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My Father's Prostitute: Story of a Stolen Childhood
An honest, and sometimes brutal, true story of one man’s struggle growing up in the shadow of childhood sexual abuse. From his difficulties growing up, to his drug addiction, failed relationships, and struggles with parenthood, the author takes us through the ups and downs of a life spent in the shadows, trying to make sense of the events that formed the basis of his being. Sometimes tragic, sometimes hopeful, but never sugar coated, My Father’s Prostitute – Story of a Stolen Childhood takes the reader on an emotional ride which reminds us that the human spirit is more powerful than the demons that haunt us.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2014
68 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 22, 2015
I've given five stars for one of the bravest memoirs I've ever read. Courage comes in many forms. Writing and publishing a book about childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse from a parent must have been one of the hardest things for this author to do. Thank goodness for people who can write about such deeply personal and hurtful relationships with twisted parents, who instead of nurturing and loving a child choose to inflict their selfish perverted desires on them. I cried for this little boy who couldn't feel safe in his own room or home. There is no doubt that this well written account will have helped other readers who have suffered in a similar way but may believe that they are the only ones; unique in their experiences. As readers we are drawn into this very moving account and have to read on hoping for a positive outcome and respite for the author. Without giving too much away, the author does forge a successful life for himself, but there are difficulties and hardships along the way.
April 4, 2015
Excellent conversational style, easy to read, it's not what you think.
I must admit, I had this book for ages before I read it-I thought it would make really difficult, uncomfortable reading. I held off reading it for quite a bit. I think it's especially hard to read memoirs like this when you know the person-ok, I don't know Steven personally, but he is part of a group of authors and readers on Facebook of which I'm a member too and I've got to know and like him these past few months. So, I thought it was high time I read it. It doesn't contain so much detail of the actual abuse, there's more of the after-effects, how his life turned out, how it affected everything in his life. I couldn't put it down. It is so well told; sort of like he is just sat talking to me, telling me what happened, confiding in me/the reader. I think Steven Whitacre has made an incredible job of writing this, I wish I had read it earlier now and would highly recommend it to everyone. Congratulations Steven and BIG hugs x
I must admit, I had this book for ages before I read it-I thought it would make really difficult, uncomfortable reading. I held off reading it for quite a bit. I think it's especially hard to read memoirs like this when you know the person-ok, I don't know Steven personally, but he is part of a group of authors and readers on Facebook of which I'm a member too and I've got to know and like him these past few months. So, I thought it was high time I read it. It doesn't contain so much detail of the actual abuse, there's more of the after-effects, how his life turned out, how it affected everything in his life. I couldn't put it down. It is so well told; sort of like he is just sat talking to me, telling me what happened, confiding in me/the reader. I think Steven Whitacre has made an incredible job of writing this, I wish I had read it earlier now and would highly recommend it to everyone. Congratulations Steven and BIG hugs x
October 16, 2019
Not quite what I expected. Rather a harrowing read and though brutal in subject matter, it was sensitively handled. I was amazed at the depth to which the author suffered for years after. I hope he has made as full a recovery as it is possible, and that writing his memoir was a cathartic experience.
March 9, 2014
My Father's Prostitute is an honest and chilling biography of a man who had secrets. Unspeakable secrets throughout childhood and young adulthood, and how these secrets affected his life for many years after.
He was betrayed by his Father, his mother, his church, his Boy Scout troop, later his wife, all those people who gave him any happiness and love in his life were also betrayers. This telling breaks down stereotypes, and gives a firsthand account of what it is like to be a shell of a person. This reading is not what you might expect when you begin, and is a must read.
The entire work is written in a frank and honest tone, and the author bares himself in a clear and readable style I have never seen before. He tackles the "it's in the past, move on" assertion with an unexpected optimism
Here are some quotes to pique your interest further:
"My father wasn't a monster that would come in the middle of the night to do bad things. He was actually a good guy if you ignored the obvious."
"And since I couldn't trust my parents and couldn't trust the police, all authority became suspect."
"Perhaps only the people that have been there will understand I had no choice."
"…but at least I had a roof over my head and food to eat. Many of these people barely had that."
"But the coping skills we develop as abused children frequently don't help us in adulthood. In fact, they can seriously hinder our lives later on."
"I wanted to be a different person so bad. Not a person with a different life, but simply a different person who could fully appreciate what he had."
"We tend to think of abuse affecting only those that are abused. But the sad reality is that it also affects everybody they come in contact with, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
READ THE BOOK!
He was betrayed by his Father, his mother, his church, his Boy Scout troop, later his wife, all those people who gave him any happiness and love in his life were also betrayers. This telling breaks down stereotypes, and gives a firsthand account of what it is like to be a shell of a person. This reading is not what you might expect when you begin, and is a must read.
The entire work is written in a frank and honest tone, and the author bares himself in a clear and readable style I have never seen before. He tackles the "it's in the past, move on" assertion with an unexpected optimism
Here are some quotes to pique your interest further:
"My father wasn't a monster that would come in the middle of the night to do bad things. He was actually a good guy if you ignored the obvious."
"And since I couldn't trust my parents and couldn't trust the police, all authority became suspect."
"Perhaps only the people that have been there will understand I had no choice."
"…but at least I had a roof over my head and food to eat. Many of these people barely had that."
"But the coping skills we develop as abused children frequently don't help us in adulthood. In fact, they can seriously hinder our lives later on."
"I wanted to be a different person so bad. Not a person with a different life, but simply a different person who could fully appreciate what he had."
"We tend to think of abuse affecting only those that are abused. But the sad reality is that it also affects everybody they come in contact with, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
READ THE BOOK!
August 17, 2015
Always an emotive subject, Steven Whitacre confronts his inner child with strength and an honesty that are at times completely humbling as he takes his reader with him on a journey through a life misshapen by childhood abuse and the "enablers" who should have protected innocence. I stayed up until the dawn chorus and in its silence, I cried as a mother and felt the anger of injustice, Steven writes with a simplicity that is refreshing and an incredible lack of self pity. I hesitate with the cliches, courageous and brave but certainly a determined strength to take back what had been stolen from him, through the gauntlet of addictions that served to numb the emptiness and loneliness he experienced imprisoned inside his head with a dark shame,a name he couldn't speak. It is telling that he recognized how invasive abuse can be, how it perpetuates itself like a self fulfilling prophecy, with his own children slipping from the warmth of a fathers nurture, he confronts his demons and unites the love for his inner child he had never felt or understood and in so doing he lets go. I have nothing but respect for the author to cover such an intense subject with such clarity.A must read.
April 25, 2014
The author honestly and simply tells the story of his childhood sexual abuse at the hands of his father and how that abuse affected and continues to affect his life to this day in the way he feels about himself, his relationships with other people, and his own struggles with drugs and alcohol as ways to numb himself to the years of abuse he was forced to endure and the resulting trauma. I appreciate the author's courage in coming forward and sharing his story. Those who share a similar background or others who are seeking to further their understanding of those who do will hopefully be able to take away a lot from reading this first-hand account.
The author mentions the statistic that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are thought to have been sexually abused to some degree and emphasizes that these are not just numbers but people. Our modern society has a problem wrapping our minds around the fact that these aren't just numbers, but are your coworkers, your friends, maybe even your relatives. As unfortunate as it is, this is something that is prevalent in our society and needs to be addressed. We need to stop turning a blind eye to the problem and recognize that abuse happens to everyone, men, women, and children, and that the effects of abuse extend not just to the immediate victims but to those whose lives they touch in turn, their children, spouses, friends, and relatives. Abusers are not just some cartoon caricature of evil but they too can be the neighbor that you like, the churchgoer you respect, or even the father that you love. Mr. Whitacre has shared his story and how even though the path to healing is difficult, it is also rewarding. I can only be glad of one more voice out there bringing light to this issue.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
The author mentions the statistic that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are thought to have been sexually abused to some degree and emphasizes that these are not just numbers but people. Our modern society has a problem wrapping our minds around the fact that these aren't just numbers, but are your coworkers, your friends, maybe even your relatives. As unfortunate as it is, this is something that is prevalent in our society and needs to be addressed. We need to stop turning a blind eye to the problem and recognize that abuse happens to everyone, men, women, and children, and that the effects of abuse extend not just to the immediate victims but to those whose lives they touch in turn, their children, spouses, friends, and relatives. Abusers are not just some cartoon caricature of evil but they too can be the neighbor that you like, the churchgoer you respect, or even the father that you love. Mr. Whitacre has shared his story and how even though the path to healing is difficult, it is also rewarding. I can only be glad of one more voice out there bringing light to this issue.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
October 3, 2015
Beyond the obvious fact that here is a story that cries out to be read and Shared "My Father's Prostitute: Story of a Stolen Childhood" is a powerfully gripping account of one man's grit, determination and will to survive and overcome horrific childhood experiences. It is truly commendable that he would bare himself so completely in order to attain healing while bravely showing any silent, suffering readers that perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel; that they will someday "be alright."
Recently I read that as many as 1 in 6 adult males may have lived through something similar at some point in his life; I suspect few were subjected to such trauma at the tender age of 5 yrs old– Steven explains how such early age trauma changes the hard–wiring of the brain, making traditional behavioral therapy less effective later on. Steven wasn't lucky enough to get the treatment he needed early enough; one hopes that the telling of his story will help others to get proper treatment much, much sooner.
This book deserves the high praise and excellent 4-5 star reviews that it has gotten.
I must confess that, though I am an author, I seldom review other author's works. I mean, at least compared to the dedicated reviewers at WLM on Facebook. This book really should reach more people and I think one of the best ways to help is to… break down and Write a Review!!
So, make the pledge or do whatever you do to get motivated; this book deserves your attention.
Recently I read that as many as 1 in 6 adult males may have lived through something similar at some point in his life; I suspect few were subjected to such trauma at the tender age of 5 yrs old– Steven explains how such early age trauma changes the hard–wiring of the brain, making traditional behavioral therapy less effective later on. Steven wasn't lucky enough to get the treatment he needed early enough; one hopes that the telling of his story will help others to get proper treatment much, much sooner.
This book deserves the high praise and excellent 4-5 star reviews that it has gotten.
I must confess that, though I am an author, I seldom review other author's works. I mean, at least compared to the dedicated reviewers at WLM on Facebook. This book really should reach more people and I think one of the best ways to help is to… break down and Write a Review!!
So, make the pledge or do whatever you do to get motivated; this book deserves your attention.
February 2, 2016
My Father's Prostitute: Story of a Stolen Childhood
I started this book ready to stop at any moment but found I couldn't stop reading it until I finished. It is a story of the human spirit raw and exposed and without pretense or apology. What the writer could not feel at times in his life, as a reader you will feel it for him. With every forward step he tries to make, you will hope he succeeds. When you read this account, you'll catch a glimpse of the fact that the darkest of experiences and the fiercest of internal battles can only be fought and won through the power of LOVE.
I started this book ready to stop at any moment but found I couldn't stop reading it until I finished. It is a story of the human spirit raw and exposed and without pretense or apology. What the writer could not feel at times in his life, as a reader you will feel it for him. With every forward step he tries to make, you will hope he succeeds. When you read this account, you'll catch a glimpse of the fact that the darkest of experiences and the fiercest of internal battles can only be fought and won through the power of LOVE.
June 28, 2014
I’ve read a few other accounts of childhood abuse in recent years, but none of them by a man. Why is this? Well, as author Steven Whitacre explains, we men are supposed to ‘get over it’ if we experience such serious trauma, we are not supposed to ‘whine’ about it. That Steven exposes his terrible situation – caught between am incestuous, paedophilic father and an emotionally distant, alcoholic mother – and writes about it with such unflinching courage and honesty, brought this reader to tears. Beautifully written and gripping from the start, we are taken for a ride into a hidden taboo world that most people are unaware of and led out again, better human beings for the experience.
One passage will remain with me for a long time:
‘My life had been so full of bad, I had been physically and mentally abused for so long, that it was normal. Much how you can tie an elephant to a small wooden stake and it won’t run away since it’s been conditioned to believe that once it’s tied up, it’s useless to try.’
That Steven tried, and succeeded, in dispatching his demons and reclaiming his life will, I believe, give hope to many...and encourage more brave men to come forth with their stories.
One passage will remain with me for a long time:
‘My life had been so full of bad, I had been physically and mentally abused for so long, that it was normal. Much how you can tie an elephant to a small wooden stake and it won’t run away since it’s been conditioned to believe that once it’s tied up, it’s useless to try.’
That Steven tried, and succeeded, in dispatching his demons and reclaiming his life will, I believe, give hope to many...and encourage more brave men to come forth with their stories.
August 21, 2018
I always have a hard time know how to rate a book like this. If I give it 3 stars it seems like it was just an ok book. But to give it four and say I REALLY LIKED IT sort of seems creepy given the subject matter. It was a sad book and a tragedy that a child ever had to go through something so horrible and sick.
August 4, 2021
Heart-breaking.
From the age of five, Steven was abused by his father. This was not an easy story to read, and I cannot imagine how hard it was for the author to put it down on paper. He openly tells of the demons which plagued him for years, and his efforts to overcome them.
An exceptionally powerful and emotional memoir
From the age of five, Steven was abused by his father. This was not an easy story to read, and I cannot imagine how hard it was for the author to put it down on paper. He openly tells of the demons which plagued him for years, and his efforts to overcome them.
An exceptionally powerful and emotional memoir
April 9, 2015
Terrible childhood
Well written. I read this book with an open mind for starters. For one it's not often men are strong enough to come out with a book about sexual abuse. This man's childhood was stolen and like always the people we look and depend on to protect us weren't there. The issues brought on from abuse didn't just affect his life as a child, it went further into adulthood and trickled into his children's lives. As well as played a major part in decisions he made as soon as the abuse started. This book allows us to see how difficult it is for men and abuse, signs that something is wrong and don't be so quick to judge someone because they are different. My heart was touched by this story because I hate to see parents who don't or won't watch for signs or signals for their kids happiness to notice something is troubling them. But they go on with life as if the kids asked to be here and they must figure life out as they go on without our (parents) helps. God bless this man for having courage and being strong.
Well written. I read this book with an open mind for starters. For one it's not often men are strong enough to come out with a book about sexual abuse. This man's childhood was stolen and like always the people we look and depend on to protect us weren't there. The issues brought on from abuse didn't just affect his life as a child, it went further into adulthood and trickled into his children's lives. As well as played a major part in decisions he made as soon as the abuse started. This book allows us to see how difficult it is for men and abuse, signs that something is wrong and don't be so quick to judge someone because they are different. My heart was touched by this story because I hate to see parents who don't or won't watch for signs or signals for their kids happiness to notice something is troubling them. But they go on with life as if the kids asked to be here and they must figure life out as they go on without our (parents) helps. God bless this man for having courage and being strong.
July 21, 2014
'My Father's Prostitute' by Steven Whitacre
Steven's mother is cold, distant and cruel, and his father is a physically affectionate man, a caring father who is also a cruel, destructive paedophile. That parenting combination, in itself, would be enough to blow my mind to pieces - so many contradictions!
But our narrator is too intelligent to let the years of relentless cruelty destroy him. His story of his efforts to build a life for himself and to learn parenting skills when he himself has had no parenting to speak of, are saddening, yet heartening: Steven knows what he has to do, and he finally accepts the challenge of learning anew, so that he can build a good life, despite his lamentable experiences.
I wish you every success in your new life Steven.
Fran Macilvey, "Trapped: My Life With Cerebral Palsy"
Steven's mother is cold, distant and cruel, and his father is a physically affectionate man, a caring father who is also a cruel, destructive paedophile. That parenting combination, in itself, would be enough to blow my mind to pieces - so many contradictions!
But our narrator is too intelligent to let the years of relentless cruelty destroy him. His story of his efforts to build a life for himself and to learn parenting skills when he himself has had no parenting to speak of, are saddening, yet heartening: Steven knows what he has to do, and he finally accepts the challenge of learning anew, so that he can build a good life, despite his lamentable experiences.
I wish you every success in your new life Steven.
Fran Macilvey, "Trapped: My Life With Cerebral Palsy"
May 21, 2014
Whitacre takes a forbidden subject matter and writes about it with honesty and integrity. Molested repeatedly by his father as a young boy, and distant from his alcoholic mother, Steve tries to escape his pain with drugs and alcohol, but also by tuning the world out and driving away those closets to him. Desperately wanting to face the dark forces lurking within, he turns to therapy to heal, but also to break the cycle and not pass it on to his own daughter. Steve grows from his journey of facing the ugliness of sexual abuse. He never loses his voice throughout the memoir. I read the book in two sittings. A great read for those who are seeking a map, or a blueprint for facing their demons, whatever they may be.
May 21, 2014
Do yourself a favor and pick this book up when you have solid uninterrupted time dedicated to read it. You are NOT going to want to put it down. I've had it for a month, but couldn't bring myself to read it right away. But when I did, I read it cover to cover. I knew that it would be difficult, and powerful.
I have a knot in my stomach from all that Steven and his family have had to endure. He was betrayed by most of the people around him.
Thank you for sharing your brutally honest story with the world.
I have a knot in my stomach from all that Steven and his family have had to endure. He was betrayed by most of the people around him.
Thank you for sharing your brutally honest story with the world.
March 28, 2015
This is a great read! I was both touched and disturbed by this book. It's amazing how children's lives can be effected by the vile sexual desires of their parent. I have a astronomical amount of respect for the author. It had to take a vast amount of courage to be so transparent.
August 24, 2015
Stolen childhood
Well written and informative. One of the best I have read. I would recommend it to anyone who needs information on child abuse. We are not to blame it is what happened to us not who we are..
Well written and informative. One of the best I have read. I would recommend it to anyone who needs information on child abuse. We are not to blame it is what happened to us not who we are..
May 31, 2014
I loved this book!!! Explains so much and was brutally honest!
May 20, 2014
An important book for anyone who has dealt with childhood abuse.
May 21, 2014
Very well written & it draws you in. It leaves you feeling sad that these things happen but full of hope that all victims overcome as the author did.
April 18, 2015
More men...
Should be encouraged to open up and get help. This took a lot of bravery and I sincerely hope it reaches a male audience.
Should be encouraged to open up and get help. This took a lot of bravery and I sincerely hope it reaches a male audience.
January 19, 2018
I can't say I 'enjoyed' this memoir - it wouldn't seem right - but, as the author has been brave enough to get his story out there then I am glad I took the time to read it - I did deliberate for quite some time if I should move this book up my to-be-read list. I found it, poignant, scary and courageous - such far reaching consequences of childhood abuse from a 'loving' father - not least for 'the child' but also for that child becoming a teenager and an adult. It's difficult to put into words really. The author got his emotions, feelings and his later abuse of alcohol & drugs across well in my humble opinion (you can tell there's a pouring out of everything onto the page.....) The memoir left me 'wanting' the author to be ok to be free of such torment and heartache.
September 3, 2020
"A hard book to read and an even harder review to write"
An extremely honest, heartbreaking memoir that most people would not be brave enough to write.
Sensitively told by the author Steven Whitacre, we discovered what it's was truly like to be betrayed by all the people you loved. I cried for his stolen childhood taken from him by his wicked paedophile father.
I felt much joy when he finally managed to deal with his inner demons, dealt with his drug and alcohol dependency and I am sure will bring much hope to others in similar situations.
It was refreshing to see and read a man's account written with such honesty and depth. A definite recommendation from me.
An extremely honest, heartbreaking memoir that most people would not be brave enough to write.
Sensitively told by the author Steven Whitacre, we discovered what it's was truly like to be betrayed by all the people you loved. I cried for his stolen childhood taken from him by his wicked paedophile father.
I felt much joy when he finally managed to deal with his inner demons, dealt with his drug and alcohol dependency and I am sure will bring much hope to others in similar situations.
It was refreshing to see and read a man's account written with such honesty and depth. A definite recommendation from me.
November 8, 2017
It took me ages to start reading this book, simply because I felt I would find it difficult reading. However, once I got started, the style of writing was so easy and direct, without labouring the horrors of what he had to endure as a little boy. I found it so sad that the father who wreaked such damage on his little son, never asked for forgiveness, even on his deathbed. I take my hat off to Steven Whitacre for treading the long lonely path towards healing. It took every bit of strength to get there, but get there he did. Magic!
September 23, 2017
My chest hurt most of the time while reading this book. I can not imagine what the author went through. I can only say that he had strength and bravery. While there was a constant battle going on inside of him, he managed to break through. He's alive. He's living. He is winning the battle of his horrible past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2021
The beginning made me feel so sick, but I love the strength that Steven had to write this book. It’s a heartbreaking but powerful story. I personally was not abused, but I’ve had my struggles with depression and anxiety, and it is an eye opener. It is an inspiring story and shows that someone can overcome the worst imaginable things.
September 14, 2017
A must read!! For EVERYONE
What a life changing read! You are an inspiration and a true hero. To find a sliver of light and choose to follow that path when overcome with darkness. I could not put this book down. You are an inspiration! God bless you!
What a life changing read! You are an inspiration and a true hero. To find a sliver of light and choose to follow that path when overcome with darkness. I could not put this book down. You are an inspiration! God bless you!
August 16, 2018
Heartbreaking
May 16, 2019
Good
Started off good then became more repetitive and boring. Not much detail but more on and on on the same topic. Lost interest.
Started off good then became more repetitive and boring. Not much detail but more on and on on the same topic. Lost interest.
December 19, 2019
love it
love this book! Had alot of info and got into the mind set of an abused person. They can't just get over it!
love this book! Had alot of info and got into the mind set of an abused person. They can't just get over it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews