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Silent Cry
In the sequel to "Beneath the Bruises," this searing novel explores the effects of secondhand domestic violence on children."Silent Cry" is the story of K'wan Taylor, the now fourteen-year-old son of Syreeta and Randall Taylor from "Beneath the Bruises," who withstood his father's sporadic outbursts and berating tirades by wishing, praying, and hoping his father would disappear. Feeling helpless and hopeless, K'wan spent most of his young life burdened with the pressure of believing he had to protect his mother from his father's abuse, but not knowing how.
K'wan makes his way to a residential treatment facility for adolescent males, where he begins, slowly, to heal his wounds. It is in his silence that he shares insights and relives painful memories of growing up in a home of violence, revealing his anger toward his father that spiraled into a deep hatred and consumed most of his thoughts. "Silent Cry "is a compelling, thoughtful look at how children, particularly boys, are shaped by domestic violence.
K'wan makes his way to a residential treatment facility for adolescent males, where he begins, slowly, to heal his wounds. It is in his silence that he shares insights and relives painful memories of growing up in a home of violence, revealing his anger toward his father that spiraled into a deep hatred and consumed most of his thoughts. "Silent Cry "is a compelling, thoughtful look at how children, particularly boys, are shaped by domestic violence.
- GenresYoung Adult
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2012
10 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 22, 2013
I didn't enjoy this book as well as I liked the one before this. There was a lot of rambling and it just seemed to drag on and on. I did find the book to be very informative regarding domestic violence and how it affects not only the victim but the children as well. This book dealt with the emotions all of the young men experienced as a result of different forms of abuse and K'Wan was finally able to break free and rediscover he could have a voice and speak out against the abuse. It took an almost tragedy to get to the point where he finally felt like he had no choice but to defend his mom and this act landed him in a rehab type facility but in the end he found a way to break free. I think I would've liked to have seen him break free of the bondage a little earlier in the book but overall it was a pretty decent book.
August 8, 2019
I loved this book. It was good. She and D. Birch is one of my authors.
March 8, 2013
A Broken Mess
It was in 'Beneath The Bruises' that readers met Randy and Syreeta Taylor. We learned that Randy was an abusive husband and Syreeta a stay-at-home mom, dependent on her abuser. Through counseling, we watched as Syreeta grew and finally realized who she was, and Randy was also receiving help. As the book closed, you're hopeful that this family would be better as they worked things out in counseling. Was it helpful?
SILENT CRY opens and readers become acquainted with K'wan Taylor, the oldest of Randy and Syreeta's five sons. K'wan is currently living at a residential treatment facility and he isn't talking. He is fourteen and has been living in a constant state of fear. K'wan had hoped after his father was arrested and moved out of the family home that their lives would finally be normal. Unfortunately his mother forgave his father, allowing him to move back in. While his dad promises not to abuse his mother again, K'wan was always on edge and soon his father's word meant absolutely nothing as he was back to being abusive.
K'wan believes that he is solely responsible for his mother’s safety. Filled with so much fear and hate, he finds himself wishing death on his father. Will he finally kill him?
SILENT CRY is an intense look into the lives of the children dealing with abuse. This story deals with the other victims and how they interact in relationships of their own. Dywane D. Birch opened the door to the often forgotten about victims, the children. In doing so, readers get a first hand view of how detrimental abuse is to the entire family unit. This was not an easy read for me which means that Birch definitely did his due diligence of presenting readers with a worthy follow up.
I'd definitely recommend SILENT CRY to all who've read BENEATH THE BRUISES. Birch is an author with a true and sincere talent.
It was in 'Beneath The Bruises' that readers met Randy and Syreeta Taylor. We learned that Randy was an abusive husband and Syreeta a stay-at-home mom, dependent on her abuser. Through counseling, we watched as Syreeta grew and finally realized who she was, and Randy was also receiving help. As the book closed, you're hopeful that this family would be better as they worked things out in counseling. Was it helpful?
SILENT CRY opens and readers become acquainted with K'wan Taylor, the oldest of Randy and Syreeta's five sons. K'wan is currently living at a residential treatment facility and he isn't talking. He is fourteen and has been living in a constant state of fear. K'wan had hoped after his father was arrested and moved out of the family home that their lives would finally be normal. Unfortunately his mother forgave his father, allowing him to move back in. While his dad promises not to abuse his mother again, K'wan was always on edge and soon his father's word meant absolutely nothing as he was back to being abusive.
K'wan believes that he is solely responsible for his mother’s safety. Filled with so much fear and hate, he finds himself wishing death on his father. Will he finally kill him?
SILENT CRY is an intense look into the lives of the children dealing with abuse. This story deals with the other victims and how they interact in relationships of their own. Dywane D. Birch opened the door to the often forgotten about victims, the children. In doing so, readers get a first hand view of how detrimental abuse is to the entire family unit. This was not an easy read for me which means that Birch definitely did his due diligence of presenting readers with a worthy follow up.
I'd definitely recommend SILENT CRY to all who've read BENEATH THE BRUISES. Birch is an author with a true and sincere talent.
May 9, 2013
This YA novel shares about what no child should have to bare in their household. K'wame, being the eldest of five boys--he believes he needs to defend and protect his mother and younger siblings. We see domestic violence up close and personal, where K'wame's father and mother makes excuses for his dad's physical aggression as a symbol of LOVE. What does love have to do with it? For K'wame violent behavior against his father, instead of being locked up for his offense, he was sent to a residential treatment home called Healing Souls.
The book stemmed other internal issues that are typically overlooked, even with our youth, and growing up in the home with any form of abuse. These issues are self-esteem, beauty inside and out, and appearance is the key because sometimes based on the way we dress or look can be perceived unjustly. Moreover, abusive relationships can affect not only the children but how it reflects in their dating relationships. Overall, K'wame worries about becoming what he hates the most. Thank goodness he had therapy and counseling sessions offered to break his "silence" which shouldn't be bottled inside.
It was an easy read, finished in one sitting, and great for YA and those facing domestic violence in some shape or form. More importantly, you can see it from a youth POV. What was also taken from the book that writing as therapeutic, cleanses the soul (mind and emotions). Most crimes are typically committed from one's feelings (emotions), not their thoughts (whereas it's planned out methodically). Therefore, we need a way or method to cleanse our souls! I enjoyed reading it since it also reminded me of when I worked in a group home for boys and girls (separate homes of course).
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.org (Dream4More Reviews)
The book stemmed other internal issues that are typically overlooked, even with our youth, and growing up in the home with any form of abuse. These issues are self-esteem, beauty inside and out, and appearance is the key because sometimes based on the way we dress or look can be perceived unjustly. Moreover, abusive relationships can affect not only the children but how it reflects in their dating relationships. Overall, K'wame worries about becoming what he hates the most. Thank goodness he had therapy and counseling sessions offered to break his "silence" which shouldn't be bottled inside.
It was an easy read, finished in one sitting, and great for YA and those facing domestic violence in some shape or form. More importantly, you can see it from a youth POV. What was also taken from the book that writing as therapeutic, cleanses the soul (mind and emotions). Most crimes are typically committed from one's feelings (emotions), not their thoughts (whereas it's planned out methodically). Therefore, we need a way or method to cleanse our souls! I enjoyed reading it since it also reminded me of when I worked in a group home for boys and girls (separate homes of course).
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.org (Dream4More Reviews)
May 16, 2013
Kwan Taylor refuses to speak. He can't speak. His parent's demons have become his demons and they torment him daily, even more so now that he is in a youth rehabilitation center for stabbing his father after witnessing him attempting to kill his mother. Since that night, life for Kwan has been a seemingly never-ending tunnel of darkness, fear and depression with no end in sight. We follow Kwan as he finally faces his demons and finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel.
I thought that this book was very insightful. I've never dealt with physical abuse and I pray I never have to. Dywane Birch does a wonderful job illustrating the effects of domestic violence on both adults and children. His background in psychology is evident as he discusses through his characters the how's and why's of why some people are more likely to engage in certain behaviors than others. As with his other books that I have read so far, in certain parts I found myself in deep thought about some of my own experiences and the impact they had on my life as a whole. Though I could not relate specifically to Kwan's experiences with domestic violence, there were some events from my personal life that were nearly as traumatic and I found that we shared a similar thought process. Although the focus was on domestic violence, a lot of the psychology and themes on forgiveness and anger could easily be applied to other areas of life. This is definitely not a casual read, rather it is one that is meant to take you into a "thinking" place and even raise a little self-awareness. I think the book is great overall. My only complaint is that I wish Kwan had found his voice a lot sooner and more focus would have been put on the healing rather than the suffering.
I thought that this book was very insightful. I've never dealt with physical abuse and I pray I never have to. Dywane Birch does a wonderful job illustrating the effects of domestic violence on both adults and children. His background in psychology is evident as he discusses through his characters the how's and why's of why some people are more likely to engage in certain behaviors than others. As with his other books that I have read so far, in certain parts I found myself in deep thought about some of my own experiences and the impact they had on my life as a whole. Though I could not relate specifically to Kwan's experiences with domestic violence, there were some events from my personal life that were nearly as traumatic and I found that we shared a similar thought process. Although the focus was on domestic violence, a lot of the psychology and themes on forgiveness and anger could easily be applied to other areas of life. This is definitely not a casual read, rather it is one that is meant to take you into a "thinking" place and even raise a little self-awareness. I think the book is great overall. My only complaint is that I wish Kwan had found his voice a lot sooner and more focus would have been put on the healing rather than the suffering.
December 9, 2012
Someone Sees You
K'wan Taylor is the oldest of five boys. He's currently living in a residential treatment facility for adolescent males. He's there in exchange for having two charges, possession of a deadly weapon and attempted murder, dismissed. While here, will he be able to forgive and move forward?
I read “Beneath the Bruises” a few years ago and absolutely loved it. It hit close to home. Having dealt with domestic violence, I was able to see myself in the book. I gladly accepted to read the sequel. I was looking forward to see what became of the characters. It's so easy to say what you won't deal with until you find yourself placed in the situation. The kids are affected just as much. They know, see and hear more than we give them credit for. K'wan could've easily been one of my children. I thank Birch for this continuation. It shows how domestic violence affects the entire family.
“Silent Cry” is a sequel. You don't necessarily need to have read book one, but I suggest reading it because it gives you a chance to get to know the characters a little more. In “Silent Cry,” we see the views of K'wan Taylor. We are taken along for a helluva roller coaster ride as he takes us along his journey of hell. I highly recommend both books. You are guaranteed to walk away with a different view.
Reviewed by: Jas
K'wan Taylor is the oldest of five boys. He's currently living in a residential treatment facility for adolescent males. He's there in exchange for having two charges, possession of a deadly weapon and attempted murder, dismissed. While here, will he be able to forgive and move forward?
I read “Beneath the Bruises” a few years ago and absolutely loved it. It hit close to home. Having dealt with domestic violence, I was able to see myself in the book. I gladly accepted to read the sequel. I was looking forward to see what became of the characters. It's so easy to say what you won't deal with until you find yourself placed in the situation. The kids are affected just as much. They know, see and hear more than we give them credit for. K'wan could've easily been one of my children. I thank Birch for this continuation. It shows how domestic violence affects the entire family.
“Silent Cry” is a sequel. You don't necessarily need to have read book one, but I suggest reading it because it gives you a chance to get to know the characters a little more. In “Silent Cry,” we see the views of K'wan Taylor. We are taken along for a helluva roller coaster ride as he takes us along his journey of hell. I highly recommend both books. You are guaranteed to walk away with a different view.
Reviewed by: Jas
April 15, 2013
This book dragged on and on and I found it disappointing compared to Beneath the Bruises. Because of the long winded, repetitive nature of the first half of the book, I just couldn't connect with K'wan as much as I wanted to.
This book did, however, seem to cover (in great detail) the thoughts of children of abusive homes. That, I liked. But, as a fictional story, I just didn't care for it. I put it down a little past the halfway mark.
This book did, however, seem to cover (in great detail) the thoughts of children of abusive homes. That, I liked. But, as a fictional story, I just didn't care for it. I put it down a little past the halfway mark.
February 27, 2013
This novel was a very emotional read for me. It takes you through the life and healing process of K'wan and his disfunctional family life. Abuse from the hands of his father to the body of his mother will leave you in shock and disbelief. It gives you a deeper understanding of what all members of a family go through to trying and pick up the fragil peaces of domestic abuse.
March 24, 2014
This book foreshadows how domestic violence not only affects the parents but the child(ren) as well. It will open the world's eyes through a teenager named Kwan.
May 17, 2015
The book seemed to drag on and became very repetitive.
July 18, 2022
loved this book
very heart warming ending!
very heart warming ending!
August 20, 2013
This read was just "ok". There was alot of rambling.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews