Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse: A Memoir

After discovering my former husband molested at least two friend’s children, my own children and I were in shock. I began researching and realized how prevalent this is; almost always someone you “think” you know. This book is a MUST READ for parents, survivors, teachers, counselors, therapists and anyone who has care of children. If only I had seen the signs. Hats off to Erin Merryn for educating others.

If you have a child that has suffered sexual abuse GET THIS BOOK IN THEIR HANDS!!! I agree with the reviewer who's daughter read this book and was changed by it. For a young person this book is written perfectly and for someoone such as myself (who is 47) someone that survived sexual abuse as a child but has never faced it, it is also good. I wish that I had journaled. I would reccomend this book to everyone. Those that have and have not been affected by sexual abuse. According to the statistics if you haven't been abused you know someone that has, even if they haven't told anyone yet!!! That's scary and sad but all too true. We need to start talking and this and that is what Erin is doing. I was most touched by the paragraph written by her mother as I too was abused as a child and 2 of my children were also abused. I know her pain more than I wish, but it feels good to know I am not alone.

Being a survivor myself I could identify with Erin and what she went through with her family member. For me it was my great uncle. I was so happy at her mother's quick response to helping her daughter right away with counseling. In my family they knew my uncle affected three generations of children with sexual abuse but did nothing to stop him. My family was in complete denial as was Erin's grandparents. Being able to forgive Brian was very hard for her but I am happy Erin was able to for her own sake. Keeping those feelings insede would have affected her healing process. I too suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. I was really suprised when Erin had to go to the hospital that they allowed her to come home during the night. When I was hospitalized, I had to stay a week on the Behavioral Health unit and I had groups all day. I felt so sad for Erin that every holiday she had to experience trauma when it is supposed to be fun gathering with family. I know Erin is changing lives by speaking out about her story at each presentation and hopefully some day the abusers will be caught alot quicker by the children speaking out faster. My hope is the more education about sexual abuse we can communicate to our children we will enable them to tell an adult immediately instead of growning up with the secrets that affects their adulthood and their families. Leslie Raddatz Author of Flashbacks in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Surviving the Flood

This book is mostly about courage. You know the story is going to tell about abuse and someone overcoming. But the perspective of the diary entries of a young girl turned woman is very special. You are with her on her journey and that is a remarkable gift she is giving survivors and those that are still victims. If you are struggling with coming out of your own victim-hood, telling your story, because you aren't sure what that could or would look like... Then this is a good book for you. I wondered myself what that journey would look like and this is a spellbinding example of strength and endurance. However your survivor story goes, or maybe you are supporting a loved one through, this book is a good inspirational read.

A harrowing account of sexual abuse at the hand of the author's cousin. The journal entries I feel should have been edited so as to not be so repetitive. It really took away from the harrowing journey this woman went through. There is great insight as to how traumatic it was for a twelve year old to go through two years of excessive abuse, only to be menatlly abused by so many of her family that would not believe her, how bad her PSTD was, how many years after that she still had horrible flashbacks and nightly nightmares. And her ultimate triumph over it. Incredibly poignant, yet I think the book would have been better if she took it from the aspect of an adult, and then included those shocking journal entries from when she was a child. It is the repetiveness that made me skip a whole bunch of the journal entries, which I felt bad about. Oddly, It was harder to slog through journal entries than it was to hear about what really happened. As a woman who also was molested at an early age, I found myself wanting to really immerse myself in her harrowing and incredible, heroic story. But the journal entries go on so long and contain info that was not related to the story, that I started skimming through them instead of reading them. This does not detract from her unbelievable story, it just makes it more difficult to read every word, which saddens me- because this is a cautionary tale that should absolutely be read!

Finally a book about INCEST that actually hits the target. I ordered Erin's books after I read some articles she posted on Facebook. It was extremely helpful in that it tells it like it was for me as a child. Sadly, my parents and older brother were my primary abusers. If I took the names out of Erin's book and inserted my relatives it was right on target. I especially identified with her Mother's chapter as I am not only a survivor, but the people who abused me also abused my child and she told at the age of 13. 1986 was not a good year for reporting incest as in those days they wouldn't even prosecute incest unless they got a confession. Sixty days in jail for one of them and a small fine! Over 12 victims so far. My relatives are getting copies of Erin's books from me for Christmas. I live in Poulsbo, WA and Kitsap County has a serious child sexual abuse issue as well as incest. Praying the deaf ears hear the message and that Erin's Law comes to Washington the State!. Erin Merryn's book is a must read for anyone who has been sexually abused or are in the helping professions!

I bought this book after discovering Erin Merryn and her amazing cat Bailey on Instagram. I read the entire thing in one afternoon because it was so relatable. I was abused by my mother’s coworker at the age of 7. He was down on his luck and she let him stay with us for a little while. She threw him out when neighbors commented that he carried me everywhere and held me too close. I didn’t tell her the extent of the abuse for several years. When it finally came out, he spent six years in prison and passed away shortly after his release. I can’t imagine facing my abuser on a regular basis. I admire Erin’s strength. Even in her weakest moments, she was stronger than I think I would have been.

I am not a huge book reader and I could not put this book down! Erin’s story taken directly from her journal as a young girl was riveting and captivating. So inspiring I would recommend to anyone who overcomes any kind of trauma and finds the courage to face their fears full on and survive with the help and faith in God. This book must be shared, it will help so many people! Bravo!!