National Book Lovers Day
Reading Recommendations for Those Impacted by Abuse
Books are a great way to practice self-care and take time for you to relax and explore a whole new world! Reading can be a form of self-care and support for any and every one to find peace, either within themselves or through the printed lines of a recently published novel.
To celebrate National Book Lovers Day, Journey Center has compiled a list of books that talk about abuse. Broken into categories, these books are a great resource to learn how to help a friend, learn about yourself, or heal from past traumas.
Nonfiction Books
Assume Nothing, by Tanya Selvaratnam
When Tanya Selvaratnam met then New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman at the Democratic National Convention in July 2016, they seemed like the perfect match. Behind closed doors, however, Tanya's life was anything but ideal. Schneiderman became controlling, mean, and manipulative.
“Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed, I told myself every day in the months before my story of abuse became public. I had decided to come forward after I realized I was part of a pattern. It wasn’t my story; other women shared it. And had to tell it to help prevent still others from having it become their story, too.”
Crazy Love, by Leslie Morgan Steiner
At 22, Leslie Morgan Steiner seemed to have it all: good looks, a Harvard diploma, a glamorous job in New York City. Plus a handsome, funny boyfriend who adored her. But behind her façade of success, this golden girl hid a dark secret. She'd made a mistake shared by millions: she fell in love with the wrong person.
“If you and I met at one of our children’s birthday parties, in the hallway at work, or at a neighbor’s barbeque, you’d never guess my secret: that as a young woman I fell in love with and married a man who beat me regularly and nearly killed me.”
Encouragements for the Emotionally Abused Woman: Wisdom and Hope for Women at Any Stage of Emotional Abuse Recovery, by Beverly Engel
For those of us who are or have been emotionally abused, we know how the experience insidiously sabotages our self-esteem. We know how easy it can be to falter, to begin to feel the familiar self-doubt and fear. We need to be reminded that the abuse is not our fault.
“The emotionally abused woman is a particular type of woman, a woman who has established a pattern of continually being emotionally abused by those she is involved with, whether it be her lover or husband, her boss, her friends, her parents, her children, or her siblings. No matter how successful, how intelligent, or how attractive she is, she still feels “less than” other people.”
Goodbye, Sweet Girl, by Kelly Sundberg
Kelly Sundberg's husband, Caleb, was a funny, warm, supportive man and a wonderful father to their little boy Reed. He was also vengeful and violent. But Sundberg did not know that when she fell in love, and for years told herself he would get better. It took a decade for her to ultimately accept that the partnership she desired could not work with such a broken man.
“Once he was gone, I broke down crying. Caleb was still so angry, I could tell. We had guests coming, and I knew I needed to clean myself up, put some ice cubes on my red and puffy eyes, cover my under-eye circles with concealer, change my damp shirt, practice smiling.”
It’s My Life Now: Starting Over After an Abusive Relationship or Domestic Violence, 2nd Edition, by Meg Kennedy Dugan and Roger R. Hock
Now in its third edition, It's My Life Now is a guide for survivors who have left an abusive relationship. It addresses-in clear, non-threatening language-various issues associated with abuse and violence, including post-relationship emotions, psychological impact, dealing with children, personal safety, legal problems, and financial security.
“However, as you look back on your relationship, you will discover certain signs, clues, and characteristics that should help you decide if yours was an unhealthy or abusive relationship.”
Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men, by Lundy Bancroft
You've asked yourself this question again and again. Now you have the chance to see inside the minds of angry and controlling men--and change your life.
“However, as delighted as I am to have had the opportunity to gain this insight, I am not one of the people who most needs it. The people who can best benefit from knowledge about abusers and how they think are women, who can use what I have learned to help themselves recognize when they are being controlled or devalued in a relationship.”
Poetry
Beautiful, Strong Women: Poems of the Journey to Overcoming Domestic Violence, by Kimberly Hockaday
Beautiful, Strong Women is a collection of short poems dealing with violence towards women, sharing the pain and healing of Domestic Violence victims and survivors as well as the fight for respect for women. A perfect read for supporters of the #Metoo movement. This book was written to be the voice for the women who are too afraid to speak, to celebrate the woman who have the strength to walk away, and also to memorialize all the women who lost their lives to Domestic Violence. This terrible, deep, dark secret must be brought into public focus. It has to stop.
When will the tears stop falling? When will death stop feeling so welcoming? When will my broken wings heal? ~When?
becoming, by Renaada Williams
becoming. is a beautiful debut collection of poetry centering around themes of feminism, sexuality, race, and mental health.
“Thank you. For believing in me.” ~Acknowledging
Poetically Broken: Domestic Violence Awareness Poetry, by Brittany Gunderson
Domestic Violence Awareness Poetry from contributors world wide. Their voices are heard through their poetry. Before reading, please understand this book has a trigger warning. If you have been abused or are being abused, this book may cause bad feelings, flashbacks, and bad memories. The feelings and experiences depicted in these poems are raw and emotional. Profanity is used sometimes. Rape feelings are depicted. Examples of abuse are given. Reader Discretion is advised.
My goal is to bring awareness of Domestic Violence to maybe prevent future people from becoming survivors or to save a life as well as to let others know they are not alone. I wanted to give survivors a voice and give their life stories meaning. Domestic Violence claims many lives and can cause mental disorders within the survivors.”
Silhouette of a Songbird, by Elizabeth Shane
Elizabeth is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. The traumatic effects of this left many emotional scars as well as complex PTSD, in a life often hidden by silence. Throughout different stages of her recovery, Silhouette of a Songbird witnesses Elizabeth's personal struggle on her journey to unlock the pain of reclaiming her voice through the power of poetry.
“Sometimes her head was just a blank empty box staring into space. Sitting for hours staring at nothing or at the wall. Without knowing why, it seemed quite comforting looking at the familiar spot each time. Almost like a shield to hide the eyes from what was going on. She got used to having a vacant gaze, taking in a meaningless day. The wallpaper was the only map owned and could trace with her eyes, losing herself in a flower of patterns. She always wished there could be flowers so she could immerse herself forever in a forest full of color.”~ Wallpaper
Sticks and Stones…and Words That Hurt Me: A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories in Support of Domestic Violence Awareness, by Aurelia Maria Casey
Domestic violence is an insidious malady, hidden in the shadows of shame and misplaced blame. It plagues families around the world, the trauma and harmful behavior patterns inherited by each generation. This anthology reflects the feelings of victims and those they love, interspersed with statistics to emphasize the prevalence of situations of physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse.
“Then you start, jump upright. Your blood pumping with the fright. He is here again, I hear him shout. Now you’re trembling, shaking about. Your tummy clenches, I’m held so tight. So I start to kick with all my might.” ~ Embryonic Cognition
For more reading recommendations and resources to learn more about surviving domestic violence or child abuse check out Journey’s Resource Page, our Suggested Reading on Domestic Violence, and our Healthy Childhood Booklist.
And remember, we are always here for you when you need to talk. Call or text our 24-Hour Helpline: 216.391.4357 (HELP) or live chat.