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Highway to Hell: The Road Where Childhoods Are Stolen
The black heart of human exploitation and the brave few seeking change A child is sold for sex every ten miles on Brazil’s BR-116 motorway. This 2,700-mile road is “The Highway to Hell” for the thousands of children, some as young as nine, who are trapped in sophisticated child prostitution rackets organized by businessmen and politicians. An experienced journalist, Matt Roper has witnessed the extent of the trafficking firsthand. Highway to Hell documents his journey on this road. He meets the girls and hears their stories; he interviews truck drivers, pimps, brothel owners, and traffickers; and talks to the brave souls who are trying to make a difference. Part documentary, part personal memoir, Matt honestly shares his struggles to understand what his Christian faith has to say about the things he encounters and how God wants him to respond.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 11, 2014
When you hear the words “Highway To Hell”, what comes to mind? Do you think of a song popularized by a 70s rock band?
If so, you might be as shocked as I was to learn that an actual place dubbed the “Highway To Hell” exists – and its reality is more nightmarish than most of us could ever imagine.
In his book Highway To Hell – The Road Where Childhoods Are Stolen, freelance journalist Matt Roper paints a horrific look at life along BR-116 – a remote, 1500 mile highway that runs through some of the poorest parts of Brazil. Along this road, girls as young as nine are frequently exploited by their families and strangers as they are sold into childhood prostitution.
Communities profit from the industry. Law enforcement agencies look the other way.
The stories inside this book are heartbreaking – but the author provides glimmers of hope. Along with his grim portrayal of the seamier side of life along BR-116, Matt shares what he and others are doing to increase awareness and make a difference.
Highway To Hell isn't an easy book to read – but sometimes, we need to move out of our comfort zone so that we can be agents of change.
To be a part of the solution, you first have to be aware that a problem exists. Highway To Hell by Matt Roper opens your eyes to the problem of child sexual exploitation in Brazil in a vivid, unforgettable way and invites you to be a part of the solution.
To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
If so, you might be as shocked as I was to learn that an actual place dubbed the “Highway To Hell” exists – and its reality is more nightmarish than most of us could ever imagine.
In his book Highway To Hell – The Road Where Childhoods Are Stolen, freelance journalist Matt Roper paints a horrific look at life along BR-116 – a remote, 1500 mile highway that runs through some of the poorest parts of Brazil. Along this road, girls as young as nine are frequently exploited by their families and strangers as they are sold into childhood prostitution.
Communities profit from the industry. Law enforcement agencies look the other way.
The stories inside this book are heartbreaking – but the author provides glimmers of hope. Along with his grim portrayal of the seamier side of life along BR-116, Matt shares what he and others are doing to increase awareness and make a difference.
Highway To Hell isn't an easy book to read – but sometimes, we need to move out of our comfort zone so that we can be agents of change.
To be a part of the solution, you first have to be aware that a problem exists. Highway To Hell by Matt Roper opens your eyes to the problem of child sexual exploitation in Brazil in a vivid, unforgettable way and invites you to be a part of the solution.
To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
December 3, 2019
Difficult to get through at times, but necessary to understand. These topics must be brought to light. Prepare yourself for details not often thought of when reading.
July 18, 2023
It was an extremely eye opening book, one that must be read and spoken about by everyone. It’s extremely real and raw and emotional but very worth reading.
March 12, 2014
In a way that only a journalist could, Matt Roper, in Highway to Hell - The Road Where Childhoods are Stolen, tells the horrors he and Canadian county music singer Dean Brody discovered as they sought to expose the sex trafficking taking place along Brazilian highway BR-116, a road that traverses over 2800 miles near the eastern coast of Brazil. It is hard to identify the most difficult part of reading this book: the stories of the young girls, many starting between 9 and 11 years old, who sell their bodies to truck drivers and other strangers along this route; the realization that, in many cases, it is the mothers and grandmothers of these young girls who are encouraging, or forcing, them toward this lifestyle; the mentality among those in many of these communities that such activity is just a normal, acceptable pattern of life, perpetuated with each passing generation; or perhaps the fact that where people in power are aware of this situation, they often turn a blind eye to it, either due to the involvement of "powerful" or "influential" people, or due to the fact that the problem is so large, they simply wouldn't begin to know where to start in order to combat it.
There are several reasons this book should be read. First, it is easy for those of us who live in very comfortable circumstances in America to assume that the rest of the world lives just like we do. Such is simply not so. Having been to 12 or 13 different countries on 5 of the 7 continents, I can attest to the fact that our living circumstances are certainly in the global minority. Second, where knowledge of such atrocities is available, ignorance of it can no longer be an excuse. Third, this work reminds us that our relationship with Christ not only impacts our own lives but also the way we view the world and the situation of others. If we truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves, we cannot be disinterested where precious image-bearers of God are being treated as nothing more than cheap commodities, currency for a moment of pleasure. Fourth, it is encouraging to read of a believer in Christ who takes His faith seriously enough not only to "believe" certain things about God, but to put those beliefs into practice for the good of others and for the glory of God.
In this book you will read of the story of Mariana, who was rescued out of a lifestyle of illegal drugs, prostitution and violence. You will read of nearly 60 other girls in a town called Medina who are participating in a program that is helping them realize their value as image-bearers and helping them discover ways God may desire to use their lives for His glory. But, you will also learn of hundreds, more likely, thousands, of girls who continue to live in sexual abuse and slavery every day. Read this book. Pray for these girls. Ask God to deliver them from this bondage and into the freedom of knowing Him and His incredible love for them. While you are at it, ask God how He might want to use you toward that end.
(FTC Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing this unbiased review.)
There are several reasons this book should be read. First, it is easy for those of us who live in very comfortable circumstances in America to assume that the rest of the world lives just like we do. Such is simply not so. Having been to 12 or 13 different countries on 5 of the 7 continents, I can attest to the fact that our living circumstances are certainly in the global minority. Second, where knowledge of such atrocities is available, ignorance of it can no longer be an excuse. Third, this work reminds us that our relationship with Christ not only impacts our own lives but also the way we view the world and the situation of others. If we truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves, we cannot be disinterested where precious image-bearers of God are being treated as nothing more than cheap commodities, currency for a moment of pleasure. Fourth, it is encouraging to read of a believer in Christ who takes His faith seriously enough not only to "believe" certain things about God, but to put those beliefs into practice for the good of others and for the glory of God.
In this book you will read of the story of Mariana, who was rescued out of a lifestyle of illegal drugs, prostitution and violence. You will read of nearly 60 other girls in a town called Medina who are participating in a program that is helping them realize their value as image-bearers and helping them discover ways God may desire to use their lives for His glory. But, you will also learn of hundreds, more likely, thousands, of girls who continue to live in sexual abuse and slavery every day. Read this book. Pray for these girls. Ask God to deliver them from this bondage and into the freedom of knowing Him and His incredible love for them. While you are at it, ask God how He might want to use you toward that end.
(FTC Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing this unbiased review.)
March 11, 2014
It’s hard for me to write about this book – not because it wasn’t good but because I have two daughters who are or are very close to being the ages of the girls in this book – and my heart broke while reading it. I even hate to say, “this was a good book”, because of the subject matter – however this needs to be out there and everyone needs to be made aware of what is going on in Brazil, since even their government there is turning a blind eye. Imagine sending your 9 year old daughter out to prostitute herself because it’s what your mom did, it’s what you did and so that is what your daughter will do and it’s seen as normal, it’s seen as normal that some of these girls are never seen or heard from again. Can you? I can’t. I can’t imagine being that grandma (one of which acts almost like a pimp for her grand daughter!), I can’t imagine being that mom but unfortunately when a girl baby is born it’s almost a given that she will become a child prostitute.
Hard to read. Heart breaking. Eye opening. I am so glad that Matt Roper has written this book, I have never before heard of this travesty in Brazil, I’ve heard of human trafficking (I even hate to refer to it as trafficking and call it what it is slavery) and yes I know some are children but to have a whole country and the politicians and even those that are supposed to be protecting these children turn their backs and refuse to admit there is a problem – it’s horrendous to even think about. Not only are these girls selling themselves, they are becoming pregnant, they are thrown out of trucks, involved in horrific car accidents while the man is distracted during their ‘programme’ and left maimed or dead, or just out right killed. Matt works to open houses that seek to get the girls off the street and into a place where they are given tools to become more, such as dance which promotes self esteem (many girls have been abused by male relatives long before they begin selling and their self esteem is non-existent), and other tools and the message that God does love them even if their parents don’t and they can turn to Him.
As a mission minded person I wanted to hop on the next plane to Brazil and start grabbing these girls and give them help – but of course that is not feasible nor is it logical – but I’d love to find someway to help these girls, such as giving money to help build more houses and providing people to staff them. Is it a good book? Yes, but not in the way a fictional book is good – it’s totally different and I can say only read it if you are willing to have your eyes and your heart opened and then also be prepared to see how God is working through the people who are trying to help these girls and get the people of Brazil to realize just how wrong the whole situation is.
**I was provided a copy of this book from Kregel Publication in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
Hard to read. Heart breaking. Eye opening. I am so glad that Matt Roper has written this book, I have never before heard of this travesty in Brazil, I’ve heard of human trafficking (I even hate to refer to it as trafficking and call it what it is slavery) and yes I know some are children but to have a whole country and the politicians and even those that are supposed to be protecting these children turn their backs and refuse to admit there is a problem – it’s horrendous to even think about. Not only are these girls selling themselves, they are becoming pregnant, they are thrown out of trucks, involved in horrific car accidents while the man is distracted during their ‘programme’ and left maimed or dead, or just out right killed. Matt works to open houses that seek to get the girls off the street and into a place where they are given tools to become more, such as dance which promotes self esteem (many girls have been abused by male relatives long before they begin selling and their self esteem is non-existent), and other tools and the message that God does love them even if their parents don’t and they can turn to Him.
As a mission minded person I wanted to hop on the next plane to Brazil and start grabbing these girls and give them help – but of course that is not feasible nor is it logical – but I’d love to find someway to help these girls, such as giving money to help build more houses and providing people to staff them. Is it a good book? Yes, but not in the way a fictional book is good – it’s totally different and I can say only read it if you are willing to have your eyes and your heart opened and then also be prepared to see how God is working through the people who are trying to help these girls and get the people of Brazil to realize just how wrong the whole situation is.
**I was provided a copy of this book from Kregel Publication in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
March 14, 2014
Disclaimer: I won this book as part of the Goodreads first-read program.
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!
Now that I've got that out of the way!!!!!
The only way this book doesn't tear your heart out is if you have no heart.
This is the REAL LIFE story of BR-116 and the predators that troll for young victims along its length. BR-116 is the main East Brazilian motorway that runs from Sao Paulo in the South to Fortaleza in the North.
The victims are young, under-aged girls who are bought and sold as if they were disposable commodities purchased in any marketplace in the World. As these female children are entering puberty pushed into an adult world of prostitution and sex trafficking. Many of these young girls are kidnapped away from their families, transported to foreign countries and sold as sex slaves.
British journalist Matt Roper and Canadian country/western singer Dean Brody traverse and document the tragedy that plays out in the small towns and villages that are situated along BR-116. These girls are sexually abused, raped and beaten into submission by the truck drivers and tourist that travel this major motorway. Warping and destroying the self-esteem of these young girls. These degraded young girls often come to believe that the life they now live is prestigious even as those around them revile them.
The biggest horror that Matt and Dean are running into is the discovery that the impetus for this transition into the world of child prostitution is often begun at the hands of family members. Childhood sexual abuse committed by an Uncle, Father or family friend makes it easier for these young girls to jump into this dark, often violent underground. Also it is often the Mother, Grandmother, Aunt or older Sister that forces the victim into such degrading acts. And the saddest result of all is the loss of life that befalls many of these young girls.
Matt and dean look into why the Government officials refuse to clamp down on these predators and pimps but only find silence. Most of the abuser or never arrested, tried or convicted due to fear of challenging crime Lords who control the constant human trafficking or because they receive kick backs. These officials and family members are guilty of aiding and abetting the promotion of pedophilia. Which means that the Government of Brazil is guilty of the non-prosecution of pedophiles. And mark my words these truck drivers that violate these girls are pedophiles.
This book documents the work that Matt and Dean do in order to involve town officials and citizens in the effort to reclaim the pride and futures of the young victims that haunt the byways of BR-116.
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!!!
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!
Now that I've got that out of the way!!!!!
The only way this book doesn't tear your heart out is if you have no heart.
This is the REAL LIFE story of BR-116 and the predators that troll for young victims along its length. BR-116 is the main East Brazilian motorway that runs from Sao Paulo in the South to Fortaleza in the North.
The victims are young, under-aged girls who are bought and sold as if they were disposable commodities purchased in any marketplace in the World. As these female children are entering puberty pushed into an adult world of prostitution and sex trafficking. Many of these young girls are kidnapped away from their families, transported to foreign countries and sold as sex slaves.
British journalist Matt Roper and Canadian country/western singer Dean Brody traverse and document the tragedy that plays out in the small towns and villages that are situated along BR-116. These girls are sexually abused, raped and beaten into submission by the truck drivers and tourist that travel this major motorway. Warping and destroying the self-esteem of these young girls. These degraded young girls often come to believe that the life they now live is prestigious even as those around them revile them.
The biggest horror that Matt and Dean are running into is the discovery that the impetus for this transition into the world of child prostitution is often begun at the hands of family members. Childhood sexual abuse committed by an Uncle, Father or family friend makes it easier for these young girls to jump into this dark, often violent underground. Also it is often the Mother, Grandmother, Aunt or older Sister that forces the victim into such degrading acts. And the saddest result of all is the loss of life that befalls many of these young girls.
Matt and dean look into why the Government officials refuse to clamp down on these predators and pimps but only find silence. Most of the abuser or never arrested, tried or convicted due to fear of challenging crime Lords who control the constant human trafficking or because they receive kick backs. These officials and family members are guilty of aiding and abetting the promotion of pedophilia. Which means that the Government of Brazil is guilty of the non-prosecution of pedophiles. And mark my words these truck drivers that violate these girls are pedophiles.
This book documents the work that Matt and Dean do in order to involve town officials and citizens in the effort to reclaim the pride and futures of the young victims that haunt the byways of BR-116.
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!!!
March 12, 2014
Ten years ago UK journalist Matt Roper published an exposé on the trafficking of children in Brazil. That book (Remember Me, Rescue Me) found its way into the hands of Canadian Country Star, Dean Brody. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of those stuck in prostitution, Roper and Brody travel to Brazil and make the 1,500 mile journey along BR-116–Brazil’s exploitation highway. What they find there is heart-rending.
Highway to Hell: the Road Where Childhoods are Stolen tells of their trips down BR-116 and what they found there. Along that dusty highway whole communities exploit their children. Girls routinely are forced into prostitution by abductors, gangs and even their parents. Roper tells the horrors these girls face: violence, injustice, sexual slavery, addiction, murder. Some of the girls that he and Brody encounter are as young as ten or eleven years old when they are forced into prostitution.
In a conversation with a woman named Rita Marques, a woman working with the children’s council, they hear just how widespread and culturally permissible child prostitution is in the towns along the highway: “‘Everyone’s happy when a baby girl is born,’ she said not because of the prospect of their daughter playing with dolls or dressing up, but ‘because in abouta decade, they’ll have a valuable source of income’”(24). Later, Roper observes that along the entire 1,500 mile stretch of highway, he doesn’t know of a single case where ;a girl’s abuser, pimp, brothel owner, trafficker, or even murderer, had been tried and jailed” (216). This is a place where injustice reigns and girls are victimized. As a father of girls, these stories make me sad and angry.
Roper isn’t content to just describe the horrors of BR-116. He shares personal stories of the girls that he and Brody meet along the way. Some of these he has been able to help through Meninadança, a non-profit he started which works with at-risk girls along the BR-116 corridor. They provide residence for girls leaving prostitution and dance-therapy as a way of building self esteem into girls who are used to being devalued, used and abused. Brody also starts his own foundation to help raise awareness and support for the girls of these communities.
So Highway to Hell provides a ray of hope and a means for connecting tangibly with the work that Roper and others are doing to end child sex trafficking in Brazil. through his organization. I highly recommend this book. It will open your eyes to injustice and break your heart. But it also tells the story of two men who were moved to do something about the suffering and injustice they saw. five stars:★★★★★!
Thank you to Kregel Publications and Monarch Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
Highway to Hell: the Road Where Childhoods are Stolen tells of their trips down BR-116 and what they found there. Along that dusty highway whole communities exploit their children. Girls routinely are forced into prostitution by abductors, gangs and even their parents. Roper tells the horrors these girls face: violence, injustice, sexual slavery, addiction, murder. Some of the girls that he and Brody encounter are as young as ten or eleven years old when they are forced into prostitution.
In a conversation with a woman named Rita Marques, a woman working with the children’s council, they hear just how widespread and culturally permissible child prostitution is in the towns along the highway: “‘Everyone’s happy when a baby girl is born,’ she said not because of the prospect of their daughter playing with dolls or dressing up, but ‘because in abouta decade, they’ll have a valuable source of income’”(24). Later, Roper observes that along the entire 1,500 mile stretch of highway, he doesn’t know of a single case where ;a girl’s abuser, pimp, brothel owner, trafficker, or even murderer, had been tried and jailed” (216). This is a place where injustice reigns and girls are victimized. As a father of girls, these stories make me sad and angry.
Roper isn’t content to just describe the horrors of BR-116. He shares personal stories of the girls that he and Brody meet along the way. Some of these he has been able to help through Meninadança, a non-profit he started which works with at-risk girls along the BR-116 corridor. They provide residence for girls leaving prostitution and dance-therapy as a way of building self esteem into girls who are used to being devalued, used and abused. Brody also starts his own foundation to help raise awareness and support for the girls of these communities.
So Highway to Hell provides a ray of hope and a means for connecting tangibly with the work that Roper and others are doing to end child sex trafficking in Brazil. through his organization. I highly recommend this book. It will open your eyes to injustice and break your heart. But it also tells the story of two men who were moved to do something about the suffering and injustice they saw. five stars:★★★★★!
Thank you to Kregel Publications and Monarch Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
March 12, 2014
Source: Free copy from Monarch Books/Kregel Book Tours in exchange for a review.
Matt Roper a journalist from England and a Country music singer from Canada named Dean Brody, made a decision to investigate child trafficking on a notorious highway in Brazil named BR-116. The highway is 2,725 miles long, it links the towns of Fortaleza and Jaguarao. The highway runs north to south. It is a road frequented by truck drivers, who are often the customers for the young girls swept up in child trafficking and prostitution.
The towns sprinkled along Highway BR-116 have an uncontrolled population of young girls who have been persuaded, or stolen away, into prostitution.
Several reasons as to how girls become involved in sex trafficking.
1. Sometimes older teenage girls coerce girls as young as 10 or 11, promising them money, or clothes, or shoes, in exchange for sex.
2. Girls are stolen from their home by a madam, and taken away to a brothel, or to another country for prostitution.
3. Some girls are "made" to become involved in the sex trade by their mothers, or grandmothers who are prostitutes.
Matt Roper and Dean Brody, knew there was a huge sex trafficking problem in Brazil; however, until they began driving at night and interviewing the young girls and adults involved in the abuse-they knew they must become advocates for the voiceless.
My Thoughts:
I've read fiction books by Kathi Macias who integrated stories with the theme of child sex trafficking. Highway To Hell is the first non-fiction book I've read on this subject. It's a tough read, not a subject which promotes good dreams at night.
In order to bring justice for a crime, the violation must be talked about. Vile criminals hope for silence, but to remain silent is unacceptable.
You've heard the term: "There is something rotten in Denmark."
There is something rotten in Brazil.
I want to know what the country of Brazil is going to do about the sex child trafficking problem?
Where is the revenue from tourism being spent?
Brazil was a founding member of United Nations. What can the United Nations do to push Brazil to aggressively end child sex trafficking?
The author team of Matt Roper and Dean Brody became the published voice, for the abused girls who are unable to speak to an uninformed and inattentive world.
There were moments during their travels when Roper and Brody were afraid, but with courage they continued in their journey to unravel the horror of child sex trafficking.
The pros of the book are two-fold:
1. Education to the world on the problem of child sex trafficking in Brazil.
2. How can we (all of us) become involved in helping end child sex trafficking.
There are no cons.
Matt Roper a journalist from England and a Country music singer from Canada named Dean Brody, made a decision to investigate child trafficking on a notorious highway in Brazil named BR-116. The highway is 2,725 miles long, it links the towns of Fortaleza and Jaguarao. The highway runs north to south. It is a road frequented by truck drivers, who are often the customers for the young girls swept up in child trafficking and prostitution.
The towns sprinkled along Highway BR-116 have an uncontrolled population of young girls who have been persuaded, or stolen away, into prostitution.
Several reasons as to how girls become involved in sex trafficking.
1. Sometimes older teenage girls coerce girls as young as 10 or 11, promising them money, or clothes, or shoes, in exchange for sex.
2. Girls are stolen from their home by a madam, and taken away to a brothel, or to another country for prostitution.
3. Some girls are "made" to become involved in the sex trade by their mothers, or grandmothers who are prostitutes.
Matt Roper and Dean Brody, knew there was a huge sex trafficking problem in Brazil; however, until they began driving at night and interviewing the young girls and adults involved in the abuse-they knew they must become advocates for the voiceless.
My Thoughts:
I've read fiction books by Kathi Macias who integrated stories with the theme of child sex trafficking. Highway To Hell is the first non-fiction book I've read on this subject. It's a tough read, not a subject which promotes good dreams at night.
In order to bring justice for a crime, the violation must be talked about. Vile criminals hope for silence, but to remain silent is unacceptable.
You've heard the term: "There is something rotten in Denmark."
There is something rotten in Brazil.
I want to know what the country of Brazil is going to do about the sex child trafficking problem?
Where is the revenue from tourism being spent?
Brazil was a founding member of United Nations. What can the United Nations do to push Brazil to aggressively end child sex trafficking?
The author team of Matt Roper and Dean Brody became the published voice, for the abused girls who are unable to speak to an uninformed and inattentive world.
There were moments during their travels when Roper and Brody were afraid, but with courage they continued in their journey to unravel the horror of child sex trafficking.
The pros of the book are two-fold:
1. Education to the world on the problem of child sex trafficking in Brazil.
2. How can we (all of us) become involved in helping end child sex trafficking.
There are no cons.
March 10, 2014
Did you know that worldwide, there are nearly two million children in the commercial sex trade (UNICEF)? What if you could help do something about it? Highway to Hell is the story of two men who set out to shine a light on a dark Brazilian highway and make a difference. Roper, a former journalist for the UK’s Daily Mirror who now freelances, and his friend and fellow activist Dean Brody, a Canadian country musician, don’t just report on this horrific story, they travel the BR-116 for 1500 miles. Stopping at impoverished towns along the way, they meet young girls caught up in the cycle of abuse and exploitation. Not only do they shine a bright light on the problem that many Brazilian officials want to deny or hide away, they pledge to do something about it.
Roper may be a journalist, but Highway to Hell is not an objective newspaper piece. We’ve all read those. We know child prostitution is a problem, but for most of us it is a vague reality far removed from us. We cringe, but feel helpless to do anything about it. Roper’s book immediately humanizes the issue through a chance meeting with a little girl named Leilah. There is no way that the reader can experience this story on anything but a personal level because Roper and Brody experience it that way. These young girls are not just statistics but individuals in need of rescue and justice. Although hard to read due to the heartbreaking nature of the stories, there is also hope. Evil cannot hide once a light is shined in the darkness. Highway to Hell is well-written with heart and obvious passion. But it’s more than that. It’s a call to action, for all of us.
“That this child was quite willing to get into a car with two strangers, on a dark motorway at 1.30 in the morning, within seconds of us pulling up, is something I will never get over” (p. 16).
“If they only knew just how precious they were, how much they were really worth, how fulfilled and meaningful their lives could really be” (p. 76).
“We began to realize that if we were to be successful in rescuing other girls like her, we would have to tackle an entire culture which considered the abuse and exploitation of children as an ordinary, acceptable part of life” (p. 107).
In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Roper may be a journalist, but Highway to Hell is not an objective newspaper piece. We’ve all read those. We know child prostitution is a problem, but for most of us it is a vague reality far removed from us. We cringe, but feel helpless to do anything about it. Roper’s book immediately humanizes the issue through a chance meeting with a little girl named Leilah. There is no way that the reader can experience this story on anything but a personal level because Roper and Brody experience it that way. These young girls are not just statistics but individuals in need of rescue and justice. Although hard to read due to the heartbreaking nature of the stories, there is also hope. Evil cannot hide once a light is shined in the darkness. Highway to Hell is well-written with heart and obvious passion. But it’s more than that. It’s a call to action, for all of us.
“That this child was quite willing to get into a car with two strangers, on a dark motorway at 1.30 in the morning, within seconds of us pulling up, is something I will never get over” (p. 16).
“If they only knew just how precious they were, how much they were really worth, how fulfilled and meaningful their lives could really be” (p. 76).
“We began to realize that if we were to be successful in rescuing other girls like her, we would have to tackle an entire culture which considered the abuse and exploitation of children as an ordinary, acceptable part of life” (p. 107).
In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2014
Highway to Hell is a personally story about a journalist, Matt Roper and a Canadian country singer, Dean Brody and their journey to a dangerous highway in Brazil called BR-116. This highway was known to be populated with child prostitution and exploitation. On the highway, they first met a little girl, Leilah about 11 years old in a lilac dress and she was selling herself for 25 reals (about 10 dollars U.S. currency) to tourists and truck drivers. Most of their parents know their children are selling their bodies for money where they can buy food or even drugs. And some parents and grandparents of these children force them to where they can have the money and most of it is generational. Earlier that day, Matt and Dean met with the president of the state assembly and he told them that child prostitution doesn’t happen anymore on BR-116. They later found out how untrue his statement really was. This book will cover the truth of what’s happening on BR-116 highway.
I would recommend this book to anyone is passionate about protecting children from predators and every parent and pastor should read this book. The book was heartbreaking to read because of the horrible events that Matt and Dean encountered on their journey. I haven’t ever personally been to a foreign country before and it was very eye opening to me. The book is really difficult to imagine that young girls would be involved in child prostitution and no one is doing anything to stop it and save the girls. I liked how Matt described the children and people that they met very well and I felt like I was seeing a glimpse of some of the terrible conditions they witnessed. I immensely liked the lyrics of a song Dean Brody wrote about Leilah which made him actively wanting to get involved. I also have trouble understand how some of the parents aren’t trying to stop their children from selling their bodies and how they can just by and watch their children put their self into danger. The book is a very critical book and it’s important that we wake up to what is happening in the world around us. If you’re seeking an excellent book on the topic of child prostitution and exploitation, then please read this book!
I received this book free from the publisher from Kregel Publications book review bloggers program."
March 14, 2014
Highway to Hell is a personally story about a journalist, Matt Roper and a Canadian country singer, Dean Brody and their journey to a dangerous highway in Brazil called BR-116. This highway was known to be populated with child prostitution and exploitation. On the highway, they first met a little girl, Leilah about 11 years old in a lilac dress and she was selling herself for 25 reals (about 10 dollars U.S. currency) to tourists and truck drivers. Most of their parents know their children are selling their bodies for money where they can buy food or even drugs. And some parents and grandparents of these children force them to where they can have the money and most of it is generational. Earlier that day, Matt and Dean met with the president of the state assembly and he told them that child prostitution doesn’t happen anymore on BR-116. They later found out how untrue his statement really was. This book will cover the truth of what’s happening on BR-116 highway.
I would recommend this book to anyone is passionate about protecting children from predators and every parent and pastor should read this book. The book was heartbreaking to read because of the horrible events that Matt and Dean encountered on their journey. I haven’t ever personally been to a foreign country before and it was very eye opening to me. The book is really difficult to imagine that young girls would be involved in child prostitution and no one is doing anything to stop it and save the girls. I liked how Matt described the children and people that they met very well and I felt like I was seeing a glimpse of some of the terrible conditions they witnessed. I immensely liked the lyrics of a song Dean Brody wrote about Leilah which made him actively wanting to get involved. I also have trouble understand how some of the parents aren’t trying to stop their children from selling their bodies and how they can just by and watch their children put their self into danger. The book is a very critical book and it’s important that we wake up to what is happening in the world around us. If you’re seeking an excellent book on the topic of child prostitution and exploitation, then please read this book!
I received this book free from the publisher from Kregel Publications book review bloggers program."
I would recommend this book to anyone is passionate about protecting children from predators and every parent and pastor should read this book. The book was heartbreaking to read because of the horrible events that Matt and Dean encountered on their journey. I haven’t ever personally been to a foreign country before and it was very eye opening to me. The book is really difficult to imagine that young girls would be involved in child prostitution and no one is doing anything to stop it and save the girls. I liked how Matt described the children and people that they met very well and I felt like I was seeing a glimpse of some of the terrible conditions they witnessed. I immensely liked the lyrics of a song Dean Brody wrote about Leilah which made him actively wanting to get involved. I also have trouble understand how some of the parents aren’t trying to stop their children from selling their bodies and how they can just by and watch their children put their self into danger. The book is a very critical book and it’s important that we wake up to what is happening in the world around us. If you’re seeking an excellent book on the topic of child prostitution and exploitation, then please read this book!
I received this book free from the publisher from Kregel Publications book review bloggers program."
March 13, 2014
In Highway to Hell: The Road Where Childhoods Are Stolen, freelance journalist Matt Roper tells of the horrific child prostitution problem in Brazil, specifically along the 1,500-mile BR-116 corridor. The stories of numerous young girls – some as young as nine years old – who tragically sell their bodies to provide for their families are truly grotesque, but what is worse is that the stories told by Roper represent only a small fraction of the thousands of girls who are being exploited sexually in Brazil.
Highway to Hell tells of parents and grandparents who encourage or even force their daughters to stand by the roadside to sell themselves to long-haul truckers in order to provide for their families, of entire communities that depend on the income from child prostitution, of a government that tries to sweep the problem under the carpet, of girls who are so steeped in this culture that they don’t even recognize it as wrong, of pimps and brothels who exploit these girls (in some cases holding them hostage), and of the men who purchase these girls’ services. Praise the Lord, it also tells of the few but very important men and women who are working diligently to save these girls.
This book was eye-opening. I had never imagined that the child prostitution problem was so bad in Brazil, and while I know people whose parents did terrible things to them as children, I never could have imagined a parent or grandparent doing some of the things in this book.
I cried numerous times while reading Highway to Hell and I challenge you not to. There is a strand of hope running throughout the book, though: people such as Matt, Dean, Rita, Abigail, Fabio, and others who God is using to make a difference. You’ll cry about that as well. :-)
I promise you that you will not enjoy this book. You will, however, be changed and that is a very good thing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Highway to Hell tells of parents and grandparents who encourage or even force their daughters to stand by the roadside to sell themselves to long-haul truckers in order to provide for their families, of entire communities that depend on the income from child prostitution, of a government that tries to sweep the problem under the carpet, of girls who are so steeped in this culture that they don’t even recognize it as wrong, of pimps and brothels who exploit these girls (in some cases holding them hostage), and of the men who purchase these girls’ services. Praise the Lord, it also tells of the few but very important men and women who are working diligently to save these girls.
This book was eye-opening. I had never imagined that the child prostitution problem was so bad in Brazil, and while I know people whose parents did terrible things to them as children, I never could have imagined a parent or grandparent doing some of the things in this book.
I cried numerous times while reading Highway to Hell and I challenge you not to. There is a strand of hope running throughout the book, though: people such as Matt, Dean, Rita, Abigail, Fabio, and others who God is using to make a difference. You’ll cry about that as well. :-)
I promise you that you will not enjoy this book. You will, however, be changed and that is a very good thing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
January 13, 2014
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book through the Goodreads' giveaway program. "Highway To Hell" was an emotional journey through the horrific child prostitution that occurs on Brazil's BR-116 highway. Author, Matt Roper, and his friend, Dean, stumbled upon a young prostitute while driving on this road late one night. They quickly learned that childhood prostitution in Brazil was quite common, and before they knew what they are doing, they embarked on a mission to rescue as many young girls from that lifestyle as possible.
Their rescue moved slowly at first, just one girl at a time. The stories of the young girls forced into that life were gritty and tragic. Plagued with poverty, many parents forced their daughters into prostitution to make the money needed to buy basic things such as food. Those girls walked the dangerous highway at night hoping to be picked up by truckers and paid for a "program." Many of the girls were beaten, died, or were never seen again. One girl was tricked into traveling to a bar where she was held captive in a small, dirty room for over a month and raped all day by multiple me. Brazil's officials pretend this tragic scenario doesn't happen because if they acknowledge the problem then they would have to fix it- something the country is unwilling to do. The only thing more frustrating than knowing this was happening, was knowing that the officials deliberately decided not to do anything to stop it. The book focused on the individual stories of young exploited girls, but by the end of the book, I had read my fill about the topic mainly because it was too tragic.
I appreciated that the book was written to raise awareness of this issue, and applaud the author's devotion to rescuing these girls. This was a dark read, but interesting.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
Their rescue moved slowly at first, just one girl at a time. The stories of the young girls forced into that life were gritty and tragic. Plagued with poverty, many parents forced their daughters into prostitution to make the money needed to buy basic things such as food. Those girls walked the dangerous highway at night hoping to be picked up by truckers and paid for a "program." Many of the girls were beaten, died, or were never seen again. One girl was tricked into traveling to a bar where she was held captive in a small, dirty room for over a month and raped all day by multiple me. Brazil's officials pretend this tragic scenario doesn't happen because if they acknowledge the problem then they would have to fix it- something the country is unwilling to do. The only thing more frustrating than knowing this was happening, was knowing that the officials deliberately decided not to do anything to stop it. The book focused on the individual stories of young exploited girls, but by the end of the book, I had read my fill about the topic mainly because it was too tragic.
I appreciated that the book was written to raise awareness of this issue, and applaud the author's devotion to rescuing these girls. This was a dark read, but interesting.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
March 8, 2014
Highway to Hell: The Road Where Childhoods Are Stolen is an aptly named book about the horrors of child prostitution in Brazil. I can't remember the last time I had a nightmare as an adult, but the first night I read this book, I woke up shaking from a horrible dream. (Though my dream was unrelated to this subject, I'm still sure that the book caused the dream.)
This book is written from the author's perspective as an investigative journalist who finds himself drawn to find out about these girls and try to help them. He goes back to do research on the problem and finds that it is bigger and more widespread than he ever imagined. In the book, he shares both his personal reflections and the stark facts that he uncovers. The book gives enough details about the girls and their lives so that the reader truly feels compassion for them, but it is also written in a respectful manner, not just focused on the sexual aspects.
This was a hard book for me to read. I think part of the reason this book touched me so deeply is that I have a ten year-old daughter of my own, and I can't imagine her living a life anything like what most of these young girls accept as normal. The lives these girls live- often hopping on a semi truck along a highway and never being seen again- really got to me. Tales of girls as young as nine years old willingly going into prostitution shocked me... they see it as a means to afford a cell phone or pretty clothing. The stories of girls put in this life against their will were not as surprising, but still disturbing.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in return for posting my honest review on my blog during the book's tour dates of March 10-14. I will also post copies of this review on Amazon and GoodReads.
This book is written from the author's perspective as an investigative journalist who finds himself drawn to find out about these girls and try to help them. He goes back to do research on the problem and finds that it is bigger and more widespread than he ever imagined. In the book, he shares both his personal reflections and the stark facts that he uncovers. The book gives enough details about the girls and their lives so that the reader truly feels compassion for them, but it is also written in a respectful manner, not just focused on the sexual aspects.
This was a hard book for me to read. I think part of the reason this book touched me so deeply is that I have a ten year-old daughter of my own, and I can't imagine her living a life anything like what most of these young girls accept as normal. The lives these girls live- often hopping on a semi truck along a highway and never being seen again- really got to me. Tales of girls as young as nine years old willingly going into prostitution shocked me... they see it as a means to afford a cell phone or pretty clothing. The stories of girls put in this life against their will were not as surprising, but still disturbing.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in return for posting my honest review on my blog during the book's tour dates of March 10-14. I will also post copies of this review on Amazon and GoodReads.
March 10, 2014
What a truly remarkable story! I have to admit I’m one of those people that is pretty ignorant about the kinds of things that go on in other parts of the world like the child prostitution described in Matt Ropers Highway to Hell: The Road Where Childhoods are Stolen.
I’m also ashamed to admit that there is a part of me that would rather keep it that way. The unimaginable things that occurred and were retold by Roper are things that I would rather not know. But the bottom line is that they do happen and luckily there are people like Matt Roper and Dean Brody that find it unacceptable and take the time to do something about it.
Roper and Dean travel along a Brazilian Highway BR-116 and re-tell the stories of all the girls that they meet along the way. It’s shocking to me that prostitution happens with girls that aren’t even in their teens yet. It’s truly the ugliest, darkest side of human nature and it really broke my heart to read this story. But it also inspired me to learn that there are people that will uproot their entire lives to make a difference in the lives of strangers.
Roper and Dean make it their mission in life to get these girls off the streets and help bring change. It’s not without challenges and heartbreak and roadblocks along the way. But the devil uses those things to stop people from bringing about the necessary changes.
Having a daughter, I can’t even imagine these kinds of horrific things happening to her and I sometimes forget how blessed I am to live where we live. The fact that these girls are subjected to this lifestyle and even pushed into it by their own mothers to help survive is disgusting and heartbreaking.
Highway to Hell is one of those books that leaves you saddened, yet inspired and forever changed.
I’m also ashamed to admit that there is a part of me that would rather keep it that way. The unimaginable things that occurred and were retold by Roper are things that I would rather not know. But the bottom line is that they do happen and luckily there are people like Matt Roper and Dean Brody that find it unacceptable and take the time to do something about it.
Roper and Dean travel along a Brazilian Highway BR-116 and re-tell the stories of all the girls that they meet along the way. It’s shocking to me that prostitution happens with girls that aren’t even in their teens yet. It’s truly the ugliest, darkest side of human nature and it really broke my heart to read this story. But it also inspired me to learn that there are people that will uproot their entire lives to make a difference in the lives of strangers.
Roper and Dean make it their mission in life to get these girls off the streets and help bring change. It’s not without challenges and heartbreak and roadblocks along the way. But the devil uses those things to stop people from bringing about the necessary changes.
Having a daughter, I can’t even imagine these kinds of horrific things happening to her and I sometimes forget how blessed I am to live where we live. The fact that these girls are subjected to this lifestyle and even pushed into it by their own mothers to help survive is disgusting and heartbreaking.
Highway to Hell is one of those books that leaves you saddened, yet inspired and forever changed.
March 9, 2014
When I think of Brazil, I think of beautiful beaches. Of course, there are beautiful beaches in Brazil. However, along a highway tourists don't travel, there is only ugliness. The hwy is Br-116. Along this highway are young girls from the ages of nine to about eighteen. There are also older women who act as pimps leading these girls into a life of sex, brutality and drugs. In Highway to Hell by Matt Roper, there are the personal stories of young girls who listened to their mothers and grandmothers or to friends. People who made the girls think the only way out of poverty is prostitution with truckers and other older men. Before their time these girls end up looking old, sick and depraved.
The book is not easy to read. Their stories are very painful. It's hard to accept that girls have lost their childhood to sex and drugs. There were times I had to stop reading the book. Other times I read the book faster and faster hoping to end the story of such lives quickly. It was a great relief to learn there are people like Matt Roper and Dean who are out to save little girls and not to destroy their lives. These two guys with the help of others built the Pink House. It is the beginning of a new life for these young girls. They are taught that dreams in life are made for them too. One girl's dream was to do "drawing and coloring in." In the Pink House, the room are pink with long mirrors and girls are taught Dance.
I am happy to say this kind of work continues to grow. More people are helping and collecting more girls from that ugly cycle of life they should have never experienced in the first place. store.kregel.com
The book is not easy to read. Their stories are very painful. It's hard to accept that girls have lost their childhood to sex and drugs. There were times I had to stop reading the book. Other times I read the book faster and faster hoping to end the story of such lives quickly. It was a great relief to learn there are people like Matt Roper and Dean who are out to save little girls and not to destroy their lives. These two guys with the help of others built the Pink House. It is the beginning of a new life for these young girls. They are taught that dreams in life are made for them too. One girl's dream was to do "drawing and coloring in." In the Pink House, the room are pink with long mirrors and girls are taught Dance.
I am happy to say this kind of work continues to grow. More people are helping and collecting more girls from that ugly cycle of life they should have never experienced in the first place. store.kregel.com
March 7, 2014
When I think of Brazil, I think of beautiful beaches. Of course, there are beautiful beaches in Brazil. However, along a highway tourists don't travel, there is only ugliness. The hwy is Br-116. Along this highway are young girls from the ages of nine to about eighteen. There are also older women who act as pimps leading these girls into a life of sex, brutality and drugs. In Highway to Hell by Matt Roper, there are the personal stories of young girls who listened to their mothers and grandmothers or to friends. People who made the girls think the only way out of poverty is prostitution with truckers and other older men. Before their time these girls end up looking old, sick and depraved.
The book is not easy to read. Their stories are very painful. It's hard to accept that girls have lost their childhood to sex and drugs. There were times I had to stop reading the book. Other times I read the book faster and faster hoping to end the story of such lives quickly. It was a great relief to learn there are people like Matt Roper and Dean who are out to save little girls and not to destroy their lives. These two guys with the help of others built the Pink House. It is the beginning of a new life for these young girls. They are taught that dreams in life are made for them too. One girl's dream was to do "drawing and coloring in." In the Pink House, the room are pink with long mirrors and girls are taught Dance.
I am happy to say this kind of work continues to grow. More people are helping and collecting more girls from that ugly cycle of life they should have never experienced in the first place. store.kregel.com
The book is not easy to read. Their stories are very painful. It's hard to accept that girls have lost their childhood to sex and drugs. There were times I had to stop reading the book. Other times I read the book faster and faster hoping to end the story of such lives quickly. It was a great relief to learn there are people like Matt Roper and Dean who are out to save little girls and not to destroy their lives. These two guys with the help of others built the Pink House. It is the beginning of a new life for these young girls. They are taught that dreams in life are made for them too. One girl's dream was to do "drawing and coloring in." In the Pink House, the room are pink with long mirrors and girls are taught Dance.
I am happy to say this kind of work continues to grow. More people are helping and collecting more girls from that ugly cycle of life they should have never experienced in the first place. store.kregel.com
May 3, 2014
Highway To Hell was a book that I could not seem to put down. Knowing from the beginning that it was a true event, make it hard not want to finish. I know I was reading to hope that at the end there was a "Happily Ever After" to the whole situation. Sadly, there is not. Well, that is not true there was one for at least one girl, and the chance for so many others to possess one.
I found myself sick to my stomach at reading how young these exploited girls were, the way their lives were led, and how some of them ended up. I can't imagine how Matt was able to keep going, but understand his driven "obsession" with trying to help the girls.
At the same time there were joyous occasions, like when they were able to save some of the girls from a terrible future. When all involved were able to track down someone and "save them, and when the center opened with girls beginning to knock on those doors.
I was shocked to find how "accepted" this all is. Not only by the people of many towns, but law enforcement, agency that knew and were supposed to protect, family members, neighbors, and so many more. I feel the need to help in some way, any way that I possibly can. One of these ways is sharing this book.
You might pass on this book just because of the topic, but I highly suggest you read it. As I stated, it is not graphic in sexual encounters-although it is referenced and obviously your mind will "fill-in-the-blanks". I plan on having my older kids read this, so that they can learn of the tragic lives that some children must live. Hopefully, this will instill a passion for helping those in need, even if those people don't know any different.
I found myself sick to my stomach at reading how young these exploited girls were, the way their lives were led, and how some of them ended up. I can't imagine how Matt was able to keep going, but understand his driven "obsession" with trying to help the girls.
At the same time there were joyous occasions, like when they were able to save some of the girls from a terrible future. When all involved were able to track down someone and "save them, and when the center opened with girls beginning to knock on those doors.
I was shocked to find how "accepted" this all is. Not only by the people of many towns, but law enforcement, agency that knew and were supposed to protect, family members, neighbors, and so many more. I feel the need to help in some way, any way that I possibly can. One of these ways is sharing this book.
You might pass on this book just because of the topic, but I highly suggest you read it. As I stated, it is not graphic in sexual encounters-although it is referenced and obviously your mind will "fill-in-the-blanks". I plan on having my older kids read this, so that they can learn of the tragic lives that some children must live. Hopefully, this will instill a passion for helping those in need, even if those people don't know any different.
March 10, 2014
This is a heart breaking book about child prostitution along the BR-116 in Brazil. A recent study by the Brazil federal highway police reported 272 places along that highway where underage girls are known to be sold for sex. That comes to about every ten miles along the road. It is an epidemic, Roper says. It has become part of the culture and most people don't even see it any more. Girls think there is something wrong with them if they are sexually active by age twelve. This is a world just a few blocks away from the sun, sand, and samba that I did not want to believe existed. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1qpiIy7. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher for the review.
December 13, 2013
This book was definitely difficult to read and completely disturbing - with regard to the content. It was a complete eye opener, and it certainly makes you want to help these poor children in Brazil. People are despicable, that's for sure. The information in the book is compelling - I could only give three stars because I am not a fan of the style of writing by Matt Roper. I think this book was possibly sent out to press quite quickly - but he probably felt the information was too important to wait - and he's right. It was hard to take, reading this, but if people are not aware of the problem, then solutions will be too far behind. What a mess.
April 14, 2014
I won this book through the FirstReads program and I'm so glad I did. Although the material was very sad to read, the author did a good job of presenting these heart stories in a manner which the reader could absorb. The map at the beginning of the book was very helpful. I also wish he had included a list at the end of the book of all of the different girls home they talk to, Because they were so many stories it was a little bit hard to keep straight sometimes. In general, kudos to the author not just for writing a good book, but for helping bring this horrible situation to light.
February 3, 2014
I loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. It was super sad but very enlightening to what is going on in the world. It definitely shows how blessed i am to be living the life that i do. This was one of the books that was on my wish list and i happened to win a free copy! I definitely recommend this book especially if your passionate about human trafficking or just need to realize just how good your life is.
January 3, 2014
I really learned a lot throughout this book. I had no idea about the child prostitution problem in Brazil so I was a little taken by surprise as I read this. What these men accomplished to help stop this problem is nothing but an amazing miracle!! I found myself in tears many times throughout this book as I read with my 12 year old daughter next to me. This makes you sit back and really realize just what else is out there. A real eye opening read!
Read
November 3, 2013did a PP presentation for my grad class on human trafficking
luv 2 win/read this book
luv 2 win/read this book
January 23, 2014
Not as good as I was hoping for. Review will be posted on my blog in March
reneesuz.blogspot.com
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