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What It Is
"I am a survivor of horrific physical and mental abuse inflicted on me by the one person in my life that was supposed to love and protect me and teach me right from wrong. I am a fighter because I did not allow my past to dictate my future and I fought for years to successfully overcome the demons left over from my childhood. I spent my entire life punishing myself for the acts of my mother. I spent years trying desperately to figure out why she was the way she was and what I could have done so wrong to make her hate me so much. My journey to overcome my childhood demons was difficult and painful; but in the end, I realized that my past is what it is and it was up to me to decide my future.
"I wrote my first book, Why Me?, in an attempt to open the world's eyes to the abuse I endured as a child. It was my hope that just one person would get something positive and inspirational out of my story and realize that there are many of 'us' out there.
"I was overwhelmed by the response to my first book; I couldn't believe that so many people got something out of my little story, and the emails I got from readers were just amazing. I realized that I needed to tell the rest of my story and show everyone what I endured to finally be able to sit back and say, 'It is what it is.' I thank you all for sharing my life with me. I pray for all of you suffering and I love you all."
"I wrote my first book, Why Me?, in an attempt to open the world's eyes to the abuse I endured as a child. It was my hope that just one person would get something positive and inspirational out of my story and realize that there are many of 'us' out there.
"I was overwhelmed by the response to my first book; I couldn't believe that so many people got something out of my little story, and the emails I got from readers were just amazing. I realized that I needed to tell the rest of my story and show everyone what I endured to finally be able to sit back and say, 'It is what it is.' I thank you all for sharing my life with me. I pray for all of you suffering and I love you all."
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First published May 22, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 27, 2012
This book is longer than her first book (took me two nights to read) and Sarah has done better with her writing in this book as well. For those that were left wanting to know what happened to the little girl who was abused in the first story - this is Sarah's answer. She talks about how she got away from her abusive mother and how she was able to build a life for herself. It is good to know that in spite of her abuse and likely HUGE odds of leading a very dysfunctional life, Sarah was able to find some WONDERFUL people to help her grow and become the successful and "normal" person she is today. I am really thankful that she shared her story, and again - I hope that people will read this and that it can help. We can't just bury our heads in the sand when we think someone is being abused. I don't know why more people don't want to be involved in helping our innocent children. And, even if we are wrong - isn't it better to err on the side of the safety and well being of a child than to allow the abuse to continue and pretend that we didn't see anything? The more we tolerate abuse, the more children will be tortured and destroyed. How can this ever be OK?
May 11, 2012
This book was absolutely amazing. I couldn’t put it down and read it in just over a day. This book truly shows how strong a person can be no matter what they are put through. Sarah lived through hell at the hands of her mother but was able to turn all of her experiences into something that made her a stronger person and I am sure, a much better mother. Sarah proves that no matter how tough life is, regardless of situation, we are able to overcome the most unbelievable circumstances. I actually read this book before reading Why Me, but I am going to purchase that book right now, as I cannot wait to read it.
June 21, 2012
Grabbed it from the Kindle store and wasn't sure what it was. It was All about childhood abuse endured by the author. It was not a happy read, but provided some insight for me into the topic.
December 30, 2018
It is What it Is
I am so thankful to have had this time around the holidays, on vacaton, to have read 2 of Mrs. Burleton's books. My first read was "Why Me?" and the second, this book, " What it Is". Unless you have experienced any type of abuse from family, friends, neighbors, etc., you could not possibly understand the reason for these books. Being a psychology major with pastoral counseling in my background, I can say, most assuredly, that these books fill a need for many. Nearly all self-help for abuse books tell what has happened in many homes and verbalize where to get help, and may even share how survivors worked through the pain with counsel, but few share their real lives and all of the thoughts, hatred, fears, etc. involved even years later.
Sarah, thank you for sharing deeply with the public. There is a high level of vulnerability one has to endure when sharing such details and the feelings and emotions that evolve from them You are a winner in my book!
I pray we can meet, talk, and laugh someday. I look forward to reading a third book authored by you. I hope I can finish it before going back to work in a few days!
Chatty-Cathy
I am so thankful to have had this time around the holidays, on vacaton, to have read 2 of Mrs. Burleton's books. My first read was "Why Me?" and the second, this book, " What it Is". Unless you have experienced any type of abuse from family, friends, neighbors, etc., you could not possibly understand the reason for these books. Being a psychology major with pastoral counseling in my background, I can say, most assuredly, that these books fill a need for many. Nearly all self-help for abuse books tell what has happened in many homes and verbalize where to get help, and may even share how survivors worked through the pain with counsel, but few share their real lives and all of the thoughts, hatred, fears, etc. involved even years later.
Sarah, thank you for sharing deeply with the public. There is a high level of vulnerability one has to endure when sharing such details and the feelings and emotions that evolve from them You are a winner in my book!
I pray we can meet, talk, and laugh someday. I look forward to reading a third book authored by you. I hope I can finish it before going back to work in a few days!
Chatty-Cathy
August 7, 2021
Emotional read
I chose a 5 rating because it was well written. I like how the author describe how the abuse made her feel, how brave she was to run away at the young age of 16. Her determination to finish school and be better than the abusive parents. To recognize her anorexic behavior was not healthy. To recognize that in order to move forward she had to stop asking why because there is no good reason. To stop longing for love from someone that will never love you. To realize how she was loved and admired by her family, friends, and people reading her story. I recommend this to those that are being abuse so you can get the courage to run, to those who were abused to know you were not alone you are a survivor a conquer and to those who have never been abuse to gain some understanding the emotional and physical scars of the abuse. Thank you Sarah for sharing
I chose a 5 rating because it was well written. I like how the author describe how the abuse made her feel, how brave she was to run away at the young age of 16. Her determination to finish school and be better than the abusive parents. To recognize her anorexic behavior was not healthy. To recognize that in order to move forward she had to stop asking why because there is no good reason. To stop longing for love from someone that will never love you. To realize how she was loved and admired by her family, friends, and people reading her story. I recommend this to those that are being abuse so you can get the courage to run, to those who were abused to know you were not alone you are a survivor a conquer and to those who have never been abuse to gain some understanding the emotional and physical scars of the abuse. Thank you Sarah for sharing
August 25, 2020
These two books made me look at my situation differently
I just finished both of your books. You have made a difference in my life. All the questions you asked are the same ones I have asked myself over and over. All these years I asked myself why couldn’t my mother love me the way she did my sister. And why all the abuse. Thank you for sharing and making me see there is hope. I did learn one thing through all the physical and verbal abuse, is I did not do that to my two sons. I also drive a school bus for all different types of special needs children. My motto is I may be the first smile they see in the morning and the last smile at the end of the day that is when. I know I did my job. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
JoAnn Donovan
I just finished both of your books. You have made a difference in my life. All the questions you asked are the same ones I have asked myself over and over. All these years I asked myself why couldn’t my mother love me the way she did my sister. And why all the abuse. Thank you for sharing and making me see there is hope. I did learn one thing through all the physical and verbal abuse, is I did not do that to my two sons. I also drive a school bus for all different types of special needs children. My motto is I may be the first smile they see in the morning and the last smile at the end of the day that is when. I know I did my job. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
JoAnn Donovan
April 25, 2019
Fantastic
I've read the series and what do you say? Yes, the book is fantastic but at what cost? I was abused as were my brothers. But, it was my father. I'm 62yrs old now and they are younger than me but, I think we all still carry the abuse with us. Thank you Sarah Burteton for reliving your horror. I'm so happy that you got out. I got out by marrying as soon as I graduated high school, I was 18. We moved away. But left my siblings. They each found a way out. I thank you again for sharing. These books are outstanding.
I've read the series and what do you say? Yes, the book is fantastic but at what cost? I was abused as were my brothers. But, it was my father. I'm 62yrs old now and they are younger than me but, I think we all still carry the abuse with us. Thank you Sarah Burteton for reliving your horror. I'm so happy that you got out. I got out by marrying as soon as I graduated high school, I was 18. We moved away. But left my siblings. They each found a way out. I thank you again for sharing. These books are outstanding.
February 23, 2021
Touching because you know your not alone in your past
Being a survivor of terrible child abuse it is a relive that you can put those who inflicted so much pain on you for so many years behind you. With Gods love and protection I can say I am a survivor. With words of encouragement from this book helps with the healing process. But I do believe the pain will always be with me when least expected. I am glad you had the courage to tell about your past and I know you are reaching out to so many others. May God bless you and your family.
Being a survivor of terrible child abuse it is a relive that you can put those who inflicted so much pain on you for so many years behind you. With Gods love and protection I can say I am a survivor. With words of encouragement from this book helps with the healing process. But I do believe the pain will always be with me when least expected. I am glad you had the courage to tell about your past and I know you are reaching out to so many others. May God bless you and your family.
August 2, 2024
Fire the editor
I'll start with the good, this story is terrifying, sad, crazy, but it's also inspirational
My issue is that it took me twice as long to read this because I had to keep reporting content errors, and there were many, more than any other book I've ever read!
Not only were there multiple typos, missing words, or misspelled words, the entire format makes it confusing to read. You are supposed to start a new line when using dialogue, but it kind of just kept rambling.
I'll start with the good, this story is terrifying, sad, crazy, but it's also inspirational
My issue is that it took me twice as long to read this because I had to keep reporting content errors, and there were many, more than any other book I've ever read!
Not only were there multiple typos, missing words, or misspelled words, the entire format makes it confusing to read. You are supposed to start a new line when using dialogue, but it kind of just kept rambling.
April 9, 2021
Very helpful to me.
I have had more of a emotional and mental abuse type of childhood, with a few physical encounters. My mom has passed, but I am still trying to understand the "Why?" of it all. Ready g your story has been helpful for me. I realize that I may never understand. I have lived through those years, my toxic family has been banned from my life, and I broke their cycle.
I have had more of a emotional and mental abuse type of childhood, with a few physical encounters. My mom has passed, but I am still trying to understand the "Why?" of it all. Ready g your story has been helpful for me. I realize that I may never understand. I have lived through those years, my toxic family has been banned from my life, and I broke their cycle.
December 30, 2017
In my dream
After reading a portion of this book, one night before going to bed.I awoke, the next morning,fighting to remember what appears to be a very interesting dream. It was during the latter half of the day that I realized that it wasn’t a dream, instead it was “What It Is”. It lingers. 👍🏾
After reading a portion of this book, one night before going to bed.I awoke, the next morning,fighting to remember what appears to be a very interesting dream. It was during the latter half of the day that I realized that it wasn’t a dream, instead it was “What It Is”. It lingers. 👍🏾
May 6, 2020
Great author
I gave read all three of her books and they make me feel like I’ve been there and know her as an abused child. She has come so far in her search of trying to understand her mother. Am hoping she keeps writing books as I really feel she has come farther then a lot of us would in her search for why she was treated so bad.
I gave read all three of her books and they make me feel like I’ve been there and know her as an abused child. She has come so far in her search of trying to understand her mother. Am hoping she keeps writing books as I really feel she has come farther then a lot of us would in her search for why she was treated so bad.
November 11, 2018
Amazing story but...
There were SO MANY typos through the book... but the story itself, of her strength and journey was absolutely amazing. I have read the first 2 books now and am on to her next one.
There were SO MANY typos through the book... but the story itself, of her strength and journey was absolutely amazing. I have read the first 2 books now and am on to her next one.
January 30, 2021
Amazing Human Spirit
This is the worst case of child abuse I have read since "A Child Called It. The Author is an amazing woman. When I first started reading it I wasn't sure how far I could go because it was so disturbing. I'm glad I did and highly recommend this book.
This is the worst case of child abuse I have read since "A Child Called It. The Author is an amazing woman. When I first started reading it I wasn't sure how far I could go because it was so disturbing. I'm glad I did and highly recommend this book.
December 21, 2016
Read this book (vs the other two)
Similar to the other two books in the series except with a theme of acceptance and resolution, much more fulfilling read.
Similar to the other two books in the series except with a theme of acceptance and resolution, much more fulfilling read.
April 5, 2018
Reader Comments
This book is highly recommend to victims of child abuse. This book does a good job at helping readers who are victims of child abuse to move on.
This book is highly recommend to victims of child abuse. This book does a good job at helping readers who are victims of child abuse to move on.
April 30, 2018
Child abuse😥
Sarah is a tremendous person for all she had gone through. This story made me so thankful DCF is Not like they were back then
Sarah is a tremendous person for all she had gone through. This story made me so thankful DCF is Not like they were back then
June 1, 2019
Acceptance
Sarah's journey toward accepting the past to focusing on the present and future as well forgiveness is inspiring. Read and contemplate.
Sarah's journey toward accepting the past to focusing on the present and future as well forgiveness is inspiring. Read and contemplate.
June 5, 2019
Is Arthur your father..... DNA testing
My heart goes out to you, Megan, Emily, Evan, Ryan, and Indy...
My heart goes out to you, Megan, Emily, Evan, Ryan, and Indy...
May 24, 2021
A Harsh Childhood
It was very courageous to write this story. But it is one that needs to be shared. Highly recommend this book.
It was very courageous to write this story. But it is one that needs to be shared. Highly recommend this book.
October 25, 2025
Wow! I am so glad for her, and yes, she is indeed a very beautiful woman.
Read
March 20, 2021,
Sarah, Its difficult to read how much childhood emotional and physical pain you endured. I admire your courage, strength, and perseverance to great your own life . As an elementary school counselor, I reported many cases of child abuse and monitored the rec flagged students. It was a career I was thankful to have. Children need a voice. They deserve to be safe and happy. Wishing you a wonderful life you create.
Sarah, Its difficult to read how much childhood emotional and physical pain you endured. I admire your courage, strength, and perseverance to great your own life . As an elementary school counselor, I reported many cases of child abuse and monitored the rec flagged students. It was a career I was thankful to have. Children need a voice. They deserve to be safe and happy. Wishing you a wonderful life you create.
February 18, 2017
Interesting
I liked the book, but the use of "it is what it is" was used too much. I understand her reasons for saying it, but there were other ways to express the same sentiment.
I liked the book, but the use of "it is what it is" was used too much. I understand her reasons for saying it, but there were other ways to express the same sentiment.
August 24, 2013
I thought is was an amazing story of how a child could overcome something so horrific. It is unfathomable how a mother could do this to her child. It makes me so sad and angry that CPS, who is supposed to protect children fail miserably time after time. If CPS won't protect these children, who will?? I felt an even more emotional response to this story after the birth of her son who has the same birthday as my daughter 2/2/07. I commend Sarah and all the abuse victims who tell their stories not only as part of their own healing process but to try to help others who are experiencing this. Bravery and strength don't even come close to describing what is has taken to get to the point of being able to tell their personal life story.
February 10, 2016
I am a survivor. I am a survivor of horrific physical and mental abuse inflicted on me by the one person in my life that was supposed to love and protect me and teach me right from wrong. I am a fighter because I did not allow my past to dictate my future and I fought for years to successfully overcome the demons left over from my childhood. I spent my entire life punishing myself for the acts of my mother. I spent years trying desperately to figure out why she was the way she was and what I could have done so wrong to make her hate me so much. My journey to overcome my childhood demons was difficult and painful; but in the end, I realized that my past is what it is and it was up to me to decide my future.
August 15, 2012
It's wonderful when a person can rise above the circumstances of her life and turn it into a masterpiece. Instead of continually wondering why her mother treated her as she did, Sarah came to accept her childhood for what it was - one fraught with child abuse, a past she could not change - and rose above the circumstances so she could truly embrace a family of her own.
I had the privilege of meeting Sarah and her family in 2011 and can truly say she's a wonderful person to be around. She has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen and I can tell when she smiles that it still feels like a gift.
I had the privilege of meeting Sarah and her family in 2011 and can truly say she's a wonderful person to be around. She has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen and I can tell when she smiles that it still feels like a gift.
June 15, 2016
Deserving
I am so glad to have had the pleasure of reading your three books! You deserve everything good in your life! Its sad to say, but some people just weren't made to be parents and they don't even deserve a second thought! You were and will always remain a precious child of God! He always shows up for us! I guess we have to go through the horrible stuff in life to get to the wonderful things ....continue with your story...I'm sure you have helped many out there that thought they had no hope or voice! May God bless you and your sweet family!
Sincerely,
Traci Domergue
I am so glad to have had the pleasure of reading your three books! You deserve everything good in your life! Its sad to say, but some people just weren't made to be parents and they don't even deserve a second thought! You were and will always remain a precious child of God! He always shows up for us! I guess we have to go through the horrible stuff in life to get to the wonderful things ....continue with your story...I'm sure you have helped many out there that thought they had no hope or voice! May God bless you and your sweet family!
Sincerely,
Traci Domergue
November 28, 2016
Fantastic Part Two
I read Why Me yesterday and had a lot of questions at the end. I'm glad to see this follow up answered all of them. Although I still struggled to emotionally attach, I was far more drawn into this one than the first. The largest appeal to What it Is is the fact the trauma of abuse permeates so many factors of life, even after the abuse ends, that in many ways you never truly get past it; you merely learn to cope with it and eventually overcome many obstacles. This book demonstrates clearly the irrational fears and self blame that haunt a victim for years and that alone makes it well worth reading.
I read Why Me yesterday and had a lot of questions at the end. I'm glad to see this follow up answered all of them. Although I still struggled to emotionally attach, I was far more drawn into this one than the first. The largest appeal to What it Is is the fact the trauma of abuse permeates so many factors of life, even after the abuse ends, that in many ways you never truly get past it; you merely learn to cope with it and eventually overcome many obstacles. This book demonstrates clearly the irrational fears and self blame that haunt a victim for years and that alone makes it well worth reading.
October 1, 2011
A sad, but amazing story of a young woman who was able to survive and overcome severe, escalating abuse from the one person who was supposed to love and protect her - her Mother. "What It Is" goes hand and hand to "Why Me." It is here in "What It Is" that Sarah tells us more of her story. It is a miracle that she survived and I am so happy for her that she turned out to be such a beautiful and strong woman. Sadly, there are victims of abuse all over the world. I hope this book helps them... No one should ever feel scared.
October 22, 2015
Depressingly dark and horrifying, it is nothing short of miraculous That Sarah has been able to come as far as she has. One could feel the pain she felt as she continuously tries to convince the readers (and herself) that she has put this all behind her. It's very clear that she is still haunted by the demons of her childhood. Who wouldn't be? Altogether, an average book of a horribly inexcusable childhood.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews