The Race

by Stephen Land, K.C. Wells

The Race is a story of one man’s triumph over sexual abuse and bullying, striving to find his own sexual identity. Growing up in an ultra conservative, religious family, Stephen aimed to pray the gay away before anyone could find out his secret. Stephen’s life became a constant battle, up to the point where he couldn’t hold on any longer. A failed suicide attempt finally put life into perspective, and Stephen came out, not just as a gay man but as a survivor of sexual abuse.

A week in the hospital with too much time to think, resulted in flashbacks that plunged him back into his nightmarish childhood and adolescence. What began as Stephen’s attempt to exorcise his demons, ended up being a story of hope for others who have also suffered sexual abuse.

His message? No matter how much you stumble coming off the starting blocks, you can still win the race.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2016

Reviews

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely powerful and moving story. Knowing you can never fully understand how it feels to have gone through so much and be such a strong person at the other end, Mr. Land does a beautiful job at expressing and giving the reader an idea, in as much as I believe he possibly could. To say that someone should never have to experience the kinds of things Mr. Land describes, let alone as a child, is an utter and complete understatement. This is a very difficult story to read in so many ways. Knowing how many people have failed this young man over the years is completely heartbreaking. But, at the same time, it is filled with an incredible amount of survival and hope. It is a shining example of overcoming major obstacles time and again and really shows others that things can get better.

This is told in a somewhat unique manner between current time, while Mr. Land is dealt yet another blow, and the past where he tells the story of his childhood, or lack thereof, as it was clearly ripped away. I went through many emotions as I read this story, from heartache and despair to horror to hope and happiness, not just from the actual words, which were bad enough, but in the way in which they are laid out. I was riveted from beginning to the very end and felt some of Mr. Land’s emotions as he told the different parts of this story, right down to the various cathartic letters at the end.

Mr. Land said he felt the need to tell his story to help others who may have been through similar ordeals or who may feel there is no hope. It was a very brave and powerful thing to do, and I really hope others will find some peace and help through his words. This story definitely shows that there is a potential light at the end of the tunnel, to not be afraid to seek help, and to never give up. I’m really looking forward to seeing what direction this story will take and how it progresses in the next installment.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very difficult book to read, but I encourage every one to do so. This is an insightful, thought provoking story of one man's journey from sexual abuse to acceptance of himself. This is a story that needs to be told , needs to be read, so that we are all aware of the consequences of abuse and it's far reaching impact.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful

This must have been a painful book to write for Stephen and it can be a difficult one to read but an important one.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Race is a heartbreaking book, very difficult to read, except for the fact that it is a true story and one that is repeated far too often. Stephen is one of the bravest people ever to have survived constant abuse and then tell others about it. His story is one of hope, even when he speaks about the violence that was heaped up on him and his despair at the continuation of it.
A natural leader, Stephen can’t help but use his own experiences to advise others who may be in the same or similar situation that there is a future to look forward to that will be better, but it won’t always be easy to get there.
Thank you, Stephen, for sharing your story with those of us who have not ever experienced the trauma that you have. It is important for all to know what is going on around us so we can be aware and ready to help. Thank you, also, for sharing your story with those who may need a helping hand out of their own pit of darkness, just knowing that they are not alone.