Book Reviews

Because I Remember Terror Father I Remember You.

by Sue William Silverman. University of Georgia Press., 272 pages. 1999. $14.95 Cdn. Available at Amazon.

Ten pages in to this book, I knew I was going to finish it. My thanks to Sue Silverman for affording me the opportunity to read her captivating memoir. For me, this book managed in a very tangible way, to convey what it was like for a child growing up in an abusive home, living one reality in the real world and quite another at home. From the need to believe her father's love truly meant he loved her, through the discovery of words to describe how her father loved her, to the realization that other kids were not loved in this way, through self-knowledge and discovery, and ultimately to the knowledge of what love is and should be, Sue takes you alongside her journey in a way that rings true.

At a time in my life where I was fatigued and exhausted, barely keeping up with routine, I found myself taking time to sit and read this book. True praise for the story, and the ability of the author to take me on her journey. I am glad you found your way, Sue. All the best to Sue, Mack and Quizzles.

What About Me? A guide for Men Helping Female Partners Deal with Childhood Sexual Abuse.

by Grant Cameron. Creative Bound ISBN# 0-921165-38-2, 145 pages. $15.95 Cdn ($13.93 US).

This purpose of this book is stated as "to help the millions of men around this world who are doing their best to help adult female survivors heal from the torment and trauma of childhood abuse". There are so few books written for male partners of survivors, as such this book addresses a void in the self-help literature.

As a survivor, rather than a partner of a survivor, I struggled reading this book. I found myself reacting to what I felt was the author's inclination to speak for "all" survivors rather than the one survivor he personally knew. However, taken within the context of one persons experience helping their partner along their journey, the book does offer a novel voice that may echo the experience of many supportive men of female survivors.

If you would like to see your book reviewed here, email me.