Broken People

by Rachel Thompson

Long before the #MeToo movement, Rachel Thompson started sharing what it was like to grow up and live with the constant trauma of childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and other sexual crimes in her award-winning memoirs, Broken Pieces and Broken Places.



Broken People is the third book in this series, where she continues to explore, through hard-hitting essays and lyrical poetry, the difficulties and joys of navigating relationships, healing, and love in an environment not always conducive to survivors.

If you're a survivor or know one, you need this book.

I write what scares me. I tell uncomfortable truths.
I want other survivors of rape and sexual assault to know
they're not alone.
I'll be the voice.
I am the voice.
Healing is possible. Every survivor must find their own healing path.
This is mine.

103 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2021

About the author

Rachel Thompson is the author of the award-winning, bestselling Broken Places (one of IndieReader’s “Best of 2015” top books and 2015 Honorable Mention Winner in both the Los Angeles and the San Francisco Book Festivals), and the bestselling, multi-award-winning Broken Pieces, as well as two additional humor books, A Walk In The Snark and Mancode: Exposed. She recently released her first business book, the BadRedhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge, to stellar reviews. She is thrilled to be included in Feminine Collective’s two anthologies, Love Notes From Humanity: The Lust, Love & Loss Collection and Raw and Unfiltered Vol 1: Selected Essays and Poems on Relationships with Self and Others.
About: Business and Writing

She owns BadRedhead Media, creating effective social media and book marketing campaigns for authors. Her articles appear regularly in The Huffington Post, Feminine Collective, IndieReader.com, The Verbs on Medium, Vocal Media, Mogul.com, and several other publications. Connect with Rachel at RachelintheOC.com or BadRedheadMedia.com.

Not just an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, Rachel is the creator and founder of the hashtag phenomenon #MondayBlogs and the live weekly Twitter chats, #SexAbuseChat, co-hosted with certified therapist/survivor, Bobbi Parish (Tuesdays, 6 pm PST/9pm EST), and #BookMarketingChat, co-hosted with author assistant Melissa Flickinger (Wednesdays, 6 pm PST/9pm EST). She hates walks in the rain, running out of coffee, and coconut. She lives in California with her family.

Reviews

[noorthebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long before the #MeToo movement, Rachel Thompson started sharing what it was like to grow up and live with the constant trauma of childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and other sexual crimes in her award-winning memoirs, Broken Pieces and Broken Places.



Broken People is the third book in this series, where she continues to explore, through hard-hitting essays and lyrical poetry, the difficulties and joys of navigating relationships, healing, and love in an environment not always conducive to survivors.

If you're a survivor or know one, you need this book.

I write what scares me. I tell uncomfortable truths.
I want other survivors of rape and sexual assault to know
they're not alone.
I'll be the voice.
I am the voice.
Healing is possible. Every survivor must find their own healing path.
This is mine.

If you are not into autobiographies/ biographies, try #memoirs ..
❤ trust me, they are worth the time!

If fiction can make you emotional, happy- sad, make you smile..leave you teary-eyed
THEN
real-life stories with a person's life lessons & experiences, written in a quick- read 📚 format, is definitely worth the effort!

📌BROKEN PEOPLE by Rachael Thompson.
Book 3 of the #awardwinning Broken book series.
Can be read as a standalone but it will move you enough to be tempted to read the other two books too.
#booktour
Thankyou dear Suzy, for bringing this read, on tour & thankyou Rachael, for penning it & that too sooo beautifully.

A beautifully-weaved concoction of prose & poetry which is heartbreaking 💔 & heart-rending. The FACT that it is a real life experience, makes it even more hurting..to read & imagine it.

My heart goes out to you, dear Rachael & sending love to your wonderful kids.

It's actually so true & wierd..we sometimes don't realise, we are tolerating abuse..maybe because we cannot point a finger..or cannot name it. Also even if we are aware, taking a stand and freeing oneself of abuse, is such a strong step..one which requires a great deal of strength, which people generally may not understand..

Breaking your own home, eventually..is such a tough choice..although it may be falling apart from the inside, for years.
It is an experience and not only an emotion, which one can forgive, heal & forget. Not at all easy.
Also child abuse..abuse from your own biological father..and a mother who has to undergo all this..
The knitty- gritties of Divorce, the evil face of this act.. the minute details.. dividing things.. the monetary aspect.. the scare, the kids have to go through & the scars..ABUSE leaves..they can never heal fully.
And yes, boys & girls suffer & deal with abuse differently..the effects can be life long & even fatal.

📌This is one quick- read 📚, I would recommend every being, irrespective of gender, to read. It will definitely help you.
Also the writing style is worth an applause. Truly beautiful.

🦋
Are we all broken somewhere, someplace deep in our heart? Do we all wear a facade? Is it easy to talk about one's abuse

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Thompson is a woman, mother, writer, and, yes, a survivor.

Rachel uses her blog and her books, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 is the third in a series, to be a voice for those who have suffered the trauma of bad relationships, sexual abuse, and rape. She blends her raw, emotive poetry with chapters in which she details her own experiences.

I appreciate Rachel’s honesty and courage, and for many, it is so helpful to hear that you are not alone. While I related to much of the book, especially how the trauma presents itself in the physical: chronic pain, migraines, and anxiety, I truly believe each of our journeys is unique and we must do what is best for our own healing. I think Rachel would agree, as she states, “𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚.”

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @rachelintheoc for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. The author so bravely speaks out about the trauma of sexual abuse. What people actually live with every day. Through raw, emotional and powerful poetry and essays Rachel remains the voice of those who can't speak of it. Those who are covered in scars we don't see. Those who silently weep when no one is looking. This is so open and honest I cried. If you or anyone you know know holds the pain of childhood sexual abuse you need this book. Everyone, victim or not should read this book. My best friend was abused as a child. Even as close as we are she never spoke of it. I never knew it until we were in our late thirties. Chances are you know someone who needs this you just might not know it. This isn't the average coffee table book or series but that's exactly where it should be. And open invitation to discussion.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost feel like I’m doing this book a disservice by reviewing it before having read the first two. I feel a little like I’m picking up the story at the end, because the author comes across as very strong. Though she shares her vulnerabilities and pain, it’s obvious she has done a lot of work dealing with her experiences.

I don’t enjoy poetry so the chapters that contain poems didn’t offer much to me and I could likely have skipped them entirely and still come away from the book with the complete overall message.

As a childhood sexual abuse survivor myself, one of the most important things to begin your healing, is to know you aren’t alone. From that place, you can begin picking up the pieces and leaning on others who have been there and understand. Books like Rachel’s are important sources of community and for some, a book may symbolize a first step in reaching out.

For anyone who knows someone who was abused, these books are important for you as well. As Rachel notes, it’s not about forgetting and just moving on with your life. Each survivor needs to figure out how this piece of himself/herself fits in with all the other pieces. Unless you have experienced this kind of trauma, you just don’t know. Everyone’s experience will be different and their journey to move through the abuse will be different. But books like this give you a look behind the curtain and help you be a better source of strength and compassion for your loved one.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken People is the third book in a series by Rachel Thompson sharing what it's like growing up surviving sexual harassment and abuse. She continues to explore healing and dealing with trauma and the after-effects. Rachel Thompson aires the hushed subjects and sheds light on the uncomfortable truth about our society. Through poetry and essays, she shares her trauma but also her hope.

Broken people is an honest memoir that can help many people. The raw pain in the poetry and trauma that has followed the author through life will resonate with many survivors. It helps spread the message that you're not alone. I think this book is aimed at survivors, but I think it's also aimed at those who don't take abuse seriously. This book is informative to everyone because it'll teach different people different things.

The writing in the book is at a high standard. Rachel Thompson conveys herself well and has a no-nonsense attitude. She knows exactly what she's talking about and is willing to educate others. Although this book is a memoir, it can be treated as a self-help book, and to others, it can be a source of information on how to help others in similar positions.

Broken People shows what goes on behind closed doors. This book brings awareness to an issue that gets ignored or made light of in everyday life. Truly an inspirational book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Broken People" the third volume of her Broken series, author Rachel Thompson recounts her experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and the journey of her life to healing and recovery. The book is divided into four sections named after each of the elements: Fire, Earth, Air, Wind. Within each section, Thompson alternates between describing how she navigates life with the weight of her trauma, the way it affects both her romantic and platonic relationships as well as her role as a mother. The many poems throughout the memoir are best described as lyrical and raw, Thompson explores her feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, and resilience. I found the author's poetry very moving and it is one of my favorite parts of the book. In sharing her story, Thompson explains how she strives to give a voice to the countless survivors of rape and sexual abuse. This is a powerful and moving read that will resound with fellow survivors and will help their loved ones have a better understanding of their trauma.

[Lily A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Broken People" is an unflinchingly honest memoir by award-winning author, Rachel Thompson. Through this third book in the series, she presents powerful poetry and absorbing essays as she continues pulling off the mask of her painful past. She explores the otherwise uncharted waters of abuse, pain, and dejection caused by human hands.
As a survivor of abuse, Rachel is a shining light of survival, strength, and endurance. One person's survival story is another's survival guide. "Broken People" is not just a story of surviving but flourishing against all odds. The author's honesty provides solace and connection for those who have gone through similar situations. I appreciate the author for telling her story. This book would be a perfect start to generate dialogue in therapy sessions or counseling classes. Readers who have faced abuse, confusion, and loss will find "Broken People" an uplifting gem as well.

[Dr. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Thompson has done it again.
With her latest book, Broken People, she bridges the gap for survivors and non-survivors and touches the heart of the reader on the matter of surviving sexual abuse.
Combining a lyric mix of poetry and essays, categorized by the life elements of fire, air, earth, and water, we experience the depths of pain sexual trauma brings. But then we rise along with her voice of resilience and hope. Together through lessons and in story, Rachel allows all of us to learn and to heal.
This is a book of empowerment and empathy. It’s a must-read to understand the human condition.

[Susan Alpert · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her third memoir, BROKEN PEOPLE, author Rachel Thompson proves that she has the language, skills, courage, and sensitivity to write about coping with the effects of child sexual abuse. Much of the book reads more as self-help than memoir. It seems targeted to other victims of abuse but also to those who dismiss them. It’s short because Ms. Thompson is a master of crisp, unadorned prose. The book also contains a well-sourced bibliography for those seeking to find more help.

[Mark Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Thompson shows what it is like to be a woman in today’s society. While it is sad, many, if not most, women face sexual harassment, lewd comments, and even sexual violence. Thompson breaks down the ignorant barriers and shines truth on how women are treated every day. Her memoirs are inspirational and will help women define themselves as survivors and not victims.

[Ciarán Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, poignant and immersive.

Although I didn’t read the first two parts of this series I can safely say I definitely will be after reading this. Although poetry isn’t a strong suit of mine, I was pleasantly surprised and charmed at the gorgeous imagery evoked by Rachel Thompson’s writing. This book is extremely poignant and tells a brave story, written elegantly. It’s relentlessly honest and compelling; Thompson’s conquered her demons in a beautifully immersive book that left a strong impression on me.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

raw and honest

Those who have suffered are tuned into a reality not accessible to those who have not. Rachel shares her perspective from the trenches with a wry humor that often belies the gravity of her experiences.

[Tracy Riva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

With powerful prose and moving poetry Thompson exposes her deepest inner self, and healed a sense of inner strength that comes across strongly throughout these pages. I felt like I was given an even more eloquent glimpse of the wellspring with her, emerging triumphantly into the light. Gone are the weariness and struggle of the first two 'Broken' books, here Thompson has conquered her demons and stands unbroken. Easily the most dynamic and potentially life- changing book I've read.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken People is a memoir about the authors experience with abuse. The writing is raw and emotional, exploring all of the aspects a survivor of abuse endures. The poems written through the book show another aspect to all of the feelings and emotions Rachel feels. This shows how to heal, and shows just how strong the author is. This book was extremely powerful and gripping. I’m not usually big on poetry, but that was actually one of my favorite parts. So raw and honest.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken People is a beautiful tribute to women who have suffered sexual abuse. Who have survived and with the help of friends, family, talk therapy, medication, acceptance and self awareness are thriving and putting one foot in front of the other each and everyday.
Between chapters are some beautifully written poems. I never find myself reading and he sort of poetry but I must tell you that I was pretty moved buy the ones in this book. It’s never easy to read stories about individuals who trusted family members, neighbors, adults to take care of them and not violate them or break their trust. I also feel it’s very important to honor these peoples experiences and to learn from them and even to remind your children how important it is to speak up when something just doesn’t feel right.
broken people is the third book in the series but can be read independently although if you are interested and sharing this with a loved one or just for yourself I highly recommend you get all three.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly moving and powerful book that Rachel wrote in the style of poems and short essays that reach right into your soul. It's divided into four segments: fire, air, earth, and water, and they all carry the weight of internal pain, but also truth and glimmers of hope. This is such an important book for everyone to gain a better understanding of abuse and the aftereffects on the abused. It shows the strength, courage, and bravery that goes into surviving not just the event(s), but in living life after and finding a way to put the pieces back together. Maybe not in the same way, but to create something new that is just as beautiful.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through essays and poems this powerful book lays bare the thoughts of a sexual assault survivor.

It is important to know that Rachel champions the victims and helps those of us that have not been directly impacted by sexual assault get a glimpse at what survivors feel.

There are two other books in this Memoirs of Abuse Series, BROKEN PLACES and BROKEN PIECES that I will also be reading.

This nonfiction work is honest and raw and emotional.

I think everyone needs to read this book.

[Kizzie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

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