What do you think?
Rate this book
Tears of the Silenced: A True Crime and an American Tragedy; Severe Child Abuse and Leaving the Amish
One freezing morning in early March I made a dash for a tiny police station in rural Minnesota. I was a frightened Amish girl with nowhere to go, a second-grade education and no ID or social security card...
Based on the tragic true story.
When I was six years old my family started to live and dress like the Amish. My sister and I were kept as slaves on a mountain ranch where we were subjected to almost complete isolation, sexual abuse, and extreme physical violence. My step-father kept a loaded rifle by the door at all times and we were to terrified to try to escape.We knew that no rescue would ever come because only a couple of people even knew we existed and they did not know us well enough to care.
In my late teens, my parents feared we would escape and took us to an Amish community where we were adopted and became baptized members.I was devastated to once again find myself in a world of fear, animal cruelty and sexual abuse.Going to the police was forbidden. A few years later I was sexually assaulted by the bishop, I knew I had to get help and one freezing morning in early March I made a dash for a tiny police station in rural Minnesota. When I refused to recant my police report I was excommunicated from the Amish and found myself plummeted into the strange modern world with only a second-grade education and no ID or social security card.
To all abuse survivors out there, Please be encouraged, the cycle of abuse can be broken. Today, ten years later, I am a nursing student working towards my Masters degree and a child abuse awareness activist. This is my story...
Based on the tragic true story.
When I was six years old my family started to live and dress like the Amish. My sister and I were kept as slaves on a mountain ranch where we were subjected to almost complete isolation, sexual abuse, and extreme physical violence. My step-father kept a loaded rifle by the door at all times and we were to terrified to try to escape.We knew that no rescue would ever come because only a couple of people even knew we existed and they did not know us well enough to care.
In my late teens, my parents feared we would escape and took us to an Amish community where we were adopted and became baptized members.I was devastated to once again find myself in a world of fear, animal cruelty and sexual abuse.Going to the police was forbidden. A few years later I was sexually assaulted by the bishop, I knew I had to get help and one freezing morning in early March I made a dash for a tiny police station in rural Minnesota. When I refused to recant my police report I was excommunicated from the Amish and found myself plummeted into the strange modern world with only a second-grade education and no ID or social security card.
To all abuse survivors out there, Please be encouraged, the cycle of abuse can be broken. Today, ten years later, I am a nursing student working towards my Masters degree and a child abuse awareness activist. This is my story...
450 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2014
7138 people are currently reading
25070 people want to read
About the author
Misty Griffin
10 books852 followersMisty Griffin is the author of her best selling memoir Tears of the Silenced. Misty wrote her memoir to raise awareness about child abuse and sexual assault cover up among the Amish and other strict religious groups.
Misty Griffin’s inspiring story takes you through her ordeal as a severely abused child and then her experiences as a young woman in an Amish community- a place where pedophilia was never reported or punished - and finally her escape and efforts to save her sister and bring the perpetrators to justice, all while adapting to a modern life she had never known.
Now a Registered Nurse, happily married and with a child of her own, Misty has dedicated her life to making a difference.
Misty has also been to D.C, accompanied by her former Mennonite friend Jasper Hoffman and spoken personally to a member of congress about sexual assault and child abuse among the Amish and Mennonites.
Misty hopes to pass legislation to mandate reporting of child abuse in cloistered communities such as the Amish and to extend Erin’s Law - which mandates age-appropriate sex abuse prevention education in public schools - to private schools and religious communities. Misty’s change.org petition #invisible calls on Congress, the Senate and President Biden to take action.
You can sign the petition on Misty's website https://www.mistygriffin.com/
Email Misty at mistyegriffin@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @Misty_E_Griffin
Misty Griffin’s inspiring story takes you through her ordeal as a severely abused child and then her experiences as a young woman in an Amish community- a place where pedophilia was never reported or punished - and finally her escape and efforts to save her sister and bring the perpetrators to justice, all while adapting to a modern life she had never known.
Now a Registered Nurse, happily married and with a child of her own, Misty has dedicated her life to making a difference.
Misty has also been to D.C, accompanied by her former Mennonite friend Jasper Hoffman and spoken personally to a member of congress about sexual assault and child abuse among the Amish and Mennonites.
Misty hopes to pass legislation to mandate reporting of child abuse in cloistered communities such as the Amish and to extend Erin’s Law - which mandates age-appropriate sex abuse prevention education in public schools - to private schools and religious communities. Misty’s change.org petition #invisible calls on Congress, the Senate and President Biden to take action.
You can sign the petition on Misty's website https://www.mistygriffin.com/
Email Misty at mistyegriffin@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @Misty_E_Griffin
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,096 reviews
Read
February 20, 2016Breaking the silence on Amish sexual abuse. My memoir about leaving the Amish
August 26, 2015
I am not sure whether to consider this a novel based on several actual abuse cases, or if its an autobiographical account with lavishly embellished events created in the authors mind to demonize and project her past abuse onto the Amish with impunity because the Amish are not very likely to dispute her story. The public is not very likely to actually demand facts but far too many will read it and take it at face value with out question
I tend to lean towards the latter. I was born and raised Swartzentruber Amish and one thing is for certain. This is NOT a true story as the author implies. There are far too many discrepancies for it to be even remotely legit in that aspect and for me to take many of her accusations serious. She has definitely suffered abuse and I am sorry she had to endure that but it doesn’t give her the right to fabricate an account and claim it to be true. I have since left the Amish but will always acknowledge the good of the community.
The Swartzentrubers do not accept and raise any children from an outside family for one. They do not ‘elect’ Bishops, they are chosen by ‘lot’. There is no ‘engagement’ period in the Swartzentrubers as she suggests, and the list goes on. Hexing buggy wheels so they cant move and have to walk to church, using dark magic to open cupboards are claims so far fetched, its simply not believable to a person with any degree of logic, especially for someone that has any real knowledge of the Amish. In her narrative she was told to choose an ‘Amish’ name and then uses names like ‘Phyllis’ for her Amish characters. I never heard of an Amish person with that name, even in the more progressive groups. I mean I get it that she is trying to paint a picture to put the Amish in a bad light but she is so over the top and embellishes so badly it gets almost laughable at times. One thing I can agree with her on is the romance novels written about the Amish by non Amish authors who project their own idealistic Puritanical ideas into them try and pass them off as fact, are giving the general public a false sense of reality about Amish life.
There are social and sexual deviants within the Amish as in any group. There is a need for awareness within the Amish but writing blatant sensationalism will not help that at all. As a matter of fact, I am not sure which disadvantages the abused within the Amish more, the Amish fiction that paints it as a perfect Puritanical life or this one that sensationalizes it into the fiction category and makes it totally unbelievable.
The book is rather drawn out and repetitive and somewhat poorly edited. Although I am sure if she reduced it to mere fact and used a credible, mainstream publisher and left the fiction out, it would not have made enough of a story to sell. Adding the Amish element to it definitely made it more sellable and shocking. Its somewhat choppy and almost seems like it was written in parts by different personas. I found it interesting that while she was in the first section of the book where she describes ‘mama’ and Brian and all the Sadistic abuse they subjected her to, she then quoted Octave Mirbeau. I would think someone writing a book under the pretense of being an advocate for abused children would want to refrain from even mentioning Mirbeau
It is difficult to believe every adult in her life was such a monster. Her plotline and events are so sketchy and vague and With the blatant discrepancies in the way she describes some things that I know because of the way I was raised, to be untrue, I really don’t know what, if anything she says, to believe. There are only several Swartzentruber settlements in Minnesota and I have uncles and cousins in each one. No one there has ever heard of her claims and with good reason. It never happened
I tend to lean towards the latter. I was born and raised Swartzentruber Amish and one thing is for certain. This is NOT a true story as the author implies. There are far too many discrepancies for it to be even remotely legit in that aspect and for me to take many of her accusations serious. She has definitely suffered abuse and I am sorry she had to endure that but it doesn’t give her the right to fabricate an account and claim it to be true. I have since left the Amish but will always acknowledge the good of the community.
The Swartzentrubers do not accept and raise any children from an outside family for one. They do not ‘elect’ Bishops, they are chosen by ‘lot’. There is no ‘engagement’ period in the Swartzentrubers as she suggests, and the list goes on. Hexing buggy wheels so they cant move and have to walk to church, using dark magic to open cupboards are claims so far fetched, its simply not believable to a person with any degree of logic, especially for someone that has any real knowledge of the Amish. In her narrative she was told to choose an ‘Amish’ name and then uses names like ‘Phyllis’ for her Amish characters. I never heard of an Amish person with that name, even in the more progressive groups. I mean I get it that she is trying to paint a picture to put the Amish in a bad light but she is so over the top and embellishes so badly it gets almost laughable at times. One thing I can agree with her on is the romance novels written about the Amish by non Amish authors who project their own idealistic Puritanical ideas into them try and pass them off as fact, are giving the general public a false sense of reality about Amish life.
There are social and sexual deviants within the Amish as in any group. There is a need for awareness within the Amish but writing blatant sensationalism will not help that at all. As a matter of fact, I am not sure which disadvantages the abused within the Amish more, the Amish fiction that paints it as a perfect Puritanical life or this one that sensationalizes it into the fiction category and makes it totally unbelievable.
The book is rather drawn out and repetitive and somewhat poorly edited. Although I am sure if she reduced it to mere fact and used a credible, mainstream publisher and left the fiction out, it would not have made enough of a story to sell. Adding the Amish element to it definitely made it more sellable and shocking. Its somewhat choppy and almost seems like it was written in parts by different personas. I found it interesting that while she was in the first section of the book where she describes ‘mama’ and Brian and all the Sadistic abuse they subjected her to, she then quoted Octave Mirbeau. I would think someone writing a book under the pretense of being an advocate for abused children would want to refrain from even mentioning Mirbeau
It is difficult to believe every adult in her life was such a monster. Her plotline and events are so sketchy and vague and With the blatant discrepancies in the way she describes some things that I know because of the way I was raised, to be untrue, I really don’t know what, if anything she says, to believe. There are only several Swartzentruber settlements in Minnesota and I have uncles and cousins in each one. No one there has ever heard of her claims and with good reason. It never happened
April 2, 2016
I give up. If this author had an horrific childhood, she has my deepest sympathies. However, this book is not only dreadful, but completely unbelievable. "Let me count the ways ..."
1. Her "family" was not Amish. That she would blame that community for her trauma(s) is ridiculous and unsupported by any kind of fact. I'm sure there are cases of child abuse in Amish communities; just as there are vile cases in every strata of society. How did she end up in an Amish community anyway? To my knowledge, taking in outside young people is something that is not part of that culture. I could certainly be wrong, but I don't think so.
2. Did ANYONE edit this book? The spelling, grammar, word usage, and punctuation were so bad, I had to stop mentally correcting every sentence. That was hard, as I teach remedial English and EFL.
3. As another stated, I get it. The author is "tiny." How many times does the reader need to hear that? She's also perfect ... and beautiful ("pretty," in her words). I was almost nauseated by her "sweetness," not to mention her frequently commented on "kind eyes," etc. What is this? The canonization of Misty (or Emma)?
4. With the lack of education the author refers to, how is it she was asked to write a column for a community newsletter? Her "wisdom" is at best, difficult to swallow. At the least, it reads as completely bogus.
5. Baptism? For an outsider, and a teenager, after a short span of time? Really?
And seriously? Every adult in her life is an abuser (or a "boy" who is after her)? The women are verbally and emotionally vicious (but for mommy-dearest, who, if a real person, is indeed monstrous), but every man is portrayed as an abusive monster. Yet we are to believe our hero is a magnet for babies, animals, children, ad nauseam, and escapes all of this (virtually) unscathed.
I simply do not believe this book is nonfiction. At page 300+, I finally deleted it. The author needs help, no doubt, and I hope she gets it. But to pass this tripe off as a "true" book is appalling. Sorry.
1. Her "family" was not Amish. That she would blame that community for her trauma(s) is ridiculous and unsupported by any kind of fact. I'm sure there are cases of child abuse in Amish communities; just as there are vile cases in every strata of society. How did she end up in an Amish community anyway? To my knowledge, taking in outside young people is something that is not part of that culture. I could certainly be wrong, but I don't think so.
2. Did ANYONE edit this book? The spelling, grammar, word usage, and punctuation were so bad, I had to stop mentally correcting every sentence. That was hard, as I teach remedial English and EFL.
3. As another stated, I get it. The author is "tiny." How many times does the reader need to hear that? She's also perfect ... and beautiful ("pretty," in her words). I was almost nauseated by her "sweetness," not to mention her frequently commented on "kind eyes," etc. What is this? The canonization of Misty (or Emma)?
4. With the lack of education the author refers to, how is it she was asked to write a column for a community newsletter? Her "wisdom" is at best, difficult to swallow. At the least, it reads as completely bogus.
5. Baptism? For an outsider, and a teenager, after a short span of time? Really?
And seriously? Every adult in her life is an abuser (or a "boy" who is after her)? The women are verbally and emotionally vicious (but for mommy-dearest, who, if a real person, is indeed monstrous), but every man is portrayed as an abusive monster. Yet we are to believe our hero is a magnet for babies, animals, children, ad nauseam, and escapes all of this (virtually) unscathed.
I simply do not believe this book is nonfiction. At page 300+, I finally deleted it. The author needs help, no doubt, and I hope she gets it. But to pass this tripe off as a "true" book is appalling. Sorry.
July 27, 2021
Popsugar Challenge 2021 - A book you think your best friend would like
I haven't read a book like this in many decades, since I read A Child Called It which was probably pre internet. Trigger warnings for pretty much everything here, its harrowing.
This is Misty's memoir of her childhood with her abusive parents and her journey into the Amish lifestyle / community.
While horrific on many levels this was a great insight into a (not all) Amish community, the beliefs, the day to day life, the structure and processes of marriage, sins etc etc. I've come out of this reading experience with much more knowledge than I went into it with.
I'm not here to rate anyone's life, auto five stars from me on memoirs.
At time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
I haven't read a book like this in many decades, since I read A Child Called It which was probably pre internet. Trigger warnings for pretty much everything here, its harrowing.
This is Misty's memoir of her childhood with her abusive parents and her journey into the Amish lifestyle / community.
While horrific on many levels this was a great insight into a (not all) Amish community, the beliefs, the day to day life, the structure and processes of marriage, sins etc etc. I've come out of this reading experience with much more knowledge than I went into it with.
I'm not here to rate anyone's life, auto five stars from me on memoirs.
At time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
December 20, 2019
(I'm not really sure if the stars are right for this kind of book it's somebody's life)
Tears Of The Silenced by Misty Griffin is about the authors life and all the kinds of abuse she and her sister went through before joining an Amish community and whilst being part of the community.
I could not for the life of me begin to even imagine how these two girls survived.
It's definitely an eye opener into others life's which is just horrendous and heartbreaking.
I can't decide if it's a happy ending or not (it's kind of both in a odd way)
It also opens your eyes to the whole evil lurks in every corner no matter what we believe in.
Would I recommend this?? Yes and No 📖
Tears Of The Silenced by Misty Griffin is about the authors life and all the kinds of abuse she and her sister went through before joining an Amish community and whilst being part of the community.
I could not for the life of me begin to even imagine how these two girls survived.
It's definitely an eye opener into others life's which is just horrendous and heartbreaking.
I can't decide if it's a happy ending or not (it's kind of both in a odd way)
It also opens your eyes to the whole evil lurks in every corner no matter what we believe in.
Would I recommend this?? Yes and No 📖
June 15, 2015
I wanted to cry but I couldn't. This is a powerful book about child abuse and how abusers get away with their crimes. I'm glad the author escaped her misery but my heart aches for all of those who cannot escape their tormentors. A few Summers back, I attended a demonstration against a Satmar male therapist who molested a young girl under his professional care. Amish and Hasidic communities are insular and nobody talks about abuse. The government can't interfere allegedly but all these fundamentalist groups can get money from the government. That is unacceptable and they have to be held accountable for the damage they have inflicted on so many children and adults. I hope more books like this are published so that that the truth can set the victims free.
November 23, 2015
Dammit. It did not save my review! That's so annoying. I'll have to write it all over again. I swear if I have to write one more thing over again I will turn into something.
Anyway, this book is painful to read. It's like trying to watch Slumdog Millionaire which I could not even handle because the child abuse would not end. I was like if one more child gets beaten and molested in this book... It made me want to jump into the book and just shoot her so-called parents who beat her endless and her mother let her step father molest and beat both sisters and force them into a pseudoAmish cult.
Then when they join a real group of Amish you think, oh, things will get better! Amish people are so pure and innocent right? So virtuous.
But then you would be WRONG! Because there is molestation and all kinds of problems in the Amish community. But if a person molests a child they get put in the Bann for six weeks. Then the victim is forced to forgive them. Never mind THAT IT HAPPENS OVER AND OVER AGAIN!
But if you're gay you'd be kicked out. But get molested and don't forgive and YOU'RE TREATED LIKE YOU COMMITTED A CRIME! They won't even get the cops involved. It's horrible.
So, Misty stood up and called the cops on a man who was raping his kids, tried to rape her and then was also poisoning his wife. But she was treated like the bad guy for involving outsiders.
I really hope that her so-called parents were punished somehow because they were not only abusing these kids but an elderly woman and a mentally ill woman!
Anyway, this book is painful to read. It's like trying to watch Slumdog Millionaire which I could not even handle because the child abuse would not end. I was like if one more child gets beaten and molested in this book... It made me want to jump into the book and just shoot her so-called parents who beat her endless and her mother let her step father molest and beat both sisters and force them into a pseudoAmish cult.
Then when they join a real group of Amish you think, oh, things will get better! Amish people are so pure and innocent right? So virtuous.
But then you would be WRONG! Because there is molestation and all kinds of problems in the Amish community. But if a person molests a child they get put in the Bann for six weeks. Then the victim is forced to forgive them. Never mind THAT IT HAPPENS OVER AND OVER AGAIN!
But if you're gay you'd be kicked out. But get molested and don't forgive and YOU'RE TREATED LIKE YOU COMMITTED A CRIME! They won't even get the cops involved. It's horrible.
So, Misty stood up and called the cops on a man who was raping his kids, tried to rape her and then was also poisoning his wife. But she was treated like the bad guy for involving outsiders.
I really hope that her so-called parents were punished somehow because they were not only abusing these kids but an elderly woman and a mentally ill woman!
April 9, 2016
I wish I could give ZERO stars!
What a crock of shite! For someone who "doesn't remember things well" because they fell head first into the mouth of a Dane at 4 and had suffered severe head injuries (don't even get me started on that flat out lie!) she sure remembers a lot, and in minute and graphic detail! And the claims of the FBI coming in and taking her from her mom and dad because they had a warrant for kidnapping, yet the parents weren't arrested? Lady, I want what ever it is that you've been smoking!
As someone who is a survivor of childhood abuse/sexual abuse, domestic violence who also suffers a TBI from being hit head on by a drunk driver, I have PTSD, I have borderline personality disorder stemming from the abuse, I am appalled at this clear attempt to exploit what true victims live through!
She may have suffered some type of abuse, but this "true story" is a huge pile of bullshit! This is the only time I've ever said this, but SHAME ON YOU! I hope you rot in hell!
What a crock of shite! For someone who "doesn't remember things well" because they fell head first into the mouth of a Dane at 4 and had suffered severe head injuries (don't even get me started on that flat out lie!) she sure remembers a lot, and in minute and graphic detail! And the claims of the FBI coming in and taking her from her mom and dad because they had a warrant for kidnapping, yet the parents weren't arrested? Lady, I want what ever it is that you've been smoking!
As someone who is a survivor of childhood abuse/sexual abuse, domestic violence who also suffers a TBI from being hit head on by a drunk driver, I have PTSD, I have borderline personality disorder stemming from the abuse, I am appalled at this clear attempt to exploit what true victims live through!
She may have suffered some type of abuse, but this "true story" is a huge pile of bullshit! This is the only time I've ever said this, but SHAME ON YOU! I hope you rot in hell!
August 15, 2025
Tears of the Silenced by Misty Griffin is a power memoir to the insight of Amish life. The horror the Amish children live through full of abuse, intimidation, fear and finally bravery. Sadly, these children fell through the cracks with prim dresses and soft innocent voices of adults. No one of authority pulled children aside to interview one on one. Generational abuse continue to spiral down. One brave young lady started to break the chain of abuse. Congrats to Misty for her bravery and standing up to the demons that haunt the night. Maybe one day you will reunite with your sister, get a relationship with your dad and brother. I am so happy you didn’t fall into a life of addiction, prostitution or early pregnancy. It so easily could have happened to you. God Bless!
May 15, 2017
A fabricated tabloid like story passing as a biography. Yes, child abuse does happen in Amish communities like it does in the world at large, trust me. HOWEVER using a sad aspect of humanity to sell books for your own gain not only takes away the attention and support for those who are abused but only make people less likely to believe those in Amish communities who come forward looking for help.
From her claims to have a GED but yet failed the math section (Trust me, GED testing doesn't allow for failure in ANY aspect and yet still give GED certifications) to claims of black magic to curse people's buggies, everything is suspect. Even the inner workings of everyday Amish life are wrong in the details. Bishops are chosen by blind lot, not chosen or elected to a position, for example. SHe claims to have been adopted in to her community but adoption from the outside isn't something that Swartzentruber Amish do, ever. The beatings she claims to have endured, including heavy whippings from a thick strap belt multiple times a day for days on end, would have easily killed an adult let alone a small child.
I don't doubt that the author might have been abused in some way, at some point, in her Amish community (assuming she even WAS part of a community). But if that's the case then it's been spun in to a ridiculously farcical sensationalist tale for her own gain and all that does is make it MUCH harder for those going through abuse to get the credibility they need in order to find a way out.
From her claims to have a GED but yet failed the math section (Trust me, GED testing doesn't allow for failure in ANY aspect and yet still give GED certifications) to claims of black magic to curse people's buggies, everything is suspect. Even the inner workings of everyday Amish life are wrong in the details. Bishops are chosen by blind lot, not chosen or elected to a position, for example. SHe claims to have been adopted in to her community but adoption from the outside isn't something that Swartzentruber Amish do, ever. The beatings she claims to have endured, including heavy whippings from a thick strap belt multiple times a day for days on end, would have easily killed an adult let alone a small child.
I don't doubt that the author might have been abused in some way, at some point, in her Amish community (assuming she even WAS part of a community). But if that's the case then it's been spun in to a ridiculously farcical sensationalist tale for her own gain and all that does is make it MUCH harder for those going through abuse to get the credibility they need in order to find a way out.
March 13, 2017
andrew's adventure in kindle unlimited-eligible titles, part 5:
well, here it is. the top choice eligible for kindle unlimited, the obvious pinnacle of quality in the field.
Trigger Warning: Expand the following field for my usual flippant tone.
I am sensitive to the clearly traumatic childhood Ms. Griffin underwent. But this book is not, not, not what she should be doing with her time, and any editor who cared about her would not have let it be released to the public in this form.
Overall I would not recommend the kindle unlimited service.
well, here it is. the top choice eligible for kindle unlimited, the obvious pinnacle of quality in the field.
Trigger Warning: Expand the following field for my usual flippant tone.
I am sensitive to the clearly traumatic childhood Ms. Griffin underwent. But this book is not, not, not what she should be doing with her time, and any editor who cared about her would not have let it be released to the public in this form.
Overall I would not recommend the kindle unlimited service.
February 4, 2016
Tragic, sure. Well written, nope. Plenty of odd phrasing and moments to indicate perhaps less than authentic. I finished it because I finish things.
October 26, 2018
I read this book, mainly because I went through an abusive childhood and I was intrigued by the Amish angle. I wanted to know about the abuse she endured as well as how she got to a place where she could write about her experience.
I am not Amish, nor do I know about the Amish in any great detail. I do have Mennonite co-workers and friends. My wife and I, with her brother and wife visited 'Amish' country in Ohio and in the hustle and bustle of my normal life, I will say that I liked what I saw and wanted to jump out of the car and join them.
Before I gather thoughts on writing a review I looked at other reviews on goodreads, some of which I could both agree with and some disagree with. One person brought up the 'fact' that the Amish don't take in anyone outside their culture, but I have read an article (National Geographic?), where people were able to become members of the community. According to the article it is very rare but possible. Another person, indicated that in his (Amish) community, Bishops were not elected but were chosen by lot. I believe Misty indicated that the Bishops were chosen by lot, in that several men were recommended (elected?) and given bibles where one bible had a slip of paper indicate the bearer was to become a Bishop. The reviewer also condemned the superstition/witchcraft angle of her Amish district. I know nothing about that but must make observation that there is a history of hex symbols painted on barns and many are reproduced and are for sale to the 'English'. What is the origins of the need for hex symbols? Maybe they are not any superstitions as a part of life now, but there was a time that they were. The hex signs did not come out of a vacuum, even if they are now considered endearing folk art, which is part of the Amish charm. I am sure googling the subject will bring about a lot of information, but I have said enough, I just wanted to make a couple of observations. Already, I put more work in this review then I intended.
The book did capture my imagination and I read through it in a very short time. Like others have observed, editing seem non-existent. I kept asking myself what was the point on repeating this or that aspect of her life. When she announced at the beginning of a chapter how her life was about to change for the worst (again), I didn't feel that it did. Significant was when Brian tried to kill her, and later when the Bishop assaulted her under the barn. The beatings when she and her sister were young were brutal to say the least, but she did not indicate that there was any in the Amish community, and her negative experiences seemed more like 'the growing pains' of becoming Amish. Except that she was very leery of what intentions her Amish father may have on her, she didn't report anything more than his desire to be alone with her and her Amish mother's jealousy. What is factual and what may be an exaggeration? I don't know. Why even bring up the subject of the Bishop and bestiality? She made no direct observations of the Bishop pursuing this. The author claims to be on the short end of the education spectrum, but I feel that she may have been emphasizing the wrong things in the structure of her writing. Is she going to hell if she rejects the Amish way? She said she knew more about the Bible than the Bishop did, the biblical answer was there for her to grasp and process. She regretted her need to leave the Amish community, but as she revealed what she went through before she was accepted by the Amish, there had to be a overwhelming need for family. She expressed multiple times how she and her sister did not know what normalcy was outside her mother and step-father's control.
As already indicated, there was a lot about this story that did not make sense. It is suspicious that Misty has a very balance and perfect view of herself and what is required to be a halfway decent person, but she writes about her many pleas to God and these attributes may have been passed on as part of her faith. There are things that need to be elaborated on. Cases of abuse often takes on forms that never makes sense. As an abuse survivor, I will say I am hyperaware of the possibility of abuse in everything I observe. Misty indicated her suspicions in the things she observed. I am unhappy that she reports no consequences or actions against her mother and stepdad by herself or the authorities. In my own case of abuse, even with clear proof and other victims coming forward, not much was done to my abuser. I blame that on the attitudes at that time and the lack of clear-cut actions that needed to be implemented by law enforcement and state agencys.
I liked the book. I would not recommend that you don't read the book, but it could have been written more concisely and with more thought towards the many questions her account of her abuse would generate from reading it.
I am not Amish, nor do I know about the Amish in any great detail. I do have Mennonite co-workers and friends. My wife and I, with her brother and wife visited 'Amish' country in Ohio and in the hustle and bustle of my normal life, I will say that I liked what I saw and wanted to jump out of the car and join them.
Before I gather thoughts on writing a review I looked at other reviews on goodreads, some of which I could both agree with and some disagree with. One person brought up the 'fact' that the Amish don't take in anyone outside their culture, but I have read an article (National Geographic?), where people were able to become members of the community. According to the article it is very rare but possible. Another person, indicated that in his (Amish) community, Bishops were not elected but were chosen by lot. I believe Misty indicated that the Bishops were chosen by lot, in that several men were recommended (elected?) and given bibles where one bible had a slip of paper indicate the bearer was to become a Bishop. The reviewer also condemned the superstition/witchcraft angle of her Amish district. I know nothing about that but must make observation that there is a history of hex symbols painted on barns and many are reproduced and are for sale to the 'English'. What is the origins of the need for hex symbols? Maybe they are not any superstitions as a part of life now, but there was a time that they were. The hex signs did not come out of a vacuum, even if they are now considered endearing folk art, which is part of the Amish charm. I am sure googling the subject will bring about a lot of information, but I have said enough, I just wanted to make a couple of observations. Already, I put more work in this review then I intended.
The book did capture my imagination and I read through it in a very short time. Like others have observed, editing seem non-existent. I kept asking myself what was the point on repeating this or that aspect of her life. When she announced at the beginning of a chapter how her life was about to change for the worst (again), I didn't feel that it did. Significant was when Brian tried to kill her, and later when the Bishop assaulted her under the barn. The beatings when she and her sister were young were brutal to say the least, but she did not indicate that there was any in the Amish community, and her negative experiences seemed more like 'the growing pains' of becoming Amish. Except that she was very leery of what intentions her Amish father may have on her, she didn't report anything more than his desire to be alone with her and her Amish mother's jealousy. What is factual and what may be an exaggeration? I don't know. Why even bring up the subject of the Bishop and bestiality? She made no direct observations of the Bishop pursuing this. The author claims to be on the short end of the education spectrum, but I feel that she may have been emphasizing the wrong things in the structure of her writing. Is she going to hell if she rejects the Amish way? She said she knew more about the Bible than the Bishop did, the biblical answer was there for her to grasp and process. She regretted her need to leave the Amish community, but as she revealed what she went through before she was accepted by the Amish, there had to be a overwhelming need for family. She expressed multiple times how she and her sister did not know what normalcy was outside her mother and step-father's control.
As already indicated, there was a lot about this story that did not make sense. It is suspicious that Misty has a very balance and perfect view of herself and what is required to be a halfway decent person, but she writes about her many pleas to God and these attributes may have been passed on as part of her faith. There are things that need to be elaborated on. Cases of abuse often takes on forms that never makes sense. As an abuse survivor, I will say I am hyperaware of the possibility of abuse in everything I observe. Misty indicated her suspicions in the things she observed. I am unhappy that she reports no consequences or actions against her mother and stepdad by herself or the authorities. In my own case of abuse, even with clear proof and other victims coming forward, not much was done to my abuser. I blame that on the attitudes at that time and the lack of clear-cut actions that needed to be implemented by law enforcement and state agencys.
I liked the book. I would not recommend that you don't read the book, but it could have been written more concisely and with more thought towards the many questions her account of her abuse would generate from reading it.
June 30, 2018
It is very rare that I don't finish a book. I am generally a very patient and generous reader even if a book doesn't immediately grab me.
But this book disappointed on several fronts.
One, I purchased this book because a friend recently had the Amish build a produce stand for her farm. I've always been fascinated by this plainly-dressed community whose members seem happy to shun the world at large.
Both the book title and the prologue indicates that this is a book, at least in part, about the Amish. Unfortunately, the author and her family were not Amish. Her stepfather ultimately wanted to live like the Amish but only managed a somewhat perverse interpretation at best.
Two, the characters lack depth and feel more like rough outlines of people rather than complex human beings, which is especially strange since this is supposed to be based on a true story. For example, the parents are repeatedly referred to a evil monsters who beat their two daughter multiple times a day, laughing and physically taking pleasure in the abuse. Then in the next breath, the author also tells us that there were other times where things were normal. The problem is the reader doesn't really get a sense of the dichotomy as the author doesn't paint a very clear portrait with her descriptions. And this brings me to the third point.
Three, the repetition is boring. Stylistically, this book is lacking. Every chapter feels like a duplicate of the previous. Now to be fair, I only made it 20% way through the book. Still, to me, the story lacked emotion and insight, which is something I think all good memoirs should have.
So how did this book manage to get an average 4 star rating? I have no clue. Maybe I simply gave up too soon. Maybe I had too my preconceptions or unrealistic expectations. Maybe the shocking and bizarre life this woman describes is enough for other readers to overlook its shortcomings.
This woman obviously had a horrendous childhood, and I applaud her for having the courage to write a book.
Perhaps at some point, I might pick this one back up and if I do I will be sure to update my review.
But this book disappointed on several fronts.
One, I purchased this book because a friend recently had the Amish build a produce stand for her farm. I've always been fascinated by this plainly-dressed community whose members seem happy to shun the world at large.
Both the book title and the prologue indicates that this is a book, at least in part, about the Amish. Unfortunately, the author and her family were not Amish. Her stepfather ultimately wanted to live like the Amish but only managed a somewhat perverse interpretation at best.
Two, the characters lack depth and feel more like rough outlines of people rather than complex human beings, which is especially strange since this is supposed to be based on a true story. For example, the parents are repeatedly referred to a evil monsters who beat their two daughter multiple times a day, laughing and physically taking pleasure in the abuse. Then in the next breath, the author also tells us that there were other times where things were normal. The problem is the reader doesn't really get a sense of the dichotomy as the author doesn't paint a very clear portrait with her descriptions. And this brings me to the third point.
Three, the repetition is boring. Stylistically, this book is lacking. Every chapter feels like a duplicate of the previous. Now to be fair, I only made it 20% way through the book. Still, to me, the story lacked emotion and insight, which is something I think all good memoirs should have.
So how did this book manage to get an average 4 star rating? I have no clue. Maybe I simply gave up too soon. Maybe I had too my preconceptions or unrealistic expectations. Maybe the shocking and bizarre life this woman describes is enough for other readers to overlook its shortcomings.
This woman obviously had a horrendous childhood, and I applaud her for having the courage to write a book.
Perhaps at some point, I might pick this one back up and if I do I will be sure to update my review.
June 27, 2020
At moments, this was a tough book to read.
You feel dirty at times, witnessing the abuse these two girls, their grandmother and their aunt suffered through the book. It almost felt wrong to read it.
But there is a message there.
Moving forward is possible.
You won't feel it at that moment, in that space in time, but it is there. Just like it was for Misty. She took that power into her own hands.
She is a voice for all of those silenced victims in the Amish community.
As a worldly person, I am left wondering how we as a people can allow this to continue. If you read this book, you will be affected. You will probably ask how people can turn a blind eye based on religion.
I did, at least.
I read my Bible every single day, and the teachings I learn from God within that book say nothing about abuse and being a sexual predator.
At least there is a happy ending to the story.
You feel dirty at times, witnessing the abuse these two girls, their grandmother and their aunt suffered through the book. It almost felt wrong to read it.
But there is a message there.
Moving forward is possible.
You won't feel it at that moment, in that space in time, but it is there. Just like it was for Misty. She took that power into her own hands.
She is a voice for all of those silenced victims in the Amish community.
As a worldly person, I am left wondering how we as a people can allow this to continue. If you read this book, you will be affected. You will probably ask how people can turn a blind eye based on religion.
I did, at least.
I read my Bible every single day, and the teachings I learn from God within that book say nothing about abuse and being a sexual predator.
At least there is a happy ending to the story.
July 20, 2016
1, Not believable. Not worth wasting my time to review. Other negative reviews pretty much sum things up.
2.Poorly edited -- typos all over the place
2.Poorly edited -- typos all over the place
December 14, 2018
I probably need to stop spending time with these Kindle freebies. By and large they really are pretty bad.
The writing in this one wasn't as bad as the last one I read (something about the Colonial Parkway murders in the 80s... Ugh it was awful), but it still feels like something written for a high school English class, which I suppose makes sense given her lack of a formal education. This book was either edited poorly or not edited at all, not sure which.
If I had a nickel for every sentence in this book structured as "I blah blah blah..." I could fully fund my pension. Entire paragraphs were composed this way. The author claims she had a college professor who spotted her writing talent and encouraged her to become a writer. Oh boy... She does seem adept at being able to toot her own horn in spots, like when mentioning how much more slim and shapely her figure is in comparison to other Amish girls. Sigh.
I cracked up at how she censors what she considers to be profanity: "a*s" and "h**l" and perhaps my favorite, the hard hitting "j*rk." No F-bombs here folks!
The story? I do not doubt for a second she suffered abuse. Serious and horrific emotional, physical, sexual abuse. But there are some parts of her story that don't quite add up. Like the part about the FBI coming after her parents for kidnapping, but then letting them off the hook... Yeah that does not ring true. Also the FBI picking up somebody for not registering as a sex offender. When does the FBI get involved in that? How about NEVER. That is handled at the local level. She manages to earn a GED in record time but has only a rudimentary understanding of math. Really? She teaches herself to ride a bike in a matter of minutes, then despite not understanding even the most basic aspects of modern life she rides off into traffic. Her family bought her the cheapest bus ticket for her trip to Wisconsin, even though they seems to be solidly middle class. Very strange. There are enough inconsistencies to make me wonder about the veracity of many of her details. I suspect she has embellished a bit.
It's worth mentioning her parents were not actually Amish... They were a familial cult that just embraced some aspects of Amish life. My guess is both her parents suffered from schizophrenia, but that's just a guess. And certainly the abuse she suffered when living with the Amish was abhorrent, but hardly surprising. The Amish, like all religions, fall somewhere on the cult spectrum... But probably more extreme than generally acknowledged by the public because of their seemingly pious outward behavior. I think perhaps a more interesting angle to the story would have been to draw some parallels between the Amish and other more "high profile" cults. The story is heartbreaking though. In the hands of a better skilled writer this could have been a really good read.
In general, this was an adequate time waster while I wait for holds on better books from the library... It feels like the author is still working through a lot of emotional issues, and this book might be a bit of axe grinding. So read this at your own risk I suppose.
The writing in this one wasn't as bad as the last one I read (something about the Colonial Parkway murders in the 80s... Ugh it was awful), but it still feels like something written for a high school English class, which I suppose makes sense given her lack of a formal education. This book was either edited poorly or not edited at all, not sure which.
If I had a nickel for every sentence in this book structured as "I blah blah blah..." I could fully fund my pension. Entire paragraphs were composed this way. The author claims she had a college professor who spotted her writing talent and encouraged her to become a writer. Oh boy... She does seem adept at being able to toot her own horn in spots, like when mentioning how much more slim and shapely her figure is in comparison to other Amish girls. Sigh.
I cracked up at how she censors what she considers to be profanity: "a*s" and "h**l" and perhaps my favorite, the hard hitting "j*rk." No F-bombs here folks!
The story? I do not doubt for a second she suffered abuse. Serious and horrific emotional, physical, sexual abuse. But there are some parts of her story that don't quite add up. Like the part about the FBI coming after her parents for kidnapping, but then letting them off the hook... Yeah that does not ring true. Also the FBI picking up somebody for not registering as a sex offender. When does the FBI get involved in that? How about NEVER. That is handled at the local level. She manages to earn a GED in record time but has only a rudimentary understanding of math. Really? She teaches herself to ride a bike in a matter of minutes, then despite not understanding even the most basic aspects of modern life she rides off into traffic. Her family bought her the cheapest bus ticket for her trip to Wisconsin, even though they seems to be solidly middle class. Very strange. There are enough inconsistencies to make me wonder about the veracity of many of her details. I suspect she has embellished a bit.
It's worth mentioning her parents were not actually Amish... They were a familial cult that just embraced some aspects of Amish life. My guess is both her parents suffered from schizophrenia, but that's just a guess. And certainly the abuse she suffered when living with the Amish was abhorrent, but hardly surprising. The Amish, like all religions, fall somewhere on the cult spectrum... But probably more extreme than generally acknowledged by the public because of their seemingly pious outward behavior. I think perhaps a more interesting angle to the story would have been to draw some parallels between the Amish and other more "high profile" cults. The story is heartbreaking though. In the hands of a better skilled writer this could have been a really good read.
In general, this was an adequate time waster while I wait for holds on better books from the library... It feels like the author is still working through a lot of emotional issues, and this book might be a bit of axe grinding. So read this at your own risk I suppose.
August 6, 2016
Horrifying!
For years now we have romanticized the Amish as a group of people who have gone back to the basics in the most complete sense. That view almost precludes us from taking an in-depth look at what they are truly like, and some of the novels about Amish life hints at the dark side but fail to reveal what may be the actual truth. Over the last few years, differing views have been shown on television, and they caused me to choose Misty's book.
It is almost implausible that not one of the government entities that were sending her mother checks over the years ever picked up on what these young children were going through, and criminal that Brian's mother and Misty's aunt had to live in that situation. That over twenty years should go by is just unthinkable! That it took a wolf to warn her and a parolee to save her is an interesting counter and yet a shame.
Misty's story is a tribute to the human spirit, but that the family that brought this to a culmination was able to flee to Canada is disgusting. Corporal punishment that is hidden by long skirts, attempted murder, rape and molestation should not be subject to the borders of another country. Thank God for the family that took her in and helped her escape that life! I hope Misty continues wIth her plans for a foundation to help others in this situation, because it appears that the government and law enforcement doesn't do what they should. This should be required reading for youth and social workers living near communities such as this. Welfare organizations should. Have to see and to interact with children ho are in Misty's situation. That she could have fallen through as many cracks as she did is criminal. That she was unable to help her aunt is worse. Had even one person done their job, this wouldn't have happened. Sad!
For years now we have romanticized the Amish as a group of people who have gone back to the basics in the most complete sense. That view almost precludes us from taking an in-depth look at what they are truly like, and some of the novels about Amish life hints at the dark side but fail to reveal what may be the actual truth. Over the last few years, differing views have been shown on television, and they caused me to choose Misty's book.
It is almost implausible that not one of the government entities that were sending her mother checks over the years ever picked up on what these young children were going through, and criminal that Brian's mother and Misty's aunt had to live in that situation. That over twenty years should go by is just unthinkable! That it took a wolf to warn her and a parolee to save her is an interesting counter and yet a shame.
Misty's story is a tribute to the human spirit, but that the family that brought this to a culmination was able to flee to Canada is disgusting. Corporal punishment that is hidden by long skirts, attempted murder, rape and molestation should not be subject to the borders of another country. Thank God for the family that took her in and helped her escape that life! I hope Misty continues wIth her plans for a foundation to help others in this situation, because it appears that the government and law enforcement doesn't do what they should. This should be required reading for youth and social workers living near communities such as this. Welfare organizations should. Have to see and to interact with children ho are in Misty's situation. That she could have fallen through as many cracks as she did is criminal. That she was unable to help her aunt is worse. Had even one person done their job, this wouldn't have happened. Sad!
November 28, 2022
This was very painful to listen to as this girl suffered many different types of abuse in her life.
She was NOT born into an Amish family and didn’t live in a community until she was 18.
She had a terrible mother and stepfather who were abusive and controlling and eventually started dressing like the Amish to hide from the authorities. (I believe)
She didn’t know how to speak up for herself. But after living with the Amish for awhile and seeing more disturbing things and experiencing unwanted advances she went to the police. She cut ties with everything Amish and ended up at a missionary school and went to nursing school.
My heart is pained for all the suffering she endured. I never thought about abuse happening frequently in the Amish community, but she states how they are human like anyone else and they have their church leaders they can hide behind as they handle all discipline cases.
The author says her faith in God remains strong and she doesn’t blame him which I found commendable.
My hope and prayer for any victim of abuse is that they can find safety in a community of loving people and hope in God who loves them eternally. 💜
The wickedness of man is disgusting, but God’s eternal justice is coming! 🙌
She was NOT born into an Amish family and didn’t live in a community until she was 18.
She had a terrible mother and stepfather who were abusive and controlling and eventually started dressing like the Amish to hide from the authorities. (I believe)
She didn’t know how to speak up for herself. But after living with the Amish for awhile and seeing more disturbing things and experiencing unwanted advances she went to the police. She cut ties with everything Amish and ended up at a missionary school and went to nursing school.
My heart is pained for all the suffering she endured. I never thought about abuse happening frequently in the Amish community, but she states how they are human like anyone else and they have their church leaders they can hide behind as they handle all discipline cases.
The author says her faith in God remains strong and she doesn’t blame him which I found commendable.
My hope and prayer for any victim of abuse is that they can find safety in a community of loving people and hope in God who loves them eternally. 💜
The wickedness of man is disgusting, but God’s eternal justice is coming! 🙌
November 17, 2019
I simply could not finish this; it is so poorly written, filled with grammatical, punctuation, and usage errors. Even with good copy editing, it would not be a good book. It is way too long, repetitive, and internally factually inconsistent, which speaks to credibility. I do not question that the author has suffered horrendous physical and sexual abuse, nor would I doubt that she has suffered from PTSD. I do, however, question the accuracy of her recollections and her casual generalizations regarding the Amish community as a whole. Much of what she describes as "Amish" is not typical of the culture, customs, or religious practice in general. Much better (and more believable) examples of memoirs of survivors of abuse are Jeanette Walls's The Glass Castle or Mary Karr's The Liars' Club and Cherry.
The one good thing is that I only paid ninety-nine cents for it. I could not recommend this book to anyone.
The one good thing is that I only paid ninety-nine cents for it. I could not recommend this book to anyone.
December 30, 2015
Probably not fair to rate this book, but I stopped after reading only the very beginning. Something does not feel right in the telling. I am not at all discounting the author's experience - it is her own. That said, I acknowledge my own discomfort while reading it, and that, along with the unrelenting narrative of abuse has made me decide to put it down. I have read other books of survivors (I.e Glass Castle) that were much more readable, better edited, and rang truer to the writer's experience - or so it seemed. I do not recommend this book.
July 16, 2017
Tears of the Silenced
I read your book, my heart goes out to you and your Sister.
You are a true example of taking your tragedies and making them into stepping stones!
I am so glad you wrote your book, the outsiders need to know being Amish is not all a bed of roses.
I am so proud of you for taking a stand against the Bishop and the other Ministers, that Bishop and some of the others need to be thrown in jail and throw away the key!
Have you heard from your Sister?
<3 God Bless You <3
I read your book, my heart goes out to you and your Sister.
You are a true example of taking your tragedies and making them into stepping stones!
I am so glad you wrote your book, the outsiders need to know being Amish is not all a bed of roses.
I am so proud of you for taking a stand against the Bishop and the other Ministers, that Bishop and some of the others need to be thrown in jail and throw away the key!
Have you heard from your Sister?
<3 God Bless You <3
August 28, 2017
This was an extremely difficult book to read. Not simply because of the content which in places was brutal but also because of the repetitiveness of the abuse. I do understand that this kind of abuse should not be tolerated under any circumstances but once having established the brutality of such there was no need to repeat the same thing over and over just because it happened over the course of many years. The first 150 or so pages were the same thing as the girls grew older the abuse continued, I get that, the title tells that quite well.
Yes I did put the book down many times. I am aware abuse happens in every kind of community on the face of the planet- it's just the way it is. I do have a bit of a hard time believing though, the extent of the sexual abuse the author describes within the Amish community and nothing is done about it.
Quite apparently the author has suffered for many years and for that I feel for her and her sister, this should not happen to anyone, anywhere, ever.
Truthfully I think this book was much too long, too repetitive and at times, I believe, somewhat colourfully enhanced as to the life of the Amish. Of this I can never be certain as I am not Amish, yet I am also a "creative non-fiction" writer.
Yes I did put the book down many times. I am aware abuse happens in every kind of community on the face of the planet- it's just the way it is. I do have a bit of a hard time believing though, the extent of the sexual abuse the author describes within the Amish community and nothing is done about it.
Quite apparently the author has suffered for many years and for that I feel for her and her sister, this should not happen to anyone, anywhere, ever.
Truthfully I think this book was much too long, too repetitive and at times, I believe, somewhat colourfully enhanced as to the life of the Amish. Of this I can never be certain as I am not Amish, yet I am also a "creative non-fiction" writer.
October 10, 2016
I found this book absolutely fantastic, I couldn't put it down until I was finished! The events that unfolded were tragic, but unfortunately not surprising.
It's always so horrible to hear good people suffering at the hands of evil, Amish community aside. No matter the religion, there will always be people there to try and abuse it for their own gain and to manipulate. I was elated when Misty left the church, and felt so proud of her for going to the police.
I've read some review complaining about the demensions of the characters, but I don't think they're truly taking into consideration the difficulty one encounters when writing about the horrors of their own lives. To do so at all is commendable, but to make it successful, with a strong narrative in which results in a popular book? Downright extraordinary.
To the Amish that are complaining about the book, it's clearly stated that Misty isn't condemning the Amish, but rather those who try to take advantage of the system.
Fantastic read by a fantastic author.
Whilst everyone is more than entitled to their own opinion, if anyone is in strict denial about the events of this book, please proceed to fight me.
It's always so horrible to hear good people suffering at the hands of evil, Amish community aside. No matter the religion, there will always be people there to try and abuse it for their own gain and to manipulate. I was elated when Misty left the church, and felt so proud of her for going to the police.
I've read some review complaining about the demensions of the characters, but I don't think they're truly taking into consideration the difficulty one encounters when writing about the horrors of their own lives. To do so at all is commendable, but to make it successful, with a strong narrative in which results in a popular book? Downright extraordinary.
To the Amish that are complaining about the book, it's clearly stated that Misty isn't condemning the Amish, but rather those who try to take advantage of the system.
Fantastic read by a fantastic author.
Whilst everyone is more than entitled to their own opinion, if anyone is in strict denial about the events of this book, please proceed to fight me.
November 12, 2023
Wow!
How can you put a rating on someone's life? I commend Misty for having the courage to sit, write, and relive her world of trauma all over again. If I had to choose one word to describe Misty it would be BRAVE! Her memoir brought an array of different emotions and I will warn if you have childhood trauma be prepared to also ride this rogue wave of emotions, that at times had me laughing, angry, sad, feeling nauseous, highly anxious, and having watery eyes with silenced tears myself, plus many more, but I kept reading as I couldn't put the book down. I finished within two days.
Thank you Misty for sharing. I know from experience it is not easy but seems to get a bit easier every time your story is shared and spoken about. I'm over here praying and hoping that a second volume will come about. Only this time it starts with Samantha calling you. Even though I was so incredibly happy with this ending, THAT would be bittersweet.
How can you put a rating on someone's life? I commend Misty for having the courage to sit, write, and relive her world of trauma all over again. If I had to choose one word to describe Misty it would be BRAVE! Her memoir brought an array of different emotions and I will warn if you have childhood trauma be prepared to also ride this rogue wave of emotions, that at times had me laughing, angry, sad, feeling nauseous, highly anxious, and having watery eyes with silenced tears myself, plus many more, but I kept reading as I couldn't put the book down. I finished within two days.
Thank you Misty for sharing. I know from experience it is not easy but seems to get a bit easier every time your story is shared and spoken about. I'm over here praying and hoping that a second volume will come about. Only this time it starts with Samantha calling you. Even though I was so incredibly happy with this ending, THAT would be bittersweet.
May 2, 2016
While I don't doubt what is written in this book is true, I also don't consider it typical of most of the Amish. Also, what happened with Brian and Misty's mother is most definitively not typical of the Amish as I would not consider them Amish, more like people pretending to be Amish and adopting some of their customs. Brian and his wife seem more like lazy, system beaters with sadistic personalities. I did find the book interesting and sad, but it was the most poorly edited e-book I have ever read.
August 6, 2017
My first insight into the Amish culture but not the very first in sexual abuse.
Misty- people like you are an inspiration to everyone and not just the ones who are abused. Experiences like yours help us appreciate the most common things in our life.
Thank you for turning the lifetime of horrible abuse into something that can inspire the readers.
Misty- people like you are an inspiration to everyone and not just the ones who are abused. Experiences like yours help us appreciate the most common things in our life.
Thank you for turning the lifetime of horrible abuse into something that can inspire the readers.
June 5, 2015
Truly amazing story! Everyone should read this story and learn from the author, Misty Griffin.
This book is educational, moving, and mostly inspirational. This is a novel every person should be required to read before being a teacher, a police office, a government employee that works with people. This books will open your eyes to the cults of the world and make people realize that an individual's image is not what a person really is, but what the want you to see.
The live that Misty and her sister had to endure is heartbreaking to say the least! And the fact that no one would help or believe her after the fact is a travesty. Shame on those people.
Upon learning that the training and lifestyles of the Amish are based on a man's needs and wants, will not only open your eyes to see that they are cults. They don't even follow the words of the bible, but authoritatively "Hush" those that question anything.
The sadness, pain, and abusive doings of people in our world will be the end of man and women kind, our innocent suffer, and many go without punishment or justice. Not everyone can be a good person, but those people that are good, can try and help. And I believe this is what Misty Griffin was trying to convey to her readers!
I pray that there was justice in this case.
This book is educational, moving, and mostly inspirational. This is a novel every person should be required to read before being a teacher, a police office, a government employee that works with people. This books will open your eyes to the cults of the world and make people realize that an individual's image is not what a person really is, but what the want you to see.
The live that Misty and her sister had to endure is heartbreaking to say the least! And the fact that no one would help or believe her after the fact is a travesty. Shame on those people.
Upon learning that the training and lifestyles of the Amish are based on a man's needs and wants, will not only open your eyes to see that they are cults. They don't even follow the words of the bible, but authoritatively "Hush" those that question anything.
The sadness, pain, and abusive doings of people in our world will be the end of man and women kind, our innocent suffer, and many go without punishment or justice. Not everyone can be a good person, but those people that are good, can try and help. And I believe this is what Misty Griffin was trying to convey to her readers!
I pray that there was justice in this case.
April 15, 2017
This is a self-published book, which became apparent after only a few chapters. I verified that and then read with great skepticism because with self-publication there is no fact checker. I don't totally disbelieve the verbal and physical abuse, but I don't fully believe it either. Memory is too fluid and easily changed by things which occurred before or after the event, but suddenly seem in one's memory of have happened on the same day. I'm not Amish nor ever lived near an Amish group, but I have read several things about the Amish and many of her memories of Amish life don't seem correct to what I have read. I would not recommend that anyone read this book without a healthy dose of skepticism.
July 1, 2016
Hum
Whether this is true or not, I personally have never read any such thing. I imagine rape happens every where but to believe the Amish would be that cruel to the victim and easy on the rapist is really over the top. I couldn't read it all. Just because they say it is true, doesn't make it so.
Whether this is true or not, I personally have never read any such thing. I imagine rape happens every where but to believe the Amish would be that cruel to the victim and easy on the rapist is really over the top. I couldn't read it all. Just because they say it is true, doesn't make it so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,096 reviews