What do you think?
Rate this book
Dani: Throwaway Child: The True Story of Dani's Journey from Abuse to Freedom
Dani experienced horrible nightmares and didn’t know what they meant. Almost at the point of giving up, she turned to her minister and found someone who could help her unlock the mystery behind the nightmares. They pieced together Dani’s hidden past until they came to one horrible realization. . . She was still in danger.
This true story will make you cringe, cry, get mad, want to hurt her abusers, and leave you wondering how one person could live through so much abuse and not go crazy.
As the story unfolds, you will be led through a trail of abuse beginning at an early age and the courageous fight of a young woman to get away from her abuser.
Dani: Throwaway Child is a book that demonstrates the courage and faith of a child to endure abuse while witnessing a loving God of miracles who is aware of the trials of His children.
This true story will make you cringe, cry, get mad, want to hurt her abusers, and leave you wondering how one person could live through so much abuse and not go crazy.
As the story unfolds, you will be led through a trail of abuse beginning at an early age and the courageous fight of a young woman to get away from her abuser.
Dani: Throwaway Child is a book that demonstrates the courage and faith of a child to endure abuse while witnessing a loving God of miracles who is aware of the trials of His children.
- GenresNonfiction
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2015
65 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 15, 2015
An inspirational story with a huge trigger warning.
I should probably mention that I am not the intended audience for this book, which makes my 4-star rating somewhat miraculous. I am neither religious nor do I consider myself ignorant to the different levels of abuse. Because of these things, this story was hardly read. However, Dani: Throwaway Child was written in a style and structure I could appreciate as a writer. Through Dani's memories and narrative offered by the religious leader helping her, the story progresses and reveals the overwhelming effects of PTSD in children. It was told tastefully while still allowing the reader glimpses into Dani's terrifying childhood.
There were two messages in this book. One was totally lost on me since I am not religious, but the other serves as a reminder that just because you do not see the abuse doesn't mean it isn't happening. This is a tragic reminder that the world is much more dangerous than many of us see at times. Look for the resources in this book. They are there.
My heart goes out to Dani as well as the author. This must have been a very difficult story to tell.
I do not recommend this book for anyone who has ever been victimized by any form of abuse, whether treated or untreated. Unless you have supernatural healing powers, this book is not for you.
I do, however, recommend this book to (religious) people looking for insight on how to approach and help others going through abusive situations. The religious leader in this book had many great inspirations and reflected the amount of patience it takes to build that kind of trust.
I should probably mention that I am not the intended audience for this book, which makes my 4-star rating somewhat miraculous. I am neither religious nor do I consider myself ignorant to the different levels of abuse. Because of these things, this story was hardly read. However, Dani: Throwaway Child was written in a style and structure I could appreciate as a writer. Through Dani's memories and narrative offered by the religious leader helping her, the story progresses and reveals the overwhelming effects of PTSD in children. It was told tastefully while still allowing the reader glimpses into Dani's terrifying childhood.
There were two messages in this book. One was totally lost on me since I am not religious, but the other serves as a reminder that just because you do not see the abuse doesn't mean it isn't happening. This is a tragic reminder that the world is much more dangerous than many of us see at times. Look for the resources in this book. They are there.
My heart goes out to Dani as well as the author. This must have been a very difficult story to tell.
I do not recommend this book for anyone who has ever been victimized by any form of abuse, whether treated or untreated. Unless you have supernatural healing powers, this book is not for you.
I do, however, recommend this book to (religious) people looking for insight on how to approach and help others going through abusive situations. The religious leader in this book had many great inspirations and reflected the amount of patience it takes to build that kind of trust.
May 6, 2017
A very moving, very sad book. It's told in the perspective of the Bishop who dedicated himself fully to helping Dani, and believing in her, when nobody else in all her life had tried to. Because of this, it does have a 'detached' feel from the abuser (though there is snippets of memories shared from Dani's POV). When you get to the end of the book, you can tell he very obviously censored which memories to share in the book, as he lists multiple other experiences she faced that are far more horrendous then you thought she had been dealing with up to the end.
You do have a good idea of just how absolutely she was failed, though. How hard it was for her mentally, and how strong she had to be to get through it.
I have experience with my mind blocking a hard childhood situation. It took years, and when it came back, it was like a light going on. One moment I had no idea it had happened to me, the next I was shocked and hurt. I still can't see how I could have been so thoroughly blocked from the experience once it was over, I can remember it so clearly now, but for a few years after it happened, I was free from remembering.
I'm not a very religious person. In that reason, this book did have a few dry spots for me. It's hard for me to read overly religious things, however, knowing it was a true story and that religion and this Bishop was what saved and helped Dani move past her experiences makes me really glad that those doors were available for her to walk through. Everyone has their own way of healing, and Dani found hers. Good for her.
You do have a good idea of just how absolutely she was failed, though. How hard it was for her mentally, and how strong she had to be to get through it.
I have experience with my mind blocking a hard childhood situation. It took years, and when it came back, it was like a light going on. One moment I had no idea it had happened to me, the next I was shocked and hurt. I still can't see how I could have been so thoroughly blocked from the experience once it was over, I can remember it so clearly now, but for a few years after it happened, I was free from remembering.
I'm not a very religious person. In that reason, this book did have a few dry spots for me. It's hard for me to read overly religious things, however, knowing it was a true story and that religion and this Bishop was what saved and helped Dani move past her experiences makes me really glad that those doors were available for her to walk through. Everyone has their own way of healing, and Dani found hers. Good for her.
April 27, 2018
The first thing I need to be clear about is that I didn't love the content of the book. In fact, I hated what Dani had to endure as a child, teen, even as a young wife and mother at the hands of her most savage abuser. What I did love is the way the author presented the story - how he introduced the reader to the subject of child abuse in the form of dreams Dani would wake from. They could be dreams about real events or just dreams. Even suspecting they were about real events which had taken place, it gave the mind a reprieve because they MIGHT have been only dreams. It was a good way to open such a painful story.
Furthermore, I loved how the author shared his own thoughts and feelings, and his own insecurities throughout the story. Told in first person, it gave him a literary canvas where the sky was the limit as to what he could include and how he would share this tragic, horrific, yet "light at the end of the tunnel" story. These words from the author - about his own thoughts and feelings - were placed in the perfect places, too, because it didn't give a lot of heavy reading all at once. The breaks did wonders in enabling me to be able to finish reading the story because I have such a graphic imagination that I could see everything unfolding before my eyes. So many times I just wanted to reach through the pages and pull Dani out of it and bring her home to live with me where abuse would have become a thing of the past. It's been a while since a true story has affected me in such a profound way.
Furthermore, I loved how the author shared his own thoughts and feelings, and his own insecurities throughout the story. Told in first person, it gave him a literary canvas where the sky was the limit as to what he could include and how he would share this tragic, horrific, yet "light at the end of the tunnel" story. These words from the author - about his own thoughts and feelings - were placed in the perfect places, too, because it didn't give a lot of heavy reading all at once. The breaks did wonders in enabling me to be able to finish reading the story because I have such a graphic imagination that I could see everything unfolding before my eyes. So many times I just wanted to reach through the pages and pull Dani out of it and bring her home to live with me where abuse would have become a thing of the past. It's been a while since a true story has affected me in such a profound way.
March 26, 2018
A shocking book
This is about a young girl called Dani, who suffered many, many years of physical, sexual and mental torture. I call it tortured for that what it was. She suffered abuse from her father, mother and siblings, also from other men who sexually abused her with her father's consent. Many people who came into contact with Dani just ignored the condition she was in instead of trying to help her. Dani found faith in a member of the Church. A bishop gave her hope, faith in herself and then Lord. With a lot of help from the bishop Dani started to reflect on her life and revealed to the bishop what had happened and was still happening to her. With his support and guidance Dani worked towards escaping her controlling father and family, it was very difficult for her to do so, she was a very frightened young lady. Dani placed her trust in the bishop and the Lord and gradually was able to start living a life she so deserved. Praise the Lord. Abuse is an on going problem, we all need to take notice of the young, elderly, disabled who show signs of abuse. The child will become withdrawn, tired maybe a look of neglect about them. If we can beware of what is going on next door to us or further a field, we may at least be able to save a child, elderly person from abuse. The trouble today is people are afraid to get involved with unpleasant situations and leave the problem to others. God bless you Dani . I hope you have a very happy and free life.
This is about a young girl called Dani, who suffered many, many years of physical, sexual and mental torture. I call it tortured for that what it was. She suffered abuse from her father, mother and siblings, also from other men who sexually abused her with her father's consent. Many people who came into contact with Dani just ignored the condition she was in instead of trying to help her. Dani found faith in a member of the Church. A bishop gave her hope, faith in herself and then Lord. With a lot of help from the bishop Dani started to reflect on her life and revealed to the bishop what had happened and was still happening to her. With his support and guidance Dani worked towards escaping her controlling father and family, it was very difficult for her to do so, she was a very frightened young lady. Dani placed her trust in the bishop and the Lord and gradually was able to start living a life she so deserved. Praise the Lord. Abuse is an on going problem, we all need to take notice of the young, elderly, disabled who show signs of abuse. The child will become withdrawn, tired maybe a look of neglect about them. If we can beware of what is going on next door to us or further a field, we may at least be able to save a child, elderly person from abuse. The trouble today is people are afraid to get involved with unpleasant situations and leave the problem to others. God bless you Dani . I hope you have a very happy and free life.
November 20, 2016
Thank you bishop for helping her!! Most don't
My father got to the Bishop's first. I was stunned when the bishop asked if I would take a lie detector test. Even had the stake president buffaloed. If you can't trust the church, everything I was taught about the church (especially the honesty part)
went out the window. She was lucky to have you. But had the father made you believe she was the crazy one, she would still be suffering as my sisters and i do. They will never have normal lives. I was able to escape the very first time he tried. It started in the 60's and was still happening in the 90's with grandchildren. In and out of prison his whole life. He blamed everyone but himself. Most bishops cover it up. Have you seen the movie"spotlight"? Same thing, different church
My father got to the Bishop's first. I was stunned when the bishop asked if I would take a lie detector test. Even had the stake president buffaloed. If you can't trust the church, everything I was taught about the church (especially the honesty part)
went out the window. She was lucky to have you. But had the father made you believe she was the crazy one, she would still be suffering as my sisters and i do. They will never have normal lives. I was able to escape the very first time he tried. It started in the 60's and was still happening in the 90's with grandchildren. In and out of prison his whole life. He blamed everyone but himself. Most bishops cover it up. Have you seen the movie"spotlight"? Same thing, different church
November 8, 2017
Unimaginable
It's very hard to read this story. While I have no doubt this happened, I can't help but wonder why no one at her school or church did not see her dirty clothing, bruised, and unwashed body. Why was it only her Bishop that helped her. Why did he not call law enforcement? Why did he not get her counselling? Why did he and he alone become her God and healer? I don't know, to many confusing questions about this guy and his church.
It's very hard to read this story. While I have no doubt this happened, I can't help but wonder why no one at her school or church did not see her dirty clothing, bruised, and unwashed body. Why was it only her Bishop that helped her. Why did he not call law enforcement? Why did he not get her counselling? Why did he and he alone become her God and healer? I don't know, to many confusing questions about this guy and his church.
February 6, 2021
Hope
I praise God that you are not a man who thinks praying is where the help ends. You listened to God and He used you to lead Dani safely. He guides, but humans must listen and move. Her abuse was devastating to read and I had to skip through most of it. Thank you for the hope you gave to Gods child...it has inspired me beyond words to be aware and to serve the God that leads us on.
I praise God that you are not a man who thinks praying is where the help ends. You listened to God and He used you to lead Dani safely. He guides, but humans must listen and move. Her abuse was devastating to read and I had to skip through most of it. Thank you for the hope you gave to Gods child...it has inspired me beyond words to be aware and to serve the God that leads us on.
September 12, 2017
Very hard to read
I could not read this book all at once. I had to stop and put it down and walk away. The abuse this child suffered is beyond words. I can't even begin to imagine her horrors. I'm more surprised than anything she did not become another Sybil or Trudi Chase. Thank the LORD she is finally free!
I could not read this book all at once. I had to stop and put it down and walk away. The abuse this child suffered is beyond words. I can't even begin to imagine her horrors. I'm more surprised than anything she did not become another Sybil or Trudi Chase. Thank the LORD she is finally free!
August 27, 2017
Amazing story of restoration
This was a hard read . Broke my heart to read what Dani went through. Was even harder to realize she is not the only one. I am so glad she found someone to help her see herself as God sees her. To realize she is loved by Him.
This was a hard read . Broke my heart to read what Dani went through. Was even harder to realize she is not the only one. I am so glad she found someone to help her see herself as God sees her. To realize she is loved by Him.
March 13, 2017
Amazing book!
I couldn't put it down. This is one of the worst cases of horrific abuse that I've ever read. But author tells the story in a very respectful and poignant way.
I couldn't put it down. This is one of the worst cases of horrific abuse that I've ever read. But author tells the story in a very respectful and poignant way.
May 3, 2018
Really enjoyed the book, to the extend that one can for this genre. Amazing what children endure. I recommend this book if you are truly into these types of reads.
June 30, 2019
Absolutely a must read!!!! Worth reading agat!
April 22, 2022
Dani
Brilliant true story of horrific abuse that still takes place everywhere in this world and things need to stop x
Brilliant true story of horrific abuse that still takes place everywhere in this world and things need to stop x
October 30, 2016
At times hard to read... But also hard to put down!
Child abuse, sexual abuse, power, and violence always bring such strong emotion to me. As a survivor of some atrocities, I find myself drawn to books of others who survive much worse things than I dealt with. The author wastes no time drawing you in and writes in a manner that leaves you wishing to cover your eyes to keep out the bad but trying to peek thru your fingers to see what happens next. I'm grateful that Dani found safety and refuge in those hours of darkness. I hope that others can be as kind and patient when assisting other Dani's in th world. We truly have an all knowing Heavenly Father who succors us in our hours of deepest need and despair.
Child abuse, sexual abuse, power, and violence always bring such strong emotion to me. As a survivor of some atrocities, I find myself drawn to books of others who survive much worse things than I dealt with. The author wastes no time drawing you in and writes in a manner that leaves you wishing to cover your eyes to keep out the bad but trying to peek thru your fingers to see what happens next. I'm grateful that Dani found safety and refuge in those hours of darkness. I hope that others can be as kind and patient when assisting other Dani's in th world. We truly have an all knowing Heavenly Father who succors us in our hours of deepest need and despair.
Read
March 3, 2016This book is such a sad story of abuse - almost unspeakable, but such a great story of recovery. This book is so well-written. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Abuse is a real issue and we all need to be made of aware of the red flags in order to recognize them in these children who are in such need.
May 14, 2016
Excellent book!
I really enjoyed this book
I have been reading a lot oof books about childhood abuse and this one is very good. It speaks of long time ad
abuse from early childhood though adult hood. and a parents
complete control over their child through longtime
conditioning.
I really enjoyed this book
I have been reading a lot oof books about childhood abuse and this one is very good. It speaks of long time ad
abuse from early childhood though adult hood. and a parents
complete control over their child through longtime
conditioning.
January 10, 2017
Amazing story of human spirit
A wonderful story about some of the most horrendous acts of abuse I would of never thought possible. Dani's journey through recovery is nothing short of amazing.
A wonderful story about some of the most horrendous acts of abuse I would of never thought possible. Dani's journey through recovery is nothing short of amazing.
January 25, 2017
Heartbreaking
For anyone wondering what a true survivor is like please read about Dani. What she endured is horrific but yet she has perseverance. She may not have what we think of as a "normal" life but she made her own normal with kids and a marriage! She's amazing.
For anyone wondering what a true survivor is like please read about Dani. What she endured is horrific but yet she has perseverance. She may not have what we think of as a "normal" life but she made her own normal with kids and a marriage! She's amazing.
June 18, 2016
Sad and scary
So sad!!!! Really?!? It is kind of unbelievable,but I don't want to bury my head in the sand. Yikes! Mind blown!
So sad!!!! Really?!? It is kind of unbelievable,but I don't want to bury my head in the sand. Yikes! Mind blown!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews