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I Want to Go Home: Reclaiming Power After Sexual Assault
An inspiring true story based on journal entries about a brave young woman in her twenties who pushes herself out of her comfort zone when she agrees to join a sailing expedition from Gibraltar to Thailand, with no experience.
A health crisis, serious mechanical failures, the threat of pirates and a category five cyclone - everything begins to go terrifyingly wrong, triggering the deeply buried trauma of a sexual assault. As she quickly adapts to life at sea, she begins to reclaim the power that was stolen from her and to break the silence.
Those who dream of adventure and travel will enjoy every discovery in this story; exploring important factors around surviving sexual assault including mental health, victim-status, boundaries, trust, self-worth, confidence, self-care, sexuality, bullying, substance abuse, friendship, family, intergenerational trauma, culture, racism, privilege and much more.
If you have an instinct to run and a longing to return to a place of safety, you will find this book a gentle, supportive and loving call to action reflecting on what 'home' really means. This book is for anyone who's interested in the #MeToo movement, personal development, improving wellbeing, spiritual growth and cultivating hope. If you feel like your lost in a storm at sea, searching for the nearest lighthouse then this book is the beacon you've been hoping for.
A health crisis, serious mechanical failures, the threat of pirates and a category five cyclone - everything begins to go terrifyingly wrong, triggering the deeply buried trauma of a sexual assault. As she quickly adapts to life at sea, she begins to reclaim the power that was stolen from her and to break the silence.
Those who dream of adventure and travel will enjoy every discovery in this story; exploring important factors around surviving sexual assault including mental health, victim-status, boundaries, trust, self-worth, confidence, self-care, sexuality, bullying, substance abuse, friendship, family, intergenerational trauma, culture, racism, privilege and much more.
If you have an instinct to run and a longing to return to a place of safety, you will find this book a gentle, supportive and loving call to action reflecting on what 'home' really means. This book is for anyone who's interested in the #MeToo movement, personal development, improving wellbeing, spiritual growth and cultivating hope. If you feel like your lost in a storm at sea, searching for the nearest lighthouse then this book is the beacon you've been hoping for.
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Published January 29, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 21, 2021
This is an awesome book. An easy read but it packs a punch.
After going through a deeply unsettling and traumatic experience, this story follows Renee’s transition from victim to survivor as she sets out on a sea adventure with many highs and many lows.
Renee has a way of writing that gets straight to the point. This writing style lends itself very well to some of the serious topics she discusses. There are some tricky and personal things to talk about here and she does not shy away, but rather runs towards them full on. Her beautiful but raw use of language reflects this. I still remember how vividly she described a particular experience. And the details, whilst unsettling, stuck with me for the remainder of my reading. It takes courage to put these words to the page.
I love how her Australian voice jumped off the page. A little smile would often creep across my face as I read some of the dialogue “What the fuck” of “fuck that” are commonplace. It also acts as a constant reminder to the reader that she is Australian, she is not home and she so desperately wants to be there.
Whilst the personal journey around her sexual assault was the main message of the book, I enjoyed that other topics were scattered throughout. Simply because of the adventure she went on. And boy what an adventure, it almost made me jealous! Glimpses into culture, race, gender and sexuality are fascinating to read about here.
The mere existence of books like these are important. Important for those who have, or have not been sexually assaulted. They’re important because they merely exist. Survivor’s are everywhere. And books like this are living proof that they will never be silenced. Their voices are here, and they’re ready to be heard!
After going through a deeply unsettling and traumatic experience, this story follows Renee’s transition from victim to survivor as she sets out on a sea adventure with many highs and many lows.
Renee has a way of writing that gets straight to the point. This writing style lends itself very well to some of the serious topics she discusses. There are some tricky and personal things to talk about here and she does not shy away, but rather runs towards them full on. Her beautiful but raw use of language reflects this. I still remember how vividly she described a particular experience. And the details, whilst unsettling, stuck with me for the remainder of my reading. It takes courage to put these words to the page.
I love how her Australian voice jumped off the page. A little smile would often creep across my face as I read some of the dialogue “What the fuck” of “fuck that” are commonplace. It also acts as a constant reminder to the reader that she is Australian, she is not home and she so desperately wants to be there.
Whilst the personal journey around her sexual assault was the main message of the book, I enjoyed that other topics were scattered throughout. Simply because of the adventure she went on. And boy what an adventure, it almost made me jealous! Glimpses into culture, race, gender and sexuality are fascinating to read about here.
The mere existence of books like these are important. Important for those who have, or have not been sexually assaulted. They’re important because they merely exist. Survivor’s are everywhere. And books like this are living proof that they will never be silenced. Their voices are here, and they’re ready to be heard!
March 11, 2021
A fantastic, and surprisingly fun and easy read!
The vividness with which this book is written makes you feel you are on the journey with the author, but do not let the heavy theme of the book discourage! The details of sexual assault are delicately interwoven in a way that focuses on the journey to becoming empowered and leaves one feeling motivated not overwhelmed. This book is written with so much clarity, honesty and self reflection. It’s also adventurous, exciting, uplifting and very difficult to put down.
This is an important read. It’s a gentle first step for anyone starting to come to grips with the damage that past traumas exact upon the self, who want to begin the process of understanding and healing, to begin to look at collecting oneself and feeling whole again.
The unravelling of the inner journey that the author takes makes it incredibly relatable.
You could almost say that this is a must read for any woman who has, at some point in her life, had her self worth shaken and was made to feel detached, confused, shamed and small.
In other words- a book for every woman.
Open the door to resilience, adventure, introspection, empowerment, healing and excitement!
The vividness with which this book is written makes you feel you are on the journey with the author, but do not let the heavy theme of the book discourage! The details of sexual assault are delicately interwoven in a way that focuses on the journey to becoming empowered and leaves one feeling motivated not overwhelmed. This book is written with so much clarity, honesty and self reflection. It’s also adventurous, exciting, uplifting and very difficult to put down.
This is an important read. It’s a gentle first step for anyone starting to come to grips with the damage that past traumas exact upon the self, who want to begin the process of understanding and healing, to begin to look at collecting oneself and feeling whole again.
The unravelling of the inner journey that the author takes makes it incredibly relatable.
You could almost say that this is a must read for any woman who has, at some point in her life, had her self worth shaken and was made to feel detached, confused, shamed and small.
In other words- a book for every woman.
Open the door to resilience, adventure, introspection, empowerment, healing and excitement!
March 11, 2021
'I Want to Go Home' is an extremely powerful true story of a young woman whose trust and self-worth was taken from her one night by a friend, through an unforgivable and traumatic act of sexual abuse. Renee chooses to sail back home to Australia from Europe with no sailing experience and takes us on a journey as she battles and overcomes each obstacle experienced, both on the boat and in her mind. It is not smooth sailing! During the long trip home she must face many more challenges and near-death experiences; such as a neglectful captain, a cyclone in the middle of the ocean and almost starving. Through all this anguish, it leaves her no choice but to face the truth of what happened to her - she was raped. Renee turns her trauma into power and her fears into unconditional love. I couldn't put this book down. Her story is honest, raw, and unfortunately very much needed.
June 24, 2021
What a journey! I loved reading about Renee's physical journey of sailing to Thailand but also her emotional journey of facing her own fears and gaining strength to talk about her trauma. It was such an emotional read as it dealt with very real issues that happen to far too many women but I thought that intertwining her struggles with overcoming her trauma and the adventurous journey made the book that much more personal and raw. It was also very inspiring to read about how Renee was so resilient in dealing with what the journey threw at her. I don't think I could ever survive without wifi for two months let alone being away from family and friends and sailing through a cyclone at 21. Overall, this was very well written and I'd highly recommend this book!
November 22, 2023
It goes without saying that being curious about things we don't understand can only be a good thing. Sexual assault, the unreasonable social norms women constantly experience, the way trauma appears and can shape a person's life - all of these things things I didn't understand from a women's experience. It helped me realise the importance of leaning into topics I find uncomfortable, and in doing so realising my discomfort comes from a cultural taboo where avoid the problem and carry on with our lives.
If this subject makes you uncomfotable, I recommend reading this. SA is such a prevalent issue and the more we recognise it (rather than hiding from it), the more we can change the culture surrounding it.
Incredibly brave story and even braver in publishing it. Thank you Renee!
If this subject makes you uncomfotable, I recommend reading this. SA is such a prevalent issue and the more we recognise it (rather than hiding from it), the more we can change the culture surrounding it.
Incredibly brave story and even braver in publishing it. Thank you Renee!
February 27, 2021
Beautiful book with an important message about healing, self love and resilience. An essential read for everyone struggling with a traumatic experience that causes you to feel powerless and small. I think it is very clever how it focuses on the healing journey rather than the traumatic experience. This does not only make it more relatable for everyone but also sends a powerful, hopeful and inspiring message. You can’t always control what happen to you but you can control how you face your demons. And to top it all off; it is creatively written and describes an epic adventure around the world. Great book, would highly recommend!
March 8, 2021
What a powerful emotional read. Gripping from start to finish
I was not prepared for the emotions this book would ignite. Renee Simpson’s I want to Go Home is a candid memoir of her life victimized by rape and the trauma that followed.
Renee speaks thoughtfully and articulately of surviving the horrendous emotional aftermath of being raped. Her brutal honesty and self-disclosure struck me as she shares quips and stories from her journey into self-actualization and healing: both emotionally and the physical ocean trek as a novice crew hand.
Renee addresses the core of the culture of rape and faces it head-on, encouraging her readers who are also victims in their quest to do the same.
I was not prepared for the emotions this book would ignite. Renee Simpson’s I want to Go Home is a candid memoir of her life victimized by rape and the trauma that followed.
Renee speaks thoughtfully and articulately of surviving the horrendous emotional aftermath of being raped. Her brutal honesty and self-disclosure struck me as she shares quips and stories from her journey into self-actualization and healing: both emotionally and the physical ocean trek as a novice crew hand.
Renee addresses the core of the culture of rape and faces it head-on, encouraging her readers who are also victims in their quest to do the same.
March 17, 2021
The epitome of the saying that goes “from a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, a victim into a victor”.
Author Renee, takes you on a journey through a topic that is becoming all too well known in our world... sexual assault. Renee’s detailed journey certainly does not diminish the challenges of sexual assault, however still manages to bring hope to the situation. Especially to those who may have fallen victim themselves. EVERYONE should read this book, whether to simply bring growth to your understanding or perhaps to use it as a healing resource in your own journey.
Author Renee, takes you on a journey through a topic that is becoming all too well known in our world... sexual assault. Renee’s detailed journey certainly does not diminish the challenges of sexual assault, however still manages to bring hope to the situation. Especially to those who may have fallen victim themselves. EVERYONE should read this book, whether to simply bring growth to your understanding or perhaps to use it as a healing resource in your own journey.
June 23, 2022
The author Renee is a brilliant story teller. I love her writing style. "I want to go home" is an awesome adventure and very empowering to read. It's also very easy to read. It's a wonderful healing resource for trauma survivors, without it being triggering, but rather a very gentle and beautiful expression of reclaiming power following sexual assault. I Want to Go Home: Reclaiming Power After Sexual Assault
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July 31, 2023A beautiful, beautiful narrative of one's journey for self-reflection and reconciliation of a fragmented identity. Renee doesn't shy away from speaking her story, her language is raw and evocative- a driver of change in advocating for consent.
Her courage to tell this authentic story makes me feel comfortable and safe in my community knowing there are powerful leaders who will advocate for their internal struggle as well as others.
This was a story I began to slowly understand through more lessons on consent in high school and its importance in a relationship. Whenever I feel vulnerable, I think back to Renee's story and know that hope will always come out of struggle.
Her courage to tell this authentic story makes me feel comfortable and safe in my community knowing there are powerful leaders who will advocate for their internal struggle as well as others.
This was a story I began to slowly understand through more lessons on consent in high school and its importance in a relationship. Whenever I feel vulnerable, I think back to Renee's story and know that hope will always come out of struggle.
March 6, 2021
An inspiring story of self-reflection, overcoming adversity and resilience following a sexual assault. The author unwillingly starts to process the trauma while stuck on a frugal sailing boat without any experience in an attempt to get home. A terrific read! I couldn’t put the book An inspiring story of self-reflection, overcoming adversity and resilience following a sexual assault. The author unwillingly starts to process the trauma while stuck on a frugal sailing boat without any experience in an attempt to get home. A terrific read! I couldn’t put the book down!
March 8, 2021
I LOVED IT!!!!
I went through so many emotions reading this book from happy, sad, angry, excited and then left feeling motivated and strong. I couldn't put this book down. I was sucked into a story of this very courageous woman who no matter how bad she felt or what she endured, she got back up and lived life. I believe this book will help a lot of victims of sexual abuse find their power and rise back up. I highly recommend it.
I went through so many emotions reading this book from happy, sad, angry, excited and then left feeling motivated and strong. I couldn't put this book down. I was sucked into a story of this very courageous woman who no matter how bad she felt or what she endured, she got back up and lived life. I believe this book will help a lot of victims of sexual abuse find their power and rise back up. I highly recommend it.
March 8, 2021
Fantastic read. As someone who enjoys being on the water I really enjoyed the detail relayed regarding the day to day activities on board the boat. It's almost like I was there! On top of that learning about the authors personal journey of healing and what could be described as a rebirth of sorts made for the quickest book I've ever read from cover to cover. I couldn't put it down! I had to know what happened next! A truly wonderful story that actually happened. It doesn't get any better!
January 18, 2022
Prepare your empathetic side for the journey this book will take you on. You will be drawn into a story that is raw, honest, eye-opening and at times heartwrenching. The illustrative writing will have you immersed in the authors adventures and life experiences as she navigates through self discovery and empowerment.
This book will have you turning page after page hopeful for a happy and peaceful ending.
A must read.
This book will have you turning page after page hopeful for a happy and peaceful ending.
A must read.
March 6, 2021
I highly recommended this book. It is an easy to read book, not brain hack, not overwhelming when it comes to unpacking sexual assault experience. The author told her story of finding herself through a sailing boat journey with full of exotic experiences in different lands and with different people. Love it <3
August 26, 2021
One of the best debut books I have ever read. Renee uses a very engaging story line to highlight the journey of sexual assault survivors. Everyone should read this book as it's important to understand the significant and ongoing impact that sexual assault survivors endure. Her story is eye opening and heart warming. Must read!
June 24, 2023
A beautifully written book which I really enjoyed reading. From the very start to the end of the book, what was coming to my mind was how much courage Renee has with all she had to face and deal with, yet she did and did it like a warrior. This book will show other survivors that they can face their fears and reclaim their power back too!!!
March 8, 2021
I just love this book what a great read for anyone that has gone through sexual assault. To understand the struggles on finding yourself. Captivating I couldn't put it down. The author had you on the sail boat riding the ocean with her.
April 19, 2021
Such a captivating and inspirational story. I read the whole book in an afternoon as I couldn't put it down!! Thank you for sharing such a powerful story!!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews