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Rescuing Hope
Every two minutes, evil strips innocence from a child and sells her into slavery for sex. Not in a third-world country, but in the United States of America. Before you take another breath, the next victim will be tricked or taken from her family by a profit-hungry criminal.She could be a neighbor. A friend.Your sister. Your daughter. You.At fourteen, Hope Ellis is the all-American girl with a good life”until the day she tries to help her mom with their cross-town move by supervising the movers. When they finish, one of the men returns to the house and rapes her. Held silent by his threats, darkness begins to engulf her. But the rape proves to be the least of Hope's troubles. In a gasping attempt at normalcy, she succumbs to the attention of a smooth-talking man on the subway. He promises acceptance. He declares his love. He lures her out from under the shelter of her suburban life.Hope's disappearance sets a community in motion. She's one of their own. They determine to find Hope, whatever the cost, before she's lost forever.Will you?
- GenresFiction
195 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2012
38 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Susan Norris
10 books16 followersA powerful voice for hope, international speaker Susan Norris helps teens and women find freedom from strongholds in the areas of purity and spiritual identity. In her debut novel, Rescuing Hope, she frames the realities of sex trafficking in America. This woman of boldness, known to many as Miss Susan, spent countless hours with survivors, their families, detectives and a former pimp, emerging a voice for victims and a catalyst for action among her peers. She networks on behalf of organizations such as Resolution Hope, Not for Sale, and Out of Darkness, lobbies for stronger laws to protect victims and walks alongside rescued girls as they piece together shattered lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 6, 2014
I'd like to start out by disclosing that I was given this book through the First Read giveaways on Goodreads. So, when I found out that I had won the book, I was super excited - the subject is a little heavier than what I normally read, but it's a topic that everyone would do better to know more about. I was a bit surprised when I received it because I thought it was a nonfiction, but in the beginning of the book it explains that, while it is a work of fiction, this book is based on the all-too-real experiences of actual victims of sex trafficking.
The story follows the life of Hope, a fourteen-year-old high school freshman who is raped early on in the novel. She is unwilling to seek help out of fear, and her life spirals out of control until, through a series of events, she is caught in a seemingly hopeless situation - she is trafficked by a uncaring, violent man. It was a great book, with an extremely powerful message. While difficult to read at times because of the horrific circumstances of the main character, I was drawn into the story and often found myself thinking about the book between sittings. At first I was put off by the religious undertones in the book, but once I got into the story, I thought the part that faith played in it added to its depth. The only criticism I have of the book is that in some places I thought the development of the story line was too abrupt - I would've liked better transitions, especially between chapters. Also, I felt that some of the characters, namely Hope's best friend Sydney, were a bit two-dimensional and expected. In any case, I think Rescuing Hope is definitely worth a read. On the inside of the book, the author wrote 'Psalm 31:8', which is "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." It is, without a doubt, the message that the author wants every one of her readers to take away with them.
The story follows the life of Hope, a fourteen-year-old high school freshman who is raped early on in the novel. She is unwilling to seek help out of fear, and her life spirals out of control until, through a series of events, she is caught in a seemingly hopeless situation - she is trafficked by a uncaring, violent man. It was a great book, with an extremely powerful message. While difficult to read at times because of the horrific circumstances of the main character, I was drawn into the story and often found myself thinking about the book between sittings. At first I was put off by the religious undertones in the book, but once I got into the story, I thought the part that faith played in it added to its depth. The only criticism I have of the book is that in some places I thought the development of the story line was too abrupt - I would've liked better transitions, especially between chapters. Also, I felt that some of the characters, namely Hope's best friend Sydney, were a bit two-dimensional and expected. In any case, I think Rescuing Hope is definitely worth a read. On the inside of the book, the author wrote 'Psalm 31:8', which is "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." It is, without a doubt, the message that the author wants every one of her readers to take away with them.
January 23, 2021
This is a hard book to read. I had to put it down a few times. It really did something to me. I will become involved on fighting sex trafficking. It is a mist that thia only happens to children in problematic or violence domestic setting.
April 11, 2014
I read this book in one night. I could not put it down.
The writing style is good, clear, and the characters are believable... but then, the characters are real, or based on real girls caught in the sex trafficking prison. They are deceived by lies, then live on fear with every shred of hope shriveled.
Susan Norris says on her web page:
This is my prayer, that people will wake up to the possibility of it right under their noses, and that this book will become a catalyst for prayers for these young girls, and a catalyst for conversation.
I sincerely urge you to buy the book. It is about real people, real situations, real pain, and amazing grace.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
The writing style is good, clear, and the characters are believable... but then, the characters are real, or based on real girls caught in the sex trafficking prison. They are deceived by lies, then live on fear with every shred of hope shriveled.
Susan Norris says on her web page:
It is not a respecter of persons. It is found in wealthy communities, poor communities, black, white, Asian and Hispanic communities; it’s in our cities and in rural America. It impacts every demographic imaginable. The average age of a girl entering the sex trade is between twelve and fourteen years old. The life expectancy of a girl in the sex trade is seven years. The girls being trafficked in America are predominately American children being bought and sold for another’s financial gain.
The first step in fighting this heinous crime is raising awareness, which is the purpose of Rescuing Hope.
My prayer is for this book to become a catalyst of conversation among you, your children, and your friends. It is a fictional story based on countless hours of interviews with survivors, families of trafficked girls, detectives who rescue them, and a former pimp. Through this story, you’ll gain insight into how easily a pimp can lure a young girl into the trade.
This is my prayer, that people will wake up to the possibility of it right under their noses, and that this book will become a catalyst for prayers for these young girls, and a catalyst for conversation.
I sincerely urge you to buy the book. It is about real people, real situations, real pain, and amazing grace.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
February 2, 2013
I don't typically read a lot of fiction but was interested in learning more about this unfortunate topic. The authors hope is to increase awareness and help people learn how they can help to put and end to sexual slavery. It was quite disturbing, however it was something that I would recommend reading.
January 23, 2013
Changed my life. All parent sandal teens should read it. We are our brothers and sisters keeper.
March 24, 2013
A well written story that gives a look into the harsh reality of a disgusting evil that, unfortunately, is all around us.
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January 7, 2025Book Review: Rescuing Hope: A Story of Sex Trafficking in America by Susan Norris
Rescuing Hope is a compelling and impactful exploration of a serious topic: sex trafficking in America. The book, received through a Goodreads giveaway, follows the harrowing story of Hope, a 14-year-old girl who endures rape and ultimately falls victim to trafficking. While the narrative is fictional, it draws heavily on real experiences of sex trafficking victims, making it a poignant read that sheds light on a critical issue.
Initially, I had reservations about the inclusion of religious themes within the story. However, I found that these elements added depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop for Hope's journey and the various characters she encounters. The faith-based aspects contributed to a more profound exploration of hope and redemption, resonating with the overall message of the book.
Despite its powerful themes, Rescuing Hope is not without its flaws. Some transitions in the story felt abrupt, leading to moments where the plot seemed to jump forward too quickly. Additionally, certain characters, particularly Hope's best friend, felt underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more depth and connection to their experiences.
Overall, Rescuing Hope is a worthwhile read that emphasizes the importance of advocacy for vulnerable individuals. The book serves as a reminder of the realities many face and calls for awareness and action against sex trafficking. Despite its minor criticisms, the powerful message and the urgency of the subject matter make this book a significant contribution to discussions about human trafficking and the need for change.
Rescuing Hope is a compelling and impactful exploration of a serious topic: sex trafficking in America. The book, received through a Goodreads giveaway, follows the harrowing story of Hope, a 14-year-old girl who endures rape and ultimately falls victim to trafficking. While the narrative is fictional, it draws heavily on real experiences of sex trafficking victims, making it a poignant read that sheds light on a critical issue.
Initially, I had reservations about the inclusion of religious themes within the story. However, I found that these elements added depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop for Hope's journey and the various characters she encounters. The faith-based aspects contributed to a more profound exploration of hope and redemption, resonating with the overall message of the book.
Despite its powerful themes, Rescuing Hope is not without its flaws. Some transitions in the story felt abrupt, leading to moments where the plot seemed to jump forward too quickly. Additionally, certain characters, particularly Hope's best friend, felt underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more depth and connection to their experiences.
Overall, Rescuing Hope is a worthwhile read that emphasizes the importance of advocacy for vulnerable individuals. The book serves as a reminder of the realities many face and calls for awareness and action against sex trafficking. Despite its minor criticisms, the powerful message and the urgency of the subject matter make this book a significant contribution to discussions about human trafficking and the need for change.
May 5, 2021
“Every two minutes, evil strips innocence from a child and sells her into slavery for sex. Not in a third-world country, but in the United States of America.”
I feel like every parent should read this, and when you feel your daughter is ready, they should read it, too. I think about the situations I put myself in when I was younger and I am so lucky. This is heartbreaking and terrifying, and it’s a growing trade.
The reason I did not give it a five was that the actual writing was a little weak, however I wondered if it was because the author wants to reach a young audience.
I feel like every parent should read this, and when you feel your daughter is ready, they should read it, too. I think about the situations I put myself in when I was younger and I am so lucky. This is heartbreaking and terrifying, and it’s a growing trade.
The reason I did not give it a five was that the actual writing was a little weak, however I wondered if it was because the author wants to reach a young audience.
June 13, 2024
It’s hard to rate a book about such a tragic reality. I haven’t read much many sex trafficking narratives and so for me this was dipping my toes into dark waters. It was sobering to see the grooming process play out in the character of Hope and the ruthlessness of traffickers. My heart was broken for what breaks His.
I wish there was a bit more closure in the ending but overall this was sadly a realistic look at how human trafficking business works.
I wish there was a bit more closure in the ending but overall this was sadly a realistic look at how human trafficking business works.
January 28, 2020
Difficult but important read! Human trafficking is a real problem and the best way combat it is by understanding what it is and spreading the word! This is a good start to a better understanding of how it can happen. I hope there is a sequel!
August 31, 2023
Everyone should read this book! It was hard to read in some spots, but it’s only because it’s SUCH real scenarios and situations that we’d like to ignore on a daily basis.
August 12, 2021
this book was very fast pace i definitely recommend bc it gives you some pointers and tips and is very informal
March 18, 2013
First the formalities..I received this book through a goodreads giveaway :)
Secondly, if you are a parent of a young girl, if you yourself are a young girl, if you have friends who are females, if you have family members who are young females, or have friends who have young girls, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. This is a fictional story of a 14 year old girl named Hope. Even though this is a fictional story, it is a very, very real subject. Rescuing Hope is about a girl who is just like every other young teenage girl. She has her ups and downs with her friends and parents. She could be the girl next door. She could be you. She finds herself sweet talked by an older boy, she finds the attention wonderful, just as any girl does when an attractive boy is giving them attention. Before she knows it, she's sweet talked right off her feet...and right into the horrible nightmare of a sex trafficking ring. It is an unbelievably gut-wrenching thought, and every teenage girl who reads that sentence is going to think "I would never fall for that". If you are a teenage girl and just thought that, then you definitely need to read this book, you have no idea how these guys operate, it's not like they meet you and say 'hey hottie, why don't you come party w/ me and a few of my friends, if you show them a good time, you can make some good money'. It's not like that at all, and this story shows how smooth these guys can be.
Ok. with that said, this book is written very well, and shows the facts on how things like this happen, and how these rings manage to keep their girls under lock and key. Ms. Norris did a great job writing a book that you just can't put down, I read it straight through in less than a day, on the edge of my seat hoping Hope would find her way home. I nearly went through a box of tissues, but I couldn't stop reading. This book would be a great tool to help parent & child communicate about such an awkward subject. Parents who are wary of letting their child read this book, let me quote the author from the beginning of the book:
"What you are about to read is fiction. However, the events in this book are based on interviews with survivors of human sex trafficking, their families, detectives, people from religious and rescue organizations on the frontlines, and a former pimp. Some of the content is mature and though we have strived for a PG-13 treatment of it, this book should be read with adult supervision. We encourage you to take any questions to an adult you trust."
The author did a very good job at keeping it PG-13. There is mention of rape, and some violence, but it never goes into detail. It may say the actual word rape, or something along the lines of 'while he had his way with her' but that is basically the extent of the description. I would encourage parents to read the book either with their child, or read it before your child, so you know what they are going to read, and be ready for questions. If they have no questions, I would suggest you asking questions to them. Actually, so does Ms. Norris. She actually has discussion topics/questions at the end of the book, to help you along. This could be a great learning tool for young women and parents everywhere, I would recommend it to anyone!
Secondly, if you are a parent of a young girl, if you yourself are a young girl, if you have friends who are females, if you have family members who are young females, or have friends who have young girls, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. This is a fictional story of a 14 year old girl named Hope. Even though this is a fictional story, it is a very, very real subject. Rescuing Hope is about a girl who is just like every other young teenage girl. She has her ups and downs with her friends and parents. She could be the girl next door. She could be you. She finds herself sweet talked by an older boy, she finds the attention wonderful, just as any girl does when an attractive boy is giving them attention. Before she knows it, she's sweet talked right off her feet...and right into the horrible nightmare of a sex trafficking ring. It is an unbelievably gut-wrenching thought, and every teenage girl who reads that sentence is going to think "I would never fall for that". If you are a teenage girl and just thought that, then you definitely need to read this book, you have no idea how these guys operate, it's not like they meet you and say 'hey hottie, why don't you come party w/ me and a few of my friends, if you show them a good time, you can make some good money'. It's not like that at all, and this story shows how smooth these guys can be.
Ok. with that said, this book is written very well, and shows the facts on how things like this happen, and how these rings manage to keep their girls under lock and key. Ms. Norris did a great job writing a book that you just can't put down, I read it straight through in less than a day, on the edge of my seat hoping Hope would find her way home. I nearly went through a box of tissues, but I couldn't stop reading. This book would be a great tool to help parent & child communicate about such an awkward subject. Parents who are wary of letting their child read this book, let me quote the author from the beginning of the book:
"What you are about to read is fiction. However, the events in this book are based on interviews with survivors of human sex trafficking, their families, detectives, people from religious and rescue organizations on the frontlines, and a former pimp. Some of the content is mature and though we have strived for a PG-13 treatment of it, this book should be read with adult supervision. We encourage you to take any questions to an adult you trust."
The author did a very good job at keeping it PG-13. There is mention of rape, and some violence, but it never goes into detail. It may say the actual word rape, or something along the lines of 'while he had his way with her' but that is basically the extent of the description. I would encourage parents to read the book either with their child, or read it before your child, so you know what they are going to read, and be ready for questions. If they have no questions, I would suggest you asking questions to them. Actually, so does Ms. Norris. She actually has discussion topics/questions at the end of the book, to help you along. This could be a great learning tool for young women and parents everywhere, I would recommend it to anyone!
April 21, 2013
This is a book I recieved in a giveaway on here and I would like to thank the author for bringing sex trafficking and slavery to the readers attention.
Hope, the main character could indeed be anyone you know, even your daughter. I found this a difficult read because my daughter is the same age as Hope when she was raped in the begining of the book. I am trying not to sound self-righteous but I would not ever, and I have not met anyone else who would, leave a fourteen year old girl alone to to supervise strange men in her home. That was her mothers job, not Hopes. That seemed a bit unrealistic to me. The man who raped her bullied her into silence by threatening to come back and do it again and to her mother as well. That I could believe. Hope really tried to please and protect her mom, and she tried to be ok and handle it, but rape is something one can never handle alone and Hope was no exception. The downward spirial begins. The anger, the failing grades, the lack of being able to relate to her best friend, the drugs.
She ends up getting tricked by a stranger and being forced to work for him as a prostitute.
I admit I skipped around and went back and forth while reading this book. I kept on seeing my daughter, strange as it sounds. " Oh God..this could be my kid." Then it made me want to tear the head off of anyone who could do this to another human being and I would have to stop reading it for awhile or skip ahead to see what happened.
There is some focus on religion in the book and I am not sure if I liked the character of Hopes' mother, I can't explain why. I really felt for this girl, and all of the shame and the blame she shoulders on herself. I think that was the part that was the most upsetting to me. She thought she had no where to turn.
As I stated before, I applaud Susan Norris for writting about this crime that happens all too often and she does give information on organizations that are tring to stop sex traffickers, if you want to get involved.
Hope, the main character could indeed be anyone you know, even your daughter. I found this a difficult read because my daughter is the same age as Hope when she was raped in the begining of the book. I am trying not to sound self-righteous but I would not ever, and I have not met anyone else who would, leave a fourteen year old girl alone to to supervise strange men in her home. That was her mothers job, not Hopes. That seemed a bit unrealistic to me. The man who raped her bullied her into silence by threatening to come back and do it again and to her mother as well. That I could believe. Hope really tried to please and protect her mom, and she tried to be ok and handle it, but rape is something one can never handle alone and Hope was no exception. The downward spirial begins. The anger, the failing grades, the lack of being able to relate to her best friend, the drugs.
She ends up getting tricked by a stranger and being forced to work for him as a prostitute.
I admit I skipped around and went back and forth while reading this book. I kept on seeing my daughter, strange as it sounds. " Oh God..this could be my kid." Then it made me want to tear the head off of anyone who could do this to another human being and I would have to stop reading it for awhile or skip ahead to see what happened.
There is some focus on religion in the book and I am not sure if I liked the character of Hopes' mother, I can't explain why. I really felt for this girl, and all of the shame and the blame she shoulders on herself. I think that was the part that was the most upsetting to me. She thought she had no where to turn.
As I stated before, I applaud Susan Norris for writting about this crime that happens all too often and she does give information on organizations that are tring to stop sex traffickers, if you want to get involved.
April 28, 2013
Hope Ellis' life changes forever at the age of fourteen when she is raped. She blames herself, and doesn't tell anyone, after all her attacker threatened that if she did he would come back. Everyone notices that Hope has changed, but they chalk it up to the cross town move that she and her mom just made. When she volunteers to work at the library she meets a girl named Nikki, and they start smoking dope together. When she meets a guy named T she has no idea what his plans are for her, and she quickly finds herself trapped with no way out!
"Rescuing Hope" is an eye opening read that deals with a topic that was at times difficult to read about, but it is a subject that we should all read about and become aware of. Gritty and so very realistic, a story that pulled me in and wouldn't let go, I finished reading this book in one sitting! While this book is a work of fiction, it is based on interviews with survivors of human sex trafficking. The character of Hope seemed so realistic. My heart broke for her as she blamed herself for something that wasn't her fault, and she allowed fear to keep her from talking to her mom or others. I couldn't believe that something worse than the rape could happen but it did, and it happened before she even realized it. I was on the edge of my seat hoping beyond hope that Hope would be rescued. Thing is so many young girls and women are never rescued! This book is a must read for everyone, whether you have a daughter or not, because I can imagine this could as easily happen to a male as well as a female. Some of the subject matter makes it rated PG 13, but I do think our sons and daughters need to be warned that these things happen, not just in big cities but everywhere.
"Rescuing Hope" is an eye opening read that deals with a topic that was at times difficult to read about, but it is a subject that we should all read about and become aware of. Gritty and so very realistic, a story that pulled me in and wouldn't let go, I finished reading this book in one sitting! While this book is a work of fiction, it is based on interviews with survivors of human sex trafficking. The character of Hope seemed so realistic. My heart broke for her as she blamed herself for something that wasn't her fault, and she allowed fear to keep her from talking to her mom or others. I couldn't believe that something worse than the rape could happen but it did, and it happened before she even realized it. I was on the edge of my seat hoping beyond hope that Hope would be rescued. Thing is so many young girls and women are never rescued! This book is a must read for everyone, whether you have a daughter or not, because I can imagine this could as easily happen to a male as well as a female. Some of the subject matter makes it rated PG 13, but I do think our sons and daughters need to be warned that these things happen, not just in big cities but everywhere.
March 25, 2013
This book to me was good. Not great, but good. It's a small story of sex trafficking here in the United States. Sad to say but it does happen here. It follows the story of a girl named Hope who ends up in the sex trafficking business. How is happens is what really makes you think. Hope was a good girl, went to church, close to her mother and good in school. How could this happen to her? She must have had a dark side, or something wrong. But that wasn't the case. Or even close to it. The mind control issues are scary too. Here is a girl who is only a teenager, freshman in high school, and she believes what an adult tells her. She's always been raised that way. And while you aren't told that there is mind control going on, and you might say she could have escaped, it's simply not the case. The mind control was so strong, she believed every word that was fed to her by her captor. I can totally see this happening, because she is still a child when she's abducted. Children are taught to believe authority figures, or adults. The only problem I had with the book was the ending. I wanted more of a resolution. More of a fight from all the characters involved. And to me it just ended. A small scene was made and then we are expected to believe that everything is fine. I wishe the author would have given us just a little more. But overall, it was a fast, quick read.
September 19, 2013
Rescuing Hope is raw, honest, open, and though it is fiction, it is based heavily in fact. I’ll admit that I had it on my desk for a while before I picked it up. I knew the topic was going to be difficult to read and I was not off base in thinking that. As a mother, this book shredded my heart multiple times. As the mother of a teenage daughter, too much of this hit close to home. (We won’t even discuss the fact that both of my daughters shared names with characters in the book. The similarities in this novel rocked me to the core.)
At the end of this book there’s a devastating list of facts about sex trafficking. The average age of a person going into sex trafficking is between 12-14 years of age. The life expectancy of one of these children is seven years. The girls being trafficked in the United States are predominantly American born and they are being bought and sold for someone else’s financial gain.
My heart struggled with this story, but I cannot more highly recommend a book for parents today. It is necessary for people to understand that this is happening (in many instances right around them) and it’s not going away.
Two thumbs way up for the brilliance of the story and the deft handling of difficult subject matter. My biggest endorsement that I can possibly give on this one. Do not miss reading this book. Educate yourself and understand.
Review copy provided by publicist at Glass Road. Thank you LeAnn!
At the end of this book there’s a devastating list of facts about sex trafficking. The average age of a person going into sex trafficking is between 12-14 years of age. The life expectancy of one of these children is seven years. The girls being trafficked in the United States are predominantly American born and they are being bought and sold for someone else’s financial gain.
My heart struggled with this story, but I cannot more highly recommend a book for parents today. It is necessary for people to understand that this is happening (in many instances right around them) and it’s not going away.
Two thumbs way up for the brilliance of the story and the deft handling of difficult subject matter. My biggest endorsement that I can possibly give on this one. Do not miss reading this book. Educate yourself and understand.
Review copy provided by publicist at Glass Road. Thank you LeAnn!
May 15, 2013
* I won a copy of this book via Goodreads giveaways - Thank you!*
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I knew it was fiction, but I was not prepared for the pre-teen focused writing style. It made it difficult to get through. I understand and appreciate the authors purpose - this is a book for parents and their pre-teens to share. However, a more effective tactic might be to use a more grown-up writing style, to make the children feel as thought they are participating in a mature conversation about a very real concern - which is what should be happening after this book is read.
On the other hand (the reason I gave it 3 stars), this is a very important topic and it is important to have accessible information out there for parents and teens.
* I won a copy of this book via Goodreads giveaways - Thank you! *
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I knew it was fiction, but I was not prepared for the pre-teen focused writing style. It made it difficult to get through. I understand and appreciate the authors purpose - this is a book for parents and their pre-teens to share. However, a more effective tactic might be to use a more grown-up writing style, to make the children feel as thought they are participating in a mature conversation about a very real concern - which is what should be happening after this book is read.
On the other hand (the reason I gave it 3 stars), this is a very important topic and it is important to have accessible information out there for parents and teens.
* I won a copy of this book via Goodreads giveaways - Thank you! *
April 22, 2013
This book was very hard to read.
I expected it to be rough, but when I saw the "warning" in the front of the book regarding content, I knew it would be tough to stomach. I would caution sensitive or conservative readers, that there are graphic descriptions and language in this book. Compared to what these young women go through in real life, on the streets, it is probably very mild.
Please do not allow your pre-teen or teenage daughters to read this, without reading it first.
Due to the content, I would not personally share this with my teen. The story is heartbreaking and not something I would normally share, however it does cast light on just how quickly and easily a young woman can slip into the hellish world of sex trafficking.
I was very glad to see resources listed in the back of the book, for organizations who help these young women escape.
I expected it to be rough, but when I saw the "warning" in the front of the book regarding content, I knew it would be tough to stomach. I would caution sensitive or conservative readers, that there are graphic descriptions and language in this book. Compared to what these young women go through in real life, on the streets, it is probably very mild.
Please do not allow your pre-teen or teenage daughters to read this, without reading it first.
Due to the content, I would not personally share this with my teen. The story is heartbreaking and not something I would normally share, however it does cast light on just how quickly and easily a young woman can slip into the hellish world of sex trafficking.
I was very glad to see resources listed in the back of the book, for organizations who help these young women escape.
April 17, 2013
I won this book on Goodreads giveaways and found the story to be very interesting. I learned a lot about the subject matter. It made me want to know more which I'm sure is what the author intended. I appreciated that the author tried for a PG 13 rating so that mothers can introduce this subject to their daughters. My 13 yr old daughter is entering high school next year and as her final project she is doing a multi genre report on child abduction and trafficking. This book arrived at an important time and opened up a much more in depth conversation than I could ever have hoped for with my teen. Thanks to Susan Norris for addressing this awful tragedy in a way that I could discuss with my child.
March 23, 2013
I absolutely loved this book!! The characters were so real, I lost myself in Hope's story. I felt Hope's fear and will to survive in such a hell. I connected with her mother's anguish of not knowing and then of knowing. It made me think of my own daughters and how quickly life can change. I cried reading this book which rarely happens.
In my opinion everyone should read this book and be educated that things like this do happen to our children. Don't turn the other way, open your eyes.
*I received this book free through Goodreads first reads*
In my opinion everyone should read this book and be educated that things like this do happen to our children. Don't turn the other way, open your eyes.
*I received this book free through Goodreads first reads*
February 3, 2013
Susan Norris brings us the story of Hope, a girl who, after an emotional, devastating trauma, finds herself flattered by a guy who makes her feel safe, loved and important. Then the unthinkable happens, and Hope finds herself trapped in a world that she didn't even know existed. Emotionally charged, devastatingly true, you won't be able to put this book down. Susan Norris has written an amazing story that we all need to hear.
June 21, 2013
Such a heartbreaking story, especially given that it is based on the lives of thousands of young girls just like the main character, Hope. It's a quick read simply because I couldn't put the book down. Susan Norris does a great job in compelling her reader to care about Hope and to realize just how easily and quickly someone can be trapped in human trafficking. I highly recommend this book to teens and adults.
June 8, 2013
This book is written from the perspective of a young girl who is lured into the horrific world of sex trafficking. It will give every reader an idea of how easy it is for young people to be trapped by this epidemic so easily. Definitely a must-read for any parent, especially if you have a daughter.
October 26, 2013
This is an eye-opening book! It shows how easily a girl can get sucked into the sex trade even in the United States. This is based on true stories from interviews done by the author. You may not want to read it, but you should read this book. You will be forever aware and can no longer ignore the truths of sex trafficking. We need to protect the children.
December 4, 2013
This is not an easy novel to read. Although a novel, Susan says it is based on interviews of survivors of human trafficking. She has written this book to be a catalyst for discussion between mothers and daughters. She has added questions as discussion starters at the end of the book. Not an easy read but certainly eye opening. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1cb3kv1.
November 4, 2013
Excellent book. I didn't have much of a clue about child sex trafficking in the US prior to reading it. It is not very graphic and I plan on sharing it with my daughter to keep her informed and hopefully safe!!
August 9, 2015
A harrowing read, that I would recommend to so many people, from teenage girls, to parents. I feel that this is such a powerful, important read, as it reflects a harsh reality that happens every day in our world, in various countries.
January 11, 2016
Gripping
Very good book. It seemed almost too hard to believe. But, I know this happens all too often in our perverse, anything goes world now. It does make one pay a little more attention now.
Very good book. It seemed almost too hard to believe. But, I know this happens all too often in our perverse, anything goes world now. It does make one pay a little more attention now.
August 12, 2013
A good read by first time author, Susan Norris. Carries you into the world of human sex trafficking as seen through the eyes of Hope, a young girl who will capture your heart.
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