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Why Them?
It’s easy for an abused child to grow up into an adult with nothing but hatred and animosity towards the people who looked the other way and left a helpless child in such a horrible situation. What’s hard, is seeing that there probably was one person who may have held our hand, told us we were special, or done some other random act that made our dark day just a little bit brighter. That is our hero. That is the person that made the bruises hurt a little bit less and allowed our hearts to have a bit of hope.
- GenresMemoirAbuseNonfiction
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2013
574 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 15, 2018
This very short book is a series of essays about people, animals, and books that helped Sarah Burleton get through the extreme abuse she suffered as a child. Her book, Why Me?, has obviously been edited and expanded from its original version. Apparently this book has not been edited as they are numerous grammatical errors. However, it is the message that is important: Even a small gesture, such as a teacher placing a daisy on Sarah's desk, can make a world of difference to a child who feels alone and helpless in an abusive situation. I don't know why these people who saw the abuse didn't notify Child Protective Services. Some of them must have, since there were at least two visits to the home by CPS, but they resulted in even more severe beatings for Sarah after the CPS people left.
A grandfather who took the time to hug her and talk to her, a goat she could talk to who didn't reveal her secrets, books she could get lost in and forget about reality...these were things that helped Sarah make it through the bad times. A short but powerful book. Ignore the grammatical errors and the simplistic language and listen to the message.
A grandfather who took the time to hug her and talk to her, a goat she could talk to who didn't reveal her secrets, books she could get lost in and forget about reality...these were things that helped Sarah make it through the bad times. A short but powerful book. Ignore the grammatical errors and the simplistic language and listen to the message.
November 4, 2021
Emotional, Heartbreaking, and Uplifting
I read Sarah's first books ("Why Me," "What It Is," now this one "Why Them?)" Her books have left me hurting and emotionally charged, but in them I have also found peace, inspiration, and even someone I feel I can relate too. I look forward to reading other books by Sarah Burleton. I am a recovering anorexic who almost died approx ten years ago. On the last day of February 2013, of my own free will and own accord, I checked myself in to a hospital for in-patient care of my own free will; to me at that moment, ALL my vital organs were in distress and showing signs of shut down. It was even estimated by MDs and medical staff that I "might survive 72hrs). It is now November 2021, I stand, still in recovery mode, but willing to share my TESTimony and hiSTORY to help others. That's not all my testimony, I relate to Sarah for other reasons as well, but I was never, ever exposed to that kind of abuse or any abuse at home). NO ONE anywhere in the world should ever feel unsafe, ever. Period. Human beings deserve to feel love and belonging, especially children. That being said and having shared part of myself with you, I believe I will choose "Anorexic Annie ," also authored by Sarah Burleton as my next read. Like Sarah, I too have a story there. Sarah and I also share a love for reading, books, and learning. I also want to help others, especially those who may be struggling with issues I have struggled with my entire life.
I read Sarah's first books ("Why Me," "What It Is," now this one "Why Them?)" Her books have left me hurting and emotionally charged, but in them I have also found peace, inspiration, and even someone I feel I can relate too. I look forward to reading other books by Sarah Burleton. I am a recovering anorexic who almost died approx ten years ago. On the last day of February 2013, of my own free will and own accord, I checked myself in to a hospital for in-patient care of my own free will; to me at that moment, ALL my vital organs were in distress and showing signs of shut down. It was even estimated by MDs and medical staff that I "might survive 72hrs). It is now November 2021, I stand, still in recovery mode, but willing to share my TESTimony and hiSTORY to help others. That's not all my testimony, I relate to Sarah for other reasons as well, but I was never, ever exposed to that kind of abuse or any abuse at home). NO ONE anywhere in the world should ever feel unsafe, ever. Period. Human beings deserve to feel love and belonging, especially children. That being said and having shared part of myself with you, I believe I will choose "Anorexic Annie ," also authored by Sarah Burleton as my next read. Like Sarah, I too have a story there. Sarah and I also share a love for reading, books, and learning. I also want to help others, especially those who may be struggling with issues I have struggled with my entire life.
January 10, 2017
A survivors story
Powerful read. If you suffered any type of abuse, this book is for you. The part about her goat, broke my heart, and I could relate. Just surviving abuse, but thriving as Sarah did, is a miracle!
Powerful read. If you suffered any type of abuse, this book is for you. The part about her goat, broke my heart, and I could relate. Just surviving abuse, but thriving as Sarah did, is a miracle!
September 13, 2017
I had to read this after reading the first two books
I was glad to hear there were people who did good to Sarah here and there in her life. I'd like to know she has recovered from much of the abuse, but I guess there is only so much recovery you can do, it to come in steps a little at a time.
I was glad to hear there were people who did good to Sarah here and there in her life. I'd like to know she has recovered from much of the abuse, but I guess there is only so much recovery you can do, it to come in steps a little at a time.
April 6, 2018
Reader Comments
The book Why Them? is highly recommend to victims of child abuse. Victims of child abuse will find that this book is helpful in getting them to remember who and what helped them to survive their abusive childhoods. After reading this book I have a desire to look back and rediscover what helped me to survive my own abusive childhood.
The book Why Them? is highly recommend to victims of child abuse. Victims of child abuse will find that this book is helpful in getting them to remember who and what helped them to survive their abusive childhoods. After reading this book I have a desire to look back and rediscover what helped me to survive my own abusive childhood.
January 25, 2020
Amazing Story for Abused Children
This book tells the amazing hope that has come from a terrible situation. It helps everyone that has dealt with abuse be able to learn to look at those small things in life that helped them cope and begin dealing with their own healing process. It also helps us see how anyone can be a hero to an abused child.
This book tells the amazing hope that has come from a terrible situation. It helps everyone that has dealt with abuse be able to learn to look at those small things in life that helped them cope and begin dealing with their own healing process. It also helps us see how anyone can be a hero to an abused child.
April 13, 2021
My hero's
This book inspired me to take time to find my hero's. Sarah and I share the love of books. I too would get lost in my books to the point that I was totally unaware of anything going on around me. Books are not only a hero for me, but still play a significant role today as a way to escape.
This book inspired me to take time to find my hero's. Sarah and I share the love of books. I too would get lost in my books to the point that I was totally unaware of anything going on around me. Books are not only a hero for me, but still play a significant role today as a way to escape.
January 26, 2018
Abused
Interesting sad story once again about child abuse. I'm thinking it will never end. I am glad there are people who are willing to put it to paper on the hopes of ending it for. Ever.
Interesting sad story once again about child abuse. I'm thinking it will never end. I am glad there are people who are willing to put it to paper on the hopes of ending it for. Ever.
March 31, 2019
Very touching
This book is so extremely sad. Made me want to cry and made me angry at the same time. As a mother I don't understand how a woman could treat her child this way but I know it happens and I hate that. A very good read.
This book is so extremely sad. Made me want to cry and made me angry at the same time. As a mother I don't understand how a woman could treat her child this way but I know it happens and I hate that. A very good read.
November 6, 2019
My Story Is I Had One Daughter, She's In Heaven
Children Of Abuse Has Alway's Toughed My Heart
I Have Had 10 Stepchildren Trough My Year's Of Life That Has Been Abused!!! Prayer's To All God's Children!!!
Children Of Abuse Has Alway's Toughed My Heart
I Have Had 10 Stepchildren Trough My Year's Of Life That Has Been Abused!!! Prayer's To All God's Children!!!
September 21, 2020
Good information
As always, this author manages to hold your attention, peak your curiosity and give you information to help understand the real, horrible truth about child abuse. Read and learn how u might help someone
As always, this author manages to hold your attention, peak your curiosity and give you information to help understand the real, horrible truth about child abuse. Read and learn how u might help someone
October 23, 2020
Honest, Emotional and insightful
Honest,emotional and insightful recollection of an adult looking back on a difficult childhood to recognize the things and people who helped her survive.
Honest,emotional and insightful recollection of an adult looking back on a difficult childhood to recognize the things and people who helped her survive.
April 17, 2018
Good Read
Very sad story. But Sarah's strength in unbelievable. For a child she sure handled a lot. Thank you for sharing your childhood with us even though it was'nt pleasant.
Very sad story. But Sarah's strength in unbelievable. For a child she sure handled a lot. Thank you for sharing your childhood with us even though it was'nt pleasant.
April 29, 2018
Love the author
A Great read ... Revealing more incite into a world of abuse & most of all survival of a truly strong brave young woman.
A Great read ... Revealing more incite into a world of abuse & most of all survival of a truly strong brave young woman.
May 26, 2018
Why
Why are so many children mistreated? Why are so many children are not helped? Why are so many abused cases not filed?
Why are so many children mistreated? Why are so many children are not helped? Why are so many abused cases not filed?
March 13, 2019
Informative
This book is very insightful about a child abused by their parent. It gives you hope to stand up to your abuser. Call them out. I would recommend this book.
This book is very insightful about a child abused by their parent. It gives you hope to stand up to your abuser. Call them out. I would recommend this book.
January 26, 2020
Why Them
Good book very sad but I'm glad that she was able to write her story n let other kids know there are not on there own
Good book very sad but I'm glad that she was able to write her story n let other kids know there are not on there own
February 11, 2021
Heroes
A short read about a abuse survivors heroes. Goes along with the authors other books. Hard to read content but well written.
A short read about a abuse survivors heroes. Goes along with the authors other books. Hard to read content but well written.
October 22, 2016
As a little girl Sarah lived for her grandfather's weekly visits and would run outside to his car straight into his loving arms, the 1st&only hug she would ever receive during the week. Time with him was her sanctuary from the private Hell that was her life with her abusive mother&stepfather, the only time she felt loved and safe. To quote the author directly, "If Grandpa noticed my black eyes, the fingernail marks around my neck from Mom's fingers digging into me, or my bruised sides; he never let on. All Grandpa wanted to do was to see my schoolwork, read my essays, and talk about the latest book I was reading. When Grandpa came over, he made his visit about me and what I was doing. He made it a point to tell me every week how proud he was of me and how beautiful he thought I was; regardless of how bloody my nose was or how black my eyes were." The book is filled with many of these heartfelt poignant recollections of the little things, the small positive things, that Sarah clung to in order to get herself through every nearly unbearable day and lonely night in a situation where there was little if any hope for better days.
December 16, 2013
A brief story of how the people surrounding her reacted to the volatile abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother and stepfather, Richard - from the book "Why Me?". This short article mentions the heroes that made it possible for her to survive (Kenny Rogers, Michael Jordan, her unexpected friends, and my favorite, Indy the goat.)
Though not very well written, I can see why she felt it neccessary to explain how her family members and friends reacted towards her, and how they - in their own way - wanted to show her love, but couldn't.
Though not very well written, I can see why she felt it neccessary to explain how her family members and friends reacted towards her, and how they - in their own way - wanted to show her love, but couldn't.
February 21, 2014
Part 2
Part 2
It amazes me still after reading 2 of her books, that this author has no pity party for herself. Another eye opener, makes you stop and think about kids that are picked on at school. Makes you think how little things can go so far for such a lonely child.
Part 2
It amazes me still after reading 2 of her books, that this author has no pity party for herself. Another eye opener, makes you stop and think about kids that are picked on at school. Makes you think how little things can go so far for such a lonely child.
August 22, 2016
The glimpse into an abused child
Awesome book. This gives a glimpse into a child grown into teens look at the struggles and coping mechanisms if a severely abused little girl. First book I've read from this author. I will be checking out, Why Me as well. This book brought emotions out and tears - a great read.
Awesome book. This gives a glimpse into a child grown into teens look at the struggles and coping mechanisms if a severely abused little girl. First book I've read from this author. I will be checking out, Why Me as well. This book brought emotions out and tears - a great read.
June 5, 2016
Stronger
I know these books are helping you as well as many others like yourself not yet old enough to speak out or take up for themselves! May this give them the strength to survive and become their best self!!!! Thank you a million times over!
I know these books are helping you as well as many others like yourself not yet old enough to speak out or take up for themselves! May this give them the strength to survive and become their best self!!!! Thank you a million times over!
April 26, 2014
I highly recommend this book. It is a short, easy ready and very inspirational. A great reminder of how little things can mean so much to someone - especially children.
May 6, 2014
Emotional book
I enjoyed reading this book , it was a different .... this time we learned about how she made it through , how she overcame abuse and I love how she included heroes.
I enjoyed reading this book , it was a different .... this time we learned about how she made it through , how she overcame abuse and I love how she included heroes.
June 19, 2014
Great follow up to her other 2 books! Now on to book 4, Anorexic Annie.
April 16, 2015
2 thumbs up
Cool book couldn't put it down. Will recommend to others need to find more books like this nice nice nice
Cool book couldn't put it down. Will recommend to others need to find more books like this nice nice nice
May 20, 2015
Amazing
This is all about her heroes in her time of need and how she made it all those years of abuse by her mother.
This is all about her heroes in her time of need and how she made it all those years of abuse by her mother.
August 25, 2016
Why
I really couldn't get into this book, the subject didn't interest me however it was well written and I would consider reading other books by the author
I really couldn't get into this book, the subject didn't interest me however it was well written and I would consider reading other books by the author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews