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Life with My Idiot Family: A True Story of Survival, Courage and Justice over Childhood Sexual Abuse
Seven-year-old little girls love their daddy. Kathy was no exception, so when her daddy started paying “special” attention to her, she felt “special” in turn. Her daddy loved her… what could be better than that?
Few betrayals run as deep as the betrayal of being sexually abused throughout your childhood by the man you should have been able to trust with your life. For Kathy, the betrayal ran deeper because when she finally found the courage to start speaking out about what her abuser did to her, her family responded by labeling her a liar and a troublemaker.
Kathy didn’t stop speaking out though. In fact, she spoke out more, eventually becoming a powerful voice in the nine year campaign to get both the criminal and civil statute of limitations extended for child sex abuse crimes changed in Massachusetts. On June 26, 2014, the day the civil bill was signed into law, Kathy was finally able to file suit against her abuser.
Abusers get away with their crimes because the thought of confronting them — even through legitimate legal channels — can be a terrifying prospect for a victim. Yes, Kathy’s story as a victim is filled with years of sexual abuse and threats, but there are many more years filled with personal and professional triumphs as her life progressed beyond the physical and emotional reach of her abuser. Kathy is inspirational proof that good people can win, and that speaking out and fighting for what you truly believe in can help make this world a better place to live.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2017
139 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 30, 2019
Don't get me wrong. The author went through and survived a horrific childhood, as well as a pretty crappy adult life until meeting her husband (and even then, her extended family were still pretty terrible). She survived and took this bad experience and used it to change the SOL laws in Massachusetts, and that's pretty impressive. However, this a site about books, not lives. A friend gave me her copy of this book after she was awarded it in a free giveaway. I hate to be blunt, but the title pretty much gives an accurate peek into the level of writing skill and book development the writers can muster. What keeps this work from having any sort of literary merit is its lack of a heavy-handed editor and someone to tell the authors, sorry, but that emperor has no clothes: you manage to write in complete sentences, but that doesn't mean you have a gift for writing. I read the other reviews on this site, and they all seem to praise Kathy's survival and triumph. None mention her complete lack of understanding of the basic structure of a successful memoir. It's obvious the book is self-published because a publisher, no matter how small or independent, would have told her the sad truth: just because it happened in her life, doesn't mean it should be listed in her book. Over 1/3 of the book content should be eliminated, and the important aspects of Kathy's story should be better flushed out, not reported using the dreaded "and then, and then, and then" freshman approach to memoir. It's really too bad. There are an endless number of incest/sexual battery survival stories on the market today (a fact that is sad in its own right, and I say that as a survivor myself); Kathy's story is unique in what she chose to do to change others' lives, but her accomplishment is buried deep under heavy piles of useless anecdotes (why do I need to know how long she worked at Friendly's again?) and similar debris. If you're looking for a well-written rise from the ashes story, try Lost Boy by Brent Jeffs, Love is the Answer by Aimee Cabo Nikolov, or The Unspoken Truth by Lisa Zarcone. All of them will leave you inspired, but none of them will make you feel like a seventh grade English teacher reading one of your student's forlorn diaries.
August 31, 2021
We need you.
This book was like talking to a trusted friend. I was also sexually abused from as my very first memories f three, until I was 9. I told my mom, she didn't care. My childhood shaped me into a pitiful scared person. Made so many bad decisions, and my emotions are often still of a young child. My older brothers also raped me for many years. They have both spent time in prison for molesting their own five children. If my mom had done something, she could have stoped this cycle. I gained some sense of healing, when I testified against one of my brothers during a trial of his sexual abuse against his own son and step son. The one little tiny bit of help I could give towards other children of sexual abuse. I'm very proud to say it helped. I just wish I could have had a voice, to maybe stop the cycle of abuse myself. I'm so very proud of this author, for all her help she has put out into the sea of faces who need a representative. Being brave to tell her story, and know she is worth it. Letting all of us victims out here, know that we are worth it as well. Children should be loved and protected. Thank you. Billi No Moran # I said no. At Granny03jogmail.com
This book was like talking to a trusted friend. I was also sexually abused from as my very first memories f three, until I was 9. I told my mom, she didn't care. My childhood shaped me into a pitiful scared person. Made so many bad decisions, and my emotions are often still of a young child. My older brothers also raped me for many years. They have both spent time in prison for molesting their own five children. If my mom had done something, she could have stoped this cycle. I gained some sense of healing, when I testified against one of my brothers during a trial of his sexual abuse against his own son and step son. The one little tiny bit of help I could give towards other children of sexual abuse. I'm very proud to say it helped. I just wish I could have had a voice, to maybe stop the cycle of abuse myself. I'm so very proud of this author, for all her help she has put out into the sea of faces who need a representative. Being brave to tell her story, and know she is worth it. Letting all of us victims out here, know that we are worth it as well. Children should be loved and protected. Thank you. Billi No Moran # I said no. At Granny03jogmail.com
January 7, 2019
Kudos to Kathy for overcoming such a horrible life of dealing with something no child should ever have to go through! She is such an inspiring woman for taking such a terrible childhood and turning it into a fight for justice not only for her but millions of others who have been through the horror of dealing with child molestation, rape and mental anguish! Thank you Kathy for shining a light on a subject that most people want to just push under the rub! I wish I was as strong as you to tell my story that has caused many years of counseling and hundreds of thousands of dollars!
I chose a 5 star rating because this book of such despicable things done to a child needs to be brought to the attention of EVERYONE in the world to inspire them to pay better attention to what may be going on around them and possibly saving a child who may be in this type of position!
I chose a 5 star rating because this book of such despicable things done to a child needs to be brought to the attention of EVERYONE in the world to inspire them to pay better attention to what may be going on around them and possibly saving a child who may be in this type of position!
January 9, 2020
Totally open and honest about sexual abuse from her step-father, this author had me gritting my teeth and saying ohhh nononono several times!
I too grew up in the era when the topic was taboo, in fact I WAS told that i had a ' vivid imagination ' What child imagines this crap?. Keeping quiet was the safest way to go. Yes, Like Kathy Picard my self-esteem was nil.....while craving normalcy all the while.
I related all too well tho mine was not incestuous. Kathy has not written a poor me book tho. Instead she and her husband have written a book that allows readers to say" Yeah......me too."
***And includes the giant steps forward they took to change legislation/law in Massachusetts.
I too grew up in the era when the topic was taboo, in fact I WAS told that i had a ' vivid imagination ' What child imagines this crap?. Keeping quiet was the safest way to go. Yes, Like Kathy Picard my self-esteem was nil.....while craving normalcy all the while.
I related all too well tho mine was not incestuous. Kathy has not written a poor me book tho. Instead she and her husband have written a book that allows readers to say" Yeah......me too."
***And includes the giant steps forward they took to change legislation/law in Massachusetts.
April 8, 2018
This novel is an inspirational story about a woman who had to fight her family, and eventually the government to receive the justice she deserved. She went from being a scared girl, who didn't even understand that she was being abused by her father, to being a strong woman who wanted to fight for the rights of herself and other survivors. The pacing is perfect, and the novel takes you on a journey throughout her life, from abuse to advocacy. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a story about the life of a strong and inspirational woman.
Read my review on the Online Book Club here: http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
Read my review on the Online Book Club here: http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
May 11, 2019
Love With My Idiot Family
Wow what an amazing detailed account this was! Thank you so much. I have one issue and I am certain I am not alone with this. Many who have been abused ask for help from an attorney and if the accused does not have a lot of money???? Then unfortunate victim is kicked to the side of the road. How can they heal if they are not allowed their voice? We all know not all are given that chance for that very reason and their abuser goes on to younger pastures!!! Sick don't you think?😢
Wow what an amazing detailed account this was! Thank you so much. I have one issue and I am certain I am not alone with this. Many who have been abused ask for help from an attorney and if the accused does not have a lot of money???? Then unfortunate victim is kicked to the side of the road. How can they heal if they are not allowed their voice? We all know not all are given that chance for that very reason and their abuser goes on to younger pastures!!! Sick don't you think?😢
February 5, 2019
I bought and read this book because I had never seen a book about a person who stood up for themselves in court, after having the laws changed regarding the statute of limitations for surviving childhood sexual abuse. This book is a great account of never giving up standing up for yourself, even if it takes decades of work to accomplish it. Thanks, Kathy, for never giving up hope. You are a real hero.
December 3, 2022
Life with my idiot family sounded pretty much like my life.
Kathy was and is a true testament of innocence . very sad that she only got shop her away when reaching out for help . The strength she finds in her self did not make her a survivor but a Hero to all abused people woman and even though she might not know it men alike . A must read for anyone abused or in any type of relationship where some one near the was abused .
Kathy was and is a true testament of innocence . very sad that she only got shop her away when reaching out for help . The strength she finds in her self did not make her a survivor but a Hero to all abused people woman and even though she might not know it men alike . A must read for anyone abused or in any type of relationship where some one near the was abused .
April 17, 2020
Written by a very brave woman, detailing the tragedy of living with the trauma of child molestation. The battle for protection of children and the ability to get relief by changing statutes of limitations, allowing those who were abused to face their abusers in court. A must read for those who have suffered the indignity of abuse in any format well well as those help in the fight
April 26, 2020
Kathy and Gary
Kathy is an amazing woman to have gone through what she has and still able to help people. You have helped so many people including myself. Thank you Kathy and Gary..
All the time and effort that was put in to changing the SOL is remarkable.
Kathy is an amazing woman to have gone through what she has and still able to help people. You have helped so many people including myself. Thank you Kathy and Gary..
All the time and effort that was put in to changing the SOL is remarkable.
January 26, 2022
My idiot family
This book is well written, sad to read but, she finds justice in the end. I was not particularly fond of all the politics, and legalese..... I know she wanted laws changed that's part of her journey. I applaud anyone who survives abuse, I am also a survivor.
This book is well written, sad to read but, she finds justice in the end. I was not particularly fond of all the politics, and legalese..... I know she wanted laws changed that's part of her journey. I applaud anyone who survives abuse, I am also a survivor.
June 27, 2019
This is a Great Book all Families should read this Book Kathy you are amazing woman God Bless you and keep up the Work bringing awareness to all of us about child abuse
May 7, 2022
Real life so touching so glad it ended victorious
So informative such courage Kathy makes a difference for survivors would recommend this book Couldn't put it down can relate to it
So informative such courage Kathy makes a difference for survivors would recommend this book Couldn't put it down can relate to it
June 21, 2018
Very good must read book
January 13, 2018
Kathy’s story is both infuriating and triumphant. Infuriating in the context of the horrifying childhood sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of a man who should have loved and protected her, her stepfather. And triumphant in how she handled taking control of her own life and eventually fighting back, getting laws changed to help not only herself but others who have endured such abuse.
This story is a timely message for young girls from all walks of life and the young women that they become. Just as the METOO movement has encouraged girls and women to share their own personal experiences of harassment and sexual abuse, this novel will help others understand the many problems and reasons that cause some victims to remain silent. This is a must read novel for girls, women and the men who love and cherish them.
This story is a timely message for young girls from all walks of life and the young women that they become. Just as the METOO movement has encouraged girls and women to share their own personal experiences of harassment and sexual abuse, this novel will help others understand the many problems and reasons that cause some victims to remain silent. This is a must read novel for girls, women and the men who love and cherish them.
November 1, 2024
A very good read for anyone who’s suffered childhood trauma and abuse
Kathy, the strength and courage it took for you to not only write this book, but to also face your abuser in court, is admirable. Thank you for your vulnerability, thank you for the lives you’ve saved, and thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. As hard as it was to read some of the things that you’ve been through, it was also healing for me. Thank you 🙏🏽
Kathy, the strength and courage it took for you to not only write this book, but to also face your abuser in court, is admirable. Thank you for your vulnerability, thank you for the lives you’ve saved, and thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. As hard as it was to read some of the things that you’ve been through, it was also healing for me. Thank you 🙏🏽
July 3, 2018
This book "Life with My Idiot Family" is currently being read by my book club. There are 6 of us in the club. I finished reading it last night. I had to sit quiet after finishing and say a prayer for Kathy. The first word and only word I said when shutting this book was "WOW" Kathy is a strong and determined woman. Her life could have taken a different direction but she refused to let it do that. I do not know her personally but I felt so proud of her with each achievement. She got "knocked down" a lot but she kept getting back up to fight. I grew up in the same era and still recall as a young child my parents saying "children should be seen and not heard" but could never in my lifetime ever bring myself to ever say that to my own children! Kathy's abuse went WAY beyond just words. My heart weeps for her as I read this story. If you cannot count on your own parents to protect you and give you stable security then who can you count on? Kathy could not count on many others either. Thank God for Aunt Judy. She was Kathy's angel in those days. I'm so glad she had her. What Kathy achieved with the SOL was such an amazing feat. I was cheering for her all the way and so happy to see how strong and determined she was. Gary, thank you for you and being her best friend, her rock her everything. Like her Aunt Judy I also feel you were the second angel God sent her. I'm torn about your biological dad. I'm happy you found him and you both have a nice relationship now but it really hurt me to see him "criticize" your reasons for wanting to take his last name. That again broke my heart for Kathy a little bit more. I was screaming "would someone just love her and show her their love, we all deserve to be loved"!!! Such an emotional roller coaster of a book. I am thumbs up for this being made into a movie!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews