My Prison Without Bars: The Journey of a Damaged Woman to Someplace Normal

by Taylor Evan Fulks

2014 GLOBAL eBOOK AWARDS GOLD MEDAL WINNER
2014 eLIT EXCELLENCE AWARD GOLD MEDAL WINNER
2013 INDIE READERS DISCOVERY AWARD 1ST PLACE WINNER
2013 READERS FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS GOLD MEDAL WINNER

MY PRISON WITHOUT BARS: THE JOURNEY OF A DAMAGED WOMAN TO SOMEPLACE NORMAL is a novel based on a true story...Taylor's story.

MY PRISON WITHOUT BARS is a courageous and harrowing journey through the catacombs of hell, from the mind and voice of a little girl living with her own monster underneath her bed. Written in first person, this novel is not a memoir, but more a psychological thriller, based on true events, chronicling one woman's attempt to claw her way out of the darkness of Child Sexual Abuse, while struggling to find normal, in a not-so-normal world.
It is poignant, dark and graphic; not for the faint of heart. This novel will make you feel.

*WARNING* THIS NOVEL IS GRAPHIC AND DISTURBING.
IT IS INTENDED FOR 18+ READERS

Genres: Nonfiction, Abuse, Dark, Psychology, Memoir, Mental Health

420 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2012

Reviews

[Jody Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Woman's Journey To Grace

Taylor Fulk’s novel, My Prison Without Bars, chronicles her life-long subjection to the most insidious types of abuse. As a little girl she endures repetitive sexual molestation and rape by her stepfather, a pedophile, and constant emotional manipulation and detachment from her self-absorbed mother.

Her sense of self-worth is so damaged that by the time she becomes a young woman, she enters into one-sided relationships, based mainly on sexual pleasure, with men. Anyone familiar with such scenarios of abuse or who has survived and overcome such abuse knows this pattern well.

Sadly, there are countless people, primarily men, out there in the world whose only sense of self-worth and sexual satisfaction is attained through the cruel abuse of children and women.

As difficult as it is to read Taylor Fulk’s detailed accounts of sexual abuse, I encourage anyone who truly cares about people to read this book. Taylor Fulks is an excellent writer and her stories, though brutal, unfold quickly. It is so important to understand and uncover the patterns of sexual abuse that so many children face, usually completely alone. Far too many families experience some form of this and simply choose to ignore it. This account chilled me to the bone, but it rang so true.

It takes courage to emerge from severe childhood abuse, to discard the cloak of shame, to emerge as a compassionate, loving human, capable of giving and receiving love and engaging and connecting with others in a positive, healthy way.

It took immense courage for Taylor Fulks to write this, and even more to share it with the world. I greatly admire her for this effort, and it is a beautiful thing to witness her ascension into her own personal grace. I look forward to more writing from this author.

[Peggy Strack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The topic of child sexual abuse is not pleasant, yet it happens every day, every hour. It happened to Taylor Fulks. Many years after her traumatic ordeal, she took pen to paper and told her story in "A Prison Without Bars," and why shouldn't she. Ms. Fulks has nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to hide. What she does have is the courage to describe a horrific period of her life in the hope of raising awareness of this appauling crime. Fulks is a gifted writer who describes her experiences, the characters, her triumphs and her defeats with engaging, tight prose. She captured me from page one and held me throughout the entire book. Never did my mind wonder. Never was I confused. Never did I want to put the book down. There were points in the story where my heart broke in two for this child. Ms. Fulks made us feel her pain, feel her fear, feel her confusion. If it wasn't as graphic and as honest, it would not have had the power to make us stand up and shout, "Watch your children!"

"A Prison Without Bars" is also filled with hope. We read how Taylor has the courage to escape her nightmare and not succumb to a life of oppression and fear. On the contrary, she moves forward with determination to create a new world for herself that is filled with success, happiness, family, and love. A true inspirational story that will help many victims of child sexual abuse and make those of us who have never experienced this kind of trauma have a much deeper understanding. Thank you Ms. Fulks for using your talent and fortitude to open our eyes, and perhaps, save a child in the process.

"A Prison Without Bars" is a compelling story that needed to be told. Well done, Ms. Fulks.

[Elena Eulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY PRISON WITHOUT BARS by Taylor Fulks

Reviewed by Elena Yates Eulo

This is a shivery book to lower yourself into. The currents are deep and dark and by no means dependable or calm. Its very subject matter makes for riptides. Violent and sexual abuse is never a pretty topic, but I was by no means prepared for such an unflinching ripping away of the veil that almost always conceals such acts. I have, in fact, never read such an explicit account of those dirty little secrets children are often asked to keep.

The author’s own abuse began in her earliest childhood when Fulks learned to accept unacceptable behavior from the people who were supposed to love her the most. With such a dark passenger in her car, it should come as no surprise that she also endured varying kinds of abuse as an adult woman.

Honestly speaking, usually I would put down such a dark study of pain and would expect other readers to do the same. But Fulks must have been born with a guardian angel that not only gave her unprecedented survival guts, but also provided her with true narrative talents that allow her to make jokes in the middle of horror and provide touching moments in the midst of intimate betrayal and grisly occurrences that never let up. We cry with her, of course. More surprisingly, we laugh with her. Using that personal girlfriend style of hers, she persuades us to wallow with her in the trenches, then just as skillfully drags us up with her as she fights her way to a life that makes sense, one that is to be lived under her own terms. Somewhere along the way we stop crying for her and start cheering for her. Those of us with a few dark skeletons in our own closets feel a little more courageous, a little more self-forgiving, and a little more hopeful that we, too, may make it out of our own prisons without bars.

Incidentally, there are also the makings of a good mystery writer in Fulks. She manages to create suspense as to what new horrors are getting ready to unfold (and there are a lot of them!) and who are the villains. As we get closer to the end, we cannot put the book down. Its climax holds all the thrills and chills one could expect when the heroine is at risk of losing . . . well, just about everything.

I cried both kinds of tears with her, the good and the bad. I laughed with her. I felt like shaking her at times and screaming, “Don’t do it, crazy girl!” Only to realize the true person I was screaming at was myself. The writer finds paybacks for both the enablers and the abusers, but her best victory lies in becoming a success in many ways: at her chosen career as a high-skilled nurse specializing in cadaver transplants, as a mother and wife, and now as a writer. But though she has traveled from victimhood to becoming a survivor, she would rather call herself “a warrior.” If anyone has earned this right, it is Taylor Fulks.

Very highly recommended.

[Samantha Stambaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story unlike any story I have read before. Taylor Evan Fulks is an amazing writer, and she has an amazing life story to tell. My Prison Without Bars is a fictional book based on true facts. It is told without filters, and written in an adult language that is very graphic. It is meant for 18+ adults to read, and states that it may trigger those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

I have read several books in fiction and non-fiction genres on childhood and adult sexual abuse. This is a topic that has been close to my heart since my own incidences as both a child and an adult. It was in December that I saw a post about this book needing reviewers. I approached Taylor on Goodreads to read it, and felt a connection with her right away. I knew this was a book that I needed to read, and a story that I needed to hear. I began reading it in January, after all the holidays and festivities had wound down. With the attention span of a gnat, I need to have a quiet and serene surrounding to give a book my best attention. So I began...

It didn't take long before something strange started happening. Flashes of my own abuses started creeping into my head, slowly at first and then quicker the further I read. I began to feel the things that had happened to me. I was reading Taylor's story while being physically and mentally assaulted by my own. I would get up and leave the computer for an hour or more, and then come back to it only for the visions and sensations to return. Soon it was a few days or a week before I could come back to the book. The more I read, the stronger my reactions, and the harder I fought to finish this book. It seems strange for me to say this, but finishing Taylor's story would be a huge accomplishment towards my own inner healing. I had to feel what Taylor did in order to come to terms with my own cement walls I had built around my ability to feel and heal. So I created a mantra that got me through to the end of the book: "This is not my story, and I can get through it." I read like this for a few hours a day for the next week, quivering at the sensations and trying to block out my own images. With gritted teeth and squinted eyes I finally came to the end of this heroic book.

Taylor chose to write her book so that the reader would feel as she did. I commend her for writing this book in her own way, and not giving in to how other's felt she should write it. This story is her own personal journey through the physical act of being abused, the mental jail of loneliness, mockery, and powerlessness, and the internal void of being left to die inside from emotional abandonment by those a child should trust most in this world. It takes a strong person to come back from abuse, and an even stronger person to relive it.

I live each day of my life knowing that what we survive in life makes us wiser and more resilient human beings, and mentors to those we meet in our travels. I have learned a lot by reading Taylor's book. Not only does she have a gift for words, but she has a gift for each person she tells her story to. I am stronger for having read My Prison Without Bars, and I am honoured to have a connection with a woman making a difference in this world. Thank you for telling your story, Taylor.

~ cross-posted at Beyond My Bookshelf

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

* Preface required for this review- Taylor Faulks will try to tear me apart over this review because of what I say, however I hope you look at other reviews and make your own decision about it. Take what she says with a grain of salt. Thank you.*

Taylor is a nineteen year old girl who is going on spring break. She's excited and ready for this trip. Meeting a handsome young man on the bus, she feels her luck has finally changed. Things went well for a few days, but luck changes. We are then thrown back to when Taylor was a child. She describes it all.

While the beginning of this book starts off as most romances do, with all the flowery descriptions and eloquent terms, it changes quickly into a nightmare. Ms. Fulks uses every cliche` you can think of to make this story seem more than it is. She takes extreme liberties with what a child might know or what understand. She claims a three year old's thought process is more advanced than even experts do. This book comes off as a cheesy sixties police show in many parts. I did read this book three times to see if it was just me but came up with the same conclusions after each read. It is extremely disturbing that a woman claiming to be abused would have been so descriptive when writing about it. Most abused people don't want to relive it in general let alone graphic detail. The author uses the descriptive writing to stimulate and titillate, not to express what happens. This book is a how to for pedophiles. Taylor Fulks comes across as flippant and uncaring of her own abuse or abused victims anywhere.

As a work of fact. A memoir so to speak, I gave this one 0 out of 5 cheers. As a work of fiction, I gave this one a 3 out of 5 cheers. I FEEL STRONGLY this is a WORK OF FICTION!


* Anyone who reads my reviews regularly knows I am not vindictive or an out of hand reviewer. I do give each book a fair, honest, impartial reading. I am a survivor of CSA and I can tell you from experience, abused people don't think or act as Ms. Fulks says in her book. I work with victims and survivors of CSA everyday. I do have some idea of what I'm talking about. The format I usually follow for my reviews was suspended in this case because of the topic and the strong feelings readers are being told one thing when another is true.*

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Prison Without Bars is a hell of a read. The breath taking story telling of Taylor Evan Fulks childhood experiences is not for the feint hearted. I was forced to drop everything and simply read every single word carefully and deliberately. What happened to Taylor is horrifying and its really challenging to read the details of her experiences. And just when you think you can't take anymore, you find you can, you must, you have to. There's a girl in this story who needs you to feel for her and fight for her because no one else did.
So if you want to or need to know what it's really like to survive childhood sexual abuse, read it. My Prison Without Bars is one of those books that will change your life. The courage this woman has is beyond inspiring.

[Candi Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating, compelling, and memorable read!

The author, Taylor Evan Fulks, is direct and honest about My Prison Without Bars. In the front matter of her book she clearly tells the reader what her story is about and the style and manner in which she wrote it. She clearly states her story-telling intentions, and gives warning to potential readers that her story is about child sexual abuse, and she would pull no punches in delivering her message of what happened to the protagonist, Taylor Smith, a little three year-old girl.

After I’d read the preview pages offered by Amazon, I knew Fulks had more than ample ability to pull my interest from page to page, and she continued to do so for the next 434 pages. The content is not pleasant, but the author, with her flowing writing style, glides the reader page by page, like a river guide taking you on a wild rafting ride, as she navigates through deadly events. You’ll arrive safely, but your inner person will be rattled in a memorable way.

But you must read this riveting dark story, before you can appreciate the light at the end. If you never experienced what it was like being on a cheer-leading team, now’s your chance. When you read My Prison Without Bars, you’ll find yourself cheering for little 3-year-old Taylor Smith. And before the book ends, you’ll discover something very powerful about the human spirit.

While most typical 3-year-old girls were surrounded by the comforts of cookies and cuddly things, Taylor’s fragile body and spirit was cornered, coerced, conspired against, and cramped into a crucible containing a chaotic blend of mental, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Family dysfunction at its worst. Yes, a very real “prison without bars.” And no one offered her a key or a “get out of jail FREE card.” People around her looked right through her; Taylor was a non-person to them, good only for using and abusing.

What makes My Prison Without Bars such an outstanding story is the mismatch between the selfish greed and bullying thrust upon Taylor, and that innocent spark of self-worth hiding within her tiny human spirit. Evil and bad stuff are never a match. Resilience prevails.
If I were an administrator or teaching today at a college or university, My Prison Without Bars would be required reading, campus-wide. Remember, there are worthy books in addition to just the classics of old. Throughout Fulk’s book, she raises critical questions of who, what, where, how, when, and why that would stir enriching debate within every academic discipline or venue.

Why would I require MPWB for all disciplines? Because abuse, and bullying are systemic; it occurs in every setting: the privacy of homes, the neighborhood, the school, the workplace, the recreation place, and yes, even “houses of religion.” Denying it doesn’t make it go away. If we deny it, we are aiding and abetting the abuse.

Even during the darkest pages, as I continued to follow the traumatic journey of more than nine years of living hell, Taylor Smith offered tidbits of humor to offset her pain and misery. As Taylor entered her school years, individuals and institutions continued to fail her. Each time she thought she’d found a friendship that would welcome her into normalcy, deception claimed the moment, and her struggle continued.
As a reader your emotions are going to be put through the wringer until you discover, along with Taylor, the power of self-worth.

There’s no way to capture that in a summary sentence. You’ll have to experience it along with Taylor. Self-worth is always present but the challenge is to claim it, and that can be difficult when facing gigantic odds. But once claimed, there was no stopping Taylor Smith or Taylor Fulks.

So where are they today? I’m not exactly sure geographically, but I just know they are well above any “glass ceiling” in the area. Taylor Smith, the heroine, and Taylor Fulks, the author, are real break-through women to be highly regarded and appreciated for claiming what was theirs all along, their self-worth. Oh, yes, they’ve got the bruises and dents to prove it, but those beautiful bashes and scrapes make them priceless, a real treasure of winning resilience.

Congratulations, Taylor Evan Fulks, for a riveting, inspiring, and enlightening book. I never imagined a little 3-year-old would become one of my super heroines, but then again, Jesus of long ago did indicate the value of little children. It’s sad that some modern-day humans haven’t caught up to that valuable truth.

Not many would open themselves to vulnerability by publishing such a sensitive topic as child sexual abuse. Only a seasoned, break-through woman who is intimately familiar with the true meaning of vulnerable would do such a daring, heroic thing. More admiration for you and your Five-Star novel, Ms. Fulks.

You’re a Five-Star Author! My Prison Without Bars is a well-written captivating, memorable read, and an example of someone willing to reach out to the helpless, hopeless, and vulnerable. There’s always space on my reading shelf for your books, Ms. Fulks!

Five Stars and more for you telling little Taylor’s story of trauma and triumph!

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to my attention in an unusual way. My cousin, who suffered brutal abuse in her childhood, didn't tell anyone about it until she was a young adult.

She had one friend who was in major denial about that kind of thing happening to anyone, and well—because of her attitude, suffice it to say that she and my cousin were no longer BFFs.

Then, about a year later, this former friend read Taylor Fulks' novel, MY PRISON WITHOUT BARS, based on a true story and she realized that she had doubted her friend/my cousin because she didn't want to believe this kind of extreme abuse happens.

That brought my cousin to read the book and then she told me about it. Wow. What a book.

Yes, it is SUPER graphic and my intention here is not to synopsize the story. What I loved about this novel (based on a true story) is that it is a true eye-opener. And the passion in which the words were set down might give you chills, make you feel sick or make you cry. But they are written in a way that sadly lets you know that these kind of brutal crimes against children and fellow human beings happen all the time. They're in the news every day. But yeah, people have a way of saying, "I'm not going to watch the news. Too much bad stuff." And it's as easy as that to turn away.

If you're not ready to read this kind of thing, then this book isn't for you. It isn't really for me, either, but I HAD to read it. Doing so was originally a show of support for my cousin, but I got so much more out of the pages. Just wow.

I had originally posted a comment under that of a 1-star review from an author who seems to be running a hate campaign against the author. I stated my POV intelligently, but that comment was removed to leave only the comments of those who agree with the attacker. Wow, Sad. Okay, then, so I've taken the time to write my own review of sorts.

I work crazy hours and don't get to read much nor keep up my GR account the way I intended it years ago when I opened it. But my feeling about this book is very passionate so I've made the time to write this. For my cousin. For everyone who has suffered. And especially for those who want to turn their heads away.

Stories like these happen every day. A story like this is happening to some poor child as you read my words. Condemning the victim for speaking out is one of the most heinous crimes I can think of.

Anyway, I've stated my opinion of this book. If you don't think you can handle it, by all means, don't read it. It packs a punch. But condemn the abuser, not the survivors. Please.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even count the number of people I know who have suffered horrific child sexual abuse. I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t read one chilling account after another in the news—and those are cases where the abusers were caught. And even in many of those cases, justice does not always prevail. Worse, a staggering number of abuse cases stay hidden in the shadows and way too many people who work hard to keep them there.

Taylor Evan Fulks isn’t one of them. My Prison Without Bars is a novel based on a true story of child sexual abuse. The little girl in this story, brutally abused by her stepfather while her mother turned a blind eye, grew up to be a courageous woman who wants the world to know what it’s really like to be abused. Why? So that people will see the horror of this abuse for what it really is and the perpetrators of this abuse for the monsters they are. Too many cases are swept under the rug, whitewashed, forgiven, forgotten, and excused because people do not understand the true horror experienced by the survivors or because they simply wish to deny it happened. To understand the true purpose of this book is to understand why the incidents in the book are described so graphically. While the book is a fictionalized account of a true story, the abuse is all too real.

This is not a book one can read passively. The story doesn’t allow it. Ms. Fulks has written a raw, gripping, descriptive, powerful, and sadly, believable story. On every page of this book, I could feel the author’s anger, her fear, her sadness, her hurt, her rage, and her love.

My Prison Without Bars isn’t an easy read. Be forewarned. But it is a story that needed to be told and a story that many should read.

[Teresa Reed-shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will put you though every emotion possible. As a child Taylor had to withstand abuse that no human should even have to think about much less endure. With no one to turn to and no way out, her only defense was to just stay alive. Just when you thought life would get easier for Taylor, once again she would be thrust into situations beyond her control. A horribly abusive childhood, rough teenage years, a strained mother/daughter relationship and a troubled marriage are just some of the issues that make have molded Taylor into who she is today. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who feels their life has been unbearable. By the end you will be feeling that if Taylor can do it, so can I.

[Kimberly J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Im saddened with the latest knowledge that this book isn't an actual memoir but merely fiction. I can not recommend this book!

[Sharla Lee Shults · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor Fulks takes you on a journey. . .a journey through torturous, foreboding child abuse without the aid or understanding of her mother, continued abuse as a teen, mockery and non-acceptance until her knight in shining armor comes knocking at her door. Or, is he?

This is a story that has remained closeted long enough. How she survived is nothing short of a miracle and avid determination. She was alone - no comforter. She was scared - no protector. She was at the mercy of a pedophile. She was at the mercy of demons beyond her control invading her innermost being determined to conquer and destroy. Obsession, control, belittlement were the regulators in the only world she knew.

Taylor Fulks is a very prolific writer. Within graphical scenes you will be with Taylor as she relives riveting emotional trauma. Most importantly keep in mind this is a true story. . .Taylor's story of survival: this is her heart. The sheer will to live, be loved and be accepted void of unbelievable, hellish nightmares and demons. Be prepared to stop from moment to moment just to catch your breath. At the same time, don't be surprised at how quickly you resume where you left off in anticipation of what happens next... how she succumbs only to prevail.

With this being her first novel, Taylor Fulks has just begun. Where one journey may have ended another is just about to begin. Excellent book, Taylor! Looking forward to your next. . ."Sins of my Father," a mystery/romance with some wicked twists.

[E.L. Lindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was with some trepidation that I approached My Prison Without Bars, purely because of the subject matter. It is an unflinching account of one woman’s experience of sexual abuse; an abuse which began when she was little more than a baby. Fulks pulls no punches with this story, it is unrelenting and it is ugly and this is as it should be. Like all good novels, however, it is so much more than it seems. The real power of the story lies with the skill of Fulk’s writing. She grabs the reader from the very first page and takes us on her journey of empowerment and self-discovery. Fulks could be forgiven if her novel resonated with self-pity but she is having none of it. Instead, her words ring with warmth and humour which engaged me so much I literally could not put this book down. Despite at times feeling as though I was reeling from what I was reading, I read My Prison Without Bars in one sitting. It’s clear that for Fulks this novel is about taking ownership of and, ultimately refusing to be defined by, events over which she had no control. Reading this novel was, for me, a totally life-affirming experience. Yes, you can expect to feel anger, pain and despair but, there is equal parts hope, determination and admiration for Fulks as the story unfolds. This is a novel about the triumph of the human spirit but it is also a triumph for Taylor Fulks as an accomplished story teller.

[Sylvia Massara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I asked the author of this book to send me a copy of her work --no one solicited this review from me. Please note: I NEVER leave 5-star reviews as they seem "contrived" in my opinion and sadly, many authors buy 5-star reviews to gain more exposure. This is a practice I do not condone, and something that affects honest authors who work hard in the hope of getting legit reviews. My views are my own, whether good or bad. Additionally, my opinions regarding my views on those who purchase reviews are my own.

REVIEW: MY PRISON WITHOUT BARS

This story intrigued me because of its controversial topic. This work is semi-autobiographical, and the author has purposely used fiction in certain areas in order to protect herself and others. The reason I know this is because prior to requesting this book off the author, I read some of the reviews others readers had left—some of which I found highly judgemental.

This book is very graphic and not for the faint hearted, but in my opinion, it is not a book on erotica, as some reviewers commented—and the protagonist did NOT enjoy what happened to her either. Having read some of the 1 and 2 star reviews prior to reading the novel, I was disgusted at the views of some readers. Some were so judgmental that they actually stated the author’s experiences didn’t ring true. What I’d like to say is that each of us experience tragedy in our own way. My experience is not yours, and yours is not mine. And this is the message I came away with after I read this book.

I found this story confronting, sad, scary, frustrating, and empowering. This story brought out a lot of emotions in me, hence telling me the author pressed some of my buttons—even those I did not know I possessed.

To say I agree or disagree with how the protagonist acted or made certain decisions in her life is to set myself up as a judge—liked many other readers have done. Instead, I’d like to say that I can understand why the protagonist did certain things as she grew older. I didn’t have to agree with these issues, I only had to read and understand.

As a little girl, in the early part of the story, my heart goes out to this child, who endured hell on earth. As a teen, I empathise with her feelings of confusion, loneliness and inability to identify with herself and others (I felt the same as a teen, and I wasn’t abused!). As an adult, I can understand why she put up with a dysfunctional marriage. As a reader, I might have made different decisions regarding certain choices the protagonist made about the man she married, but I’m not the protagonist; I am simply an observer in someone else’s life.

If you’re prepared to simply “observe” this story without becoming judgemental, you might actually find yourself “growing” from this story. In my case, it certainly touched me in many ways—good and bad—and though I was thankfully not a victim of child abuse, there were other aspects in this story that still had the power to reflect some of my own issues.

I can’t say I enjoyed reading this story, nor can I say I didn’t enjoy it. It’s not that kind of story. Therefore, I will say that this story took me on a journey of discovery into areas I didn’t know about and others that reflected my own experiences.

In conclusion, I think this is a story that needs to be read if you have the courage of your convictions—just as the author had the courage to make herself vulnerable to the world by writing it. I applaud this kind of courage!

Sylvia Massara
Author

[Eclectic · Rating 1 out of 5]

After skimming through the glowing 5 star reviews written by the author’s friends, family, her fellow indie authors, co-workers, former classmates and friends of her children, I feel a kinship to the kid who blurted out “The Emperor has no clothes!”

This book simply does not ring true. I refuse to take anyone seriously as a survivor when they write their story as erotica. Saying that it had to be written this way in order to make readers feel what she says she experienced is insulting to both readers and survivors.

The last two chapters of the book are disjointed and bizarre. In one of the two last chapters she wrestles a gun from a man in a hotel room and shoots and kills him- not to be confused with the first chapter where she beats up another man in yet another hotel room (insert eye roll here).

Aside from the questionable content issues, the writing is verbose, unrefined and unremarkable. The constant interjection of cheesy clichés becomes tiresome after the first chapter but continues throughout the entire book.

There is nothing redeeming or edifying about this book. I cannot recommend it.

[John Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Prison Without Bars takes us inside a world where sociopaths, deranged lunatics, demons and the devil himself play God. Fulks gives us a look into a world where we could not imagine anyone coming out of it sane, normal or even alive.
Fulks takes us on a journey that is unquestionably a ride no one wants to go on. As I read "My Prison Without Bars", I felt compelled to stop reading for fear I would learn things this world would rather ignore, deny, and forget. But Fulks' detail of what life threw at her and her ability to keep us reading is incomparable. Her stories of rape, abuse, torture, and mental anguish lay out a dialogue that we cannot even conceive to be real. Yet we read with great anticipation wondering where it will go next.
"My Prison Without Bars" is real life, real stories, and true honesty told in a novel. This may be written as fiction, but this is as real as real life gets.

[Toni Osterhout · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I appreciate the effort of anyone to finish writing and self publish a book, this book lacks the quality of most others I have read on this subject matter. It reads like someone sitting down to just spew everything they can think of over their lifetime and then some. Some of it is believable, some is not. It goes on and on and on, the same thing happening over and over again. I could not help but skim to finish this. I would have put the book down entirely except that it was a book club choice of one of our members who happened to know the author. If you're in the book and curious, you might want to read the parts pertaining to you but otherwise, I can't recommend it. Sorry but that's my honest opinion.

[Robbie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intense book with a traumatic story that parents need to read today. Too often these issues get swept away and ignored. Taylor has done an awesome job at telling her story and although not for the weak of heart, it is a must read.

[Alice Huskisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the author’s debut novel and it is her true life story. I should perhaps mention that if you are not broad minded, if you shock and take offence easily, if you are squeamish, then maybe this isn’t for you. The fact is, Taylor writes from the very depths of her heart and soul, from vivid memories of harrowing and horrifying child abuse to violent physical abuse (including rape) and deeply emotional mental abuse, which has relentlessly followed her around most of her life. She writes in incredible jaw-dropping detail – some might say there is too much information, but for me it was very appropriate, added to the suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I had to keep reminding myself that this was not a fascinating and insightful product of the author’s imagination – no, Taylor actually lived and experienced these atrocities. I felt an immense sense of guilt every time I consciously realised that I was enjoying such an addictive read – it was a dark reminder that these terrible, unfathomable, inhumane acts of torture actually happened, and I struggled with separating my enjoyment of the story from the immense hatred I felt for the ‘animals’ who carried out such cruel and incomprehensibly vicious attacks on one sweet, wholesome, blameless girl/woman.

I could not understand how her mother lived with her conscience day in and day out knowing there was a paedophile in their home. Okay, so she booted him out but she took him back again, opening up a living hell on earth again for her little girl… and then to point the finger of blame at HER and not the abuser! Oh, that’s not the half of it – wait until you read it! I was half way through the novel wondering when and if Taylor would ever be free of the abuse which came in several forms from many different people over time. How she has ever slept without fear of what’s over her shoulder or around the corner I do not know.

It is quite inconceivable how Taylor has survived to tell the story but thank God she has. It is a story that needs to be told in order to highlight the torturous world of child abuse. You will seriously have your eyes opened big and wide to what really goes on. There were certainly more than enough times when Taylor could have just given up the fight for life but she never did. She is very clearly a beautiful and talented woman and I hope that by writing and telling her story it has been nothing short of therapeutic and cathartic for her. I can imagine that when she began to write her story it must have felt as if the flood gates were opened and her heart poured and poured out of her… and kept on pouring. I can’t imagine what a release this must have been for her. But also, how very brave and courageous must this lady be, to lay her life bare for anyone and everyone (including family) to see!?

One thing is for sure – Taylor should receive a standing ovation in the literary world for this masterpiece of real life laid bare, and I would be the first to raise my glass and toast her happy ‘abuse free’ future. She deserves nothing short of peace, love, happiness and great success in all she does from here forward. I know she has another work in progress – this time around it will be fiction – and I’ll be one of the first to buy it, for sure!

This book is OUTSTANDING on so many levels and I’d award it 10 stars at Amazon if I could!

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, deeply moving true-life story …

It was my read of the synopsis that initially intrigued me, before I read any reviews and found that this true-life novel had triggered such controversial opinions. After reading a sample, several factors fortified my decision to read this novel. First, the story would be skillfully written, the details quite vivid; second, the author would take me into some of the worst dark places imaginable but she would not leave me stranded. Both factors were borne out. With her words, the author took me along on an emotional roller-coaster ride: I moved through feeling blindingly angry, ferociously protective, deeply saddened, refreshingly hopeful and triumphantly empowered.
My Prison Without Bars is predominately an autobiographical novel; particular segments are dosed with a bit of fiction in order to protect the author and others that feature in her life’s story. As the author of a memoir, I certainly understand and commiserate with the challenges inherent in the decision-making process that Fulks must have gone through regarding which genre can best present and protect her story.
I’ll be honest, I cried often during the author’s childhood years. The instances of sexual, physical and emotional abuse by her step-father were explicitly depicted and heartbreaking to read. Yet, in my view, the graphic details are integral to the context in which Taylor reveals how she moved out of horror towards personhood.
The worst is softened as, implanted throughout the story, there are gems, revelations of psychological insight that Taylor gains during the worst of the abuse: about her step-father, her mother and her self. At age twelve, after nine years of abuse, Taylor’s insight deepened – I was struck by her words: “It took me twelve years to figure out that I could fight back. This revelation empowered me, but also forced me to acknowledge all my weaknesses.”
I reveled then in the author’s awakened empowerment that helped her to triumph over encounters with bullies, judgmental condescending people, abusive boyfriends, and a career-focused mother with a too-often irresponsible disregard for the safety of her daughter. Her mother’s disregard was especially heartbreaking to read. Yet, there were some gems during her teen years; they related to the kindness of strangers, the goodness in teachers and her first experiences with friendship.
During the author’s young adult years, there were instances during my read in which I yelled “No!” because I thought Taylor should have made better choices. As I continued to read, though, I came to realize that every choice she made reflected a ‘best choice’ for her at the time. This was her life, her story; I could not walk in her shoes. And this is the gift her story gave me: A look back at some dark moments in my own life – knowing now that choices I still judged as weak were really the ‘best choices’ for me at the time.

As for the controversy, it has no power to sway me from my opinion. Each reader is entitled to their own view. There is a saying quoted in 12-step programs that resonates with me: ‘Take what you need and leave the rest.’

Thank you, Taylor Fulks, for stepping way out on a limb and candidly sharing your story. I can only imagine how incredible it must feel to be free of anger, guilt and shame. You are a way-shower.

[Rachael Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that holds no punches and demonstrates true courage.

This is a tough review to write because I want to do this story justice. I was under no illusions as the book description tries to prepare you for the content but it was still very difficult to read. This book is very well written so much so that I almost forgot I was reading about someone's real life experiences.
I am in awe of the courage demonstrated by Taylor, not just for writing the story so totally honestly and in such personal detail, but for surviving such a horrific, period of sustained, sexual, physical and psychological abuse. To read the details are very difficult although necessary to truly understand what she went through and that began at such a very, young age.
It made my heart ache for the little girl and made me desperate for a happy ending but this story is the reality of the effects of horrific abuse which are made all the more worse for the total lack of intervention by anyone at all to help a vulnerable, defenceless child.
The actions and reactions of others are painfully described in this book and will make you shake your head that people can be so very, very cruel and be prepared to look the other way for themselves alone.
This book has left me wanting to reach out to Taylor to thank her for speaking out so courageously and for her efforts to raise awareness of the effects of child abuse. Hopefully it will help others understand we simply cannot look the other way. Praise to Taylor Fulks on such an honest account and for her amazing courage in surviving and sharing her story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a frightening, heart-warming, gut-wrenching, toe-curling, inspiring story of child abuse, resilience, hope, and faith. Taylor has suffered beyond that which most people could survive and emerged a stronger, wiser woman. There are graphic descriptions of sexual abuse that may turn some readers off. I had to put it down and step away from it a few times myself. One can only imagine the strength it would have taken to live the story.

Woven throughout is a bit of Texas twang and humor that helps to lighten the heaviness of the story. As a fellow Texan and mother, blessed to have been spared these horrors, I was appreciative of that.

This book has already been awarded a Reader's Choice gold medal, and I strongly believe there are more honors in store for this story and its author,

Hats off to Taylor for having the guts to not only survive this but to put it in words, perhaps giving others the courage to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and move forward.

I highly recommend this book.

[Sue Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing.

This book is a tough read. Stick with it, and you will no doubt encounter the sheer resilience of the author. It is remarkable.
Taylor Fulks' life story is the perfect storm of abuse, betrayal and disappointment. More than that, it is a victorious message of overcoming adversity.
The author has written honestly about her abuse at the hands of her mother's partner.
Reading about a small child in such a vulnerable state, and without anyone to protect her, made my heart bleed. Add to that the betrayal of others, and you are convinced the author got dealt a vicious set of life-cards.
I found myself empathising on more than occasion - even urging the author to exercise violence to escape from her 'prison.'
I applaud the author for sharing her very personal account.
What's done in the dark will indeed come to light.
Well worth a read - be aware of the trigger warning.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My Prison Without Bars: The Journey of a Damaged Woman to Someplace Normal" by Taylor Evan Fulks is a powerful and emotional read but one that needs to be read.
The story of a woman whose life from childhood onwards is tainted by abusive people. Based on a real life but fictionalised this book is harrowing and not for the faint hearted but it is an important read for its honesty and its uncompromising truth.
The narrative makes the story very real for the reader, something very important in a society that still prefers to turn a blind eye on abuse.
A brave and amazing book that shook me but left me with a positive and inspiring message, as the author has pulled through the experience and shares for the benefit of education and help for other victims.
Phenomenal.

*WARNING* THIS NOVEL IS GRAPHIC AND DISTURBING.
IT IS INTENDED FOR 18+ READERS

[Brian Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than just an amazing story. It took a lot of courage for Ms Fulks to tell this story the way she did. I known that some have criticized her for being to graphic in her depictions. Well, child sexual abuse is graphic and sickening. It cannot be sugar-coated. This book will bring you to tears, and make you feel uneasy. I hope it does, because it is all too frighteningly real, and continues to happen in our communities each and every day. Ms Fulks' writing style is very earthy and to the point. I hope that her story will be read by many, and that many lives will be changed by it. If the cycle of abuse is stopped for just one victim, one family, then your book has been a success Taylor. Thanks again for your courage in putting this work together...

[April Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor's debut book was truly a heart stopper. I went through ever emotion possible from rage, tears to some laughter as I saw my friend come alive on the pages. I just wanted to go in and rescue this little girl from the horrific life that she was subjected to. As a mother myself, I would do anything to protect my children. I cannot fathom the acts of Taylor's mother, her abuser and so many other people that she comes in contact throughout her adolescent and adult life. I literally could not put this book down. It was an awesome read. Cannot wait for Taylor's next book!!!!

[Victoria Cowden-moyneur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fulks novel is a true story that captures your heart and interest from the first page. As difficult as it can sometimes be to read a story of this nature, Fulks managed to do it with both clarity and finesse. I highly recommend this novel to all types of people, regardless of what genres you prefer. Be prepared for your emotions to engage on a ride that covered approximately 30 years of her life. It deserves 5 stars...

[Lluís Carrera miralles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor is great writer and an incredible person, she uses a fine language to describe a hard story. You connect quickly with the story and reach a connection with her difficult to explain. You'll love this book!!
Today I've finished the book, I have no words, it is a masterpiece. I'm impacient to read her next book.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor your book focuses on some very difficult periods in your life. It displays your strength and determination to overcome may obstacles. How much cruelty can one human experience. The results are Taylor is truly an inspiration to anyone who has had similar experiences and allows the reader to get emotionally involved in her story. Very well done.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart-breaking book about a girl being abused by her adopted father. How can people do this to little girls - or boys? I can't understand why a mother does not do anything, but just let it happen.
Thank you to the author for letting me read your heart.