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Open Blind Eyes
Open Blind Eyes brings you face to face with the reality of sex trafficking in America through the true story viewpoint of a girl from a small town. Rachel was only nine years old when she was first approached by a perpetrator who was known to her as a teacher and coach. She goes into detail of the process of being groomed and how the evil of what was happening to her in the dark remained unseen by everyone around her. She describes how she coped for so many years by blocking out the memories only to have them resurface when she was an adult with a family of her own. Rachel had no idea that when she would pursue justice it would end up putting her right back in the world of trafficking. It wasn’t until her church family saw the signs and believed what she was saying that she was able to start the process of finding freedom. Rachel shows her faith and love of God during the highs and lows of her journey and she prays for each person who reads her story. That their eyes will be opened and their actions will lead us toward ending sex trafficking in our world.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
139 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 4, 2021
Raw, scary, brave
This young lady lived in my community, was a student when I was preparing to be a teacher alongside her perpetrator. The sickness it brings to my heart is beyond words. As a teacher I will be even more vigilant in watching over my students, asking questions, refusing what does not feel right. The bravery of this young lady and her faith is beyond reproach. I wish her story never had to be or anyone else perpetrated by an authority figure, but bringing it to light may change the trajectory for one young person some day.
This young lady lived in my community, was a student when I was preparing to be a teacher alongside her perpetrator. The sickness it brings to my heart is beyond words. As a teacher I will be even more vigilant in watching over my students, asking questions, refusing what does not feel right. The bravery of this young lady and her faith is beyond reproach. I wish her story never had to be or anyone else perpetrated by an authority figure, but bringing it to light may change the trajectory for one young person some day.
July 15, 2022
I read this book because it was about an area of the country that I was very familiar with. As I have aged and moved, I do tend to think there is a small town mentality that ‘nothing bad ever happens here’, but bad things happen in small town like they do in big cities, and who knows maybe worse. Sexual abuse, drug usage and suicide to name a few of these issues.
Open Blind Eyes is a compelling book about a small town girl who was abused and trafficked starting at age 9. As far as I am aware, the accused still works in the same capacity (teacher/coach) in a different town
The book is truly disturbing and will make every parent be on guard. I think it does it’s intention. Trafficking isn’t just a big city problem.
For a first time author, Timothy has the gift of writing. There is also a Christian element and there is also a parallel story of how she found the love of God despite the worst of things happening to her.
There are a lot of discussions on social media about things like abuse, grooming, rape and so on, but these words get thrown around so much, that it could be shocking to hear a real life example. We do have people who have meme-ified thse sort of conversations but you don’t hear much real constructive talk about it.
We also, generally as a nation are skeptical of the stories of victims. We have seen so many examples of that, and post - metoo that has hardly changed. That goes for Timothy here too. She went on Dr Phil’s television show last year and detailed the same story. Online comments about the appearance on the show are harsh.
The second part of Timothy’s book (the adult years) are in the range of the unbelievable. Much of it actually wouldn’t surprise me for a small town, but like most victim’s stories, it gets tore apart by skeptics. (“Why didn’t she just go to the police” is the inevitable cry) Given the more unlikely elements, I could only conclude that the things in her adult life are at the very least, caused by her childhood trauma. I can’t foresee that she would make all this up.
This is the current environment where everyone is skeptical of these claims and it’s insane, but again I’m basing that on the story and not the book. I think the book does as it says on the cover, and that is illuminate an issue. How do we stop this? How do we have a meaningful conversation to stop the perpetrators?
Open Blind Eyes is a compelling book about a small town girl who was abused and trafficked starting at age 9. As far as I am aware, the accused still works in the same capacity (teacher/coach) in a different town
The book is truly disturbing and will make every parent be on guard. I think it does it’s intention. Trafficking isn’t just a big city problem.
For a first time author, Timothy has the gift of writing. There is also a Christian element and there is also a parallel story of how she found the love of God despite the worst of things happening to her.
There are a lot of discussions on social media about things like abuse, grooming, rape and so on, but these words get thrown around so much, that it could be shocking to hear a real life example. We do have people who have meme-ified thse sort of conversations but you don’t hear much real constructive talk about it.
We also, generally as a nation are skeptical of the stories of victims. We have seen so many examples of that, and post - metoo that has hardly changed. That goes for Timothy here too. She went on Dr Phil’s television show last year and detailed the same story. Online comments about the appearance on the show are harsh.
The second part of Timothy’s book (the adult years) are in the range of the unbelievable. Much of it actually wouldn’t surprise me for a small town, but like most victim’s stories, it gets tore apart by skeptics. (“Why didn’t she just go to the police” is the inevitable cry) Given the more unlikely elements, I could only conclude that the things in her adult life are at the very least, caused by her childhood trauma. I can’t foresee that she would make all this up.
This is the current environment where everyone is skeptical of these claims and it’s insane, but again I’m basing that on the story and not the book. I think the book does as it says on the cover, and that is illuminate an issue. How do we stop this? How do we have a meaningful conversation to stop the perpetrators?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
Concerned
This book was gut wrenching at times. The pain and suffering that this female has went through is horrendous. I hope she receives the justice she deserves soon. These men need to be punished. If not by our court system then by God! Thank you for sharing your story Rachel. I hope many will realize that trafficking can happen in any town big or small.
This book was gut wrenching at times. The pain and suffering that this female has went through is horrendous. I hope she receives the justice she deserves soon. These men need to be punished. If not by our court system then by God! Thank you for sharing your story Rachel. I hope many will realize that trafficking can happen in any town big or small.
April 22, 2021
If you live in a small town, if you live in a rural, Midwest area, if you know nothing about sex trafficking, sexual abuse, grooming, or rape, then for all that is good in the world...READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
Now, the book does deal with extremely dark, terrifying, warped, heartbreaking, and paralyzing evil situations. It's very hard to read and it's not an enjoyable read. If you have any sexual abuse, harassment, mental issues, or such...be cautious...IF you even read it. I felt myself constantly battling with wanting to know what happened next and being sick to my stomach over her story. I just wanted to hurry up and get it over with, but I don't regret reading it. I can honestly say it OPENED my eyes to so much! I learned SO MUCH that it left me feeling naïve, gullible, and uneducated about these things. I was left dumbstruck...mouth hanging open...felt like I could throw up...at the idea that this was going on and around this area. And here's why...
This book was written by a person that lived minutes away from my hometown. I actually know who some of the people are in this book. Just to shed some light on this...the town she lived in is TINY...like under 1,000 people tiny. And all the towns around this town are small, with the biggest being around 15, 000 people. So, what Rachel wrote is mind-blowing to small town, Midwestern people. I've had way too many family members, friends, and community members tell me that they felt the same exact way. You just can't wrap your head around it. After reading her book, which is written VERY WELL, in one evening and finished by early that morning, I literally got up and checked my doors to make sure they were locked like 5 times that night. It may seem weird that it feels I'm discussing her character or honesty. I'm not. It's ONLY because of living in the area my whole life. There are people that say the 2 brothers are innocent and it's all made up because the FBI didn't arrest them or supposedly find anything. I remember when the FBI raided the homes in this town next to mine...IT WAS HUGE NEWS! And then it was like...crickets...no one heard much and then it wasn't talked about at all. it was like it never happened...that part alone was VERY weird and "fishy." I had heard rumors that Rachel was the girl or one of the girls that the FBI/police found pictures of and that it had to do with child pornography. I had never heard anything about the sex trafficking ring. I was also told (through the grapevine), at the time, that the brother of the teacher was completely innocent...that they only raided his home to look for the teacher/coach's communications (his brother). Now, I have seen it through a different light and understand what "allegedly," happened....
I believe that Rachel was abused, harassed, groomed, tortured, etc. I say this for many reasons, including the fact that, given I live in the area, too much of this is way too accurate! Rachel would have to be a genius, evil mastermind, to accurately get the dates, places, people, and times right in this book, knowing that so many of the people in the area could read it and call her out on any lies. I don't think she has a reason to "make this up," and I'm not sure she could! It's way too detailed, not to mention, extremely dark, twisted, insane, depressing, evil, etc., for someone to just write and discuss, "for the fun," of ruining people's lives. There are also other girls in the area that have alleged that these men did something or similar things to them. I know that people are innocent until proven guilty, I'm an educated person. So, I don't KNOW for a fact that ALL of this happened the way it says in the book. I actually went into the book with an open mind and even hoping that it would be vague, mild, and leave me feeling undecided. I hoped for this because I have MANY family and friends who know these people, worked with these people, or family of these people. I have been around her family members, mostly one of her brothers. Not to mention, I can honestly say it makes me terrified that this is going on so near to me, my family, and friends. I have family that lives in this town, I briefly worked in this town, I was in these school gyms for sports all throughout GS and HS, watched family play basketball, baseball, softball, and cheer in school, and I even went to family/friend parties, get togethers, etc., all around this area. Looking back, I'm so blessed and extremely lucky that nothing like this happened to me or my friends. I don't know how Rachel survived this without becoming a shell of a person, had the courage to write her story and do it so well, and even stay living in this area. I just pray that the truth is revealed in time, the people who deserve justice...get it! I pray Rachel gets the help, support, and love that her family, friends, and frankly, this whole Midwestern town and it's surroundings need to show her. God Bless all sexual abuse, trafficking, and tortured survivors! They are so strong and brave to live through this and especially to tell their story to help others!
Now, the book does deal with extremely dark, terrifying, warped, heartbreaking, and paralyzing evil situations. It's very hard to read and it's not an enjoyable read. If you have any sexual abuse, harassment, mental issues, or such...be cautious...IF you even read it. I felt myself constantly battling with wanting to know what happened next and being sick to my stomach over her story. I just wanted to hurry up and get it over with, but I don't regret reading it. I can honestly say it OPENED my eyes to so much! I learned SO MUCH that it left me feeling naïve, gullible, and uneducated about these things. I was left dumbstruck...mouth hanging open...felt like I could throw up...at the idea that this was going on and around this area. And here's why...
This book was written by a person that lived minutes away from my hometown. I actually know who some of the people are in this book. Just to shed some light on this...the town she lived in is TINY...like under 1,000 people tiny. And all the towns around this town are small, with the biggest being around 15, 000 people. So, what Rachel wrote is mind-blowing to small town, Midwestern people. I've had way too many family members, friends, and community members tell me that they felt the same exact way. You just can't wrap your head around it. After reading her book, which is written VERY WELL, in one evening and finished by early that morning, I literally got up and checked my doors to make sure they were locked like 5 times that night. It may seem weird that it feels I'm discussing her character or honesty. I'm not. It's ONLY because of living in the area my whole life. There are people that say the 2 brothers are innocent and it's all made up because the FBI didn't arrest them or supposedly find anything. I remember when the FBI raided the homes in this town next to mine...IT WAS HUGE NEWS! And then it was like...crickets...no one heard much and then it wasn't talked about at all. it was like it never happened...that part alone was VERY weird and "fishy." I had heard rumors that Rachel was the girl or one of the girls that the FBI/police found pictures of and that it had to do with child pornography. I had never heard anything about the sex trafficking ring. I was also told (through the grapevine), at the time, that the brother of the teacher was completely innocent...that they only raided his home to look for the teacher/coach's communications (his brother). Now, I have seen it through a different light and understand what "allegedly," happened....
I believe that Rachel was abused, harassed, groomed, tortured, etc. I say this for many reasons, including the fact that, given I live in the area, too much of this is way too accurate! Rachel would have to be a genius, evil mastermind, to accurately get the dates, places, people, and times right in this book, knowing that so many of the people in the area could read it and call her out on any lies. I don't think she has a reason to "make this up," and I'm not sure she could! It's way too detailed, not to mention, extremely dark, twisted, insane, depressing, evil, etc., for someone to just write and discuss, "for the fun," of ruining people's lives. There are also other girls in the area that have alleged that these men did something or similar things to them. I know that people are innocent until proven guilty, I'm an educated person. So, I don't KNOW for a fact that ALL of this happened the way it says in the book. I actually went into the book with an open mind and even hoping that it would be vague, mild, and leave me feeling undecided. I hoped for this because I have MANY family and friends who know these people, worked with these people, or family of these people. I have been around her family members, mostly one of her brothers. Not to mention, I can honestly say it makes me terrified that this is going on so near to me, my family, and friends. I have family that lives in this town, I briefly worked in this town, I was in these school gyms for sports all throughout GS and HS, watched family play basketball, baseball, softball, and cheer in school, and I even went to family/friend parties, get togethers, etc., all around this area. Looking back, I'm so blessed and extremely lucky that nothing like this happened to me or my friends. I don't know how Rachel survived this without becoming a shell of a person, had the courage to write her story and do it so well, and even stay living in this area. I just pray that the truth is revealed in time, the people who deserve justice...get it! I pray Rachel gets the help, support, and love that her family, friends, and frankly, this whole Midwestern town and it's surroundings need to show her. God Bless all sexual abuse, trafficking, and tortured survivors! They are so strong and brave to live through this and especially to tell their story to help others!
April 21, 2021
Open the eyes of our communities to see the truth
As someone who was sexually abused as a child by a close relative, I immediately felt a kinship to the pain in Rachel's life. Our stories are not the same, but the pain is shared. Rachel clearly shared the horror of being manipulated and abused by the very ones who should have protected her, and the hurt of not receiving the help she needed, but could not articulate, as a child. It is shameful that the monsters who are profiting from sex trafficking are not yet behind bars. It's past time for the community to rise up and get rid of this insidious evil in our country.
As someone who was sexually abused as a child by a close relative, I immediately felt a kinship to the pain in Rachel's life. Our stories are not the same, but the pain is shared. Rachel clearly shared the horror of being manipulated and abused by the very ones who should have protected her, and the hurt of not receiving the help she needed, but could not articulate, as a child. It is shameful that the monsters who are profiting from sex trafficking are not yet behind bars. It's past time for the community to rise up and get rid of this insidious evil in our country.
March 28, 2021
Great book
This book is gut wrenching and hard to read but it covers such an important topic. I hope to God justice is served to these evil people.
This book is gut wrenching and hard to read but it covers such an important topic. I hope to God justice is served to these evil people.
March 21, 2021
This was a very hard read! I know the girl, I know her family, I know her husband and in laws, I know some of the abusers! It hurt my heart and I found myself crying out to God on her behalf! I believe you Rachel and I believe the many other victims. I am proud of you for sharing your story and bringing awareness to many many others!
March 23, 2021
The strength of Rachel to share her story is amazing. I feel like God knew she was strong enough to survive and possibly save others by sharing this. I pray for justice for her coach, his brother and his wife that put a child through unimaginable torture. They do not deserve to live a normal life of being free with their families while she has suffered and is still being harassed by these evil people.
Rachel and her family will continue to be in my prayers.
Rachel and her family will continue to be in my prayers.
April 23, 2021
This book will disturb you, break your heart, & open your eyes.
It’s very hard because the content is so dark, but at the same time I couldn’t stop reading. It tells the true story of Rachel who was trafficked for years and is still fighting for justice.
When people think of human trafficking they probably think of someone that gets taken or kidnapped from their home and are never seen or heard from again. Trafficking also happens in small towns & the victims appear to just be living a normal life.
It’s very hard because the content is so dark, but at the same time I couldn’t stop reading. It tells the true story of Rachel who was trafficked for years and is still fighting for justice.
When people think of human trafficking they probably think of someone that gets taken or kidnapped from their home and are never seen or heard from again. Trafficking also happens in small towns & the victims appear to just be living a normal life.
February 24, 2021
Intensely eye opening
This is a hard book to read. But it is inspiring and shows a side of the world that the majority of people chose to ignore or believe actually exists.
This is a hard book to read. But it is inspiring and shows a side of the world that the majority of people chose to ignore or believe actually exists.
March 24, 2021
This was hard and emotional read. Rachel has tremendous strength and heart to come forward with her story to open the eyes of small, local communities. I pray her story helps put an end to child trafficking. I cannot speak more highly of this book & author- it is an emotional roller coaster, and so worth the time to read.
April 8, 2021
I was shocked when I heard that this book was written by a survivor of sex trafficking in a small village in southern Illinois that I am very familiar with and have visited many times! I am appalled that the perpetrators are still working in a school system! I pray for justice for the victims.
I had never heard nor dreamed that this was happening in southern Illinois.
Rachel Timothy deserves justice.
God bless her.
I had never heard nor dreamed that this was happening in southern Illinois.
Rachel Timothy deserves justice.
God bless her.
April 6, 2021
Hard to read, yet hard to put down. Raw and disturbing, but thought-provoking and eye-opening. There is so much more to trafficking than I ever could have imagine and I applaud this brave woman for sharing her story. I never even thought about trafficking as a major topic of concern around my area, but after reading this book my eyes are wide open to this dark world that exists everywhere and I pray that justice will be served for her someday and the countless others that are victims of this heinous crime.
July 7, 2023
The story of this author and call to action to end sex trafficking was profound and important. The preachiness of it got very old for me.
March 21, 2021
Well Written & Eye Opening
I think everyone needs to read this book. It is well written and an absolute eye opener to the world of human trafficking. I believe without a doubt that everything detailed in this book is 100% true and justice needs to be served. #JusticeForRachel #RachelStrong
I think everyone needs to read this book. It is well written and an absolute eye opener to the world of human trafficking. I believe without a doubt that everything detailed in this book is 100% true and justice needs to be served. #JusticeForRachel #RachelStrong
March 21, 2021
This book is raw and emotional. Opened my eyes for sure.
April 10, 2023
I hated this book for the best reasons. So sick, so twisted, so heartbreaking. I knew this book was about sex trafficking, but it was very different than I expected. I was SO mad at so many people throughout this book. If you see something, SAY SOMETHING. I think every adult should read this book!
April 27, 2021
OMG! What a heartbreaking story of survival! Why did she go unnoticed and pushed aside and not believed? Why? Kids don’t lie! This was horrendous. And to think the men who did this are are doing this are still out there, unpunished! How can authorities here her story and not do everything in their power to convict! She did such a good job of writing and writing to protect others by teaching how she was t protected. Please read this book and share with others!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2021
It's something you never want to think happens and even when you read about it.
April 15, 2021
This book was so hard to read. So brave to tell her story. I am horrified but truly believe this goes on in our world today. We all need to pay closer attention and pray.
April 6, 2021
Where to even begin
This book opened my eyes. I was aware if sex trafficking but I always thought it was in big cities not in the rural small-towns. Rachel's story is very dark but her faith is un-waivering. A must read but a hard read.
This book opened my eyes. I was aware if sex trafficking but I always thought it was in big cities not in the rural small-towns. Rachel's story is very dark but her faith is un-waivering. A must read but a hard read.
April 4, 2021
This is a tough read that took place near my hometown. What happened is heartbreaking and eye opening.
April 3, 2021
Blind Eye
A book that had times of hardness to times of pain. Society needs to open their eyes. Let the true healing begin.
A book that had times of hardness to times of pain. Society needs to open their eyes. Let the true healing begin.
April 1, 2021
Eye opening, shocking, thought provoking
This book contains the unbelievable story of a woman who has been to hell and survived to tell her story. So much—you have to wonder how it could all be put in writing. It will be on my mind for the rest of my life.
This book contains the unbelievable story of a woman who has been to hell and survived to tell her story. So much—you have to wonder how it could all be put in writing. It will be on my mind for the rest of my life.
March 30, 2021
This book was hard to read and hard to put down at the same time. My heart broke so many times. I could feel my breathing change with the turning of the pages. This definitely opened my eyes. It was seriously hard to read knowing this took place so close to home.
March 30, 2021
Very good book. Brings to light so many things that we want to pretend don't happen. Every parent should read this book.
March 28, 2021
Powerful
Very powerful and eye opening. It is a must read! This book most definitely has opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know much about. I will now strive to educate myself further and help take action!
Very powerful and eye opening. It is a must read! This book most definitely has opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know much about. I will now strive to educate myself further and help take action!
May 18, 2021
An unfathomable journey
A first hand account of the grooming and life of a sex trafficked young woman. Starting at the age of 9, she was preyed upon by the coach at her school. He used her innocent dream of a basketball career, as she was molded and beaten into every pervert's desire. Outwardly, no one seemed to know what was happening to her. She used the strength of her mind to shut off that part of herself until it could be silenced no more.
What do these victims look like? Any one of us. This story is important to all of us so that we can look for events that seem to tell a different story than the plot suggests. It also explains how thoughts, behaviors, reasoning are forever altered long after the abuse is over.
This survivor eventually found her people, the ones that could help and support her, so she was able to face her past and forgive herself, and renew her relationship with Our Greatest Supporter of all. God be with her , always.
A first hand account of the grooming and life of a sex trafficked young woman. Starting at the age of 9, she was preyed upon by the coach at her school. He used her innocent dream of a basketball career, as she was molded and beaten into every pervert's desire. Outwardly, no one seemed to know what was happening to her. She used the strength of her mind to shut off that part of herself until it could be silenced no more.
What do these victims look like? Any one of us. This story is important to all of us so that we can look for events that seem to tell a different story than the plot suggests. It also explains how thoughts, behaviors, reasoning are forever altered long after the abuse is over.
This survivor eventually found her people, the ones that could help and support her, so she was able to face her past and forgive herself, and renew her relationship with Our Greatest Supporter of all. God be with her , always.
April 22, 2022
My heart breaks for Rachel and any others involved in sex trafficking ☹️ it is scary to think of how big this is and how evil.
This excerpt from the book made so much sense to me in viewing our world today “I heard a quote once that said something along the lines of the fact that you can't make sense of evil. When your mind doesn't think in an evil way, when you think in a normal, loving, logical way, you can't comprehend evil. I try to believe that the reason so many people turned a blind eve to my abuse as a child was because their minds couldn't comprehend the evil. They couldn't begin to believe that a man would do something evil like that to a child. Unfortunately, the incomprehensible still happens, whether we understand it or not. Evil exists. Satan is running rampant. And so many are sitting back in an unbelieving state of shock and denial.”
And there are two people that will never give up on you.. God and Satan. Which one will you give power to?
This excerpt from the book made so much sense to me in viewing our world today “I heard a quote once that said something along the lines of the fact that you can't make sense of evil. When your mind doesn't think in an evil way, when you think in a normal, loving, logical way, you can't comprehend evil. I try to believe that the reason so many people turned a blind eve to my abuse as a child was because their minds couldn't comprehend the evil. They couldn't begin to believe that a man would do something evil like that to a child. Unfortunately, the incomprehensible still happens, whether we understand it or not. Evil exists. Satan is running rampant. And so many are sitting back in an unbelieving state of shock and denial.”
And there are two people that will never give up on you.. God and Satan. Which one will you give power to?
November 19, 2023
A story that needs to be heard!
I read this only because my friend said this all took place not far from where she lives. She said the pastor at a local church had defended the coach.
I know only too well how some people live dual lives and how convincing they can be that they are good people…only to discover they have dark, evil secrets.
But the important thing I learned was about child sex trafficking and how it hurts a person and can literally follow them through their life.
As a nurse I have witnessed the flashbacks of a young woman who had been abused as a child and saw her regress to child like behavior.
To most of us, fortunately, we have a hard time imagining how any of this could be true. I’m grateful Rachel has been able to share her story and I pray that she eventually feels a freedom from these horrific experiences.
I highly recommend this story to anyone. It is educational and important!
I read this only because my friend said this all took place not far from where she lives. She said the pastor at a local church had defended the coach.
I know only too well how some people live dual lives and how convincing they can be that they are good people…only to discover they have dark, evil secrets.
But the important thing I learned was about child sex trafficking and how it hurts a person and can literally follow them through their life.
As a nurse I have witnessed the flashbacks of a young woman who had been abused as a child and saw her regress to child like behavior.
To most of us, fortunately, we have a hard time imagining how any of this could be true. I’m grateful Rachel has been able to share her story and I pray that she eventually feels a freedom from these horrific experiences.
I highly recommend this story to anyone. It is educational and important!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews