child abuse    14. Childhood Memoir    15. Personal Memoirs    16. United States   

Editorial Review

Sex-positive and daring, Read more

Reviews (18)

what a breakthrough..
I would like to recommend this book to any and all survivors of all walks of life. Male, female, gay, straight, single, married..this book can finally show you how to break through that wall we've all built around ourselves. This book contains step by step techniques to help you recognize, conquer, and live through your triggers. Find your true self..and read this book. The exercises, the abundance of resources, and the straight forward no nonsense approach from the writer is everything you need to finally break down that wall. Just remember it's an everyday battle and there is no miracle cure, but this book can be the catalyst you've needed to finally break free from your abuse. God bless and happy healing!!

The Survivor's Guide to Sex:How to Have an Empowered Sex Life After Child Sexual Abuse
This book has some helpful things in it but I did not care for the majority of the contents.It would be a good book for someone who is of lesbian orientation.

Horribly one-sided
While I can certianly see how this book could be useful to someone in their healing process, it's horribly one-sided in terms of gender.It almost solely references female sexuality, completely ignoring the fact that there are many male victims of sexual abuse, who also need help in dealing with their sexuality.I think the book's description should be altered to include the fact that it primarily deals with women's issues. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Adult child sexual abuse victi    3. Adult child sexual abuse victims    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Interpersonal Relations    7. Love / Sex / Marriage    8. Psychology    9. Sex counseling    10. Sexual behavior    11. Sexuality    12. United States    13. Sex & sexuality   

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family violence    4. Government policy    5. Philosophy    6. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Services for    10. Victims of family violence    11. Crime & criminology    12. Law    13. Political Science / Law Enforcement   

Reviews (11)

Very helpful
I found this book to be very helpful, both for me as a person recovering, and as I work with people who are recovering.

For survivors and their family, friends, significant others
This book was one of the first I read after my rape a little over 2 years ago.I read this book in one day and handed it to my boyfriend to read it.It really helped me understand what I was going through and why.My boyfriend, at the time, was able to read it and was bale to further understand my anger, guilt-- all of the feelings that I was dealing with. Although one cannot fully understand those feelings unless you have gone through it yourself; this book does help family members, friends, and lovers understand as much as they can.I really recommend this book especially if you were recently raped.Please, also remember though that just reading a book and not seeking therapy will not help you recover fully.Seeking help from a person with experience in rape and sexual assault will help as well as reading, journaling, and speaking to friends and family.

Good information if you can get past the politics
Rape is one of those many real things in the life of humans that shatter good old time notions like "God never gives you more than you can handle" or "Everything happens for a reason", implying a "good" reason if we're bright enough to learn from it. What's to be gained from such an experience as rape? Just punishment? A sense of satisfaction for the rest of us because it didn't happen to us? Support for the notion "God works in mysterious ways"? Such adolescent ideas are one of the many reasons rape victims are further humiliated as made clear by this author.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. Life skills guides    3. Politics / Current Events    4. Psychology    5. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    6. Rape    7. Rape victims    8. Sociology - General    9. United States    10. Coping with personal problems    11. Popular psychology   

Reviews (2)

First review
I often read reviews of books that I am considering for purchase.I read "A Brother's Journey" and found it to be a better read, that kept my interest and that had some good writing.With this book, "A Teenager's Journey" I was somewhat disappointed.Since I depend so often on others reviews of books, I am beginning to think that I need to take the time to review what I have purchased.Again, I sympathize with both Richard and David, but this book did not make me feel strong emotions that made me want to turn page after page to see what would happen next.

Lousy rush job.
I wrote an Amazon review of "A Brother's Journey" in which I called the book emotionally accurate and even a "shining achievement". It was.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abused children    3. Adult child abuse victims    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. California    9. Children of alcoholics    10. Daly City    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Self-Help    13. United States    14. Self-Help / Abuse   

Reviews (2)

A Horror Story
I sat in stunned silence as I turned the final page of "Cry Rape," Bill Lueders' heart-rending story of a rape victim doubted, and ultimately tormented, by police. My 10-year-old son asked about what I had been reading, saying, "Is it a mystery?"
The Madison Idea
Cry Rape is the story of a rape victim's victimization by the criminal justice system. It is a story about a cop who seems predisposed to "prove" rape victims liars, about a police department that protects bad cops, about a district attorney's office willing to further victimize the victim to protect bad cops, about judges willing to interpret the law in ways that protect bad cops and bad policies, about elected and appointed officials who stand behind the victimization, and (though only peripherally) newspaper editors who don't seem to care.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Criminal Law - General    4. General    5. Madison    6. Media & the Law    7. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    8. Rape investigation    9. Trials (Rape)    10. True Crime / Espionage    11. Wisconsin    12. Women    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Crime & criminology    15. International Law    16. True Crime / General    17. USA    18. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. Arrest    2. Domestic Relations Law    3. Family Violence    4. Forensic Science    5. General    6. Police    7. Politics - Current Events    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. United States    12. Wife abuse    13. Child abuse    14. Family & relationships    15. Family welfare    16. Police & security services    17. USA   

Reviews (10)

A Must Read for Anyone Dealing With Angry People, Including Yourself!!
While in the bookstore at church earlier this year, my fiance at the time held up the book, Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them, and said, "Look at this." My response was, "I want that book. Please buy it for me!" which he did. I had been seeing a pattern of anger and rage in him, and it scared me.
Paul Hegstrom provides priceless insight...
When we feel trapped in an abusive home / marriage, we feel afraid, isolated, and scared of knowledge. Knowledge calls us to take well thought out action and to make choices. This book shares the knowledge that both women and men need to break the cycle of abuse in the home. Mr Hegstrom provides priceless insight as to why we behave the way we do, how to change, how to build a proper emotional and physical bond as well as information on where to get help. If you read this book and are encouraged to grow, I recommend finding a Life Skills support group or another program so that you can begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle. This book is an important tool for married and single individuals both.Many women have shared with me that they wish they had received this pain preventative information before they were married. No matter where you are in life, there is hope and you CAN feel peace and joy again. I highly recommend this book and the Life Skills Program.

compassionate, accurate information
This book changed my life. It was the inspiration for my husband and I to seek counseling for domestic violence. Paul speaks directly to those in need. His insight is profound and true. His work is ground breaking. This book explains the true root of painful behavior and offers realistic strategies to overcome and heal from emotional traumas. Read it and save your life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Abusive men    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    6. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    7. Family violence    8. Psychology    9. Religion - Christian Life    10. Religion - Christian Living    11. Self-Help    12. United States    13. Wife abuse   

Reviews (3)

Move trauma out of your nervous system.
EMDR helps you to integrate the two halves of your brain and to heal from trauma that is trapped in your nervous system.EMDR is a very effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It isn't quite as spectacular as the books make it seem, but it really can work.EMDR helps you to recognize that the abuse happened in the past, and is not happening in the present.Therefore it is easier for you to process your traumatic experiences because you don't have to live as if the abuse is still happening.This book has a more realistic view on EMDR in the treatment of adults abused as children.Some books claim that healing occurs in only a few sessions.That may be the case for a person with a single trauma, or a trauma in adulthood, but there is no real quick fix for the person abused extensively and long term during childhood (especially if abused by a parent figure).However, EMDR can speed up the process. If you think it's hocus pocus, you don't understand it
I've used EMDR to treat many sexually abused patients.It is an extremely powerful tool that doesn't rely on only eye movements but rather on the physiology of the brain addressed by stimulating it, the brain, in a symmetrical and bilateral means.It is the only tool I've found that can allow the healing of a single traumatic memory (such as a rape) in a way that does not re-traumatize the patient.Recommded highly.

EMDRite FINALLY FINDS BOOK THAT TELLS IT LIKE IT IS
As an experienced EMDR client, neuropsych. researcher, Early Childhood Educator and childhood abuse survivor I finally found a book that tells it like it REALLY IS.Laura Parnell has the awesome capacity to translate what my brain was activating, my mind thinking and my emotions feeling in a direct and insightful manner.This is MUST READING for anyone working with children as well as those of us still learning how to use our weakest link as our strongest link.After reading this book I was able to go on vacation for the first time in my life truly at peace with the present. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Child Abuse Victims    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Eye movement desensitization a    4. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing    5. Mental Illness    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy - General    8. Reference    9. Rehabilitation    10. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    11. Psychotherapy    12. Sexual abuse   

Reviews (3)

Ego and the Dillman Series
I found the book informative after getting past all the who's who pictures in the first part. The first ten pages are of Dillman and the celebraties he has hob nobbed with over the years.
Everyone should know the basics of these techniques
George Dillman is a ninth degree black belt in karate and 1997 Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year.Together with Chris Thomas, a seventh degree black belt and writer, they have put together the definitive book on pressure point self-defense. Techniques for readers of all ages and skill levels
Collaboratively written by renowned martial arts instructor George A. Dillman and knowledgeable martial arts writer and teacher Chris Thomas, Humane Pressure Point Self-Defense is a straightforward, "student friendly" guide to applying knowledge of the body's nerve clusters and vulnerable areas to quickly and humanely protect oneself with low risk of causing injury. Step-by-step instructions are clearly illustrated with black-and-white photographs and expressly demonstrate "Dillman Pressure Point Method" techniques for readers of all ages and skill levels in the martial arts. An excellent and recommended reference, Humane Pressure Point Self-Defense is wholly dedicated to explaining, defining, and teaching an effective, practical, benign self-defense method. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Karate    2. Martial Arts    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (15)

A Tribute to our Brothers and Sisters...A Book to TREASURE in our time of sorrow
When I first read this book my own brother and only sibling had been dead for many years.During the course of those years I had read every grief book I could find, yet not one spoke directly to me or my situation like Dr. Wray's book.As I read her book I was amazed at how her feelings following the death of her brother so paralleled my own feelings following the death of my brother.Losing a sibling is one of life's greatest, and often, unrecognized losses.Although nothing can take away the sadness and the sense of unfairness that we feel when our brother or sister dies, Dr. Wray's words help us to understand that we are not alone in our sorrow.Comfort comes from the knowledge that others share our pain, and as the book conveys, we, as surviving siblings are forever connected.Dr. Wray truly captures the essence of sibling loss and provides a framework for the stages of grief that a bereaved person typically goes through after the death of a loved one.I was captivated by the experiences of other surviving siblings whose stories are so beautifully woven by Dr. Wray throughout the book.Each chapter ends with a "What Helps" section containing many straightforward and practical suggestions for coping with grief.There is an excellent resource list at the end of the book.In addition to recommending the book to other bereaved siblings, I have also recommended it to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.This book will be a treasure to all those who are suffering through grief!

From One Who Has Not Lost A Sibling
This is a must read for everyone!Although I have not lost a sibling, I happened upon this book after my cousin died.Through her own story, Dr. Wray helped me to understand what her sisters were going through and how I could help support them in their own personal loss.I keep a few copies at hand to give to friends and acquaintances that have lost siblings.Time after time, I am thanked for having recognized and validated their pain.And time after time the response I receive from those who have read the book is "FINALLY someone understands what I am experiencing." Dr. Wray's book has not only helped me to become a more empathetic person, it has given comfort and guidance to those suffering a tremendous loss.

The MOST helpful of all publications
This book was definitely the MOST helpful publication that I encountered after my tremendous loss.Even though my tears flowed freely throughout the reading, I felt the most wonderful resolution and peace at the end.No other reading had this effect on me.Despite already being a fan of the highly-credentialed Dr. Wray, this book "nailed" the spiritual, emotional, physical and psychological aspects of sibling loss for me personally.God bless Dr. Wray! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Bereavement    3. Christianity    4. Consolation    5. Death    6. Death / Grief / Consolation    7. Death, Grief, Bereavement    8. Religious aspects    9. Self-Help    10. Self-Help / General    11. Wray, T. J   

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Child sexual abuse    3. Criminology    4. Cross-cultural studies    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Sociology    7. United States    8. Child abuse    9. Family & Relationships / Abuse    10. North America    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Interpersonal Relations    12. Psychology-Interpersonal Relations    13. Sexual abuse    14. Social Science-Criminology