What do you think?
Rate this book
Dear Daddy: The child abuse true story that will break your heart
Secrets are like vampires. They captivate us with their forbidden mystery and promises of excitement. Yet once inside us, they become toxic; compelling us to infect others, who in turn want nothing more than to be bitten. It's a vicious cycle that ensures nothing remains secret forever.
The only way to protect yourself from their destructive energies is to simply turn the other way when offered one. To resist the lure of the forbidden fruit. But sometimes, something just happens to you - or you just happen to witness something - that forces one upon you; like an uninvited guest that arrives without warning, and leaves only under great duress.
Unfortunately, I have been burdened by such a secret for over twenty years. You see, my childhood was stolen from me in broad daylight, right under my nose, by a cunning thief who dazzled me with his charms, only to run away with my innocence forever.
It was the perfect crime, and at the time I was the perfect victim. But thankfully, I was able to pick up the pieces of my life and gradually go on to live quite normally. In fact, I even forgot all about my childhood trauma.
Or so I thought. Because it was during a recent chance encounter with my old teenage diary that I realized my demons had never truly left me. They had only been lurking in the shadows all along as I busied myself with other things. I suppose I learned the hard way that a secret kept in darkness only grows in potency.
But there is one way to diffuse a secret. To take away all of its power. And that is to make it public. For no vampire can survive in the cold light of day. So it is at the behest of my wonderfully supportive husband that I have decided to lay bare the ghosts of my childhood in this book, in the hope that in doing so, I'll finally be able to lay them to rest forever. It's been a long, hard journey for me to get to this point. And I thank you, dear reader, for playing your part in my recovery.
Emily
WARNING: This book is based upon a true story of child abuse, and as such contains passages that some readers may find disturbing.
The only way to protect yourself from their destructive energies is to simply turn the other way when offered one. To resist the lure of the forbidden fruit. But sometimes, something just happens to you - or you just happen to witness something - that forces one upon you; like an uninvited guest that arrives without warning, and leaves only under great duress.
Unfortunately, I have been burdened by such a secret for over twenty years. You see, my childhood was stolen from me in broad daylight, right under my nose, by a cunning thief who dazzled me with his charms, only to run away with my innocence forever.
It was the perfect crime, and at the time I was the perfect victim. But thankfully, I was able to pick up the pieces of my life and gradually go on to live quite normally. In fact, I even forgot all about my childhood trauma.
Or so I thought. Because it was during a recent chance encounter with my old teenage diary that I realized my demons had never truly left me. They had only been lurking in the shadows all along as I busied myself with other things. I suppose I learned the hard way that a secret kept in darkness only grows in potency.
But there is one way to diffuse a secret. To take away all of its power. And that is to make it public. For no vampire can survive in the cold light of day. So it is at the behest of my wonderfully supportive husband that I have decided to lay bare the ghosts of my childhood in this book, in the hope that in doing so, I'll finally be able to lay them to rest forever. It's been a long, hard journey for me to get to this point. And I thank you, dear reader, for playing your part in my recovery.
Emily
WARNING: This book is based upon a true story of child abuse, and as such contains passages that some readers may find disturbing.
- GenresAbuse
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2015
192 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 20, 2016
Anachronistic and does not feel true
There is a disclaimer at the beginning that slang has been changed in the diary entries. But the "lol"s and :-) :*( faces are completely distracting and take away from the credibility if the story. In the early 1990s, there were not slang terms that could be expressed by updating with lol at the end of every line, which leaves the diary part feeling fictional. I do not want to cast aspersions on what someone states really happened to them, but the credibility is severely strained. The lack of believability makes the while thing feel far more opportunistic than inspirational. Also, one of the messages people could take away from this is, "men will pretend to be gay so they can rape pubescent girls,” which I find to be problematic, especially if the story is fictional.
There is a disclaimer at the beginning that slang has been changed in the diary entries. But the "lol"s and :-) :*( faces are completely distracting and take away from the credibility if the story. In the early 1990s, there were not slang terms that could be expressed by updating with lol at the end of every line, which leaves the diary part feeling fictional. I do not want to cast aspersions on what someone states really happened to them, but the credibility is severely strained. The lack of believability makes the while thing feel far more opportunistic than inspirational. Also, one of the messages people could take away from this is, "men will pretend to be gay so they can rape pubescent girls,” which I find to be problematic, especially if the story is fictional.
February 25, 2025
I quite enjoyed the diary format, definitely felt like the ramblings of a teenage girl. Would have liked a bit more about her life though, didn't feel like we got a great deal of information.
September 1, 2018
Emily
What a tribute to Emily's father not all happiness some sadness and a girls innocence taken by a predator a very clever predator but Emily overcame this and survived 5 STARS.
What a tribute to Emily's father not all happiness some sadness and a girls innocence taken by a predator a very clever predator but Emily overcame this and survived 5 STARS.
March 28, 2018
One of the most sensitive books I've ever read about
child abuse. Children were my a part of my daily life as a teacher. Through the years, more than one of those children spoke with me about their problems at home and occasionally that problem included some form of abuse. I felt that something must be done. Not as easy as it sounds! It my hope that the processes we set up are still helping abused children find a safe place to talk openly and receive help.
child abuse. Children were my a part of my daily life as a teacher. Through the years, more than one of those children spoke with me about their problems at home and occasionally that problem included some form of abuse. I felt that something must be done. Not as easy as it sounds! It my hope that the processes we set up are still helping abused children find a safe place to talk openly and receive help.
May 24, 2017
Okay
The book was ok but the title is really really deceiving. It's not to me anyways a story of child abuse don't get me wrong what happens here is not right but the child abuse in the title should be removed.
The book was ok but the title is really really deceiving. It's not to me anyways a story of child abuse don't get me wrong what happens here is not right but the child abuse in the title should be removed.
May 25, 2015
Great bopk
This is a book about a little girl with heartache and they try a new start and she gets abused by her mom's friend....
This is a book about a little girl with heartache and they try a new start and she gets abused by her mom's friend....
April 2, 2019
Dear Daddy
What a concept that was. A young girl writing to her beloved Daddy in a journal. Dealing with losing a loved one especially a parent a devoted as her father had been is extremely hard. Emily was amazingly clever to use her journal in that way. However the other nasty users out there are only to willing to take advantage of any situation. This was so well written and thank you.
What a concept that was. A young girl writing to her beloved Daddy in a journal. Dealing with losing a loved one especially a parent a devoted as her father had been is extremely hard. Emily was amazingly clever to use her journal in that way. However the other nasty users out there are only to willing to take advantage of any situation. This was so well written and thank you.
July 29, 2017
Child abuse is never simple but the story seemed so "simplified" - I like how she told the story from her own point of view but I felt there great chunks of time missing or bits of storyline missing.
I am proud of her tho for pursuing the prosecution and stepping forward to take a monster off the streets.
I am proud of her tho for pursuing the prosecution and stepping forward to take a monster off the streets.
December 8, 2017
Innocent & real
Generally an enjoyable read . The only striking issue came from the grammatical and spelling errors (in which I refer to the adult writing, not it's minimally edited teenage counterpart). However, a highly insightful book overall. Perfect to understand the real, raw emotions that these children can go through.
Generally an enjoyable read . The only striking issue came from the grammatical and spelling errors (in which I refer to the adult writing, not it's minimally edited teenage counterpart). However, a highly insightful book overall. Perfect to understand the real, raw emotions that these children can go through.
June 10, 2018
A very good read very bitter sweet. It's still tuff reading survivor stories like these... but it just reminds me I'm still alive.
A very good read. Still tuff to read or go through stories of child abuse, being a victim myself...it just reminds I'm still alive aahh.
A very good read. Still tuff to read or go through stories of child abuse, being a victim myself...it just reminds I'm still alive aahh.
August 8, 2018
Sweet ending
This was an eye opener. Her life after her fathers died was traumatic. It was nice reading how she coped and finally came to terms with the abuse and healing from losing a great father
This was an eye opener. Her life after her fathers died was traumatic. It was nice reading how she coped and finally came to terms with the abuse and healing from losing a great father
January 10, 2017
Excellent read could not put the Kindle down
Brilliant book, I loved how the final chapter was a goodbye to daddy, very sad what happened to Emily but a happy ending well done :)
Brilliant book, I loved how the final chapter was a goodbye to daddy, very sad what happened to Emily but a happy ending well done :)
May 6, 2017
Great book
Good for abuse survivors. Well written. Well read. Thank you so very much for sharing your story. Everyone should read.
Good for abuse survivors. Well written. Well read. Thank you so very much for sharing your story. Everyone should read.
October 30, 2017
Read better
Read better books ,found it hard to read as in there wasnt much to it, and easy to put down and leave it alone.
Read better books ,found it hard to read as in there wasnt much to it, and easy to put down and leave it alone.
January 12, 2018
Boring
Not that great of a read. Pretty boring and the same ol same ol. I don't recommend this book. Keep looking
Not that great of a read. Pretty boring and the same ol same ol. I don't recommend this book. Keep looking
May 22, 2018
The story was sad, I was happy to see her come out on top of it all. The grammatical mistakes make it a bit hard to read and understand but they are explained why they are there at the end.
September 6, 2018
Amazing
Amazing. A truly touching story that approaches a difficult and emotional subject in the most admirable of ways. Had me in tears!
Amazing. A truly touching story that approaches a difficult and emotional subject in the most admirable of ways. Had me in tears!
April 27, 2019
Fantastic book
I will be telling all to read this book the story a fantastic it took me 3 days to read his book
I will be telling all to read this book the story a fantastic it took me 3 days to read his book
May 28, 2019
Awesome and inspiring.
What a strong lady. You should be so proud of yourself. Great read. Great story. Inspirational and powerful how friends and inner strength help.
What a strong lady. You should be so proud of yourself. Great read. Great story. Inspirational and powerful how friends and inner strength help.
November 16, 2022
Very good
Enjoyed reading this could not put it down not my usual type of book but really did enjoy this book
Enjoyed reading this could not put it down not my usual type of book but really did enjoy this book
February 14, 2023
Too slow, short read
August 24, 2025
brilliant book
July 3, 2016
Thank you!
All too often such nightmares are, "swept under a rug," or hidden away, "behind closed doors". I hope many more read this book and use the strength they have to also find a cathartic way, whether counseling, writing, sharing, or whatever method is right for them, but find a way to voice! Get it out! The pain you still from such events is hurting you way longer than it has to.
When I say, "use the strength they have," I mean just that. If you are a survivor of abuse . . . you have strength, because you did survive. We can't do it alone, though, there are many who will help. Do a little homework, be certain the method you choose is right for you, but also safe and appropriate. Thank you, Emily! Well done!
All too often such nightmares are, "swept under a rug," or hidden away, "behind closed doors". I hope many more read this book and use the strength they have to also find a cathartic way, whether counseling, writing, sharing, or whatever method is right for them, but find a way to voice! Get it out! The pain you still from such events is hurting you way longer than it has to.
When I say, "use the strength they have," I mean just that. If you are a survivor of abuse . . . you have strength, because you did survive. We can't do it alone, though, there are many who will help. Do a little homework, be certain the method you choose is right for you, but also safe and appropriate. Thank you, Emily! Well done!
April 19, 2015
Deceptive child abuse
Manipulation can be hard to see when the person is very charming, kind,and your very young. Which also can make the victim carry a lot of guilt. This story sets the tone for all of the factors of a predator. They know what they want and how to get it. Sadly it's always the law who has doubts about what has transpired. Which makes it even harder for some to come forward. Trust from this child's parent is one thing she did have on her side. Predators know when you're most vulnerable also. It makes it easier for you to become their prey. This story is filled with... the perfect recipe for the most vulnerable lonely child.
Manipulation can be hard to see when the person is very charming, kind,and your very young. Which also can make the victim carry a lot of guilt. This story sets the tone for all of the factors of a predator. They know what they want and how to get it. Sadly it's always the law who has doubts about what has transpired. Which makes it even harder for some to come forward. Trust from this child's parent is one thing she did have on her side. Predators know when you're most vulnerable also. It makes it easier for you to become their prey. This story is filled with... the perfect recipe for the most vulnerable lonely child.
July 23, 2015
Good book I was just a little confused by the title
This was a good book when you finally got to the diary entries . However, I really thought the abuse was from the dad and not someone else . It really threw me off . I was looking for a self-help book from someone being abused by their father . Therefore, I did not receive the help I was looking for but Thanks for sharing your story.
This was a good book when you finally got to the diary entries . However, I really thought the abuse was from the dad and not someone else . It really threw me off . I was looking for a self-help book from someone being abused by their father . Therefore, I did not receive the help I was looking for but Thanks for sharing your story.
June 29, 2015
Excellent
Enjoyed reading the book from o m start to finish. Book left you a with wanting more . Unfortunately in this world there are a lot of children who have their innocent s taken away at a young age. And I thank god for this story it opens our eyes up to the whole situations.
Enjoyed reading the book from o m start to finish. Book left you a with wanting more . Unfortunately in this world there are a lot of children who have their innocent s taken away at a young age. And I thank god for this story it opens our eyes up to the whole situations.
July 6, 2016
Wow
Emily firstly I would like to say that your story is very touching. You show that you can move on. As another woman who suffer as a child you have shown that although its impossible to forget life can still be lived. I hope you managed to plant that tree.
Your daddy must be so proud
Emily firstly I would like to say that your story is very touching. You show that you can move on. As another woman who suffer as a child you have shown that although its impossible to forget life can still be lived. I hope you managed to plant that tree.
Your daddy must be so proud
March 31, 2016
My headline
I cant say my heart was broken but it was a quick read with a happy ending. And it would have been interesting to know if she was still friends with Jessica and if their parents were still friends too.
I cant say my heart was broken but it was a quick read with a happy ending. And it would have been interesting to know if she was still friends with Jessica and if their parents were still friends too.
July 8, 2016
Great story
Wonderful powerful story it's insight provides strength for someone going thru something similAr who thinks it's okay for an older person taking Dvantage of their age and inexperience great read
Wonderful powerful story it's insight provides strength for someone going thru something similAr who thinks it's okay for an older person taking Dvantage of their age and inexperience great read
February 2, 2017
Good
Well written account of a adolescent girl who gets involved with a 29 year old man. What she thinks is a trustworthy friend turns out completely different.
Written first hand by the author i enjoyed reading this. I would definitely recommend.
Well written account of a adolescent girl who gets involved with a 29 year old man. What she thinks is a trustworthy friend turns out completely different.
Written first hand by the author i enjoyed reading this. I would definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews