What do you think?
Rate this book
My Nightmare in Georgia
"Do you believe in the boogeyman? I do. He comes into my room every night. I was just a kid. A kid scared for her life."(International Best Seller)A young woman narrates her past childhood story of growing up in a home with an abusive father. The abuse progresses as she gets older to the unimaginable. She is terrified to live in her own home and feels like there is no way out. Feeling lost and alone, she finally tells her secret to the world and ends up finding out that daddy was hiding a lot more than what she could ever imagine. This book is RAW and Real. Not everyone runs through fields full of Lillie's and has happy endings. You can't forgive someone who has destroyed your entire life, but you can help others so it doesn't happen to them. This memoir is to help those who have survived know they are not alone with their battle against child abuse, child sexual abuse, rapists, and pedophiles. It also gives useful information about what happens to a survivor in the aftermath. What doctors and pschologist's don't want you to know about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the rare diseases it can bring on. Some of the proceeds go to "Janie's Fund" from my books. It is a home that frontman Steven Tyler of Aerosmith built for abused girls to have a safe place to go and get the therapy and help they need. What a great cause. I may sound bitter in this book. I am. I struggle to survive because of him. I was just another child thrown into a foster home, forgotten with no help or therapy, and the justice system failed me. He went on to ruin so many other lives. There is a sequel, "Mother Should Have Helped Build The Wall," and I am working on book three due out in 2020. There is just so much to tell when you have lived with evil - the damn devil himself.
ebook
Published December 3, 2017
288 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Norton
33 books119 followersAbout the Author,
A.L. Norton resides in a small town in Indiana. She is married, with three children, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law. She is chronically ill and suffers from chronic pain due to severe childhood abuse. She is an advocate for RAINN, Janie’s Fund, and Ark Of Hope. Proceeds from her books go to these charities. She does most of her writing from the bed and is an avid reader. A.L. Norton is an award-winning, international, bestselling author. She does not allow her illnesses to define her. She never takes anything for granted and appreciates everything...including her readers.
A.L. Norton resides in a small town in Indiana. She is married, with three children, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law. She is chronically ill and suffers from chronic pain due to severe childhood abuse. She is an advocate for RAINN, Janie’s Fund, and Ark Of Hope. Proceeds from her books go to these charities. She does most of her writing from the bed and is an avid reader. A.L. Norton is an award-winning, international, bestselling author. She does not allow her illnesses to define her. She never takes anything for granted and appreciates everything...including her readers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 30, 2018
Based on real events the author of this story gives a compelling and scary story about how it is to grow up in a dysfunctional family with an abusive molesting father. The story is written from the heart and is easy to follow, and gives a gripping insight on how mistreatment forms a young child.
October 8, 2019
There was a couple errors in the writting, but It did not effect the story and was not hard to figure out what the writer was trying to say.
There was quite a bit of swearing, but it didnt bother me and I really enjoyed the style that this was written, it came across as very easy to read.
The author near the end comes across as a very negative person and someone who perhaps would be hard to be around, but I found myself feeling bad for her. I feel like if she had been given the proper help from the beginning to deal with the things in her life that had happened, than perhaps she would have had a better chance at a positive adulthood.
I liked that the actual abuse that happened was just a short part of the book, and the rest was her coping and trying to move forward with her life. It was refreshing as most books of this sort only discuss the abuse and a very small portion talks about the persons life after. To me it came across as that it was something that happened, and it was a huge thing in her life... but it wasn't her whole life. She lived to go on and start a family, become a mother, have a wonderful husband, and rebuild a relationship with her mother.
I found it really brought perspective to just how much abuse at a young age can really effect every aspect of your whole life. I feel like it gave great insite into a broken system, that desperately needs attention and repair.
There was quite a bit of swearing, but it didnt bother me and I really enjoyed the style that this was written, it came across as very easy to read.
The author near the end comes across as a very negative person and someone who perhaps would be hard to be around, but I found myself feeling bad for her. I feel like if she had been given the proper help from the beginning to deal with the things in her life that had happened, than perhaps she would have had a better chance at a positive adulthood.
I liked that the actual abuse that happened was just a short part of the book, and the rest was her coping and trying to move forward with her life. It was refreshing as most books of this sort only discuss the abuse and a very small portion talks about the persons life after. To me it came across as that it was something that happened, and it was a huge thing in her life... but it wasn't her whole life. She lived to go on and start a family, become a mother, have a wonderful husband, and rebuild a relationship with her mother.
I found it really brought perspective to just how much abuse at a young age can really effect every aspect of your whole life. I feel like it gave great insite into a broken system, that desperately needs attention and repair.
October 10, 2019
Very well written for a woman that literally suffered through hell
I gave you 5 stars. The vocabulary certainly is self explanatory given the hand you were dealt with for most of your life. Why people are nitpicky over something so miniscule is very insensitive. A.L., I don't know you personally but now I know what kind of unimaginable hell you have been through at the hands of a person that should have cherished you, not fuck you up for the rest of your entire life. You are courageous, thank you for telling your story and don't ever stop telling your story because your speaking out and speaking up will hopefully help others in a similar situation to also speak up. There are too many out there that are ashamed and afraid to speak and they need to start telling and screaming their story until SOMEONE WILL LISTEN AND BELIEVE THEM. Good luck A.L. This must have been difficult for you. And for anyone out there who doesn't like my review......well screw you.
I gave you 5 stars. The vocabulary certainly is self explanatory given the hand you were dealt with for most of your life. Why people are nitpicky over something so miniscule is very insensitive. A.L., I don't know you personally but now I know what kind of unimaginable hell you have been through at the hands of a person that should have cherished you, not fuck you up for the rest of your entire life. You are courageous, thank you for telling your story and don't ever stop telling your story because your speaking out and speaking up will hopefully help others in a similar situation to also speak up. There are too many out there that are ashamed and afraid to speak and they need to start telling and screaming their story until SOMEONE WILL LISTEN AND BELIEVE THEM. Good luck A.L. This must have been difficult for you. And for anyone out there who doesn't like my review......well screw you.
July 28, 2019
I dont know if theres been a mix up or what but the book i read has absolutely nothing to do with what the blurb says. It was however a deeply touching story and a good read,im so confused. There isnt anyone named Lindsey in this? And im fairly certain Kentucky was mentioned not Georgia.
September 3, 2019
Heart wrenching
I would recommend this book to adults only, very well written and honest. Thank you for your honesty and openness to share your story. Just know your not alone.
I would recommend this book to adults only, very well written and honest. Thank you for your honesty and openness to share your story. Just know your not alone.
March 3, 2025
No child should ever have to suffer the pain that Natalie suffer. The person that was supposed to love her unconditionally and be the person she felt safe with is the one that did her the most harm. I don't understand how anybody can do that to a child and the fact that it was his own daughter made it 10000 times worse. Natalie, I'm sorry you had to suffer through this horrendous childhood that no child should ever go through. I hope "the paedophile" burns in hell for the pain and suffering he put you and many other children through. Just because he was in the military doesn't make him a good person and the government has failed you and so many others. May you somehow find some peace.
August 29, 2019
Wow
What a survivor, praying for you always. Thank you for sharing your story.. I know it wasn’t easy. God bless
What a survivor, praying for you always. Thank you for sharing your story.. I know it wasn’t easy. God bless
December 9, 2019
Holy crap I couldn't put this book down for a second! The suspense of the Author's story kept me on edge until the very end. I feel so terribly bad for all the author had been through like I honestly don't even have the right words to describe how sympathetic and in some cases empathic I am. However, the story is raw and bone chilling yet epic! A MUST read for ANYONE who had to endure physical, mental, and sexual abuse. This book would make an incredible movie.
April 27, 2019
I found this story quite harrowing, although I'm wondering about it being 'based' on a true story. Does that mean it's the story of someone else written by a friend or relative? Even so, it was well written and portrayed the terrifying and distressing feelings felt by a child who is destroyed by the sexual abuse of someone she should be able to trust.
Perhaps a little more editing might be in order to tidy up the spelling mistakes. Otherwise a profound four-star story.
Perhaps a little more editing might be in order to tidy up the spelling mistakes. Otherwise a profound four-star story.
January 3, 2019
This brutally honest read is sure to anger you,bring you to tears,and pull at your heartstrings. As a survivor of sexual abuse,as a child of 8-13, I was completely involved in the brutality of this courageous women’s childhood horrific abuse. Most especially, since this betrayal and violation and theft of all that is supposed to be innocence,trust,and parental love is effected by her father. As abuse,rape,incest survivors,we are ALL,I believe,have a shared aftermath of feelings,nightmarish memories,and,most importantly,a sense of self-loathing.Luckily,however,for many of us,our past does not define us as lovable,caring,and some of the most compassionate and giving people.Talking/writing/sharing,I think,is so vital in the healing process. Highly recommend,not only for those who have suffered such life altering trauma,but,for anyone and everyone who truly wants to gain greater insight into the life and minds of those courageous enough to shar
October 2, 2019
I just finished reading My Nightmare in Georgia, by A. L. Norton. This gritty, 1st-person account of the author’s harrowing experiences as a child & young woman at the hands of her father’s physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, is raw, graphic, and necessary.
I found the book difficult to face, yet also impossible to turn away from, because I can relate to the strength it took to write it all down and go public. The author holds no punches and sets each scene in detail, including dialogue that makes the reader feel as if she is there alongside her.
I took short breaks from the book, to ensure I didn’t become triggered, but my take away is how much courage and resilience A. L. Norton has. Despite her post-trauma challenges, this remarkable woman has been able to articulate her story in a clear, honest manner.
I think society needs to listen. Parents need to listen. Survivors need to be heard and believed. Thank you for sharing this story and helping others learn from it.
I found the book difficult to face, yet also impossible to turn away from, because I can relate to the strength it took to write it all down and go public. The author holds no punches and sets each scene in detail, including dialogue that makes the reader feel as if she is there alongside her.
I took short breaks from the book, to ensure I didn’t become triggered, but my take away is how much courage and resilience A. L. Norton has. Despite her post-trauma challenges, this remarkable woman has been able to articulate her story in a clear, honest manner.
I think society needs to listen. Parents need to listen. Survivors need to be heard and believed. Thank you for sharing this story and helping others learn from it.
February 4, 2025
Devoured this book in a few hours. Sometimes, we know a abuse happens, but to read or hear it from the survivors themselves is gut wrenching and all to real. A.L NORTON told her story in a very raw and heart breaking point of view.
A lot of people failed her. Her mother failed her by allowing her to go back. I had so many questions as to whyyyyy did she let her go back knowing what that b@:#:stard did to her when she was a baby and what she went through married to him! I know alot of blame went into the system, but the system started with her own mother.
This book was a page turner and I couldn't stop, because I felt like I needed to know she was goung to be OK.
Mental illness rep, but stemming from the lifetime abuse that started when she was a baby. All the signs of abuse was there and no one helped this poor girl.
Humans failed her. 😔
Great read.
A lot of people failed her. Her mother failed her by allowing her to go back. I had so many questions as to whyyyyy did she let her go back knowing what that b@:#:stard did to her when she was a baby and what she went through married to him! I know alot of blame went into the system, but the system started with her own mother.
This book was a page turner and I couldn't stop, because I felt like I needed to know she was goung to be OK.
Mental illness rep, but stemming from the lifetime abuse that started when she was a baby. All the signs of abuse was there and no one helped this poor girl.
Humans failed her. 😔
Great read.
July 2, 2019
Life can be Cruel.
I know all to well about abuse. This book tore at my heart. I understand the anger and hate that rolled of the author onto the pages.
Then when you try and trust again after life hands you such a shit storm, how do you really feel you can ever trust let alone love. I felt the anger and the pain.
I still feel for this story, when you know it's true and you know the evil that still lurks in the world today.
I know all to well about abuse. This book tore at my heart. I understand the anger and hate that rolled of the author onto the pages.
Then when you try and trust again after life hands you such a shit storm, how do you really feel you can ever trust let alone love. I felt the anger and the pain.
I still feel for this story, when you know it's true and you know the evil that still lurks in the world today.
September 9, 2018
Its the best book based on real life story of the Author on child abuse. Became very emotional reading the book with lurking tears. Pls. do not forget to keep a Handkerchief/tissue with you while reading the book.
October 30, 2018
A must read.
November 1, 2023
need to read
Everyone needs to read this and be aware! And give support when needed. You never know when it’s a child
Everyone needs to read this and be aware! And give support when needed. You never know when it’s a child
July 18, 2025
Wow
The first book of this series was ok. It detailed a pretty horrific childhood. It was fairly well written and had some organization and was pretty readable.
This book, however seems to sadly demonstrate Lindsay's descent into mental illness, anger, self-pity, name calling, finger pointing and hatred. I really understand how this happened and am not judging her or criticizing her for it. It's just incredibly sad that her powerful story has become unreadable.
First of all, there doesn't seem to have been any proofreading or editing for the second half of the book. Spelling and punctuation errors become so prevalent that it's obvious Lindsay didn't accept any help getting the book finished.
This mistrust of everyone and insistence that only she knows best becomes the overriding theme of the latter part of the book. Family, friends, medical professionals, mental institutions ....all are rejected. She won't accept help of any kind and it pushes her deeper into her own dark corner.
The whole thing is just incredibly sad.
The first book of this series was ok. It detailed a pretty horrific childhood. It was fairly well written and had some organization and was pretty readable.
This book, however seems to sadly demonstrate Lindsay's descent into mental illness, anger, self-pity, name calling, finger pointing and hatred. I really understand how this happened and am not judging her or criticizing her for it. It's just incredibly sad that her powerful story has become unreadable.
First of all, there doesn't seem to have been any proofreading or editing for the second half of the book. Spelling and punctuation errors become so prevalent that it's obvious Lindsay didn't accept any help getting the book finished.
This mistrust of everyone and insistence that only she knows best becomes the overriding theme of the latter part of the book. Family, friends, medical professionals, mental institutions ....all are rejected. She won't accept help of any kind and it pushes her deeper into her own dark corner.
The whole thing is just incredibly sad.
April 12, 2019
Does it help to write about the bad things in your life?
When you've been deserted by all of the people who should stand up for you, parents, siblings, friends, and the entire justice system. When no-one believes you. When doctors and therapists put you into the 'too hard' basket. What is left for you to do? Just end it - and no-one can blame you for wanting to quit, for how can you go on living?
And yet, showing remarkable courage and amazing perseverance, the author has produced a gritty tale of incest, rape, and assault which, she says, is based on (her own) true story. I bought the book and read it through from cover to cover in a single sitting. I had no choice but to keep reading for I had to know how she ended up. I admire this author for what she has produced and I wish her much happiness. Clearly, she has much more to tell us.
When you've been deserted by all of the people who should stand up for you, parents, siblings, friends, and the entire justice system. When no-one believes you. When doctors and therapists put you into the 'too hard' basket. What is left for you to do? Just end it - and no-one can blame you for wanting to quit, for how can you go on living?
And yet, showing remarkable courage and amazing perseverance, the author has produced a gritty tale of incest, rape, and assault which, she says, is based on (her own) true story. I bought the book and read it through from cover to cover in a single sitting. I had no choice but to keep reading for I had to know how she ended up. I admire this author for what she has produced and I wish her much happiness. Clearly, she has much more to tell us.
June 15, 2019
This author did an amazing job telling her readers her story. As a reader I am proud of her for having the strength to not only survive such a horrific ordeal, but have the courage to share these experiences in hopes that others who have suffered will also come forward. To help put the monsters who abuse in any sense of the word where they belong. I have known many who have been abused and it was hard not to get emotional. I had to take breathers several times because I could feel the pain and fear; this book pulls on your heartstrings. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that needs a boost of courage to speak out. ❤️
October 26, 2019
Wishing this very bitter lady finds peace
I can say this as a victim of generational sexual, physical and mental abuse. I was on my own at the age of 16 . My life was never easy. But I did not foster and grow hate in my heart. I never forgot and cut many people out of my life based on necessity. However I elected to let go of hate and while I didn’t necessarily forgive, I elected to become indifferent when I could not forgive. This lady is being eaten up alive physically with her her firm hold on her pain and what happened to her, I am glad she could tell her story. I hope one day she can give it a different ending.
I can say this as a victim of generational sexual, physical and mental abuse. I was on my own at the age of 16 . My life was never easy. But I did not foster and grow hate in my heart. I never forgot and cut many people out of my life based on necessity. However I elected to let go of hate and while I didn’t necessarily forgive, I elected to become indifferent when I could not forgive. This lady is being eaten up alive physically with her her firm hold on her pain and what happened to her, I am glad she could tell her story. I hope one day she can give it a different ending.
September 11, 2020
Amazing story that needs to be heard
I suffer from PTSD. My story wasn’t a parent, but men I let in my life. I’m almost 36 and just start seeing a therapist and getting medications. Stress, anxiety and depression were taking over my life. I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack because it felt like a heart attack. In the middle of driving I will forget where I’m at and things don’t look familiar around me. I was told this was from stress. I also have sensory overload which causes me to snap at people. I’ve never been brave enough to tell my story, so kudos to the author for being a strong voice against sexual violence. If you have a chance, read this. It’s a must.
I suffer from PTSD. My story wasn’t a parent, but men I let in my life. I’m almost 36 and just start seeing a therapist and getting medications. Stress, anxiety and depression were taking over my life. I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack because it felt like a heart attack. In the middle of driving I will forget where I’m at and things don’t look familiar around me. I was told this was from stress. I also have sensory overload which causes me to snap at people. I’ve never been brave enough to tell my story, so kudos to the author for being a strong voice against sexual violence. If you have a chance, read this. It’s a must.
June 14, 2019
Great book!!!
I enjoyed reading this book. I just wish that the author could find it in her heart to forgive. Why? Because to forgive means to set yourself free!!! I don't think she should forgive to make the Dad feel better but to make herself feel better. I also know this is easier said than done but I think it would help her more than anything. When I say forgive I do not mean she has to have anything to do with him. I don't think that would be a good idea but if she could forgive him it would give her more peace of mind!!!
I enjoyed reading this book. I just wish that the author could find it in her heart to forgive. Why? Because to forgive means to set yourself free!!! I don't think she should forgive to make the Dad feel better but to make herself feel better. I also know this is easier said than done but I think it would help her more than anything. When I say forgive I do not mean she has to have anything to do with him. I don't think that would be a good idea but if she could forgive him it would give her more peace of mind!!!
June 28, 2020
Such a brave person
This was a heartbreaking story about what happens to a beautiful an innocent child when they have had the most evil and terrible act of brutality committed against them by the one person that is supposed to love, protect and keep them safe from all harm. If justice is not served in this life, it will be served in the afterlife for certain. I admire the bravery and strength of this beautiful person for being able to write and share her difficult story with the rest of us.
This was a heartbreaking story about what happens to a beautiful an innocent child when they have had the most evil and terrible act of brutality committed against them by the one person that is supposed to love, protect and keep them safe from all harm. If justice is not served in this life, it will be served in the afterlife for certain. I admire the bravery and strength of this beautiful person for being able to write and share her difficult story with the rest of us.
January 1, 2021
My Nightmare In Georgia. by A.L. Norton.
A very hard book to read .. not as in it being a bad book but very confronting on what the author went through ... One of the type of people you would have complete faith in to look after and protect you!
I am not sure if it is possible to have read this before as a lot did sound familiar to what I have read before .. story-wise! Ashamed for her that people did not believe what she had said happened and then to protect her father that he was able to get away with doing the same thing with other kids!
A very hard book to read .. not as in it being a bad book but very confronting on what the author went through ... One of the type of people you would have complete faith in to look after and protect you!
I am not sure if it is possible to have read this before as a lot did sound familiar to what I have read before .. story-wise! Ashamed for her that people did not believe what she had said happened and then to protect her father that he was able to get away with doing the same thing with other kids!
May 29, 2019
Heartbreaking and horrifying. This is an eyeopening read. Too many times those that are supposed to love and protect are the ones we need protection from.
Reading this young woman's life story is hard. The abuse she was forced to suffer despite seeking help is appalling . Not only was she abused by her father, but even her friends betrayed her.
Hard hitting and emotionally draining.
Good read but it does need some editing, which detracts.
Reading this young woman's life story is hard. The abuse she was forced to suffer despite seeking help is appalling . Not only was she abused by her father, but even her friends betrayed her.
Hard hitting and emotionally draining.
Good read but it does need some editing, which detracts.
May 31, 2019
Terrifying
Moreso than any horror story about a fictional monster are the real monsters that live beside us, pass us on the street or, God forbid, share our home. That such things could happen are frightening, that they do and people get away with it is stupifying. Read this story and understand the true meaning of courage, and drop a prayer for those who haven't yet found their way free.
Moreso than any horror story about a fictional monster are the real monsters that live beside us, pass us on the street or, God forbid, share our home. That such things could happen are frightening, that they do and people get away with it is stupifying. Read this story and understand the true meaning of courage, and drop a prayer for those who haven't yet found their way free.
August 9, 2019
A memoir of pain and life struggles
I know a lot of women can relate to this story. 90 percent of the women that I know have been raped at least once and their victimizers have never seen a court date or even been charged
. This includes myself. This story reads more like a diary - there are a lot of writing issues but still a relatable story. Women need to keep telling their stories and I will always stand behind that.
I know a lot of women can relate to this story. 90 percent of the women that I know have been raped at least once and their victimizers have never seen a court date or even been charged
. This includes myself. This story reads more like a diary - there are a lot of writing issues but still a relatable story. Women need to keep telling their stories and I will always stand behind that.
September 19, 2019
You are not alone
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It feels like I wrote it, only the person wasn't a family member, but a so called friend. I don't understand how parents can let people like that around their kids. I have very many of the same symptoms you do. I keep plugging on, I am not as strong as you are, I refuse to go to the quacks anymore. Be well, and wish I could give you a hug.
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It feels like I wrote it, only the person wasn't a family member, but a so called friend. I don't understand how parents can let people like that around their kids. I have very many of the same symptoms you do. I keep plugging on, I am not as strong as you are, I refuse to go to the quacks anymore. Be well, and wish I could give you a hug.
July 3, 2025
Sad
This was not an easy read, sometimes difficult to understand what she was writing. One thing I’ve learned in life is you have to forgive the monster that did this, not for his sake but for your own . Forgiving someone is like setting a prisoner free & only to find out that prisoner was you.
This was a very negative book & I was glad to be finished. I read the entire book in hope that she would find peace . I was disappointed.
This was not an easy read, sometimes difficult to understand what she was writing. One thing I’ve learned in life is you have to forgive the monster that did this, not for his sake but for your own . Forgiving someone is like setting a prisoner free & only to find out that prisoner was you.
This was a very negative book & I was glad to be finished. I read the entire book in hope that she would find peace . I was disappointed.
September 24, 2025
Life altering Experience
The narrative presented by Lindsey is deeply affecting. As a fellow survivor of familial sexual assault, I empathize with the experiences shared. While my personal path has led me to forgiveness, the indelible nature of such experiences remains. Lindsey's account underscores the profound and multifaceted impact of unresolved trauma, manifesting in physical, emotional, and psychological distress. My sincere condolences are extended to Lindsey.
The narrative presented by Lindsey is deeply affecting. As a fellow survivor of familial sexual assault, I empathize with the experiences shared. While my personal path has led me to forgiveness, the indelible nature of such experiences remains. Lindsey's account underscores the profound and multifaceted impact of unresolved trauma, manifesting in physical, emotional, and psychological distress. My sincere condolences are extended to Lindsey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews