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Joe #2
Cry Myself to Sleep
The next book from the number one bestselling author of Cry Silent Tears.
Joe was only five years old when he lost his voice. Only five years old when he was first beaten by his mother and raped by her boyfriend. And only nine years old when his mother sold him to a paedophile ring.
At sixteen, Joe finally found the courage to escape and headed for Charing Cross station with no money in his pocket, no friends and nowhere to turn to. But the nightmare was far from over.
Haunted by his harrowing past, Joe's life spiralled out of control. Living on the lonely streets of London, Joe turned down a dark path of crime and self-destruction and it seemed that he was bound for prison. Until the love of a good woman set him free…
This is the ultimate story of triumph over evil, of survival and redemption. Heartbreaking, but unbelievably inspiring, it is a testament to the unbreakable resilience of a little boy who grew up into a remarkable man. Now that he has found his voice again, Joe speaks out against child abuse and helps support and protect other children whose lives have been blighted by it.
Joe was only five years old when he lost his voice. Only five years old when he was first beaten by his mother and raped by her boyfriend. And only nine years old when his mother sold him to a paedophile ring.
At sixteen, Joe finally found the courage to escape and headed for Charing Cross station with no money in his pocket, no friends and nowhere to turn to. But the nightmare was far from over.
Haunted by his harrowing past, Joe's life spiralled out of control. Living on the lonely streets of London, Joe turned down a dark path of crime and self-destruction and it seemed that he was bound for prison. Until the love of a good woman set him free…
This is the ultimate story of triumph over evil, of survival and redemption. Heartbreaking, but unbelievably inspiring, it is a testament to the unbreakable resilience of a little boy who grew up into a remarkable man. Now that he has found his voice again, Joe speaks out against child abuse and helps support and protect other children whose lives have been blighted by it.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
23 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Joe Peters
25 books50 followersThere are (at least) two Joe Peters represented by the assortment of books that Goodreads has assigned to the name "Joe Peters." Until Goodreads gets around to sorting one Joe from the other, make the best of what you can.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 8, 2015
After reading Cry Silent Tears, it was inevitable that I was going to read the sequel.
Cry Silent Tears was an incredible story, and engaging, but so far from anything I could ever imagine. Cry Myself to Sleep covers the true story of Joe's subsequent teenage and early 20's, and is not quite as extreme, although obviously the demons from the first book continued to haunt the author. In many cases, it made Joe Peters his own worst enemy - but in a way that I could associate with, and understand.
Crazy as it may be, it has changed the way I relate to people. What happens if someone I am dealing with has been through a life even 100th as bad as Joe Peters?
I have two strong recommendations:
- don't read this before Cry Silent Tears.
- make sure you read this book.
Cry Silent Tears was an incredible story, and engaging, but so far from anything I could ever imagine. Cry Myself to Sleep covers the true story of Joe's subsequent teenage and early 20's, and is not quite as extreme, although obviously the demons from the first book continued to haunt the author. In many cases, it made Joe Peters his own worst enemy - but in a way that I could associate with, and understand.
Crazy as it may be, it has changed the way I relate to people. What happens if someone I am dealing with has been through a life even 100th as bad as Joe Peters?
I have two strong recommendations:
- don't read this before Cry Silent Tears.
- make sure you read this book.
June 12, 2021
Wow… in all honesty, I found this book more disturbing than the first one. While the first book details the unspeakable horrors that were inflicted upon Joe by his family and their “friends,” this second book delves into the long term impacts the severe abuse had on Joe. It is terrifying to think how little he knew/understood about how the world worked, social norms, etc… and yet was out in the world on his own. The system failed Joe so many times, it’s impossible to keep track.
I would definitely recommend both books to anyone working in the social services sector.
I would definitely recommend both books to anyone working in the social services sector.
December 9, 2025
When you start reading a book and hit a traumatic part and immediately realise you’ve read this book before many years ago, and you continue reading because some people’s stories deserve to be heard twice.
October 26, 2023
After some time, I finally managed to read the sequel and i am very glad I did.
The first book left an open wound behind, that needed to be stitched together by more information, about what happened after the first book ended.
This book showcased the intense aftermath of Joe's childhood.
At times, I couldn't even believe that the things written in this book actually happened and I was yet again shocked everytime I reached a new chapter.
This was amplified by the fast pace of the book, which only sometimes felt uncomfortable to follow.
I admire the honesty, the author put into his writing, immensely and am glad to have stumbled upon his story, even though it leaves me with a little bit of a shattered heart.
The first book left an open wound behind, that needed to be stitched together by more information, about what happened after the first book ended.
This book showcased the intense aftermath of Joe's childhood.
At times, I couldn't even believe that the things written in this book actually happened and I was yet again shocked everytime I reached a new chapter.
This was amplified by the fast pace of the book, which only sometimes felt uncomfortable to follow.
I admire the honesty, the author put into his writing, immensely and am glad to have stumbled upon his story, even though it leaves me with a little bit of a shattered heart.
August 25, 2020
Didn't realise there was a part one, although I don't think it would have made any difference to my liking/rating it. This book started when he was 5, and it is really hard to comprehend how, as a parent myself, Joe suffered sooooooooo much in the hands of his mum and brothers. How you can treat another human being, especially one you are related to, like they did, is just horrible.
July 23, 2019
Breathtaking
What a second book joe, you are a hero in my heart to go through everything you have, and made a life for yourself, and now helping others. Defiantly worth my 5 stars and more.
What a second book joe, you are a hero in my heart to go through everything you have, and made a life for yourself, and now helping others. Defiantly worth my 5 stars and more.
July 12, 2020
The life that Joe had to go through at the hands of his awful family and those that came after him was horrendous but the way he eventually beat his demons and found his way to true love was truly inspirational. I hope he goes from strength to strength and continues to overcome his past.
April 1, 2023
Gosh this is as heartbreaking as the first book, and I can't stop thinking about Joe eventually got his life on track. After everything that he has gone through. This book, unlike the first one, does have a very good and hopeful ending!❤
January 12, 2020
Amazing!
I loved the 1st book and this book gripped me just as much. I just want to give Joe a big hug! I'm so glad everything turned out amazing for you!
I loved the 1st book and this book gripped me just as much. I just want to give Joe a big hug! I'm so glad everything turned out amazing for you!
March 20, 2020
Amazing read
Highly recommend this book need to read his first one though. A survivor of the most horrid circumstances. So glad he found what he was looking for
Highly recommend this book need to read his first one though. A survivor of the most horrid circumstances. So glad he found what he was looking for
January 22, 2021
This is the sequel to Cry Silent Tears which tore me to pieces. It's so sad how much Joe suffered in his life.
April 27, 2021
Loved this book cried from the beginning will be looking to read the other books lovely author heart bleeds so sad
September 18, 2024
What a tragic life joe suffered I'm glad he got himself on track and is doing well now poor guy. Sad book to read
July 16, 2013
I have but one complaint/part I didn't like about the book and that's the end.
Not how it ended. Just the end! No more to read. Lol I really wanted to keep reading. I contacted Joe the author myself and he said he'd like to make a third book. I hope so. The end was all summed up and I would have liked to have gotten more in depth with that.
Not how it ended. Just the end! No more to read. Lol I really wanted to keep reading. I contacted Joe the author myself and he said he'd like to make a third book. I hope so. The end was all summed up and I would have liked to have gotten more in depth with that.
July 20, 2013
Written by Matvasam Maqsood aged 12
When i first read this book i was so upset and couldn't stop crying because he had so much trouble with his childhood. I have never read a book this sad before in my life. I still having trouble forgetting the story,and looking foreword to read the next book which is cry silent tears.Joe peter is a great author.
When i first read this book i was so upset and couldn't stop crying because he had so much trouble with his childhood. I have never read a book this sad before in my life. I still having trouble forgetting the story,and looking foreword to read the next book which is cry silent tears.Joe peter is a great author.
April 29, 2015
This book was certainly eye opening to things that should never be kept in the dark. I applaud Joe Peters for coming to the point in his life where he felt he could share such painful experiences. View my full review on YouTube! Search channel Broken Bookshelf!
November 9, 2009
Sucha emotional story. A story that still happens in todays' life!
July 23, 2011
Both his books...REALLY, REALLY good reads!
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July 21, 2016What a horrible childhood this man had and what a way to overcome the obstacles in his path to normalcy.
May 12, 2015
Was a good book but sad that all that could happen to one person. But nice to see a happy ending, what a strong man
January 16, 2016
Heartbreaking story but even growing older he does not become wiser or have any accountability. Stories are long and draw out and some felt pushed for shock value.
October 30, 2009
Good book that is a sequel to cry silent tears.
March 16, 2012
My review for this book is the same as its prequel...
An amazingly heart wrenching read.
An amazingly heart wrenching read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews