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Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse: A Memoir
Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin, someone she loved and trusted. As the abuse continued, and as she was forced to see her abuser over and over again in social situations, she struggled with self-doubt, panic attacks, nightmares and the weight of whether or not to tell her terrible secret. It wasn't until a traumatic series of events showed her the cost of silence that she chose to speak out-in the process destroying both her family and the last of her innocence.
Through her personal diary, written during the years of her abuse, Erin Myrren shares her journey through pain and confusion to inner strength and, ultimately, forgiveness. Raw, powerful and unflinchingly honest, Stolen Innocence is the inspiring story of one girl's struggle to become a woman, and a bright light on the pain and devastation of abuse.
Stolen Innocence is written with conviction and clarity. [Erin Merryn] doesn't hold back, and I respect her honesty and openness...By the end of the book, I thought I was reading passages from a much older adult than a high school senior. Erin has grown into a strong, wise, intelligent, perceptive, spiritual, caring adult."
--Susan Reedquist, The Children's Advocacy Center
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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734 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 19, 2009
I'm hesitant to say anything "bad" about this book even though I know that's part of a review sometimes. The author not only went through this abuse but was obviously young at the time of the book writing. I'm going to be honest however.
I thought it was just okay at best. There are many, many books and genres that I know nothing about. This isn't one of them. This is one of the few genres I do happen to know about and I've read many, many books on the subject.
This fell flat. It seemed like they weren't real diary entries which bothered me to no end. It was as if Merryn took her diary from that time, went through it, picked and chose what she wanted, and then altered it to her liking. That's fine....but it's not diary entries.
Now, I wasn't there with her when she wrote this- remember these are only my thoughts and mine alone. I could be way far off the mark here but this is how it seems to me.
Another reviewer mentioned the typos and mistakes all over. There were many and the author commented back that she left them in as they were in her diary. That's hard to believe. I just have a hard time believing this young woman would make more mistakes at 17 than at 13. Many more. I've read books with stupid mistakes and I've read books with real diary entries and this looks like the former to me.
I thought once I started it that it would be too religious for me but it wasn't. Her mother does a chapter at the end and her mother is obviously highly religious but as it was only a chapter it didn't take away from the book for me. If it had been longer it certainly would have. Erin doesn't seem like the preachy type while her mother does.
The letters to and from Brian- what can you say about that? It's strange at best but it seems to have helped her come to terms with the abuse so I'm glad she was smart enough to write them.
I don't know- there were a decent number of parts that seemed off. The later entries seemed way more immature sometimes than the beginning entries. There were no actual dates and that bothered me too. If these were actual diary entried where were the dates? Why just put the month and the year? It seems small but as anyone who has read diaries before know, that's a part of it. You have to wonder if there was a specific reason for keeping the actual dates out?
All in all I wouldn't recommend, there are "better" books out there for this subject. I can recommend a dozen off the top of my head right now. I do admire Merryn, not only did she make it through this abuse but she wrote a book about it- that takes a certain amount of courage to do that.
I almost forgot- there were a few short parts that didn't even seem like they came from Erin at all. Parts that seemed to be taken directly from her mother that were supposedly her diary entries. For example, her mother kept using the word 'restore' when talking about Brian getting help. Some of Erin's "entries" used the same word in the same fashion. She could have used the word after hearing it from her mother but it didn't seem that way to me. It's not the way a kid would say that I don't think, especially not in their private diary.
I wanted to like this a lot more. :(
I thought it was just okay at best. There are many, many books and genres that I know nothing about. This isn't one of them. This is one of the few genres I do happen to know about and I've read many, many books on the subject.
This fell flat. It seemed like they weren't real diary entries which bothered me to no end. It was as if Merryn took her diary from that time, went through it, picked and chose what she wanted, and then altered it to her liking. That's fine....but it's not diary entries.
Now, I wasn't there with her when she wrote this- remember these are only my thoughts and mine alone. I could be way far off the mark here but this is how it seems to me.
Another reviewer mentioned the typos and mistakes all over. There were many and the author commented back that she left them in as they were in her diary. That's hard to believe. I just have a hard time believing this young woman would make more mistakes at 17 than at 13. Many more. I've read books with stupid mistakes and I've read books with real diary entries and this looks like the former to me.
I thought once I started it that it would be too religious for me but it wasn't. Her mother does a chapter at the end and her mother is obviously highly religious but as it was only a chapter it didn't take away from the book for me. If it had been longer it certainly would have. Erin doesn't seem like the preachy type while her mother does.
The letters to and from Brian- what can you say about that? It's strange at best but it seems to have helped her come to terms with the abuse so I'm glad she was smart enough to write them.
I don't know- there were a decent number of parts that seemed off. The later entries seemed way more immature sometimes than the beginning entries. There were no actual dates and that bothered me too. If these were actual diary entried where were the dates? Why just put the month and the year? It seems small but as anyone who has read diaries before know, that's a part of it. You have to wonder if there was a specific reason for keeping the actual dates out?
All in all I wouldn't recommend, there are "better" books out there for this subject. I can recommend a dozen off the top of my head right now. I do admire Merryn, not only did she make it through this abuse but she wrote a book about it- that takes a certain amount of courage to do that.
I almost forgot- there were a few short parts that didn't even seem like they came from Erin at all. Parts that seemed to be taken directly from her mother that were supposedly her diary entries. For example, her mother kept using the word 'restore' when talking about Brian getting help. Some of Erin's "entries" used the same word in the same fashion. She could have used the word after hearing it from her mother but it didn't seem that way to me. It's not the way a kid would say that I don't think, especially not in their private diary.
I wanted to like this a lot more. :(
October 2, 2012
I appreciate the message Merryn was hoping to convey to her readers, and the sheer hootspah it takes to tell such a deeply personal and traumatizing story for such selfless reasons as to help other victims of abuse. In that respect, I whole-heartedly admire her.
However, getting through this novel was hard to do because of the bland diction and constant, overused sentence structure. There was not much of a variety, and as a result I have a hard time remembering much of the work other than the basic summary, which is easily obtained on the back of the book.
I sympathize with this woman 100%, but I probably would not read another work of hers, should she publish again.
However, getting through this novel was hard to do because of the bland diction and constant, overused sentence structure. There was not much of a variety, and as a result I have a hard time remembering much of the work other than the basic summary, which is easily obtained on the back of the book.
I sympathize with this woman 100%, but I probably would not read another work of hers, should she publish again.
Read
February 5, 2022A very important memoir from the Erin of Erin’s Law. It’s about her sexual abuse, but more importantly about the way she healed from it. Erin’s strength is clearly seen throughout the book, well done!
September 27, 2007
no comment... so touching!
Read
February 8, 2011Great read! I admire the amazing strength it must have taken for Erin to publish this.
February 18, 2009
Stolen Innocence is excerpts of a diary from a girl who was molested by her cousin. While the acts are committed in the first 50 pages, her agony rages on throughout her adolescence.
The book's story was its strength. It is unfathomable that the author, Merryn, is continually subjected to her tormentor through consistent family gatherings, the extended family favoring her cousin over her by proclaiming his innocence and taking a heightened interest in his scholastics and athletics.
Erin is a brilliant gal who gives to her community and writes a book out of high school. That being said, there are noticeable flaws in it, including poor editing (the text is spell checked, but laden with typos). Erin quotes herself in a series of famous quotes. Also, her series of correspondence to her cousin is long in the tooth and could have been edited, provided that most of it was seemingly ignored by her perpetrator.
Seeing Erin replace seething anger with forgiveness was probably the best treat of this memoir, though the religious overtones may be a little grating for some.
The book's story was its strength. It is unfathomable that the author, Merryn, is continually subjected to her tormentor through consistent family gatherings, the extended family favoring her cousin over her by proclaiming his innocence and taking a heightened interest in his scholastics and athletics.
Erin is a brilliant gal who gives to her community and writes a book out of high school. That being said, there are noticeable flaws in it, including poor editing (the text is spell checked, but laden with typos). Erin quotes herself in a series of famous quotes. Also, her series of correspondence to her cousin is long in the tooth and could have been edited, provided that most of it was seemingly ignored by her perpetrator.
Seeing Erin replace seething anger with forgiveness was probably the best treat of this memoir, though the religious overtones may be a little grating for some.
April 1, 2009
I've felt like I've heard/read a LOT of information as of late on the dangers of sexual abuse to children. It has been a good reminder that it can be ANYONE - friend, family, stranger- that can take advantage of our children.
While I thought I knew what to expect, it the end it was more about forgiveness and not harboring anger than it was about the abuse. I liked her message, but didn't find myself too drawn to her writing style. I had to keep reminding myself how young she is, especially when she using a lot of the jargon you know her counselors were feeding to her.
While I thought I knew what to expect, it the end it was more about forgiveness and not harboring anger than it was about the abuse. I liked her message, but didn't find myself too drawn to her writing style. I had to keep reminding myself how young she is, especially when she using a lot of the jargon you know her counselors were feeding to her.
January 26, 2011
The reson i picked this book is because when i read a child called it that book was so sad and when i finish that book at the end of the book it said stolen innocence a real life book so then i began to read the back of it and became interested and began to read it so when I was reading it it became to be emotional and how he began to tough her and tryed to rape her so I want to said for the girl who out their getting rape dont be sraced to tell anyone what is happen in your life ang god bless ya. :)
August 31, 2008
powerful
Read
February 11, 2009Wonderful book. Shows the trials and triumphs when overcoming childhood sexual abuse.
May 2, 2011
Has a great window veiw of what it is to be abused by a family member and the rejection you get from family..
February 2, 2012
loved the ending it was a happy ennding
April 29, 2011
This was a Great book One of my Favorites
August 16, 2024
I want to start by admiring the authors courage to share her story and to say that I feel for her immensely and hope she is continuing to do better each day I really hope she is helping children as she intended to at the end of her memoir. I am in no way attacking, judging, or negating her story. I firmly believe she went through all of the events she shares with her readers and I truly hope she is continuing down her good path.
There is no way you can convince me that this story follows her live, genuine diary from her childhood. The writing style in the diary entries do not get better over time as they would as someone matures, ages, and continues to go through school. Yes, the author admitted she struggled in school, but in the later half of the book, the author shares some word-for-word emails and letters she exchanged with people. In these emails and letters, you can see that her writing becomes stronger over time, while still reflecting some grammatical errors, which does not translare into the actual diary entries.
This had to be written later in the authors life as a way to make the story more dramatic and hit the readers harder. A lot of these diary entries are just about how broken she is which feels like the author is adding it to the story just to remind you that, though she's having a good time on vacation with her family, she's still miserable later that month. The story itself is a strong and important story, but the author does fail to make it seem like these were her genuine diary entries from her childhood.
Although the author fails on that, the story is strong. I love how the author kept the physical abuse portion of her life as a small fraction of the book and the rest is about her recovery. It is so important to show people that, once abuse physically stops, it takes exponentially longer to work through the emotions and feelings that come from being abused.
The book is not great, but her story is still an important read. Especially for young children who feel like they'll never overcome their past experiences.
There is no way you can convince me that this story follows her live, genuine diary from her childhood. The writing style in the diary entries do not get better over time as they would as someone matures, ages, and continues to go through school. Yes, the author admitted she struggled in school, but in the later half of the book, the author shares some word-for-word emails and letters she exchanged with people. In these emails and letters, you can see that her writing becomes stronger over time, while still reflecting some grammatical errors, which does not translare into the actual diary entries.
This had to be written later in the authors life as a way to make the story more dramatic and hit the readers harder. A lot of these diary entries are just about how broken she is which feels like the author is adding it to the story just to remind you that, though she's having a good time on vacation with her family, she's still miserable later that month. The story itself is a strong and important story, but the author does fail to make it seem like these were her genuine diary entries from her childhood.
Although the author fails on that, the story is strong. I love how the author kept the physical abuse portion of her life as a small fraction of the book and the rest is about her recovery. It is so important to show people that, once abuse physically stops, it takes exponentially longer to work through the emotions and feelings that come from being abused.
The book is not great, but her story is still an important read. Especially for young children who feel like they'll never overcome their past experiences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
I have worked with survivors for decades. And heard some of the most gut wrenching and heart breaking stories. However, I think the best thing this book did for me, was to open my eyes that the abused doesnt have to be extensive to cause deep and long lasting trauma. Until about halfway through this book I have to be honest, I felt like the author was being dramatic. But opening my heart and reading the years of PTSD she dealt with because of her abuse and having to constantly still face her abuser gave me more empathy for how trauma effects each person differently. And that no matter the level of abuse, a victim has to make their own journey to becoming a survivor.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone that has preteen and teenage children, or has a family that likes the skeletons to stay in the closet. Though the format can be a bit dull, it is a very honest diary of a survivor.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone that has preteen and teenage children, or has a family that likes the skeletons to stay in the closet. Though the format can be a bit dull, it is a very honest diary of a survivor.
January 28, 2019
It is very heavy subject matter for the target age group, and the lack of proofreading and writing level was difficult to stomach, but the overall message was uplifting. I cheered for the protagonist here but couldn't help comparing her to others who have had zero support when abused. What would it be like if you had a crowd of people to help you along after time after time of trauma? "Stolen Innocence" gives us a peek. Erin is lucky to have her parents and support network in her corner. Such a book is a blessing and a hope for those of us still struggling to climb out of the darkness. There is always hope and this book just might help you muster up some strength.
November 28, 2017
I feel disgusted knowing this poor lady was abused by her own cousin at such a young age, and I am so proud of her courage to share her story and to help others who have gone through what she went through, and to help prevent more abuse from happening. With that being said, there was a lot of repetitive sentence structures, and I would skip big chunks at a time especially during her nightmare entries. It was a good read, especially during the deep, raw emotional entries in her diary, but would have liked to see less of the same nightmare entries.
April 21, 2024
Quite a few typos and grammatical mistakes. However, being someone who suffered abuse at the hands of family, this book resonated with me. I felt the ups and downs in this entire book, and quite frankly it made me so sad and so sick. I give this book a high rating for the harrowing story telling and ability to survive some of the sickest and cruelest abuse.
June 10, 2025
I applaud the author for having the courage to share her story!
Heads up to potential readers, this entire book is made up of journal entries and emails written by a young child. It does not read like a typical book.
Heads up to potential readers, this entire book is made up of journal entries and emails written by a young child. It does not read like a typical book.
August 26, 2021
A book I will never forget
May 23, 2024
Lover her and Erin's law
December 22, 2024
I wants to understand about Erin’s law - this was her diary written during her abuse by a teenager. I look forward to reading her later books about her advocacy.
Currently reading
July 29, 2020I am currently reading this book 📚 and I am on page 59, and the first time I am reading this book I thought it was the 2nd time reading this book but no it's the first time me reading this book 📚, started reading it last 🌃 , which was Monday, night 🌃 7/13/2020, I am going to finish reading this book 📚 by the end of the summer, and then finish reading my other book well by the end of the summer as well and then I am going to start on a new book to read and the next book that I am going to start reading that I already have here at home 🏘️ until I get the book 📚 that I want to buy on pay day gets in the mail, and hopefully after I buy it it'll be here within 5-8 days, and not like 10-14 days after it is bought and paid for, you know? On amazon on thrift books you cAn get it and buy it and then have it delivered 👍 right away like 5-8 days to 5-10 days somewhere around there.
March 4, 2013
A young girl was molested by her cousin, Brian. Her memories were present all the time. She also develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and has to learn how to cope. She cut herself in an attempt to release her pain. She was very suicidal and wrote a note to family members and at one point took a bottle of pills. She was put on antidepressants and anxiety medication to help her cope with her flashbacks and body memories. Erin went to an outpatient program at a hospital to participate in groups to help her learn coping skills.
I never knew you could go to the hospital on an outpatient basis. I liked knowing I wasn't the only one that suffered sexual abuse by a family member.
I never knew you could go to the hospital on an outpatient basis. I liked knowing I wasn't the only one that suffered sexual abuse by a family member.
March 23, 2016
This book was pretty good, and a big thank you to all that Erin has done with and since this book. She has helped children everywhere.
Regarding the book, there was some grammar errors that were a bit off putting and distracting. Aside from that, the diary format was a little difficult because she would talk about somethings too much and it felt like others were left out. Maybe a diary with commentary format would have been better, but still a good book.
The emotions are vividly described and so is her pain through all the years of abuse. I would have like to see a bit more after where the book stopped, to see how she handled the next few years and such. Overall, I would recommend.
Regarding the book, there was some grammar errors that were a bit off putting and distracting. Aside from that, the diary format was a little difficult because she would talk about somethings too much and it felt like others were left out. Maybe a diary with commentary format would have been better, but still a good book.
The emotions are vividly described and so is her pain through all the years of abuse. I would have like to see a bit more after where the book stopped, to see how she handled the next few years and such. Overall, I would recommend.
January 13, 2017
A girl and her sister were sexually abused by one of their family members when they were just little kids. It took them a long time to come out about it and when they did, it was like starting another battle. Everyday was a fight to live. But despite adversity and having an amazing support system, they eventually got past it. I really liked this book. I liked the plot and the way it was written. I could really see everything that was happening in the book in my head like a painted picture. I could feel their pain. I highly recommend this book. Anyone who has been through what they were going through and just anybody period. It would be a good read for anyone.
September 23, 2008
Read 2007
This courageous young author and child abuse survivor spoke at our local college. I was so moved by her story and her "breaking the cycle" I had to run out and grab the book right away.
Child abuse happens every day, and more often than we ever think. It's not always the families who look like they have problems...sometimes it's the "clean" ones.
This memoir offers a glimpse into the true life of the abused and what you can do to help.
I wasn't disappointed with this read, and neither will you.
(reviewed 09/22/08)
This courageous young author and child abuse survivor spoke at our local college. I was so moved by her story and her "breaking the cycle" I had to run out and grab the book right away.
Child abuse happens every day, and more often than we ever think. It's not always the families who look like they have problems...sometimes it's the "clean" ones.
This memoir offers a glimpse into the true life of the abused and what you can do to help.
I wasn't disappointed with this read, and neither will you.
(reviewed 09/22/08)
March 16, 2012
Most memoirs that I have read are the truly horrible cases a child abuse ("A Child Called It"). So it is good to read a memoir of abuse that has happened to many, but is not often discussed. In the book, Erin has to continuously see her abuser at family gatherings because her extended family doubts her claim of abuse. Erin's mother even admits to her own past abuse. Erin is not a writer and the book is written as her diary, so at points in the book it failed to capture me. Still, a good read from someone who is not a "writer".
May 2, 2012
sexual abuse victim's journey to recovery and healing.
After reading this book, there will be no doubt in the reader's mind what Erin went through. The author writes about her feelings in detail and does so repeatedly. It's a sad account of a little girl's childhood irreparably broken at the hands of a family member. The book could have been better edited as there are a lot of mistakes. Of course, anyone can read this book but the writing style is that of an adolescent and would be a great read especially for pre-teens and young adults.
After reading this book, there will be no doubt in the reader's mind what Erin went through. The author writes about her feelings in detail and does so repeatedly. It's a sad account of a little girl's childhood irreparably broken at the hands of a family member. The book could have been better edited as there are a lot of mistakes. Of course, anyone can read this book but the writing style is that of an adolescent and would be a great read especially for pre-teens and young adults.
Read
July 24, 2012At first, it was a little boring. You could tell a child was writing, but then things started picking up. I'm not going to lie, I wanted to read it because I went to school with the author and heard so much about it. After I was done reading it, I was in shock, speechless. Just to know that something that horrible happened to someone I knew, and she was able to forgive the perpetrator, was unbelievable. It definitely brought up memories from my freshman year of high school, but it was a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews