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Glimmer: A Story of Survival, Hope, and Healing
MP3 CD Format Foreword by Cameron Diaz A raw and heartening memoir of one woman's journey from surviving childhood sexual abuse to becoming one of the most successful stuntwomen in Hollywood. "Reading Kimberly Shannon Murphy's searing and vividly told memoir is like watching a gripping work of cinema verité: each scene demands our attention as the plot moves towards its dramatic conclusion. A powerful and inspiring story of suffering and shame, resilience and redemption."--Gabor Maté M.D., New York Times bestselling author of The Myth of Normal "Piece by piece, the on-site medic tweezes the shards of candy glass from my face. I don't mind the stinging. I don't flinch." As an award-winning stuntwoman, Kimberly Shannon Murphy was intimate with pain. For years, she propelled her body through dangerous spaces--medicating the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse with the adrenaline rush that came from pushing herself to the absolute limit. But as Kimberly learned, no matter how much you suppress your past, it always catches up with you. In Glimmer , Kimberly details her remarkable journey to the top of her field as a Hollywood stuntwoman for many A-list celebrities, including Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, and Sandra Bullock, while carrying the pain of her childhood of sexual abuse in a family that refused to acknowledge its reality. In her beautifully written, unflinchingly honest memoir, Kimberly reflects on her past and present, chronicling her path to recovery and calculating the long shadow of trauma. Glimmer is the story of one woman's quest to reclaim her life and to shine a spotlight on the dark topic of intergenerational familial abuse. As Kimberly reveals, being strong isn't about getting your black belt, leaping out of four-story buildings, or putting 200-pound stuntmen in chokeholds--it's about waking up every single morning and choosing to love yourself, no matter your history. A heroic and hopeful story of stolen innocence, pain, courage, and survival, Glimmer is an emotional roadmap for others who have suffered abuse and childhood trauma, offering them hope, healing, and inspiration.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 16, 2023
58 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 21, 2023
For those of us that have survived, struggled, and thrived from horrific sexual abuse, and family that chose not to protect us, this book is a must read.
So well written with a deep understanding of our personal and life long experiences. I am grateful to the author for her words & work. It is one more puzzle piece helping me heal.
Thank you.
So well written with a deep understanding of our personal and life long experiences. I am grateful to the author for her words & work. It is one more puzzle piece helping me heal.
Thank you.
September 4, 2024
This book was FANTASTIC. I read it in one day -- which I rarely do. This speaks to the compelling nature of the book!
Kimberly did a great job writing about a sensitive topic in a way that was emotionally effective but not overwhelming.
Kimberly did a great job writing about a sensitive topic in a way that was emotionally effective but not overwhelming.
September 6, 2023
I appreciate Kimberly sharing her very traumatic childhood, with us. I'm so glad she became able to thrive and continues to do so.
June 21, 2023
Too many people suffer in silence. You can't break a cycle of abuse that you have not acknowledged. Kimberly Shannon Murphy is a Hollywood stunt person and has doubled for many A-list actors, including Cameron Diaz, who wrote the forward. Hiding in Kim's past is the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, exacerbated by her family's outright denial that the abuse happened. In her beautifully written, unflinchingly honest memoir, Kimberly reflects on her past and present, chronicling her path to recovery and calculating the long shadow of trauma. Glimmer is the story of one woman’s quest to reclaim her life and to shine a spotlight on the dark topic of intergenerational familial abuse. Through her journey, Kim finds that strength is much more than what your physical body can achieve. True strength is waking up every single morning and choosing to love yourself, no matter your history. A heroic and hopeful story of stolen innocence, pain, courage, and survival, Glimmer is an emotional roadmap for others who have suffered abuse and childhood trauma, offering them hope, healing, and inspiration.
June 20, 2023
Sometimes within a diseased family system there is one person who has the ability to free themselves. Kimberly Murphy was a teenager when she recognized her own life experience as a victim of incestual child abuse while watching a TV documentary on the subject, and had the courage to speak out. Her mother, aunt, and sister had also been violated, but all had suppressed the memories, as happens to many such victims, as a means of survival. Not only was Murphy courageous in telling her story, but also by not allowing family members to discredit her memories and her anger. This book deals with horrific subject matter but is written tastefully, describing more her path to understanding the core issues behind her fears and anxiety, and her steps towards healing.
One point that I found interesting is that predators usually know which victims to target, because they can sense those that are unprotected. Overall this is a brave book about overcoming tremendous childhood trauma, and I applaud Murphy for her fortitude, resilience and hard-won success.
One point that I found interesting is that predators usually know which victims to target, because they can sense those that are unprotected. Overall this is a brave book about overcoming tremendous childhood trauma, and I applaud Murphy for her fortitude, resilience and hard-won success.
January 5, 2023
Author Kimberly Shannon Murphy is a well known and very successful stuntwoman in Hollywood. The stunts that she performs can be painful, but the pain is nothing like what she endured growing up. For most of her childhood she had been traumatized by her grandfather's acts of sexual violence towards her. (this grandfather was a successful architect and highly regarded within the family and the community)
It's not until she's an adult and feels emotionally ready to face the abuse head on, that she truly and fully *feels* the enormity of what was done to her. Did her painful past play a part in her becoming a stuntwoman? Are the stunts that she performs replicating the fear that she felt as an adult and thus felt familiar?
This memoir is NOT a lurid, tell-all book about SA. Rather it is a thoughtful, well written account of a brave young girl who grew up in a dysfunctional family, who managed to dig deep and look at what was causing her pain and to realize that she was not the cause of the pain.
Readers will ask themselves if it is possible to forgive the adults of your childhood who failed to provide a safe, nurturing environment.
Highly recommend.
* I read an advance copy and was not compensated
It's not until she's an adult and feels emotionally ready to face the abuse head on, that she truly and fully *feels* the enormity of what was done to her. Did her painful past play a part in her becoming a stuntwoman? Are the stunts that she performs replicating the fear that she felt as an adult and thus felt familiar?
This memoir is NOT a lurid, tell-all book about SA. Rather it is a thoughtful, well written account of a brave young girl who grew up in a dysfunctional family, who managed to dig deep and look at what was causing her pain and to realize that she was not the cause of the pain.
Readers will ask themselves if it is possible to forgive the adults of your childhood who failed to provide a safe, nurturing environment.
Highly recommend.
* I read an advance copy and was not compensated
June 3, 2023
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harper_wave for the #gifted copy!
This here is vulnerability and power in a book.
As an award-winning stuntwoman, Kimberly Shannon Murphy was intimate with pain. For years, she propelled her body through dangerous spaces—medicating the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse with the adrenaline rush that came from pushing herself to the absolute limit. But as Kimberly learned, no matter how much you suppress your past, it always catches up with you.
I read the synopsis and realized I must read this one. These types of stories and voices need to be heard, understood and learned from despite how much they may make some uncomfortable. It was undoubtedly thought provoking and well done.
There are some significant trigger warnings to be mindful of prior to going into this own. That said, I thought the content of abuse, violence and mental health struggles was done with so much tact and care.
I devoured this in one day. I couldn’t put it down, it brought all the emotions in its well written pages. As a therapist, I love hearing others stories, journeys and triumphs. Murphy’s candid ability to share her process and progress through therapy felt so realistic and healing. I truly believe others will benefit from this.
Highly recommend this one!
This here is vulnerability and power in a book.
As an award-winning stuntwoman, Kimberly Shannon Murphy was intimate with pain. For years, she propelled her body through dangerous spaces—medicating the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse with the adrenaline rush that came from pushing herself to the absolute limit. But as Kimberly learned, no matter how much you suppress your past, it always catches up with you.
I read the synopsis and realized I must read this one. These types of stories and voices need to be heard, understood and learned from despite how much they may make some uncomfortable. It was undoubtedly thought provoking and well done.
There are some significant trigger warnings to be mindful of prior to going into this own. That said, I thought the content of abuse, violence and mental health struggles was done with so much tact and care.
I devoured this in one day. I couldn’t put it down, it brought all the emotions in its well written pages. As a therapist, I love hearing others stories, journeys and triumphs. Murphy’s candid ability to share her process and progress through therapy felt so realistic and healing. I truly believe others will benefit from this.
Highly recommend this one!
June 1, 2023
HarperWave free book
Happy pub. day to this raw and vulnerable memoir. Murphy shared her story of being sexually abused as a child and how she’s grown and changed since then. What I liked about this story was how I could feel the depth of her emotions through the excellent writing, but there wasn’t so much trauma put onto the page that I felt like it was too much. This story balances sharing enough and not too much so well - which made it easy for me to sit and read this in a day. It is one of the best written memoirs I’ve read recently. I applaud her openness with sharing about her therapy journey and the epilogue was the perfect way for her to show how she’s grown and changed throughout her life.
TW: child sexual assault, disordered eating, bulimia, PPA
Happy pub. day to this raw and vulnerable memoir. Murphy shared her story of being sexually abused as a child and how she’s grown and changed since then. What I liked about this story was how I could feel the depth of her emotions through the excellent writing, but there wasn’t so much trauma put onto the page that I felt like it was too much. This story balances sharing enough and not too much so well - which made it easy for me to sit and read this in a day. It is one of the best written memoirs I’ve read recently. I applaud her openness with sharing about her therapy journey and the epilogue was the perfect way for her to show how she’s grown and changed throughout her life.
TW: child sexual assault, disordered eating, bulimia, PPA
July 10, 2023
This was such a raw and devastating first-hand account of childhood sexual abuse, with the author bravely going into detail into both what happened to her and how it affected her mentally and emotionally for decades after it happened. Despite going through a recovery and healing process, she does a tremendous job of putting you in so vividly in the mindset she was in as a child, a teenager, and a young adult dealing with the effects of trauma, reminding me of Portia de Rossi's memoir "Unbearable Lightness," which was similarly gut-wrenching – and similarly triggering if you've experienced anything like what the author is describing. It's a difficult read, but for me it was worth the often uncomfortable and sometimes panic attack-inducing experience.
June 22, 2023
This powerful memoir is accessible to any level reader with its simple language yet searing narrative. Murphy is careful to convey the severity of the abuse without all the gory details, a considerate master-stroke.
Her story of not only surviving the abuse, but also creating high success in her dangerous work, is inspiring and uncommon for most survivors. Likewise uncommon is her healthy marital relationship, good therapist connection, and tribe of close friends. Kudos to her in all her glory!
Her story of not only surviving the abuse, but also creating high success in her dangerous work, is inspiring and uncommon for most survivors. Likewise uncommon is her healthy marital relationship, good therapist connection, and tribe of close friends. Kudos to her in all her glory!
June 18, 2023
An absolutely phenomenal memoir! A must read for anyone affected by childhood sexual abuse, and more specifically, incest. Kimberly Shannon Murphy has shared her excruciatingly painful and harrowing life experience and by doing so, incredibly bravely, she is being of service to humankind. May her courage continue to bring her healing, and be the light for other similarly suffering souls.
This should be required reading for all health professionals.
This should be required reading for all health professionals.
August 3, 2023
I'd never heard of this person before checking out this book (recommended to me because I've enjoyed similar ones, apparently) but I really enjoyed it. Kimberly's gone through a lot in her life and her attitude throughout it has been impressively positive. I liked hearing about the stunt performer's life, something I'd never thought much about, and especially liked the celebrity mentions in the story. Glad she got her happy ending!
June 12, 2023
Tear jerker
The author Kimberly Murphy is brave for telling her story that I believe can help others who were abused. As a mother I couldn't imagine not protecting my children. So many emotions anger,rage,sadness,happiness came over me while reading this book. She told her story and told it well. If you get a chance to read her book please do.
The author Kimberly Murphy is brave for telling her story that I believe can help others who were abused. As a mother I couldn't imagine not protecting my children. So many emotions anger,rage,sadness,happiness came over me while reading this book. She told her story and told it well. If you get a chance to read her book please do.
August 5, 2023
The world needs this book…
Your heart will ache reading this book, but you can’t miss the magic sprinkled throughout. Kimberlys grit and sheer will to make her life her own blew me away. Her willingness to face uncomfortable truths and not be silenced by a shame that was never hers is nothing short of miraculous. Could not put it down
Your heart will ache reading this book, but you can’t miss the magic sprinkled throughout. Kimberlys grit and sheer will to make her life her own blew me away. Her willingness to face uncomfortable truths and not be silenced by a shame that was never hers is nothing short of miraculous. Could not put it down
June 3, 2023
A fascinating view on the ongoing process that is healing from childhood trauma. I loved the inside look into how we react based on our experiences. Love is always the answer ❤️ loving yourself is key.
May 11, 2023
This is a haunting and poignant true story about surviving utter depravity. The horror is balanced by hope and growth and tools to help cope. It was a worthwhile read.
June 18, 2023
I Loved her open honesty about all she has been through!
July 17, 2023
One of the best books I ever read
August 3, 2023
life changing
The way Kimberly is able to describe her and and her healing is so vivid and true it taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed to learn
The way Kimberly is able to describe her and and her healing is so vivid and true it taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed to learn
August 22, 2023
important and HOPEFUL!!!!
December 27, 2023
I picked this book up after a recommendation from another website. In the end, I am so glad that I did. This is one of those books where you cannot put it down, and you are amazed by the person's resilience.
This book opens with some of Kimberly's childhood. She is the oldest of two girls, born into a "regular" family. For all accounts, Kimberly's appears happy but there are moments of unsettle around her grandfather. As a teenager, after her grandfather has passed away, Kimberly starts to recover some childhood memories of abuse. The thing is, it is not just Kimberly who is remembering this, it is her mother as well. What happens next is really Kimberly's journey through realizing the sexual abuse, recovering some memories, and moving past it with the help of her family, specifically her mother and Aunt Pat.
One thing I really liked about this book was that Kimberly did not include specific details of what happened to her for "shock" value. Sometimes people do this, perhaps in an effort to prove that what they are saying is true. Kimberly does mention at one point that she wrote all the details of what happened to her, every intimate and awful detail for this book but, in the end, she did not use them. She really does not have to. If someone says they have been abused in any way, it has happened. Bottom line. Without including details, you know that whatever happened to Kimberly was real and it had a huge affect on her as she got older.
Another thing I really liked is how Kimberly moved through her life based on her ages. She would name the chapter, and include her age below it. She did not recount her entire life, year by year, like some autobiographies. She gave you the highlights of important times. You saw how the abuse affected her as a young adult, when it comes to her lack of career path and relationships. You saw her interactions with family members, specifically her grandmother, when it comes to talking about what happened to her. You saw the bad and the ugly of the abuse on Kimberly in her early twenties. Then, by some twists of fate, Kimberly discovers stunt work in television and movies, and she is good at it. Kimberly is fearless, which helps in that line of the work. But the physicality of that line of work also seems to help Kimberly heal from her childhood. She will never forget it; it informs her as a mother later on but, it helps her to deal with it in her own way. That is resilience.
Like I said, incredible book. More than five stars but, that is all you can give here.
This book opens with some of Kimberly's childhood. She is the oldest of two girls, born into a "regular" family. For all accounts, Kimberly's appears happy but there are moments of unsettle around her grandfather. As a teenager, after her grandfather has passed away, Kimberly starts to recover some childhood memories of abuse. The thing is, it is not just Kimberly who is remembering this, it is her mother as well. What happens next is really Kimberly's journey through realizing the sexual abuse, recovering some memories, and moving past it with the help of her family, specifically her mother and Aunt Pat.
One thing I really liked about this book was that Kimberly did not include specific details of what happened to her for "shock" value. Sometimes people do this, perhaps in an effort to prove that what they are saying is true. Kimberly does mention at one point that she wrote all the details of what happened to her, every intimate and awful detail for this book but, in the end, she did not use them. She really does not have to. If someone says they have been abused in any way, it has happened. Bottom line. Without including details, you know that whatever happened to Kimberly was real and it had a huge affect on her as she got older.
Another thing I really liked is how Kimberly moved through her life based on her ages. She would name the chapter, and include her age below it. She did not recount her entire life, year by year, like some autobiographies. She gave you the highlights of important times. You saw how the abuse affected her as a young adult, when it comes to her lack of career path and relationships. You saw her interactions with family members, specifically her grandmother, when it comes to talking about what happened to her. You saw the bad and the ugly of the abuse on Kimberly in her early twenties. Then, by some twists of fate, Kimberly discovers stunt work in television and movies, and she is good at it. Kimberly is fearless, which helps in that line of the work. But the physicality of that line of work also seems to help Kimberly heal from her childhood. She will never forget it; it informs her as a mother later on but, it helps her to deal with it in her own way. That is resilience.
Like I said, incredible book. More than five stars but, that is all you can give here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
Quite likely the most heartbreaking memoir this reader has encountered, and without a doubt, the most hopeful.
A present-day top-tier Hollywood stunt-woman, as a child, Kimberly Shannon Murphy endured pain and trauma no child should ever encounter. Left vulnerable and entirely unprotected by her parents, Kimberly was targeted by an evil predator, a horrific repeat abuser within the close ranks of her own family.
As the adult Kimberly tells her story, - her desperation to rise above the horror of her childhood and not only survive but thrive - it is outlined here with such candor, courage and extraordinary authenticity that it’s impossible for the reader to not only feel compassion but awe for her healing journey, and the hope it so clearly inspires.
As teenage Kimberley slowly begins to remember portions of her childhood, (previously suppressed due to the associated level of trauma), fighting her inner demons becomes a chaotic jumble of eating disorders, self-harm, flashbacks and other dissociative behavior she is unable to understand the relevance of, or therefore control.
Healing, Kimberly finds, is a long and laborious process, aided early on by a tentative compassionate connection with her mother, and a strong emotional bond with her quietly heroic Aunt Pat. As Kimberley’s discovered passion for dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, martial arts and other physicalities begin to factor in her healing journey, she gradually uncovers the supports that will allow her to set emotional boundaries and re-connect with her broken inner child.
“Know yourself
Know your worth
Know where you’re going“
I loved this book, the brutality it reveals tempered by the conviction that we can heal - all of us - no matter the details of our individual story. If we can just find, and hang on to, our own flickering, glimmering lifeline to our own inner truth.
A present-day top-tier Hollywood stunt-woman, as a child, Kimberly Shannon Murphy endured pain and trauma no child should ever encounter. Left vulnerable and entirely unprotected by her parents, Kimberly was targeted by an evil predator, a horrific repeat abuser within the close ranks of her own family.
As the adult Kimberly tells her story, - her desperation to rise above the horror of her childhood and not only survive but thrive - it is outlined here with such candor, courage and extraordinary authenticity that it’s impossible for the reader to not only feel compassion but awe for her healing journey, and the hope it so clearly inspires.
As teenage Kimberley slowly begins to remember portions of her childhood, (previously suppressed due to the associated level of trauma), fighting her inner demons becomes a chaotic jumble of eating disorders, self-harm, flashbacks and other dissociative behavior she is unable to understand the relevance of, or therefore control.
Healing, Kimberly finds, is a long and laborious process, aided early on by a tentative compassionate connection with her mother, and a strong emotional bond with her quietly heroic Aunt Pat. As Kimberley’s discovered passion for dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, martial arts and other physicalities begin to factor in her healing journey, she gradually uncovers the supports that will allow her to set emotional boundaries and re-connect with her broken inner child.
“Know yourself
Know your worth
Know where you’re going“
I loved this book, the brutality it reveals tempered by the conviction that we can heal - all of us - no matter the details of our individual story. If we can just find, and hang on to, our own flickering, glimmering lifeline to our own inner truth.
December 27, 2023
Glimmer: A Story of Survival, Hope, and Healing by Kimberly Shannon Murphy, one of the most successful stuntwomen in Hollywood, is a raw and honest memoir. In it, the author discusses surviving her traumatic childhood, which was marked by sexual abuse at the hands of her grandfather. She reflects on how her past experiences have influenced her professional choices and examines the healing process, the importance of acknowledging pain, and the impact of family dynamics on her trauma. Despite her challenges, the author's story is one of resilience, emphasizing self-worth, love, and hope.
This book has stayed with me. I read parts of this book with my hand over my mouth and then over my heart. The things the author experienced and the fact she wrote about them beautifully and could come to terms with her traumas and share her experiences with everybody was such a gift. The vivid detail in which she wrote, even the dress she was wearing, and the enabling by the people in her life who failed her in terms of their ability to protect her. She deserves a standing ovation for taking readers through the horrific events of her childhood. The author wasn't trying to hide any of her struggles. She bares it all. She takes us into the most challenging parts of her life. It's not just the abuse, which is just so painful and horrifying for you, but it's also the situations she got herself into, the stunts, how she blocked the pain, who she became, and how she coped. Glimmer was a whole ecosystem of stories, but they were so important and brutally raw, compelling, and ultimately healing.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
This book has stayed with me. I read parts of this book with my hand over my mouth and then over my heart. The things the author experienced and the fact she wrote about them beautifully and could come to terms with her traumas and share her experiences with everybody was such a gift. The vivid detail in which she wrote, even the dress she was wearing, and the enabling by the people in her life who failed her in terms of their ability to protect her. She deserves a standing ovation for taking readers through the horrific events of her childhood. The author wasn't trying to hide any of her struggles. She bares it all. She takes us into the most challenging parts of her life. It's not just the abuse, which is just so painful and horrifying for you, but it's also the situations she got herself into, the stunts, how she blocked the pain, who she became, and how she coped. Glimmer was a whole ecosystem of stories, but they were so important and brutally raw, compelling, and ultimately healing.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
May 19, 2023
✨B O O K • F E A T U R E✨
Glimmer // Pub: May 16th, 2023
5/5⭐️
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord. Thanks to @bibliolifestyle and @harper_wave #partner
Prepare to be deeply moved by a memoir that masterfully captures the author's journey of survival, resilience, and redemption. Kimberly Shannon Murphy's storytelling is both gripping and unapologetically honest as she fearlessly shares her experiences of childhood sexual abuse and her ascent to becoming one of Hollywood's most successful stuntwomen. Right from the start, the book will seize your heart and leave you feeling inspired.
As you delve into the chapters of this book, you will find yourself completely engrossed in the story's progression. The author has crafted a compelling narrative that draws you in with its vivid depictions of pain and humiliation, yet also inspires with its portrayal of her unwavering perseverance and journey towards recovery. It is truly a remarkable example of how one can overcome a difficult past and pursue their aspirations with bravery.
Kimberly's beautifully written prose and unflinching honesty make her memoir a compelling read. The memoir serves as an emotional roadmap for those who have suffered abuse and childhood trauma, offering hope, healing, and inspiration.
I will admit this isn’t the easiest of books to work through, but I can say that it will be worth in it in the end. Truly inspiring, this is a book you cannot put down. I recommend to every human alive.
#glimmer #glimmermemoir #kimberlyshannonmurphy #bibliolifestyle
Glimmer // Pub: May 16th, 2023
5/5⭐️
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord. Thanks to @bibliolifestyle and @harper_wave #partner
Prepare to be deeply moved by a memoir that masterfully captures the author's journey of survival, resilience, and redemption. Kimberly Shannon Murphy's storytelling is both gripping and unapologetically honest as she fearlessly shares her experiences of childhood sexual abuse and her ascent to becoming one of Hollywood's most successful stuntwomen. Right from the start, the book will seize your heart and leave you feeling inspired.
As you delve into the chapters of this book, you will find yourself completely engrossed in the story's progression. The author has crafted a compelling narrative that draws you in with its vivid depictions of pain and humiliation, yet also inspires with its portrayal of her unwavering perseverance and journey towards recovery. It is truly a remarkable example of how one can overcome a difficult past and pursue their aspirations with bravery.
Kimberly's beautifully written prose and unflinching honesty make her memoir a compelling read. The memoir serves as an emotional roadmap for those who have suffered abuse and childhood trauma, offering hope, healing, and inspiration.
I will admit this isn’t the easiest of books to work through, but I can say that it will be worth in it in the end. Truly inspiring, this is a book you cannot put down. I recommend to every human alive.
#glimmer #glimmermemoir #kimberlyshannonmurphy #bibliolifestyle
August 19, 2025
3.5 Rounded down - Glimmer is a tough but important memoir. Kimberly Shannon Murphy shares her story of childhood abuse and how it shaped her life, eventually leading her into a career as a Hollywood stuntwoman. The book is written in three parts and moves in a linear way, which makes it easy to follow, even when the subject matter is heavy. While the abuse isn’t always described in graphic detail, it’s still very clear what happened, so definitely be cautious if CSA, SA, or self-harm are triggers for you.
For me, the strongest part of this memoir was seeing Kimberly’s resilience and how she managed to build a successful career while carrying so much pain. The behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories were a unique and unexpected addition that gave this book a different angle from other trauma memoirs I’ve read. That said, I do wish she (or the ghostwriter) had gone a little deeper, not just into the trauma itself, but also into her healing and therapy process. At times, it felt like something was missing.
Overall, this was a quick but meaningful read. It’s not perfect, but it’s brave, raw, and may be a lifeline or a point of recognition for survivors. Even though it left me wanting more depth, I’m glad I read it and think it will help others who are trying to understand the weight of generational trauma and the strength it takes to move forward.
For me, the strongest part of this memoir was seeing Kimberly’s resilience and how she managed to build a successful career while carrying so much pain. The behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories were a unique and unexpected addition that gave this book a different angle from other trauma memoirs I’ve read. That said, I do wish she (or the ghostwriter) had gone a little deeper, not just into the trauma itself, but also into her healing and therapy process. At times, it felt like something was missing.
Overall, this was a quick but meaningful read. It’s not perfect, but it’s brave, raw, and may be a lifeline or a point of recognition for survivors. Even though it left me wanting more depth, I’m glad I read it and think it will help others who are trying to understand the weight of generational trauma and the strength it takes to move forward.
June 4, 2024
*Thank you, partner @bibliolifestyle and @harper_wave for the copy of this book *
Kimberly is an extremely successful Hollywood stuntwoman who has worked alongside some of the biggest stars such as Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, and Taylor Swift. While working on her career aspirations, she was also dealing with the fallout of her childhood trauma. As a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a family member, Kimberly provides a very honest and real account of her experiences and how she is able to overcome and deal with her trauma and put herself first.
This was such a brutally honest and heartbreaking account of childhood abuse and the long last effects on the victim. I commend the author's strength and bravery to share her story and also face the truth with her family (many of whom are still in denial). I am so glad she has her happy ending with a successful career, loving husband, and daughter. I am a strong advocate of separating from toxic family members and her story really reinforced the fact that we do not have to surround ourselves with harmful people just because they are family. I really enjoyed reading about her career and it's cool to know I've seen her work before.
Kimberly is an extremely successful Hollywood stuntwoman who has worked alongside some of the biggest stars such as Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, and Taylor Swift. While working on her career aspirations, she was also dealing with the fallout of her childhood trauma. As a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a family member, Kimberly provides a very honest and real account of her experiences and how she is able to overcome and deal with her trauma and put herself first.
This was such a brutally honest and heartbreaking account of childhood abuse and the long last effects on the victim. I commend the author's strength and bravery to share her story and also face the truth with her family (many of whom are still in denial). I am so glad she has her happy ending with a successful career, loving husband, and daughter. I am a strong advocate of separating from toxic family members and her story really reinforced the fact that we do not have to surround ourselves with harmful people just because they are family. I really enjoyed reading about her career and it's cool to know I've seen her work before.
October 2, 2025
This one’s a “solid” two stars for me. It was written decently and easy enough to get through, but it just didn’t give what I was hoping for. I get that it’s not meant to be a full tell-all of the horrors Murphy went through at the hands of her grandfather, but I still feel like I hardly know what actually happened. I didn’t come away with much understanding of the inner workings of generational intrafamilial abuse, or even how/why it all unfolded. Some added research-like why patriarchs in families get away with this and how these patterns continue-would’ve gone a long way.
And then it turned into one of my least favorite things in a memoir: a resume. Yes, it’s impressive that Murphy became a successful stuntwoman, but I wasn’t here to read a filmography and a list of celebrities she’s met. That said, it was interesting to realize how stunt work probably attracts people who are used to dealing with trauma and pushing through physical and mental pain. Overall, I just wanted a lot more depth from this book.
And then it turned into one of my least favorite things in a memoir: a resume. Yes, it’s impressive that Murphy became a successful stuntwoman, but I wasn’t here to read a filmography and a list of celebrities she’s met. That said, it was interesting to realize how stunt work probably attracts people who are used to dealing with trauma and pushing through physical and mental pain. Overall, I just wanted a lot more depth from this book.
August 10, 2025
5 ⭐️ for this short, compelling memoir. I don’t think I’ve ever read a firsthand account of CSA before. I truly appreciated how restrained the author was in sharing her story, while getting the point across. I think so often the shock factor is given as a selling point, but the grotesqueness can really take away from the more central points of the story. Anywho, I can’t imagine reading this and not wanting to hug and root from Kimberly Shannon Murphy. Her departure from her family, deep identity crisis and sheer grit to carve out a successful career is admirable. I loved how she highlighted the amount of WORK it takes to go from an abused child to a typical functioning adult. Her MDMA Therapy was fascinating for me to read about, even if I always find that stuff kinda woowoo. Because, man did she go through the wringer and finally deserves her peace.
February 13, 2023
It's difficult to rate a memoir about such a sensitive, traumatic, and personal experience. The writing was engrossing and the delivery of story was well done. It's told in 3 parts in a linear fashion. Though the described abuse isn't in great detail it is still clear, even when not explicit, what has occurred. There are a few lines that explicitly state what has happened to the author. If you are triggered by CSA, SA, or self harm I would tread here cautiously.
It's an important book for survivors, family effected/impacted by SA, and anyone who hopes to get a glimmer of understanding about something that unfortunately effects many.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the drc. All opinions are my own.
It's an important book for survivors, family effected/impacted by SA, and anyone who hopes to get a glimmer of understanding about something that unfortunately effects many.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the drc. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2025
My friend recommended this book to me. Everyone of us who had dealt with trauma in life have walked a similar path. Though none are ever the same experience. Kimberly’s sharing of internal thoughts is the first time I have walked through or read that someone had thoughts similar to mine growing up. Our paths are strangely similar. As I read her thoughts and experiences, I could feel the trauma and following PTSD she walked through. Finding and nurturing the inner child, being the parent to yourself that was needed was also huge for me as I was in therapy. This was the first time I heard of medicine being utilized to assist with nurturing the inner child.
I am glad Kimberly is here and thriving to share her story.
Thank you, Kimberly.
I am glad Kimberly is here and thriving to share her story.
Thank you, Kimberly.
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