Apologos: A Personal Memoir of Overcoming Childhood Trauma, Religious Radicalization, and Mental Illness

by River A. Sterling

In Apologos, River A. Sterling shares a raw and unflinching story of surviving a childhood marked by abuse and emotional manipulation. Growing up in a household where control and cruelty were masked as discipline, Sterling not only endured physical and psychological harm but also battled with the weight of impossible expectations and intense religious pressures. Struggling with mental illness from an early age, he was haunted by the persistent effects of anxiety, depression, and trauma that followed him into adulthood, compounding the challenges he faced as he sought to reclaim his life.

Through these pages which mark the various stages of his life, Sterling reflects on leaving home, speaking out against his abusers, and embarking on the often difficult but necessary path of therapy and healing. His memoir is a testament to resilience, a deeply personal exploration of trauma, and an inspiring journey toward self-discovery and inner peace.

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20% of all author royalties from this memoir will be divided equally among the following nonprofit

Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA)

Child Friendly Faith Project (CFFP)

Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

By purchasing this book, you are directly contributing to efforts that support and protect vulnerable populations, particularly at-risk children and those impacted by trauma.

Thank you for making a difference.

- River A. Sterling

380 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written survival story, the type we need more of. A rare perspective on children in the homeschool world. Brave, layered, and lyrical. Hope to see more from this author.