Molly the true survivor
353563
The story of Molly is one of pluck and determination of not only the hosre herself but of those who made it their mission to save her adn give her a good life after the horrors of Katrina and it's aftermath.  I gave it to my great nephews to help them learn that sometimes life will take you through many hard experiences but that love of life and good friends will bring you on to a good life.  Plus she is just an amazing horse.
2396298
I really loved this book. My heart went out to Alina as she always moved forward no matter what happened to her. I would have liked to kill her mother but that's just me. This is a wonderful story of survival & how this wonderful girl overcomes her problems with strength & determination. A very good read
3288033
This is a true story of a young girl who was forced into prostitution and her journey of escaping it. Overall I would give this book 4 stars out of 5. Barbara Amaya's story started out like any other typical American child. However, her world started to fall apart as she was sexually abused by her father and had an alcoholic mother. To escape the abuse she endured she often ran away. During one of her attempts she met some strangers, who preyed upon her weakness, vulnerability, age, sex, and innocence. From there she was sold and trafficked into the world of sex slaves. It is her story of survival, how she escaped from the world she was trapped in. Her journey to freedom. This book is about Barbara's coming to age, in finding her true self, and the courage, bravery, and tenacity that it took to be herself, and survive. This book delves deep into Barbara's inner thoughts and emotions. This book was very difficult to read, as I have a hard time discussing and reading about this topic.
  This book points out the stereotypes and judgements we make as a whole. And how they can disrupt and destroy a person's life. Things don't always appear or look as they seem. Safety is not guaranteed in appearances. We can't assume things from a persons character or the way they appear to be living their lives. The judgements and assumptions that people made on Barbara Amaya's life caused her abuse to continue, as well as lots of emotional suffering.
  There were a lot of time gaps in this book, that I felt didn't flow seamlessly. It made the story to have a sort of choppy, disconnected tone to it. I respected and understood the gaps in time but felt that it wasn't presented smoothly. Overall, this was a very powerful book of human survival. I have the utmost respect for Barbara Amaya with the strength it took to overcome and survive the horrible events that she endured. And as well as the strength it took to write and tell her story. Not only does Barbara Amaya continue to tell her story, but she is an advocate against sex trafficking. She has fought the prevalence of trafficking by helping to change the laws and educating people.
  Lastly I would like to thank Netgalley, Animal Media Group (the publisher), and Barbara Amaya for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. For those of you who are interested in purchasing a copy CLICK HERE.

Come and read my blog Turn the Page Book Reviews by Jill here [...]
2818818
It's amazing how this woman survived.  A true inspiration to all women, and for those of us who were not part of this horrifying period, a true appreciation of America, and how privileged we are to have been born here in this country.
1665183
Excellent read! Loved Vivian and hope a good life for Molly...they are that real to me. The Orphan Trains were real and the stories are sad, happy, interesting.
942697
Incredibly strong children who are there for one another, and their story is nothing short of unbelievable!  A true story about her childhood and how they grew up to become who they are today" and to end the fear of the one person in their life who is a devil-their mother, Cookie.
Cookie didn't raise them-they raised themselves from oldest down and it goes to show that children can survive, in the moment.  I could not put the book down and immediately purchased the second one-"Girl Unbroken" which answered many questions on this story.  I have passed this onto my friends who have also loved this book, again, hard to put it down.  Wish there were more photos, but understandable there are none of the mother.  Cannot believe Cookie got away with so many deep, dark lies and the children pay the price for her sick behavior each and every time.  They could not tell the truth otherwise bad things would happen and aren't we always told to tell the truth-it will set you free?!  Freedom came when they grew themselves up and the in between stories are amazing-amazing none of the children were hurt badly enough to be hospitalized?  But, it's a true story and those are the books I live to read about-I picked a great one!
1767126
Bravo to the author for her courage to do this book.  Such courage to put down in words and to share with us - her feelings, her struggles, her scars - the physical and mental abuse that she and her siblings endured at the hands of their mother.  Know that the therapy it surely gave her, will also be given to those who can relate to being a victim of abuse. A testament to survival - well worth the read ..
1295281
Through the Eyes of Abuse is a true story of survival.
It educated me about the struggles of those who had been
through the terror of abuse.
The author shares her journey from victim to victorious.
It is an easy read.  Through the Eyes of Abuse is very educational because it
instructs you "How To Be Victorious" I believe it can be a great teaching aide

I recommend this book to those who are still living in bondage of their pass.
It will set you free, so that you can live a productive life. The author did it
and so can you.
3442457
I just happened to pass this book on an off chance and although these types of true life stories are not enjoyable i felt a need to read it.

i must say what a true inspiration this lady is. The pure need to survive, protect others and not be beaten is an amazing achievement.

 I was in shock through reading all the unbelievable things that had happened and even cried a few times.
This story is that of sadness and torment but also of survival, protection, love for others and inspiration.

Anyone who has suffered any kind if abuse would find this helpfully and is a must read for everyone.
"Anelisse" a truly moving and inspiring real life story.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
2178301
WOW !!! This woman had the strength and fortitude to overcome so many walls that stood in her way to ESCAPE; and she did.
She sacrificed SO MUCH for herself for her childern; but had so much determination she accomplished what she set out to do.

It's sad that one of her daughters, Betty, was still so brainwashed that she went back to the 'cult'. Glad her other childern are doing well in life, and that Carolyn is, too. The FLDS welded SO much power, it looked at first that she wouldn't make it out, but she did. Her story is a harrowing page-turner.  The women in the FLDS were no more than slaves, doing their masters' bidding; the men and using their religion as an excuse to manipulate the women and childern. Looks like they made up rules inter-twineded with what ever they wanted in the name of FLDS protocols. They forced woman [ mostly very young girls ] to marry men they mostly didn't know, old enough to be [ sometimes ] as old as their grandfathers. They used women and childern as like they were property, like cattle or any other possessions. Most of the FLDS men had no emotional attachement towards these, 'possessions' ---some did but knew they couldn't do anything about it because the powers that be of the FLDS were very powerful men. The men of the households were basically 'worshipped' by their wives and childern. One wouldn't go against whatever they said, did, or wanted.
This is a great book and gave me insight to what really goes on in these cult-like groups that are still around today.
1473085
I couldn't put this book down. It is very well written, it is almost as if Molly is right there with you. She takes you wherever she is and you live every moment with her. Your imagination comes to life page after page. I am so sad that I finished this book, cause I want to read it over again it was that good, one of the best books I have ever read.
4789490
I really enjoyed this book!  Her experience on the train and the trouble she had afterward was very interesting, but I would like to have seen the Molly character developed a little more.  Overall, a great book.
663732
Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Safety was Molly's cry until she met Liberty True and her flag wearing Basset hound Ross. When Liberty first entered Molly's new office she was off put by this forceful tinfoil hat wearing woman who talked about survival and government conspiracies. As their friendship grew however Molly found more then she bargained for. She realized that somethings life, friendship, love, and faith are worth fighting for no matter the consequences. As with Red Hot Property I loved this book it was filled with new and old characters that despite their fictional status I have grown to love them as if they are real and they affect my life accordingly. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes, romance love, friendship, or is searching for the meaning of life. was Molly's cry until she met Liberty True and her flag wearing Basset hound Ross. When Liberty first entered Molly's new office she was off put by this forceful tinfoil hat wearing woman who talked about survival and government conspiracies. As their friendship grew however Molly found more then she bargained for. She realized that somethings life, friendship, love, and faith are worth fighting for no matter the consequences. As with Red Hot Property I loved this book it was filled with new and old characters that despite their fictional status I have grown to love them as if they are real and they affect my life accordingly. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes, romance love, friendship, or is searching for the meaning of life.
944825
Awesome story. We know Frida personally and she is an awesome person. A true story of survival, love and forgiveness! Would highly recommend!
2311351
The author did a fantastic job of retelling Sarah Wakefields story of captivity by Indians. What horrors she faced with her two very young children. I admire her strength and courage as she endured with the help of the Indian man, Chasta and his elderly mother, Ina. After much trial and tribulation she is reunited to her less than perfect husband,who is an abuser. Chasta was unjustly hung along with other Indians who were involved with the killing of whites. This is a powerful story of a very strong woman who survived an unhappy marriage and her many days of Indian captivity. I was sorry to come to the end of the tale.
1146616
I stayed up all night to finish this book. I haven't done that in 20 years! I immediately connected with Molly. She was doing the best she could to care for her daughter and protect her from the cruelty of others. That's what we all do, in doing so she kept those who loved her the most far away. It was only until she discovered that when you invite others into her life that she could protect her daughter and herself. Love has it's faults but ultimately it saved her.
3597567
A sad but true reality of what happened during World War 2  to the Jewish people.  An amazing story of a woman who was nothing but strong and a true survivor!!!