Invisible Wounds: An Inside Story

by Alexis Faere

Alexis Faere's book gives an inside look into the author's personal journey, recounting a harrowing kidnap and rape experience and the subsequent evolution from victim to survivor. Her words explore the process of integrating this traumatic event into her identity. When asked about the intended impact of the story, Alexis expresses a desire to reach out to victims of sexual abuse, individuals coping with various life traumas, and even convicted sex offenders engaged in treatment programs.

The significance of this book to Alexis lies in the aspiration to assist others in their trauma recovery. Drawing from personal experience, Alexis emphasizes the need for understanding and validation during the recovery process. Having faced challenges in articulating the profound turmoil within, she hopes that sharing this experience through words will empower others to find a language for integrating their own traumatic experiences.

282 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2024

Reviews

[Jerry Griffin]

From the darkest depths, to becoming a shining light

It’s hard to imagine that a first person account of being taken at knifepoint and repeatedly molested could turn out to be such a beacon of growth and hope.

Alexis’ account of her ordeal is told simply and without hyperbole. It doesn’t need it. And while the chilling narrative of her abduction and rape is a challenging read, one gains even more insight into the struggle for healing and peace as she shares the journey of healing in the aftermath. She describes how the event affected her relationships, even those in her immediate family, as she learns whom she can trust and and whom she can depend on.

Ultimately the one she needed to depend the most was herself, and here is where the miracle happens, as Alexis find a path toward healing and peace not only for herself, but for other victims of sexual violence. Her work in this ministry is ongoing and inspirational. To this day, she continues her outreach to a surprising demographic. I believe that Alexis is a force for good, and that her continuing work is a blessing and a light of peace for those she touches, and for those that they touch.

Keep the tissues close, and maybe a kind, soft stuffy to cling to, or to pound on. Godspeed Alfred!

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Articulating the inexpressible!

Invisible Wounds by Alexis Faere is a moving memoir that takes you through the author's harrowing journey from victim to survivor after a traumatic kidnap and...

Alexis Faere’s narrative offers a raw insight into the trauma in her life. Her story isn't just about pain and survival but also about hope and the importance of understanding and validation in recovery.

The book’s detailed and honest portrayal of violence and healing can be difficult to read, yet it could be comforting and encouraging to those facing similar battles.

Faere’s ability to articulate the inexpressible trauma makes this a must-read for survivors, supporters, or professionals in the field.

[carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

riveting

A deeply personal memoir that chronicles the author’s harrowing experience of kidnap and rape, and her courageous evolution from victim to survivor. Faere’s narrative is not merely a recounting of trauma; it is a raw, unflinching exploration of how such an event becomes woven into the fabric of one’s identity and the arduous process of healing and integration that follows.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me and rebuilt me in the span of a few chapters. Alexis doesn’t just tell her story she invites you into the rawness of her experience. As someone who has walked through my own trauma, I found myself underlining passages that put words to feelings I’ve never been able to explain. The honesty is almost painful at times, but it’s also profoundly healing. This isn’t a book you read for entertainment it’s one you feel.

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis’s courage in sharing her journey is undeniable. Her writing is unflinching, and there were moments I had to stop and breathe before continuing. As someone who works with survivors in a counseling capacity, I found her perspective invaluable. The only reason I didn’t give five stars is because at times the narrative felt fragmented but I also recognize that fragmentation mirrors the reality of trauma recovery.

[Kathy Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

An open heart!

Alexis shares her heart and the journey she has taken following a rape and kidnapping. She is very real and shares moments that may be hard to read. But, she gives warning. This story took courage and strength to write but I know it will bring comfort to someone else. Good reminder to remember that every life as a story.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Alexis Faere’s courage to lay bare her own painful journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her story doesn’t just recount trauma it shows what it means to move through it, to reclaim your life, and to transform pain into strength. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for hope in the aftermath of hardship.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything quite like this. Alexis bares her soul, and in doing so, she lights a path for others. Her reflections on identity after trauma resonated deeply with me, and I appreciated how she spoke not just to survivors, but even to offenders seeking rehabilitation. It’s a book that challenges, comforts, and inspires all at once.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this felt like sitting across from a friend who finally tells you the truth they’ve been holding in for years. It’s messy, it’s heart wrenching, and it’s real. I saw parts of myself in her story the confusion, the anger, the silence, and finally, the slow return to self. Alexis proves that survival is more than just breathing it’s reclaiming your voice.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotional weight of this book is immense. Alexis has a gift for putting into words the things so many of us have kept locked away. I wish there had been more exploration of her life before the trauma, to contrast with the aftermath, but what is here is powerful. I will be recommending it to clients in my trauma support group.

[Longford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis tackles an incredibly difficult subject with honesty and empathy. While the content can be triggering, the way she frames her journey toward integration and healing makes it worthwhile. I especially appreciated her insight into the importance of validation something that is often missing in recovery narratives.

[Khalifa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried through much of this book. Alexis doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s what makes it so impactful. Her willingness to address not only survivors but also offenders in treatment is brave and necessary. I left this book feeling heavier in some ways, but also with a renewed sense of hope for human resilience.

[Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is intimate, almost journal-like, which makes it deeply personal. Alexis captures the complexity of trauma recovery not just the pain, but the awkwardness, the confusion, and the small victories along the way. I wish the ending had been a bit longer, but overall, this is an important and necessary read.

[Osvaldo Amador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful !

Great victim to héroe story ! Loved the authors authentic voice in telling her trauma and her triumph . A real page turner . I love when people share their triumphant stories. A+

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down not because it was easy to read, but because Alexis’s voice demanded to be heard. Her vulnerability is matched by a quiet, steady strength. This isn’t just her story it’s a lifeline for anyone who’s ever been silenced.

[linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than a memoir it’s a testament to the human spirit. Alexis’s journey from victim to survivor is told with unflinching honesty, but also with grace. She gives a voice to the voiceless and offers language to the unspeakable. I walked away feeling both devastated and inspired.