What do you think?
Rate this book
Stolen: The True Story of a Sex Trafficking Survivor
Sex trafficking is currently a hot news topic, but it is not a new problem or just a problem in "other" countries. Every year, an estimated 300,000 American children are at risk of being lured into the sex trade, some as young as eight years old. It is thought that up to 90 percent of victims are never rescued.
Stolen is the true story of one survivor who escaped--more than once. First recruited while staying with her family at a hotel in Miami Beach, Katariina Rosenblatt was already a lonely and abused young girl who was yearning to be loved. She fell into the hands of a confident young woman who pretended friendship but slowly lured her into a child prostitution ring. For years afterward, a cycle of false friendship, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.
As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, readers will quickly realize the frightening truth that these terrible things could have happened to any child--a neighbor, a niece, a friend, a sister, a daughter. But beyond that, they will see that there is real hope for the victims of sex trafficking. Stolen is more than a warning. It is a celebration of survival that will inspire.
Stolen is the true story of one survivor who escaped--more than once. First recruited while staying with her family at a hotel in Miami Beach, Katariina Rosenblatt was already a lonely and abused young girl who was yearning to be loved. She fell into the hands of a confident young woman who pretended friendship but slowly lured her into a child prostitution ring. For years afterward, a cycle of false friendship, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.
As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, readers will quickly realize the frightening truth that these terrible things could have happened to any child--a neighbor, a niece, a friend, a sister, a daughter. But beyond that, they will see that there is real hope for the victims of sex trafficking. Stolen is more than a warning. It is a celebration of survival that will inspire.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
138 people are currently reading
1876 people want to read
About the author
Katariina Rosenblatt
4 books6 followersKatariina Rosenblatt, LLM, PhD, is living proof of the promise she heard long ago at a Billy Graham crusade that God would never forsake her. Katariina has a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution and an LLM graduate law degree in intercultural human rights, and she works closely with law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and Homeland Security to eliminate human slavery. She also founded Stolen Ones--There Is H.O.P.E. For Me, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing other victims of human trafficking. For more information, visit www.StolenOnes.com. She lives in Florida.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 12, 2015
This book is terribly written and, while overall it's in chronological order, she sometimes skips around on a timeline within a chapter. Also, the majority of the book is about her life after she was used as a sex slave, which I was not expecting. I though it was mostly going to be the story of her entrapment and escape.
It is also unbelievably misleading that the synopsis of the book on goodreads doesn't mention the fact that the author connects everything to god/Jesus/Christianity. She should give herself some credit for having the courage to escape instead of praising jesus for every tiny good thing that happened in her life (I notice she didn't blame him for any of the shitty things that happened to her). Examples below:
"They're less likely to go back if people like us can help them break that invisible bondage and provide a mentoring relationship with a safe, Christian adult." ...I suppose it's useless if that safe mentor isn't a Christian.
"When I first began visiting strip clubs, I went as part of a group. One night, eight girls came to the Lord through our efforts. That night God seemed to have infiltrated the whole building with his love. We had gone out to the floor and talked with the manager, and we had the privilege of leading him to Jesus Christ while a girl was dancing. We also gave tracts to most of the customers, and they accepted them. Tears flowed as Jesus broke off the shackles of bondage from all sorts of people, from the managers to the girls and even to some of their clientele." No comment necessary.
Still gets 2 stars b/c it was an interesting story (not as eye-opening as I expected though) and I did learn some things.
It is also unbelievably misleading that the synopsis of the book on goodreads doesn't mention the fact that the author connects everything to god/Jesus/Christianity. She should give herself some credit for having the courage to escape instead of praising jesus for every tiny good thing that happened in her life (I notice she didn't blame him for any of the shitty things that happened to her). Examples below:
"They're less likely to go back if people like us can help them break that invisible bondage and provide a mentoring relationship with a safe, Christian adult." ...I suppose it's useless if that safe mentor isn't a Christian.
"When I first began visiting strip clubs, I went as part of a group. One night, eight girls came to the Lord through our efforts. That night God seemed to have infiltrated the whole building with his love. We had gone out to the floor and talked with the manager, and we had the privilege of leading him to Jesus Christ while a girl was dancing. We also gave tracts to most of the customers, and they accepted them. Tears flowed as Jesus broke off the shackles of bondage from all sorts of people, from the managers to the girls and even to some of their clientele." No comment necessary.
Still gets 2 stars b/c it was an interesting story (not as eye-opening as I expected though) and I did learn some things.
February 7, 2017
This book just wasn't what I thought it would be. It wasn't terrible per se, but it really gave me no new insight into the world this girl got caught up in. I also, like many, didn't realize how much Christian propaganda would grace the pages of this memoir. I nearly put it down a few times throughout reading. The last straw was on page 152 when the rhetoric got very blatantly homophobic and intolerant of other beliefs. It's wonderful that this woman found her path, got out of abusive situations, and made her life better (I assume) but this was just not for me.
March 16, 2017
This book deals with a serious topic. Overall the writing was easy to read and understand. However, the author talks about how God saved her. I would have preferred a book that dealt with facts. I understand it is her story, but it could have been written much better. It is scary to realize this goes on everywhere!
February 16, 2015
The first half of the book was really good but then it turned into this really religious sermon that was actually insulting. She talks about wanting to be accepted then turns around and talks down about things such as lesbians.......how god will fix everything. Yes I'm upset and I am not even a lesbian. Was not happy with how this book turned out.
January 18, 2020
I have so much respect for Rosenblatt and what she is doing for sex/human trafficking victims: rescuing those already in it and preventing others from being lured into it. Everyone should read this book. It's very eye-opening and informative.
I especially like what she says about "standing in the gap" for these vulnerable young people and that everyone can be doing this. There are so many people out there who are at-risk for human trafficking, with the odds really stacked against them. And the traffickers know exactly who they are, and seek them out.
If more people could take the time to mentor just one of these at-risk children/teenagers, statistics show that that person will be significantly less likely to fall prey to this form of modern-day slavery. They just need an adult who can show genuine care and support, and who very much cares if something happens to them, cares deeply about their general overall well-being. There are a million reasons to do this, and to keep this vulnerable group out of the hands of traffickers is a big one. (Not to mention, their chances of being a successful adult will be tremendously increased!)
This marginalized group is not often talked about. They are forgotten about but they are everywhere and they need our help desperately. Their parents are either not around due to incarceration or other reasons, or they are physically present but otherwise checked out and absent.
"I stand in the gap for someone...will you?"
Highly recommended.
I especially like what she says about "standing in the gap" for these vulnerable young people and that everyone can be doing this. There are so many people out there who are at-risk for human trafficking, with the odds really stacked against them. And the traffickers know exactly who they are, and seek them out.
If more people could take the time to mentor just one of these at-risk children/teenagers, statistics show that that person will be significantly less likely to fall prey to this form of modern-day slavery. They just need an adult who can show genuine care and support, and who very much cares if something happens to them, cares deeply about their general overall well-being. There are a million reasons to do this, and to keep this vulnerable group out of the hands of traffickers is a big one. (Not to mention, their chances of being a successful adult will be tremendously increased!)
This marginalized group is not often talked about. They are forgotten about but they are everywhere and they need our help desperately. Their parents are either not around due to incarceration or other reasons, or they are physically present but otherwise checked out and absent.
"I stand in the gap for someone...will you?"
Highly recommended.
January 24, 2019
Good for the author for sharing her difficult story, but she really needed a better editor or more direction in writing. The story line jumped around incoherently at times, frequently missing the details (even basic things like time and place) that would make it easier to follow. Curiously in contrast to all the missing organizational and clarifying issues, she frequently repeated unnecessarily almost verbatim phrases a sentence or two apart. Some reviewers complained about the religious aspects of the book, but I felt that she was just telling her story, and for her the reason she was able to get out of trafficking was because of her faith in God and her connection with caring Christians. I don't see anything wrong with that.
October 18, 2017
Five stars for the topic and this woman's bravery in sharing her story. Two stars for the writing style. Wordy and disjointed.
October 15, 2014
When I think of sex trafficking, it appears to me to be a remote problem, removed from my every day life. I'm sure many of us think the same way. We think it can't possibly happen in our small town or neighborhood; it must be a problem in larger cities or across the border. We feel that the young ones at risk can't possibly be ones that we know--nieces, nephews, young cousins, friends' children, our children, kids in our neighborhoods or from our churches. But after reading this book, I've discovered just how wrong I am. Exploitation can happen anywhere, with anyone at any time...even under our noses. Wake up, readers! Read this book.
From the back cover: "Katariina Rosenblatt was a lonely and abused young girl, yearning to be loved, wanting attention. That made her the perfect target. On an ordinary day, she met a confident young woman--someone Kat wished she could be like--who pretended to be a friend while slowly luring her into a child trafficking ring. A cycle of false friendships, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.
As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, her ultimate escapes, and her passionate efforts to now free other victims, you'll see that not only is sex trafficking happening frightening close to home--it's also something that can be stopped. Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you."
There are three distinct sections in this book. The first is Katariina Rosenblatt's personal story--her abuse, how her loneliness attracted a recruiter right there in the hotel she lived in, how she was led, groomed, step-by-step into slavery by traffickers, her escape and recapture numerous times. In the second part, Katariina had left the lies and deceptions behind, but she still carried the scars and signs of abuse so that she didn't recognize the patterns within the context of marriage. While she was gaining confidence and recognition for her educational acumen, finding her footing as an advocate for girls and women coming out of sex slavery, she was still in denial of a private hell at home with her husband. It took her over twenty years to realize she was an abused wife, then she suffered through two years of a messy divorce before she gained her freedom and independence with her daughter.
The third part of the book deals with how Ms. Rosenblatt got involved in inter-agency interventions, saving girls and even boys from traffickers. She helped create several intervention organizations, spearheaded law reforms that sought to label trafficked children and teens as victims rather than arrested as criminals, and helped create links with faith-based services to provide aid and mentorship to the abused young people, including counseling to help them learn to live a normal life outside of the only world most of the children have ever known. Her actions and ministry were sometimes likened to the Underground Railroad, because she would lead children from stations to station, trying to keep the abused safe from vengeful pimps and traffickers who would rather see their victims dead than escape alive.
Stolen was a good hard slap to the face; certainly it was an eye opener for me. In the first two parts of the book, the story is told in simple terms. The author is careful to outline the psychological techniques the recruiters used, why she fell for them, what was on her mind when she complied with the demands of her new "family." As the story continued, I felt astonished how often she escaped the abuse, then was lured back into the life. It all seemed to revolve around the lack of self-worth. Her abusers knew exactly what these children needed to hear. Even when she escaped the final time, she wasn't truly free until her heart was transformed. But that took many years into adulthood.
I view this book as an amazing tool for the Gospel of Christ. First, it should stir up slumbering Christians who are so self-absorbed that they are missing an opportunity to serve hurting children right under their noses. Second, this book could serve as a way to reach teenagers at risk, because this is a story of someone who has been in the trenches and survived. Third, it can be useful for alerting parents of the potential dangers their children may face. It is a how-not-to manual, teaching parents how to avoid putting their children at risk. Fourth, the final section should encourage our local churches to partner with organizations whose goal is to mentor young victims of trafficking how to live a normal life, especially one where they find their hope and fulfillment in Christ.
I would love to see every church have several copies of this book in circulation or to give away as a ministry. The book is amazing, and could touch many hearts.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Revell's reader's club blog review program. 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.”
From the back cover: "Katariina Rosenblatt was a lonely and abused young girl, yearning to be loved, wanting attention. That made her the perfect target. On an ordinary day, she met a confident young woman--someone Kat wished she could be like--who pretended to be a friend while slowly luring her into a child trafficking ring. A cycle of false friendships, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.
As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, her ultimate escapes, and her passionate efforts to now free other victims, you'll see that not only is sex trafficking happening frightening close to home--it's also something that can be stopped. Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you."
There are three distinct sections in this book. The first is Katariina Rosenblatt's personal story--her abuse, how her loneliness attracted a recruiter right there in the hotel she lived in, how she was led, groomed, step-by-step into slavery by traffickers, her escape and recapture numerous times. In the second part, Katariina had left the lies and deceptions behind, but she still carried the scars and signs of abuse so that she didn't recognize the patterns within the context of marriage. While she was gaining confidence and recognition for her educational acumen, finding her footing as an advocate for girls and women coming out of sex slavery, she was still in denial of a private hell at home with her husband. It took her over twenty years to realize she was an abused wife, then she suffered through two years of a messy divorce before she gained her freedom and independence with her daughter.
The third part of the book deals with how Ms. Rosenblatt got involved in inter-agency interventions, saving girls and even boys from traffickers. She helped create several intervention organizations, spearheaded law reforms that sought to label trafficked children and teens as victims rather than arrested as criminals, and helped create links with faith-based services to provide aid and mentorship to the abused young people, including counseling to help them learn to live a normal life outside of the only world most of the children have ever known. Her actions and ministry were sometimes likened to the Underground Railroad, because she would lead children from stations to station, trying to keep the abused safe from vengeful pimps and traffickers who would rather see their victims dead than escape alive.
Stolen was a good hard slap to the face; certainly it was an eye opener for me. In the first two parts of the book, the story is told in simple terms. The author is careful to outline the psychological techniques the recruiters used, why she fell for them, what was on her mind when she complied with the demands of her new "family." As the story continued, I felt astonished how often she escaped the abuse, then was lured back into the life. It all seemed to revolve around the lack of self-worth. Her abusers knew exactly what these children needed to hear. Even when she escaped the final time, she wasn't truly free until her heart was transformed. But that took many years into adulthood.
I view this book as an amazing tool for the Gospel of Christ. First, it should stir up slumbering Christians who are so self-absorbed that they are missing an opportunity to serve hurting children right under their noses. Second, this book could serve as a way to reach teenagers at risk, because this is a story of someone who has been in the trenches and survived. Third, it can be useful for alerting parents of the potential dangers their children may face. It is a how-not-to manual, teaching parents how to avoid putting their children at risk. Fourth, the final section should encourage our local churches to partner with organizations whose goal is to mentor young victims of trafficking how to live a normal life, especially one where they find their hope and fulfillment in Christ.
I would love to see every church have several copies of this book in circulation or to give away as a ministry. The book is amazing, and could touch many hearts.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Revell's reader's club blog review program. 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.”
September 22, 2014
This book is one of those hot-button topics that you don't like thinking about, but it is happening all around us just the same. I literally could not put this book down ... read it in two days .... truly opened my eyes as to just how huge the human traffiking problem is. Kudos to Kateriina for using the horror of what she went through as a platform to help others caught up in the same web.
August 22, 2017
Badly written book pushing a Christian message., which is fine, but had I known the book was just as much about Billy Graham as sex-trafficking I probably wouldn't have picked it up---the Christian messaging got to be too much for me to get through. It is interesting/frightening to see how someone who does have an fairly involved and caring parent can nonetheless get swept into sex trafficking.
September 15, 2019
I listened to the audio book and it's really good. The only reason I do not give this book 5 stars is due to the subject matter similar to my rating for Columbine about the Columbine High School shooting.
As the father of two daughters and now with one in college I asked myself throughout this book, how does/did this happen to Katarina and how is it that her parents, particularly her mother, not prevent this? I lived in a foster home for a school year along with my brother at the ages of 11 and 12, respectively. My older sister became a cocaine addict by the age of 17 and dropped out of school and luckily never ended up like Katarina.
I grew up without much parental supervision and used to spend many late nights on Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach, VA and my parents had no idea where I was, what I was doing, or who I was with and it would have been very easy to have been abducted between my ages of 11-15 if there were people targeting me and I'm lucky something like this did not happen. Still I kept asking myself the question during this book, why was Katarina so gullible and trusting of strangers? She definitely knew she was in trouble by being with the pimps and traffickers and I guess once one is hooked on cocaine it's probably easier to return to that life.
I'm glad Katarina was able to escape and I had no idea that human trafficking happens in such plain sight in The United States of America. I travel frequently by plane for work and within the past two years I have noticed signs in airport restrooms alerting people to be on the lookout for victims of human trafficking and numbers to call if you see someone who you believe is being trafficked. I'm also glad Katarina shared/told her story and is trying to help others escape this life.
I was nearly sick listening to the stories of the men Katarina encountered and wondered who does these things to children and why? It's just disgusting and made me want to vomit a few times and again as the father of two daughters my heart broke for Katarina and the other girls in the book she mentioned.
While the book does not go into graphic details or specifics it is not for the faint of heart.
I definitely recommend this book, it's eye opening.
As the father of two daughters and now with one in college I asked myself throughout this book, how does/did this happen to Katarina and how is it that her parents, particularly her mother, not prevent this? I lived in a foster home for a school year along with my brother at the ages of 11 and 12, respectively. My older sister became a cocaine addict by the age of 17 and dropped out of school and luckily never ended up like Katarina.
I grew up without much parental supervision and used to spend many late nights on Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach, VA and my parents had no idea where I was, what I was doing, or who I was with and it would have been very easy to have been abducted between my ages of 11-15 if there were people targeting me and I'm lucky something like this did not happen. Still I kept asking myself the question during this book, why was Katarina so gullible and trusting of strangers? She definitely knew she was in trouble by being with the pimps and traffickers and I guess once one is hooked on cocaine it's probably easier to return to that life.
I'm glad Katarina was able to escape and I had no idea that human trafficking happens in such plain sight in The United States of America. I travel frequently by plane for work and within the past two years I have noticed signs in airport restrooms alerting people to be on the lookout for victims of human trafficking and numbers to call if you see someone who you believe is being trafficked. I'm also glad Katarina shared/told her story and is trying to help others escape this life.
I was nearly sick listening to the stories of the men Katarina encountered and wondered who does these things to children and why? It's just disgusting and made me want to vomit a few times and again as the father of two daughters my heart broke for Katarina and the other girls in the book she mentioned.
While the book does not go into graphic details or specifics it is not for the faint of heart.
I definitely recommend this book, it's eye opening.
July 31, 2023
I give this woman a lot a props for what she went through and to write about it to inform others is very brave. The fact she found Jesus again and that it has helped her along in her journey is another aspect I really enjoyed.
I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be about with the title being what it is. I figured it was about a child who was stolen from her home and tossed into human trafficking. Not a teen who was lured into it was drugs and promises of love. (Which was my fault as I didn’t read the blurb.) It was very eye opening how differently you can be lured into it. I also thought the story was going to be more about her story during trafficking and escape then the after effects. (Which I understand is also a huge part and is overlooked a lot because people think “they got out they are free” when in reality they still have mental demons to fight. So I’m not saying that it shouldn’t be a huge part of the story. But her trafficking was just kinda tossed in there in between and I feel like there should’ve been more to that story)
I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be about with the title being what it is. I figured it was about a child who was stolen from her home and tossed into human trafficking. Not a teen who was lured into it was drugs and promises of love. (Which was my fault as I didn’t read the blurb.) It was very eye opening how differently you can be lured into it. I also thought the story was going to be more about her story during trafficking and escape then the after effects. (Which I understand is also a huge part and is overlooked a lot because people think “they got out they are free” when in reality they still have mental demons to fight. So I’m not saying that it shouldn’t be a huge part of the story. But her trafficking was just kinda tossed in there in between and I feel like there should’ve been more to that story)
November 16, 2019
Sex and human trafficking is a serious problem that is often overlooked in our society. This book did a good job at telling the story of a little girl who survived those horrors firsthand. As a matter of fact, this book reminded me of “Lotus,” by Shirley Nolan which was about a Chinese woman who just immigrated to San Francisco and was lured in by a human trafficker.
January 15, 2022
I wanted to like this book. I am a Social Worker and have worked with kids in the past with sex trafficking history. Everyone's story is different but I tend to seek out these books, given my professional experience, to see if I can pick up any tips to watch for my kids. Other books, lots of tips. They are highlighted and marked up so I can remember certain parts. This on, I am so sorry to say, is in my pile to donate elsewhere.
Others have said that the writing is terrible. I did not find that. I just found that it lacked information. I realize that maybe the writer does not want to talk about the "details" of what happened but I do not have a clear sense of what happened at all. I was interested in the grooming process she experienced each time, that was helpful. But, I am unclear of what life was like as she was being "trafficked". Were there any tips, other than missing school and being on drugs, that would point someone in the direction to notice that she was in this life? Skipping school and being on drugs told me nothing. I deal with those kids everyday and they are not being trafficked.
I gave this book a 3 star because I did like the fact that you heard more about her life afterwards. You can see the connection between being in the sex trafficking world and then her eventual marriage. I liked that she used her experiences to help other kids and some of the survivor stories. I found that very helpful and I really liked that she spoke about how she was able to push through and move through school. I think that aspect is inspiring. The religious aspect is obviously important to this writer and I am glad that she found strength in religion and in God which helped her move forward with life but I found it a little heavy for this reader.
Overall, an okay read. If you are looking for books with more information on the Sex Trafficking world, look elsewhere. I have read a lot of books from people in the UK who have been trafficked around Europe and they are full of information. Yes, some difficult stuff to read but you can see connections between what people are doing to "target" these kids.
Others have said that the writing is terrible. I did not find that. I just found that it lacked information. I realize that maybe the writer does not want to talk about the "details" of what happened but I do not have a clear sense of what happened at all. I was interested in the grooming process she experienced each time, that was helpful. But, I am unclear of what life was like as she was being "trafficked". Were there any tips, other than missing school and being on drugs, that would point someone in the direction to notice that she was in this life? Skipping school and being on drugs told me nothing. I deal with those kids everyday and they are not being trafficked.
I gave this book a 3 star because I did like the fact that you heard more about her life afterwards. You can see the connection between being in the sex trafficking world and then her eventual marriage. I liked that she used her experiences to help other kids and some of the survivor stories. I found that very helpful and I really liked that she spoke about how she was able to push through and move through school. I think that aspect is inspiring. The religious aspect is obviously important to this writer and I am glad that she found strength in religion and in God which helped her move forward with life but I found it a little heavy for this reader.
Overall, an okay read. If you are looking for books with more information on the Sex Trafficking world, look elsewhere. I have read a lot of books from people in the UK who have been trafficked around Europe and they are full of information. Yes, some difficult stuff to read but you can see connections between what people are doing to "target" these kids.
March 6, 2020
I feel rude for giving any kind of rating on a memoir. It’s even worse considering what this woman has lived through. However, as a reader, I feel as though I was tricked into reading her testimony.
Before I start, I am happy she got out! I’m happy she is helping other survivor. I have a great compassion for that part of her story. As a domestic violence survivor, I am so proud of her for getting out of her marriage.
That’s where my praise ends, though.
I had no idea this was going to be coated in god. Every page had a gospel message. Worse than that, she “prayed the gay away,” from a family member and boasts about it. Which is just disgusting.
I use to believe in God. The first thing we were taught was to “walk the walk, don’t shout the talk.” That is all this book did - shout the talk. She literally decided every tiny thing was God’s doing and it’s the only way people get free. I know it’s probably weird for this author to hear, but there are amazing people who don’t believe in God, practice witchcraft (which she took the time to speak against), that are LBQT+, that are super amazing people that want to help. This book made it seem like a “Christian only” type thing. Which is gross.
My last complaint, if they had been honest this was a testimony, I would have read it. I would have taken the time to hear someone’s story. I’m reading a memoir. I am obviously looking for someone’s honest story. However, I was tricked into a sermon that I wasn’t ready for. I have a strong disbelief in god. That doesn’t mean I avoid books about other people’s experiences with who they claim is god. Being tricked felt wrong.
Like I said, I’m happy she got out. I just wish she had either been honest about what this book was or “walked the walk, instead of shout the talk.” Since the author took the time to quote the Bible, I would like to point out Jesus speaks against bragging about praying for people in the street. A ministry should be one that is done out of belief, not one that a person speaks about loudly.
Before I start, I am happy she got out! I’m happy she is helping other survivor. I have a great compassion for that part of her story. As a domestic violence survivor, I am so proud of her for getting out of her marriage.
That’s where my praise ends, though.
I had no idea this was going to be coated in god. Every page had a gospel message. Worse than that, she “prayed the gay away,” from a family member and boasts about it. Which is just disgusting.
I use to believe in God. The first thing we were taught was to “walk the walk, don’t shout the talk.” That is all this book did - shout the talk. She literally decided every tiny thing was God’s doing and it’s the only way people get free. I know it’s probably weird for this author to hear, but there are amazing people who don’t believe in God, practice witchcraft (which she took the time to speak against), that are LBQT+, that are super amazing people that want to help. This book made it seem like a “Christian only” type thing. Which is gross.
My last complaint, if they had been honest this was a testimony, I would have read it. I would have taken the time to hear someone’s story. I’m reading a memoir. I am obviously looking for someone’s honest story. However, I was tricked into a sermon that I wasn’t ready for. I have a strong disbelief in god. That doesn’t mean I avoid books about other people’s experiences with who they claim is god. Being tricked felt wrong.
Like I said, I’m happy she got out. I just wish she had either been honest about what this book was or “walked the walk, instead of shout the talk.” Since the author took the time to quote the Bible, I would like to point out Jesus speaks against bragging about praying for people in the street. A ministry should be one that is done out of belief, not one that a person speaks about loudly.
November 18, 2014
Do we have blinders on when it comes to such a gut-wrenching topic as human trafficking, especially when it comes to children? Do we think it only happens in the movies and on TV?
Think again.
Unfortunately, the sex trade is a multi-billion dollar business. They prey on unsuspecting children—girls and boys. They snatch them at a young age and trap them for a long time with promises of fortune and a love they crave.
Stolen is an eye-opener into this world of deception and lies. This book is not for the faint of heart. It made me angry and at times I wanted to put it down, but it held my interest and I found myself turning page after page! I needed to know how it ended.
Katariina Rosenblatt takes us into this world from her first-hand experience of being lured at the young age of thirteen. It will shock you how her “friend” lets her believe she’s chosen. Katariina was a perfect victim. She was lonely and came from an abusive situation. She was craving attention.
She was not only lured once, but over and over. This book is a story of hope. She’s a survivor and is now using her experience to help others. God rescued her over and over throughout her life.
My only negative comment about the book is there are portions that are a bit choppy and don’t seem to flow as nicely as others. However, I give it four out of five stars. Everyone should read this book.
This quote says it all!
“Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you.”
Put this book on your list to read. It will not only open your eyes but move you to want to help others.
**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**
Think again.
Unfortunately, the sex trade is a multi-billion dollar business. They prey on unsuspecting children—girls and boys. They snatch them at a young age and trap them for a long time with promises of fortune and a love they crave.
Stolen is an eye-opener into this world of deception and lies. This book is not for the faint of heart. It made me angry and at times I wanted to put it down, but it held my interest and I found myself turning page after page! I needed to know how it ended.
Katariina Rosenblatt takes us into this world from her first-hand experience of being lured at the young age of thirteen. It will shock you how her “friend” lets her believe she’s chosen. Katariina was a perfect victim. She was lonely and came from an abusive situation. She was craving attention.
She was not only lured once, but over and over. This book is a story of hope. She’s a survivor and is now using her experience to help others. God rescued her over and over throughout her life.
My only negative comment about the book is there are portions that are a bit choppy and don’t seem to flow as nicely as others. However, I give it four out of five stars. Everyone should read this book.
This quote says it all!
“Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you.”
Put this book on your list to read. It will not only open your eyes but move you to want to help others.
**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**
January 26, 2021
WOW. This book is incredibly eye opening if you are not aware of signs to look for when trafficking is taking place. It also gives you an insight on how someone views the world when they feel as if no one is in their corner and they just need a friend. How people take life events is very different and she helps you understand how it can drastically change for an individual seeking love from anyone. Truly anyone.
October 15, 2014
Tears fell from my eyes as I read Katariina’s story, both happy and sad. Joyous for her survival and amazement at how merciful God is. Grieved for everything she endured and how frighteningly real and more common sex trafficking is becoming. I rarely read anything that’s not fiction, and I write contemporary romance so why did I choose this book? I chose this book because I’m a Sunday school teacher to a group of pre-teen girls, many of whom live in abusive situations and ride the bus to church. I want to be aware of child predators so not only can I protect my own children, but so I can help protect other children as well. Human trafficking is on a steady rise and as much as I’d like to pretend it doesn’t happen, it does. Billy Graham had no way of knowing how his words to Katariina would pull her through the toughest times in her life. How his words would point her to Jesus, the Light in the darkness, the Hope in a hopeless situation. A situation most don’t survive. Our cause for Christ has a purpose.
I recommend this book to anyone with children, especially girls. I also recommend this book to anyone who works with children. Get to know the facts, know the signs. Are parts of this book difficult to read? Yes, but they’re vital to learning the truth. I appreciate Katariina for sharing her story with the world, which I’m sure wasn’t easy, and for her continuous effort in helping other victims.
I recommend this book to anyone with children, especially girls. I also recommend this book to anyone who works with children. Get to know the facts, know the signs. Are parts of this book difficult to read? Yes, but they’re vital to learning the truth. I appreciate Katariina for sharing her story with the world, which I’m sure wasn’t easy, and for her continuous effort in helping other victims.
February 21, 2017
The author, Katariina Rosenblatt, tells her story on how she becomes a victim of human trafficking twice. Rosenblatt's story took me along her journey, making me never wanting to put it down. It is full of action, crime and passion. It kept me on the edge of my seat guessing how she would make it out of the trafficking or would she stay with her husband. She explains how her faith in Gd saved her and made her into who she is today. She tells her family background, her past and present. There was not much I disliked about this book, other than the terrible things that happened to her and other young men and women. This book is honest and suspenseful. Reading this makes you feel as if you are along her side. It is also easy to relate to because through most of the book she is a young adult and things that she struggled with that made her vulnerable. Overall the reading was easy, here and there would be a couple of words I did not know. I rate this book five stars. I suggest this book to Christians, women, and people who love hearing real life stories.
October 16, 2014
Stolen: The True Story of a Sex Trafficking Survivor is a short read but intense! Katariina tells her story graphically and in depth. One doesn't have to read very far to see the ugliness of sex trafficking. I learned new things from her story and feel so strongly about the plight of too many children and teens in our country and others that are coerced into this lifestyle. The twisted minds and evilness that pervades this industry is sickening. Katariina opens herself up and allows us a genuine look at what goes on behind closed doors. Her venerable writing style creates the true aspects of how a child is brought into the sex trade but also the mindset of the child. Because of her varied life experiences the reader gets a full, vivid understanding of how deeply controlled a person who is stolen becomes, not only in the trade, but even in marriage. At times there is repetition in the book yet she is making her point as succinctly as possible so that there is no confusion about what takes place in our neighborhoods, schools, and communities here in America. Reading Stolen will open your eyes to an ever growing travesty in our world. Slavery still exists!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Revell/Net Galley.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Revell/Net Galley.
January 1, 2017
Just finished reading a second book on trafficking. This lady went through apparently all of the problems: abused by Dad, high-school perversion circle, then small-town prostitution ring, then drug/prostitution ring, then went into the "modeling" industry, married the wrong guy (hopped from one abuser to another abuser) and finally divorced him, and now tries to rescue others just like she was when young from the cycles and trafficking system she went through. My heart goes out to her. Pretty clear yet not-graphic account. I'm saddened that she promotes the masonic false teachers: Graham family, and the demonic-psychology guru James Dobson. Praying God opens her eyes to see neither of them know Christ or His gospel. ~ But, if you are aware of those two problems, I think you will find her story helpful to understand how to spot problems for young people, how to rescue some, and how to pray for others. So, I share for the J&R team and whoever else might find this helpful. ~ Watching, Preaching, Praying, your growing bro, SH
September 15, 2014
On a day where I received six different review books, this one stood out and called to me. Maybe it was the fact that the author's first name is so close to mine or that she went by Kat, just like I do sometimes...I don't know why the call came, but I have no regrets that it did. Reading through Kat's story, I realized just how vulnerable our children can be; how vulnerable I probably was. I was inspired as I read her story and how she got to where she is today. It made me stop and think, that maybe 38 isn't too late to do something with my life. Maybe I can somehow dig myself out of the financial mess and find a way to a better life for me and for my children. Yes, there is a lot of God mentions in this book, but even if your beliefs aren't in life with that, don't let it stop you from finding a book that tells a harsh reality that can teach you to not only protect but perhaps can also inspire you and your life.
August 21, 2017
This book was a little disjointed as the story jumps all over the place. I originally thought this book was going to be about a sex trafficking survivor and I thought that meant someone who had been lured into prostitution but I quickly learned that sex trafficking is so much more than that. While I had a hard time following Katariina's story, the message was one of hope. She has survived her ordeal and has spent her life helping others and that is beyond commendable!
July 7, 2018
Tooo much God-Squad for me. I didn’t pick up a book on Christianity, Billy Graham, or Jesus. The 1/4 on the actual trafficking was terribly fascinating. But the repetition of “god spoke to me” and “god will never forget you or forsake you” sounded like her own crusade to convert the readers. If her theme was “finding god” then she did good job, but the book was supposed to be on the horrible subject of sex slavery.
October 8, 2021
I really wanted to like this book as I'm passionate about fighting human trafficking. However this book would have never been published if it wasn't through a religious company. This book is written by someone with, apparently, auditory hallucinations and the dangerous language of self-entitlement you get with religious propaganda. I hope the survivors her group encounters don't feel obligated to the religion being forced on them
August 31, 2023
Interesting perspective on how someone can end up being trafficked without initially realizing it, and have it happen repeatedly. Same for staying in a relationship with physical abuse. Explores control, manipulation, substance abuse, self-deception, and the hope of improvement in testing personal strength.
Read
July 26, 2021I couldn't finish it, I didn't realize it was religious and homophobic when I started it, I didn't even get to the homophobic part, I had to stop and actually read reviews to see where it wasn't going.
July 24, 2018
I was a victim and this hit home
I want to help others get out. If my story could help one person, I would know my suffering was not in vain
I want to help others get out. If my story could help one person, I would know my suffering was not in vain
March 13, 2024
i wanted more from this book..
everything that happens to the author is the fault of her parents.. they weren't the best parents, but at some point, you have to take responsibility for yourself & your actions.. she repeatedly gets herself back into dangerous situations.. she lies, does drugs, sneaks out, rebels, acts out and every time, it is her parents fault..
when we hear the term "sex trafficking", we might think of the movie TAKEN.. young girls kidnapped & drugged, forced into sex & violence.. i guess for me, i don't think of a young rebellious teenager that trades sex for drugs as being trafficked.. where i am from, that's called poor choices..
the writing, she repeats herself so much.. that is a pet peeve of mine.. it's like word count filler.. and i find it insulting to the reader.. we can remember what was said on the prior page and the prior chapter..
needing to save a gay couple, a lesbian.. what? um, what?
why weren't these people brought to justice? pedophiles, abusers, drug dealers, child molesters.. you had the means to get them off the street, keep them from harming other children..
and the religious overtones.. nothing against a persons faith, but i felt it was a mission to convert the reader to Christianity..
everything that happens to the author is the fault of her parents.. they weren't the best parents, but at some point, you have to take responsibility for yourself & your actions.. she repeatedly gets herself back into dangerous situations.. she lies, does drugs, sneaks out, rebels, acts out and every time, it is her parents fault..
when we hear the term "sex trafficking", we might think of the movie TAKEN.. young girls kidnapped & drugged, forced into sex & violence.. i guess for me, i don't think of a young rebellious teenager that trades sex for drugs as being trafficked.. where i am from, that's called poor choices..
the writing, she repeats herself so much.. that is a pet peeve of mine.. it's like word count filler.. and i find it insulting to the reader.. we can remember what was said on the prior page and the prior chapter..
needing to save a gay couple, a lesbian.. what? um, what?
why weren't these people brought to justice? pedophiles, abusers, drug dealers, child molesters.. you had the means to get them off the street, keep them from harming other children..
and the religious overtones.. nothing against a persons faith, but i felt it was a mission to convert the reader to Christianity..
December 28, 2017
The whole story engaged the listener/reader the whole time. I liked the way that the author told her story in a humbling way and didn't really put blame on anyone for how things turned out, but saw that God had His eye on her the whole time. She kind of read this as if my mom were reading it to me using good expression, but nothing overly impressive. I have heard her narrate before and had enjoyed how she did the other book much better, but this one was well done regardless.
Keep in mind that this book is going to talk about sexual things, though not in much detail at all. This is definitely teen appropriate as it explains that the acts were done but not explicitly. Throughout the entire story, God is revealed and it is an honest account of how a child cn come out whole after much brokenness.
Keep in mind that this book is going to talk about sexual things, though not in much detail at all. This is definitely teen appropriate as it explains that the acts were done but not explicitly. Throughout the entire story, God is revealed and it is an honest account of how a child cn come out whole after much brokenness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews