Male Molestation Victim Pens Emotional Memoir

Songs from an Imperfect Life

Author: J. Ronald M. York

Publisher: St. Broadway Press

Publication Date: March 18, 2018

Length: 228 Pages










About the Author
J. Ronald M. York graduated from Belmont University with studies in voice and piano. He spent the next two decades in the field of interior design before opening his first art gallery. When not in the gallery, Mr. York can be found in his studio painting, at his piano composing, or assisting numerous nonprofit agencies with fundraising. He is the author of "Kept in the Dark."

“Secrets. We all have them, and we all hope they will never be revealed. My parents, relatives and a handful of close friends took our family secret to their graves. And yet, my parents held on to a box of incriminating evidence, through five moves in three different cities, to be left for me to find long after everyone was gone.”

Revealing is Healing

This is a story of family secrets and the effects these secrets had on the author's life.

The author's father was arrested, pled guilty and served jail time for molesting boys in his Boy Scout Troop in the 1950s. 

Mr. York was first molested at the First Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee when he was seven years old. The male predator was a respected, upstanding member of the church. 

The sexual abuse continued at church, in movie theaters, in public restrooms and department stores until the author graduated from high school.

As an adult, Mr. York pursued a homosexual lifestyle and participated in many risky sexual acts and dysfunctional relationships.

The author is now in his sixties and has written this book about his life with insight, understanding and compassion. It is time for healing and forgiveness.

My Thoughts

Mr. York's family appeared to be a normal church-going, white middle class family. No one would have guessed the secrets that were never discussed. However, keeping secrets came at a high price. The author never told his parents about the inappropriate touching at church or any of the other sexual encounters he had as a child. Yet, you have to wonder if there weren't many warning signs that were intentionally ignored.

Mr. York provides many examples of how his childhood abuse changed the way he perceived himself and those around him...and not in a good way. This story of abuse is very disturbing, but the author does not consider himself a victim. 

This is an account of resilience and determination to overcome the past and walk confidently into the future. This is a gripping memoir that is worthy of your time. Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS SECTION below.

Children's Book Review: Nest by Esther Ehrlich

Nest

Author: Esther Ehrlich

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Date: September 9, 2014

Length: 338 Pages



About the Author
Amy Ehrlich is the author of more than thirty books for young readers and is also a winner of The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award for her novel Joyride, which was also chosen Booklist Choice Best Book of the Decade. She lives on a farm in Northern Vermont with her husband and a great many domestic and agricultural animals.

A Coming Of Age Story
Eleven-year-old Naomi Orenstein is nicknamed “Chirp” because of her love of birds and bird-watching. Her sister Rachel and her father are close, and Chirp enjoys a special bond with her mother, a former dancer. The story is set in 1972 on Cape Cod.

Chirp's mother is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (M.S.) and is severely depressed as a result of her illness. Chirp copes with her mother's illness by spending time alone with her beloved birds and befriending a neighbor boy named Joey.

This is a story about a family dealing with severe hardships. Chirp is a survivor and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

My Thoughts
This was a very emotional book. It was written for middle school students and it deals with problems that many youngsters have probably been sheltered from. These issues included terminal illness of a parent, child abuse, running away from home and suicide.

I believe the author presented this story in a realistic and sensitive manner. This book will make readers understand and appreciate the meaning of the love and devotion of family and friends.

Chirp learned that bad things happen to good people but life goes on. The story illustrates the grieving process and the emotions that are felt by each of the family members. Love never dies.

Highly recommended for middle school students through adults.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley.

Book Review: A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

A Stolen Life

Author: Jaycee Dugard

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Date: July 12, 2011

Pages: 268




About The Author
Jaycee Dugard was an 11-year-old school girl when she was kidnapped by Phillip and Nancy Garrido in 1991. Ms. Dugard has spared no detail of her ordeal and chronicled the growth she has undergone during her first months of freedom in her memoir, "A Stolen Life."

18 Years
The kidnapping of Jaycee Lee Dugard occurred on June 10, 1991, in South Lake Tahoe, California. Ms. Dugard was 11 years old at the time and was abducted from a street while she was walking from home to a school bus stop. She remained missing for more than 18 years. During these years, Ms. Dugard gave birth to two daughters.

This story was written in the author's own words and documents the events that happened during the years that she was held in a backyard prison by Phillip and Nancy Garrido. Ms. Dugard also shares her "Reflections" about the abuse and torment that she suffered during her years in captivity.

The final part of the book tells about Jaycee Dugard's  release and reunion with her mother and other family members.

Favorite Quotations

“I learned in therapy the word "No" is a complete sentence.” 

“Ask yourself, "what would you do to survive?” 

“There are moments in which all of us need to have a backbone and feel that we have the right to say no to adults if we believe they are doing the wrong thing. You must find your voice and not be afraid to speak up.”

“I don't believe in hate. To me it wastes too much time. People who hate waste so much of their life hating that they miss out on all the other stuff out here.” 

My Thoughts
This book provides graphic details about Jaycee Dugard's kidnapping and captivity. It was difficult to read and I often felt sick at my stomach as I read about the sexual abuse that this little girl experienced at the hands of Phillip Garrido. It was equally upsetting to learn that the kidnapper's wife, Nancy Garrido, supported her perverted husband and failed to do anything to stop this horrific situation. It was also disturbing to know that Phillip Garrido was a registered sex offender and reported to parole officers during all the years that he held Jaycee in his back yard.

I applaud Ms. Dugard for having the courage to relive these years and share her story in writing. I hope and pray that her testimony will make people more aware of what is going on in their own neighborhoods. I also hope that people will have a better understanding of what a mentally ill sex offender is capable of.

This book is not for the faint hearted. This book presents evidence that EVIL exists in the world and we must be prepared to protect ourselves and our children.

Read this book and have an honest talk with your children. We can't afford to believe that something like this only happens to other people in other places.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased a print copy of this book with my own funds.
I would love for you to FOLLOW this blog. You may use either the Google Friend Connect or the Networked Blog widget to show your support and encouragement.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Fractured Life of 3743

Native American Rob Cabitto writes a memoir about his life of abuse, molestation, abandonment and addiction. "The Fractured Life of 3743" is a story of redemption and recovery.

The author does an amazing job sharing the emotional and traumatic events of his past. He is now anxious to help others who find themselves dealing with similar situations. 



About the Author
Rob Cabitto is a Native American Indian from the Karuk Tribe, and 3743, his tribal roll number, identifies his Native blood and heritage.

Rob is Founder and CEO of Nine Mile Communications Inc., which provides installation services for data and telecommunication equipment covering North America. Rob received his B.S. in Business Marketing from the University of Phoenix and an M.B.A. from the New York Institute of Technology. Rob also holds many specialty certificates in Data Networking, Data Storage, Telecommunications and Network Design.

A Childhood From Hell
Rob Cabitto is a Karuk Indian from northern California. The tribe has a rich history in basket weaving and fishing. Rob had nine biological brothers and sisters. One of Rob's first memories is his alcoholic biological father pouring gasoline on him and trying to set him on fire. Rob was four years old.

Rob's biological mother and father were both alcoholics. He and his siblings were taken from their parents and placed in foster homes at a young age. Rob was legally adopted when he was nine-years-old.

Unfortunately, his adoptive father suffered major health problems and his adoptive mother had a difficult time adjusting to the responsibilities of the family. Rob felt like he was pretty much on his own and soon became hooked on alcohol and drugs. He was also sexually molested during this time by the older sister of a friend.

Over the years, Rob was homeless, spent time in jail and was involved in many dysfunctional relationships with women. He eventually had a desire to get back to his Native American roots and reconnect with his family, tribe and spirit.

Healing and Fresh Starts
Rob always had a love of reading and a desire to get a good education. He sought help in recovery programs, with counselors and with tribal Medicine Men and Native American spiritual guides.

He was able to earn a graduate business degree and start his own technology company. More importantly, he has taken great strides in healing his fractured heart and emotions.

My Thoughts
This is a very compelling true story that includes many heart-wrenching details. It is so sad to learn that children have to live in circumstances like the ones described in this book.

The good news is that Rob Cabbito is a survivor and an over comer. He has pulled himself up out of the pit of addiction and is now living a successful life. He is also determined to help others overcome addiction and dysfunctional living.

I was very interested in this book because I have read very little about the modern day challenges of Native Americans. I found this book very informative about the Native American customs and rituals. Rob found healing when he went back to his roots and took pride in his heritage. This book is not for everyone, but I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in addiction and recovery issues. This book will open your eyes to the problems in the Native American culture and inspire you to confront your own emotional demons.

This book is available in paperback editions from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It is also available as a Kindle book from Amazon.

Book Giveaway
I would love to pass my review copy of this book on to one of my readers. If you feel like you could benefit from reading Rob's story, please send me a brief email at fullerjanette@gmail.com. I will read your emails and choose a winner based on your comment. These comments will remain private and will not be posted on this blog. I will ship the book to you at my expense.

FYI ~ I received a free preview paperback copy of "The Fractured Life of 3743" from Rob Cabitto's book publicist. Thank you to Rachel M. Anderson of RMA Publicity!

Please share your thought in the Comment Section below.

Book Review: The Reversible Skirt

Laura McHale Holland has written a poignant memoir about her childhood. "Reversible Skirt" tells the story of how Laura and her two sisters survived years of emotional and physical abuse after their mother committed suicide. This book is a heart-wrenching account of a family gone terribly wrong. The author is sharing her story with the hope that readers will be reminded of the depth and complexity of children. No matter how things appear to an outside observer, one never knows what the child is really experiencing at home.

About The Author
Laura McHale Holland is a writer, editor and occasional storyteller living in southern Sonoma County, California. She currently heads the editorial department of a trade publication covering the electronic payments industry. She belongs to Redwood Writers and the Storytelling Association of California.

A Sad Story
One evening, Laura and her sisters come home from a neighborhood Halloween party and find their mother hanging from the rafters of the basement ceiling. This is the beginning of a long, tragic saga for the young girls.
The older two sisters are sent off to a Catholic orphanage and little Laura is taken in by her maternal grandparents. In a desperate attempt to keep the family together, their father marries a mean, cruel woman and tells the children that this is their mother.
Things get worse...much worse. When the girls are still in their pre-teen years, their father becomes ill and dies. The wicked stepmother continues to be a "mommy" to the girls so that she can collect social security benefits and not have to get a job.
Laura Holland describes many experiences that took place in her childhood home that were frightening, humiliating and painful. The good news is that the girls survived and went on to live the normal lives that they dreamed about as children.

My Thoughts
Ms. Holland has done an excellent job relating the difficult emotions and thoughts that she experienced as a child. It must have been very difficult to relive the devastating pain that she experienced at the hands of the adults in her early life.
This book was very hard for me to read. I know that I should not stick my head in the sand because there are many children in the world who are suffering the same kind of abuse that Laura endured for so many years. The author wrote the book to make a plea for good people to be alert to bad situations. She also acknowledged that her father was doing what he thought was best for the family at the time. Her stepmother was abandoned as a child and was abused by her caregivers. So...history repeats itself.
I can't say that you will enjoy reading this book, but I can say that you will gain insight and understanding into the plight of abused children.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the book's publicist to read and review.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

A Powerful Testimony

Sharquent Webster shares the story of her tragic childhood in "He Kan't Kill Your Future: For I Know the Plans I Have for You Declares the Lord...". The good thing about this book is that it has a happy, joyful ending. This book is a testimony about how the love of Jesus Christ can change lives.

I now realize that I have lived a very sheltered life. I have to admit that many parts of this book were difficult for me to read. I never imagined that there are children in the United States who are living in this kind of poverty and abuse.  It was difficult to put this book down because I really needed to find out how this courageous young woman could overcome such a horrific childhood.

Mrs. Webster is not a professional writer but she writes from the heart and soul. I felt like she was talking directly to me when she was writing about how she was the seventh of ten children in a family growing up in South Central Los Angeles. Her father left the family and her mother suffered serious mental problems as she struggled to keep her family fed. Her mother dealt with the pressures of caring for her large family by dumpster diving and hoarding. She often left her children alone while she walked the streets in search of food and treasures.

Sharquent provides vivid details about how she walked the streets, was molested, raped and developed a drug addiction before she was old enough to drive. She hustled and snatched purses to finance her drug habit. She dropped out of school in junior high and spent her teenage years running with gang members and drug dealers. She eventually spent some time in jail but this did not heal her craving for PCP and crack. She had two children and lost custody of both of them.

Sharquent finally "hit bottom" and decided to enter the Victory Outreach Rehabilitation Center. This was a Christian home for young women who were homeless and broken. She spent a year at Victory Outreach and graduated from the program. She learned about the love of Christ and the fact that He had good plans for her life. The Lord could heal her and use her to help other hurting women.

Sharquent Webster is a powerful example of how God can take a "no-good dirty drug addict" and use her to bring Him glory. Jesus saves.

I want to thank Mrs. Webster for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. Reading this book was an experience that I won't soon forget.

Please post your thoughts in the Comments section below.