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Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival
This domestic abuse survivor’s memoir shares an “engaging, powerful, and ultimately shocking story" of a bad marriage that ended in attempted murder (Lundy Bancroft, author of The Joyous Recovery). Monique Faison, the daughter of San Diego Charger’s football great Earl Faison, married her high school sweetheart soon after she discovered she was pregnant with his child. Her relationship with Chris had always been shaky, but his verbal abuse only increased—and then gave way to physical attacks. Eventually, Monique took their children and left. That was when the stalking and serious threats began. Nothing stopped him—not protection injunctions, police warnings, or even arrests. One fateful Monday morning, Chris kidnapped Monique in front of her children. After a nightmarish car ride that involved car crashes and rape, Chris beat her on the head with a shovel and abandoned her brutalized body in the woods, presuming she was dead. But playing dead was what saved her life.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2019
115 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Monique Faison Ross
1 book16 followersIt is not often that a victim of a violent crime lives to tell the tale. Monique became an "accidental author" when a group of friends convinced her that she needed to share the story of her near-fatal experience in which she was forced to "play dead."
Monique grew up in San Diego, California, the only child raised primarily by her Mom, Barbara, an industrial engineer. Her father, Earl Faison, was a four-time all-star defensive end for the San Diego Chargers. Connecticut has been her home for the last 22 years. Monique is now remarried, the mother to four grown children, and a new grandmother. She is also a devoted dog owner, environmental enthusiast, avid beachgoer, and lover of cherry blossoms.
Monique serves on the Connecticut Fatality Review Task Force and is committed to helping others recognize dangerous traits in a romantic partner, that she did not.
http://wbp.bz/playingdead
Monique grew up in San Diego, California, the only child raised primarily by her Mom, Barbara, an industrial engineer. Her father, Earl Faison, was a four-time all-star defensive end for the San Diego Chargers. Connecticut has been her home for the last 22 years. Monique is now remarried, the mother to four grown children, and a new grandmother. She is also a devoted dog owner, environmental enthusiast, avid beachgoer, and lover of cherry blossoms.
Monique serves on the Connecticut Fatality Review Task Force and is committed to helping others recognize dangerous traits in a romantic partner, that she did not.
http://wbp.bz/playingdead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 11, 2019
Playing Dead is a book that speaks out for staying single, and never getting married. Monique and Chris don’t seem to have really done their homework before getting hitched. It’s like they suddenly woke up that way one morning and find they really don’t like it and need someone to blame. Chris is a perfectionist and loves to point out what his wife isn’t doing right, and that is just about everything and all the time to him. He enjoys doing it too, in a very nasty way when the mood strikes,
They fight all the time because of it, and soon Monique fights back by bringing up his string of low paying jobs that contribute little to the family’s income problems and continue to keep them on the precipice of losing their apartment.
This book follows their deteriorating marriage, as Monique debates leaving. But she’s now got three children and they are still broke. Chris has already threatened to take off with the children if he gets even a whiff of her planning to leave. He’s become unstable and violent at times, which frightens her. Chris is a ticking time bomb that no one is taking seriously enough. Until it’s too late.
True crime lovers might want to check this one out. It’s super creepy how extreme this guy spirals out of control over his marriage ending. It’s enough to give you nightmares. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Monique Faison Ross with Gary Krebs, and the publisher.
First published on my WordPress blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
They fight all the time because of it, and soon Monique fights back by bringing up his string of low paying jobs that contribute little to the family’s income problems and continue to keep them on the precipice of losing their apartment.
This book follows their deteriorating marriage, as Monique debates leaving. But she’s now got three children and they are still broke. Chris has already threatened to take off with the children if he gets even a whiff of her planning to leave. He’s become unstable and violent at times, which frightens her. Chris is a ticking time bomb that no one is taking seriously enough. Until it’s too late.
True crime lovers might want to check this one out. It’s super creepy how extreme this guy spirals out of control over his marriage ending. It’s enough to give you nightmares. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Monique Faison Ross with Gary Krebs, and the publisher.
First published on my WordPress blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
September 28, 2023
Why don’t they commit these ppl ?! Obviously he has mental problems and needs to be away from all society. I have seen and been around ppl like “Chris”. They have to attempt murder and almost succeed to actually get them put away. Even then, he only served 80 percent or less. If I were her- I would insist on protective custody, move countries… but anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2019
Full review at https://yellowmajesty.com/playing-dea...
“Playing Dead” is a memoir from Monique of how she overcomes a terrible experience in her life. It shows her courage, strength, determination, and her love for her children. It is a very powerful, engaging and a compelling read.
When engrossed in the book, it is genuinely disturbing. It feels like witnessing a very intimate moment of someone’s life, the kind that one only sees in movies with a twist that in this one the readers are the one witnessing the events firsthand (or so it seems like to me). It pictures out only a portion of the whole story which some women experience: Abuse. Some even go the extent of enduring it! This story however ends with a horrible incident that Monique never could have imagined.
“Playing Dead” is a memoir from Monique of how she overcomes a terrible experience in her life. It shows her courage, strength, determination, and her love for her children. It is a very powerful, engaging and a compelling read.
When engrossed in the book, it is genuinely disturbing. It feels like witnessing a very intimate moment of someone’s life, the kind that one only sees in movies with a twist that in this one the readers are the one witnessing the events firsthand (or so it seems like to me). It pictures out only a portion of the whole story which some women experience: Abuse. Some even go the extent of enduring it! This story however ends with a horrible incident that Monique never could have imagined.
June 5, 2020
Playing Dead is not simply the story of a woman being kidnapped, raped, and beaten by her husband, it is the tale of their relationship from its inception. Monique shares the beginning stages, allowing the reader to see how an abuser disguises himself with charm. She guides us through the slowly changing climate of her relationship, as common abusive tactics begin to surface. She demonstrates how easy it is to feel stuck and helpless and how leaving does not guarantee freedom or safety. Her story should pacify the voices that ask, “Why doesn’t she just leave?” That’s a question that can easily isolate a victim even more. If it’s truly something people want to understand, stories like this one need to be read.
I heard about this book last summer, pre-publication. Although my interest was immediately piqued, I was nervous about how it would make me feel. I put off ordering it and, upon buying a copy, I also postponed reading it for a while. In the end, it didn’t make me feel anything that was overwhelmingly unbearable and that was a welcomed relief.
I have never been kidnapped, but I have been in an abusive marriage and I endured similar stalking tactics after leaving. I was incredibly fortunate in comparison to Monique. Reading this, I felt amazed at how similar her husband’s manipulative strategies were to those that I experienced. I felt outraged by some of the obstacles she faced within the justice system. While her situation occurred in the nineties, I don’t think significant improvements within the limitations of the law have been made. I felt proud of Monique’s strength of mind through it all. And I felt so much sadness over what she endured and the fear that it produced for her, her children, and other concerned loved ones. She had an incredibly powerful will to survive, fueled greatly by her love for her kids.
Monique’s story is inspirational, as she had the courage to fight, continuously wrestle the demons her trauma created for her, and tell her story. It is her wisdom and endurance that allowed her to survive the ordeal, as she did just as the title suggests and it saved her. I admire her ability to share her harrowing tale from start to finish, as I know telling it is often a form of reliving it, and she clearly notes that it isn’t easy for her to communicate the details.
This book is crucial in building empathy in those who wish to support women who are in, getting out of, or already distanced from their abusive relationship. It isn’t easy to read through all Monique endured but being more sensitive to the struggles around us often means we need to be a bit uncomfortable.
I heard about this book last summer, pre-publication. Although my interest was immediately piqued, I was nervous about how it would make me feel. I put off ordering it and, upon buying a copy, I also postponed reading it for a while. In the end, it didn’t make me feel anything that was overwhelmingly unbearable and that was a welcomed relief.
I have never been kidnapped, but I have been in an abusive marriage and I endured similar stalking tactics after leaving. I was incredibly fortunate in comparison to Monique. Reading this, I felt amazed at how similar her husband’s manipulative strategies were to those that I experienced. I felt outraged by some of the obstacles she faced within the justice system. While her situation occurred in the nineties, I don’t think significant improvements within the limitations of the law have been made. I felt proud of Monique’s strength of mind through it all. And I felt so much sadness over what she endured and the fear that it produced for her, her children, and other concerned loved ones. She had an incredibly powerful will to survive, fueled greatly by her love for her kids.
Monique’s story is inspirational, as she had the courage to fight, continuously wrestle the demons her trauma created for her, and tell her story. It is her wisdom and endurance that allowed her to survive the ordeal, as she did just as the title suggests and it saved her. I admire her ability to share her harrowing tale from start to finish, as I know telling it is often a form of reliving it, and she clearly notes that it isn’t easy for her to communicate the details.
This book is crucial in building empathy in those who wish to support women who are in, getting out of, or already distanced from their abusive relationship. It isn’t easy to read through all Monique endured but being more sensitive to the struggles around us often means we need to be a bit uncomfortable.
March 26, 2020
A true-crime story that can be heard and told many times but unfortunately is not told until the female has passed away, (killed). Here you have a true story of a woman going through a horrifying experience. The story can be difficult to read at times for many reasons. You find yourself drawn to this story once you begin because you want to find out what happens.
Monique marries her high school sweetheart who becomes a monster. It starts with verbal abuse then turns into physical. Everything escalates to the point where she tries to leave, she gets the appropriate paperwork that you are legally required to get and yet she is still kidnapped by him, raped over and over, beat to the point where she pretended to be dead. Which actually saved her. She is a true survivor, a warrior in the true spirit of the word. No matter what she did legally he continued to come after her talk about premeditation. There is no I mean tolerance for a person like him yet there are many others walking around.
This will be difficult to read once again though I think needs to be. Though scary and very much true I just wish women and children didn’t have to go through this and could be protected better. Though I think that this is a book that needs to be read, just be aware that it may take you some time to get through it. Remember that everything that happened is true and that a man who said he loved someone, married her became this monster. There are no words to describe how Monique is a true survivor and is so very lucky to be alive today, I just wish that there were ways to protect more women and families out there that this is happening to. A truly good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Monique marries her high school sweetheart who becomes a monster. It starts with verbal abuse then turns into physical. Everything escalates to the point where she tries to leave, she gets the appropriate paperwork that you are legally required to get and yet she is still kidnapped by him, raped over and over, beat to the point where she pretended to be dead. Which actually saved her. She is a true survivor, a warrior in the true spirit of the word. No matter what she did legally he continued to come after her talk about premeditation. There is no I mean tolerance for a person like him yet there are many others walking around.
This will be difficult to read once again though I think needs to be. Though scary and very much true I just wish women and children didn’t have to go through this and could be protected better. Though I think that this is a book that needs to be read, just be aware that it may take you some time to get through it. Remember that everything that happened is true and that a man who said he loved someone, married her became this monster. There are no words to describe how Monique is a true survivor and is so very lucky to be alive today, I just wish that there were ways to protect more women and families out there that this is happening to. A truly good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 31, 2020
Relationship nightmare
This book was riveting from beginning to end. As a high school teacher I would highly recommend this book be used with students in a life span, health, or family development class to warn them of the dangers of abusive relationships. As students are beginning to explore relationships in their life it is easy to mistake love and trust vs. power and control. They may be living this first hand or have a family experience they could relate to. Sometimes being an active participant you are blind to what's in front of you. Monique's experience is like so many and she is lucky to have survived this horrendous ordeal. Thank goodness for happy endings because this came way too close to being this family's worst nightmare.
This book was riveting from beginning to end. As a high school teacher I would highly recommend this book be used with students in a life span, health, or family development class to warn them of the dangers of abusive relationships. As students are beginning to explore relationships in their life it is easy to mistake love and trust vs. power and control. They may be living this first hand or have a family experience they could relate to. Sometimes being an active participant you are blind to what's in front of you. Monique's experience is like so many and she is lucky to have survived this horrendous ordeal. Thank goodness for happy endings because this came way too close to being this family's worst nightmare.
June 18, 2024
This was a terrifying true story of one woman’s fight for survival. Her husband literally went off the deep end when confronted with a divorce. I identified with so many of the behaviors and scenarios depicted, and yet I continued reading this because I just HAD to see that justice was served. There is a certain form of mental illness involved where the people who commit domestic violence are propelled by their own sick minds to make others suffer and feel justification in their actions.
January 14, 2020
My Blog
Monique, the daughter of San Diego Charger’s football great Earl Faison, never imagined marrying her high school boyfriend would turn out to be the most horrible mistake of her life. She also hadn’t imagined she would survive this mistake to narrate her tale.
Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival by Monique Faison Ross recounts the author’s experience of a nightmarish marriage that culminated in a brutally violent incident. Her relationship with Chris was unstable from the beginning, but it gradually turned abusive and denigrating. Snide remarks and constant criticism became a part of the author’s life, which she couldn’t recognize as verbal abuse owing to a lack of awareness. Due to the absence of her father in her life, she didn’t want to subject her children to a similar situation. Hence, she persisted and remained in an abusive marriage.
However, unable to bear any more, she left him with their children. That’s when she saw Chris’s real face. His behavior turned downright abominable. Nothing restrained him – not even police arrests. One fateful morning, he kidnapped Monique and drove off to a predetermined location where he raped her. Then he mercilessly beat her on the head with a shovel until he believed she was dead and left her in the woods in the rain. This memoir is the testimony of what she endured.
Monique has crafted an engaging memoir that reads like a thriller. Consequently, I devoured the book in two days. It’s a true page-turner; I was consumed by the author’s writing style. Playing Dead is an account of what victims of domestic violence go through, but above all, it’s a survivor’s story. It recounts how the author overcame these terrible situations to become a strong woman for the sake of her children whom she loves with all her heart. It’s a compelling memoir, and once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down till you reach the last page.
As captivating this memoir is, it is also genuinely disturbing. I was upset for days after reading this memoir because I simply couldn’t believe human beings are capable of such evil. People with triggers of domestic violence, sexual abuse, violence against children and pets should tread caution before picking up this book. It’s a treasure for fans of true crime. However, I will recommend this memoir to everyone. It’s an excellent eye-opener to what is abusive behavior and more importantly, not to withstand such behavior no matter what.
I got a free digital copy from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
Monique, the daughter of San Diego Charger’s football great Earl Faison, never imagined marrying her high school boyfriend would turn out to be the most horrible mistake of her life. She also hadn’t imagined she would survive this mistake to narrate her tale.
Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival by Monique Faison Ross recounts the author’s experience of a nightmarish marriage that culminated in a brutally violent incident. Her relationship with Chris was unstable from the beginning, but it gradually turned abusive and denigrating. Snide remarks and constant criticism became a part of the author’s life, which she couldn’t recognize as verbal abuse owing to a lack of awareness. Due to the absence of her father in her life, she didn’t want to subject her children to a similar situation. Hence, she persisted and remained in an abusive marriage.
However, unable to bear any more, she left him with their children. That’s when she saw Chris’s real face. His behavior turned downright abominable. Nothing restrained him – not even police arrests. One fateful morning, he kidnapped Monique and drove off to a predetermined location where he raped her. Then he mercilessly beat her on the head with a shovel until he believed she was dead and left her in the woods in the rain. This memoir is the testimony of what she endured.
Monique has crafted an engaging memoir that reads like a thriller. Consequently, I devoured the book in two days. It’s a true page-turner; I was consumed by the author’s writing style. Playing Dead is an account of what victims of domestic violence go through, but above all, it’s a survivor’s story. It recounts how the author overcame these terrible situations to become a strong woman for the sake of her children whom she loves with all her heart. It’s a compelling memoir, and once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down till you reach the last page.
As captivating this memoir is, it is also genuinely disturbing. I was upset for days after reading this memoir because I simply couldn’t believe human beings are capable of such evil. People with triggers of domestic violence, sexual abuse, violence against children and pets should tread caution before picking up this book. It’s a treasure for fans of true crime. However, I will recommend this memoir to everyone. It’s an excellent eye-opener to what is abusive behavior and more importantly, not to withstand such behavior no matter what.
I got a free digital copy from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2019
Playing Dead
A Memoir of Terror and Survival
Monique Faison Ross with Gary M. Krebs
Wild Blue Press, Sep 1, 2019
248 pages, Kindle
Memoir: Domestic Violence
NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover on this book is understated, but I think it really ties to the author’s story very well since it was the weapon used against her. No sensational picture would have worked half as well as this simple fence and shovel.
The author tells her story as if she is reporting it to you. For some reason, in my head, I was hearing her tell all this in a rather monotone voice the way someone would when they’ve been through the story several times and they are rather worn down from it. As if in a shock-like state and they just want to tell it and put it all behind them. There seems to be no attempt to embellish what’s going on, the events are dramatic enough in their raw state.
We hear this story so often. A marriage that’s not really quite right from the beginning. A husband who derides his wife at every opportunity until her self-worth is almost gone and she starts to wonder if she really is as useless and unattractive as he says. Children didn’t solve the problem, of course. They just created more targets and great hostages to her behavior. A puppy? Yeah, that makes a great target, too. The author takes us from some snide remarks to constant verbal abuse and plunges us into the physical violence of her relationship with her husband just the way it happened. Her primary goal through all of this was to protect her children.
This book ticks off so many of my taboos that I’m really not sure why I requested the book. This is definitely not a book for someone with triggers of domestic violence, child abuse, or animal abuse. But I do highly recommend it as a survivor’s story for those who enjoy reading about the ones who made it through and out the other side. Thank you to Wild Blue Press for providing a copy.
A Memoir of Terror and Survival
Monique Faison Ross with Gary M. Krebs
Wild Blue Press, Sep 1, 2019
248 pages, Kindle
Memoir: Domestic Violence
NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover on this book is understated, but I think it really ties to the author’s story very well since it was the weapon used against her. No sensational picture would have worked half as well as this simple fence and shovel.
The author tells her story as if she is reporting it to you. For some reason, in my head, I was hearing her tell all this in a rather monotone voice the way someone would when they’ve been through the story several times and they are rather worn down from it. As if in a shock-like state and they just want to tell it and put it all behind them. There seems to be no attempt to embellish what’s going on, the events are dramatic enough in their raw state.
We hear this story so often. A marriage that’s not really quite right from the beginning. A husband who derides his wife at every opportunity until her self-worth is almost gone and she starts to wonder if she really is as useless and unattractive as he says. Children didn’t solve the problem, of course. They just created more targets and great hostages to her behavior. A puppy? Yeah, that makes a great target, too. The author takes us from some snide remarks to constant verbal abuse and plunges us into the physical violence of her relationship with her husband just the way it happened. Her primary goal through all of this was to protect her children.
This book ticks off so many of my taboos that I’m really not sure why I requested the book. This is definitely not a book for someone with triggers of domestic violence, child abuse, or animal abuse. But I do highly recommend it as a survivor’s story for those who enjoy reading about the ones who made it through and out the other side. Thank you to Wild Blue Press for providing a copy.
October 4, 2019
This is truly a very scary story. It shows how verbal abuse can escalate very quickly into a near-deadly attack. Monique, the daughter of San Diego Charger's football player, Earl Faison, married her high school sweetheart and made the biggest mistake of her life. After three children, Monique decided to leave her husband but he stalked and threatened her. Protection injunctions, police warnings and arrests did not even stop him. He finally kidnapped her, beat and raped her unmercifully. She played dead and he finally left. Her survival, her strength, and her wisdom are an inspiration and a lesson to us all.
The book was a real page-turner as the ending of each chapter gave me a need to read on and find out what was going to happen. I found Monique to be a very strong person who just wanted to protect her children. I would highly recommend this to those who are in an abusive relationship or those who love survival stories.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Wild Blue Press for a copy of this book for an honest review.
The book was a real page-turner as the ending of each chapter gave me a need to read on and find out what was going to happen. I found Monique to be a very strong person who just wanted to protect her children. I would highly recommend this to those who are in an abusive relationship or those who love survival stories.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Wild Blue Press for a copy of this book for an honest review.
September 26, 2019
Absolutely amazing woman
This is an amazing story written by an amazing woman. A look at how domestic violence is dealt with in our country and how even when doing the “right” things, women are still violated and even killed. Monique is an amazing woman and writer, she is so brave in telling her story!
This is an amazing story written by an amazing woman. A look at how domestic violence is dealt with in our country and how even when doing the “right” things, women are still violated and even killed. Monique is an amazing woman and writer, she is so brave in telling her story!
June 16, 2020
Playing Dead Review
This was a very well written memoir. What she went through, I can’t even imagine. She gives her life story is such detail that you really feel like you’re there. This woman is the epitome of a survivor. Even through multiple strikes on the head by a shovel she refused to die... her husband thought for sure she was dead, little did he know, she was just Playing Dead.
SYNOPSIS
Monique Faison, the daughter of San Diego Charger’s football great Earl Faison, married her high school sweetheart soon after she discovered she was pregnant with his child. Her relationship with Chris had always been shaky, but his verbal abuse only increased—and then gave way to physical attacks. Eventually, Monique took their children and left. That was when the stalking and serious threats began.
Nothing stopped him—not protection injunctions, police warnings, or even arrests. One fateful Monday morning, Chris kidnapped Monique in front of her children. After a nightmarish car ride that involved car crashes and rape, Chris beat her on the head with a shovel and abandoned her brutalized body in the woods, presuming she was dead. But playing dead was what saved her life.
This was a very well written memoir. What she went through, I can’t even imagine. She gives her life story is such detail that you really feel like you’re there. This woman is the epitome of a survivor. Even through multiple strikes on the head by a shovel she refused to die... her husband thought for sure she was dead, little did he know, she was just Playing Dead.
SYNOPSIS
Monique Faison, the daughter of San Diego Charger’s football great Earl Faison, married her high school sweetheart soon after she discovered she was pregnant with his child. Her relationship with Chris had always been shaky, but his verbal abuse only increased—and then gave way to physical attacks. Eventually, Monique took their children and left. That was when the stalking and serious threats began.
Nothing stopped him—not protection injunctions, police warnings, or even arrests. One fateful Monday morning, Chris kidnapped Monique in front of her children. After a nightmarish car ride that involved car crashes and rape, Chris beat her on the head with a shovel and abandoned her brutalized body in the woods, presuming she was dead. But playing dead was what saved her life.
May 3, 2024
This book is unfortunately a real life thriller, documenting the author’s case of domestic abuse that led to her abuser nearly killing her. I appreciate the authors willingness to share their story. It is truly devastating to know how many victims there are just like her. I can’t imagine being in this situation, especially with 3 kids you’re trying to keep calm and life a normal life.
While this book is indeed very sad, I appreciated the storytelling and the background of the authors childhood and chronological telling of her relationship with her abuser. I do think the title of the book is a little misleading since it was really just a piece of what was a very tumultuous relationship. Obviously the attempted murder is the peak, but honestly so much of everything else the abuser did was so scary and should not be forgotten. I’d check your triggers before reading this but overall I’d recommend it.
January 28, 2020
Hit so close to Home
This courageous memoir makes me admire this woman so much! As someone who has been through similar, I know how scary and ashamed I felt just sharing my story with my own family so I applaud Monique for sharing this with the world. This book is much needed in a world so full of domestic violence in all shapes and forms. Knowing the signs and being able to leave a toxic relationship is sooooo important and I’m happy to have not only been blessed enough to be able to walk away from my situation unharmed physically, but also be aware enough to learn from my situation. Loved this book, highly recommend!!
This courageous memoir makes me admire this woman so much! As someone who has been through similar, I know how scary and ashamed I felt just sharing my story with my own family so I applaud Monique for sharing this with the world. This book is much needed in a world so full of domestic violence in all shapes and forms. Knowing the signs and being able to leave a toxic relationship is sooooo important and I’m happy to have not only been blessed enough to be able to walk away from my situation unharmed physically, but also be aware enough to learn from my situation. Loved this book, highly recommend!!
April 20, 2023
⚠️⚠️⚠️ THIS BOOK HAS GRAPHIC ACCOUNTS OF ABUSE, STALKING, ATTEMPTED MURDER, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Faison Ross gives an account of her experience as the survivor of domestic abuse. As an advocate, and someone who personally knows survivors, it’s extremely difficult (emotionally) to read. Faison Ross tells her story in first person account. This book is well written and follows a natural timeline that that is engrossing while simultaneously horrifying. If you truly seek to understand abuse from a survivor’s perspective (and can emotionally handle the subject matter), I recommend this book.
October 15, 2021
This book puts a lot of emphasis on a relationship. I felt a lot of anger at the victim it seemed like everything was about her. If you dint want to do what she wanted or dint think her way she was never happy. I wish it would of went more into the hearing and the aftermath. She promotes she is an Hall of Fame NFL players daughter yet had no relationship with her father at all so why is she promoting this.
November 4, 2020
Horrifying story of a merciless attack on the author by her estranged husband.and what led up to it.
The book might have been more compelling if it had been arranged differently. As it is, the first part dragged a bit for me.
Even so, it might be good reading for women who are in difficult marriages so they can watch out for signs of impending violence.
The book might have been more compelling if it had been arranged differently. As it is, the first part dragged a bit for me.
Even so, it might be good reading for women who are in difficult marriages so they can watch out for signs of impending violence.
December 28, 2025
Definitely an intense read and a hard story to get through, but it was such a great book. I think it was very well written for someone who isn’t normally author and coming from a first hand experience. Definitely a lot of dv and abuse in the book which could be triggering but I def recommend. I also liked how she had the legal documents and pictures of the crime scene at the end
January 15, 2021
A tale of survival
This one hurt to read. It’s full of traumatic and triggering events that even though I didn’t go through them, I felt them through her words. This amazing woman did her best through horrible circumstances and I highly suggest the read
This one hurt to read. It’s full of traumatic and triggering events that even though I didn’t go through them, I felt them through her words. This amazing woman did her best through horrible circumstances and I highly suggest the read
March 7, 2022
A must read!
I really wish everyone would read this. It accurately reflects why so many survivors stay in abusive relationships for so long while also highlighting how perpetrators get away with stalking and abusive behaviors.
I really wish everyone would read this. It accurately reflects why so many survivors stay in abusive relationships for so long while also highlighting how perpetrators get away with stalking and abusive behaviors.
December 20, 2023
It is hard to be critical about this book as it is an amazing story of abuse and survival. The narrator’s voice is irritatingly sweet and the author’s overuse of adjectives makes it a very irritating listen.
January 13, 2024
The system failed this woman like it constantly fails countless others. It's baffling to see how DV victims find themselves completely helpless and unprotected by a State that only seems to care once they become statistics. I'm glad Monique beat the odds.
November 9, 2024
A heartbreaking account of a troubled marriage and the near fatal results of a young wife and mother who tried to simply provide a safe environment for her children. I met the author in 2019 and regret it took me this long to pull her story off my bookshelf.
February 10, 2020
I wasn't sure I wanted to read a real-life tale of domestic violence, but I am so glad I did. This book does a great job providing insight into why victims of domestic violence may stay in an abusive relationship and how challenging it is navigating child support, orders of restraint and the criminal justice system. It is amazing what this woman went through and I can only imagine how hard it was for her to retell this story in the hopes of helping others.
September 4, 2023
very slow and by the end I didn't care
September 27, 2023
This book was not for me dragged on.
January 8, 2024
had to read this for school but. wow. such a heartbreaking but encouraging story of survival & strength.
May 28, 2024
Great read. I was on the edge of my seat in the last half of the book. Brilliantly written!
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June 13, 2024Dnf. Terrible writing. Won’t comment on the content because it is the story of someone’s life, and who am I to judge that
March 28, 2025
So horrible what this woman went through. I’m so happy she survived and is thriving. Stories like hers really remind you that you never truly know someone.
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