Dark Playgrounds

by Benjamin Daniels

Have you ever believed that your life is too hard? Ever think that it is impossible for anything horrible in this world to happento you? It’s always a friend of a friend, someone you don’t know, whose tale is dark and dismal,a tale about wild and wonder that you just can't believe. There is always a story to tell, but this is one that must be told. It is a tale filled with heartbreak, lost hope, and shattered dreams. This is the story about the life of a small but happy boy,who must learn the lessons of life well before his time. When reality turns to nightmaresand nightmares than become reality, he had to learn to survive. Everything is always by choice,but this is the hand that life has dealt him. Always having to pick the lesser of two evils.This path is dark but one that has an ending by choice. Follow the trials and tribulations of one man as he grows and, ultimately you will find him, and maybe then you will understand why he lives in his Dark Playgrounds.

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2014

Reviews

[Angela Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a non fiction short story. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who might need some direction. I started this book not knowing how I would be able to write a review on someones true but devastating life story. But I was drawn in from the first page. Benjamin Daniels has put these heart wrenching memories into words, at times imperfectly edited but it doesn't take away from the story. This book is not to written for any reason other than to tell of this little boys heartache, and to explain there are choices, to let life bring you down along with your troubles or you can survive. There is a lot of sadness, grief and some situations you wish you would have never read in the book but in the end you will have learned from it.

This is a true story about a little boy, from his childhood as he grows into an adult. All of his tragic memories. He was handed hard life lessons at an very early age, some he would have to learn from sooner than later. He experiences what some of us only have nightmares about. As he enters adulthood he has choices to make. To allow his grief, his anger, his problems, to rob him of his future or he can survive.

I found two passages that touched me:

" My Irish Grandmother had an old saying “If you walk before you crawl, you will crawl before you die.” These are wise words."

"Loss like those I suffered rip holes in your soul that don’t heal. This much I promise you to be true."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author.

I struggled with a review for this because it's a true story. How do you review a person's life? Instead, I am reviewing it on its message and how I felt after reading it.

It's a quick read, but don't let that fool you into thinking it still doesn't pack a punch. Yes, Ben Daniels life isn't perfect and he isn't saying people don't have it worse than him. It's all in what you do after the bad things. Do you give up or do you have hope that there has to be something better? Yes, Ben has a lot of bad things happen, but in the end he survives. He comes out of this crazy life, not unscathed, but still with hope. Even in your darkest hour, don't ever give up hope.

Did you know that Ben donates all profits from this book to charity? Even more reason to pick it up.

[Patti Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was given to me to read and give my honest review. After the first chapter I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. It was not my normal read. No paranormal creatures or hot guys with hot sex. It began as a read of a diary or journal. The honesty in just the first chapter drew me in. I was kind of nervous but pulled my box of kleenex closer and read on. This is from the memories, mostly dark, of the authors life though current day. The emotions are so raw. I was so angry at spots and cringed through others. I wanted to blame people he told me not to and a few times I would just sigh and want to hug him, but I don't believe he wanted that. The life lessons he learned at such a young age should not have happened. This is the author, wide open for the world to see and hopefully learn from some of his experiences. I will recommend this book to everyone.

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC by the author. This novella is a dark story that includes suicide, wrong choices, bad luck, and guilt. The author takes us on a journey based on his true life experiences. Dark Playgrounds is sad, depressing, and heart-wrenching as the author shares tragic incidents that shaped his life, eventually ending with him in a wheelchair. The story is thought -provoking, and while I don't agree with his self-assessments, it is an interesting look at how guilt shapes our lives. The ARC I received contained numerous grammar and punctuation errors, but as the proceeds from the sale of this book go to suicide prevention, I will base this review on the content of the story, rather than misplaced (or, most often, missing punctuation).

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Playgrounds is the real life story of the Author, Benjamin Daniels. When I read this story, I was shattered over and over again by the events and the tragedies that he has lived through. I was sucked into the story, and the emotional pull it has will overwhelm you.

Life deals us bad cards some times, but I think that Ben was dealt bad cards more often than not. It is not an easy story to read and it will take you into some really dark places and situations. It also makes you stop and question yourself, look at your own life, have you made all the right decisions that have lead you to where you are? Dark Playgrounds is a moving and tear-jerking read.