Living for Today: From Incest and Molestation to Fearlessness and Forgiveness [Paperback]

Erin Merryn (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 2, 2009

SILENCE BROKEN AND STIGMAS SHATTERED—
HELP FOR INCEST SURVIVORS IS HERE

Fans of Erin Merryn's heart-wrenching debut memoir Stolen Innocence were left wondering what would become of an emotionally fragile Erin after her confrontation with the reality and repercussions of being a child of incest and molestation. In Living for Today, Erin chronicles how she cultivated the strength to face her abuser and eventually found relief from years of emotional restlessness, while also igniting the beginnings of a new fearless journey. Living for Today chronicles that journey, which began with the unearthing of private shame, releasing of ugly memories, letting go of guilt, and becoming the mouthpiece of millions of her generation.

In Living for Today, anyone who has felt victimized, ashamed, isolated, and silenced by their abusers will receive a roadmap for self-discovery, forgiveness, and empowerment. With real compassion and wisdom, this book can help readers overcome trauma and live fully and fearlessly for today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Erin's courageous account of her own journey dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse is powerful and emotionally honest. It provides hope to other victims of abuse that they, too, can not only survive these terrible events but also heal and thrive.'

—Teresa Huizar
Executive Director, National Children's Alliance

About the Author

Erin Merryn, author of Stolen Innocence—a memoir about incest, earned her masters in social work in 2009. She has been interviewed by a number of media outlets including Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN, and London Times, among others. She was named a Glamour Magazine 2012 Woman of the Year and is the force behind "Erin's Law". Her mission is to take this law national as a means to protect children from sexual abuse.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: HCI (October 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0757314198
• ISBN-13: 978-0757314193
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #507,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite May 25, 2011

By Cayleigh

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is by far my favorite sexual abuse book ever. It is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. With everything that Erin has been through, and to see where she is today...it definitely inspires me and gives me the courage to fight my own demons of childhood sexual abuse. She has been through a lifetime of pain and has turned it into something good. She inspires me to do the same. Erin and her book are absolutely amazing and inspiring...I just want to hug her and congratulate her for making it through what she has been through and making it into something good. Way to go Erin!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Healing Help January 16, 2010

By Dennette Kennedy

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just finished reading Living for Today and Wow! It is an amazing story of survival and will be a help to anyone surviving sexual abuse start taking the steps needed to start healing. I learned a lot from this young woman that had the courage to heal in her 20's rather than living in denial into her 30's and 40's. I wish I would've had something like this to read and help me twenty years ago! I am thankful to Erin for helping so many. I highly recommend this book for anyone especially to anyone that has been sexually abused or knows someone that has - or is married to someone that has. Please read this book if you've been sexually abused as you will see how important it is to not remain silent.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Erin is an inspiration! November 24, 2009

By Isaiah 63:9

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Erin Merryn is a hero. Reading this book is a must for anyone who has been through sexual abuse, rape, or childhood trauma. Erin is completely transparent about the struggles she went through in confronting the memories and beginning the process of healing. The book is also interesting because it shows the response of her childhood best friend also, who repressed her memories of the abuse. Erin's book is inspiring because it acknowledges the pain her abuser caused, but does not stop there. It is hopeful, and encourages other survivors to keep going on the journey of moving past the abuse and learning healthy ways to overcome the negative feelings and memories. I have appreciated both of Erin's books, and suggest also reading her first book "Stolen Innocence" if you haven't already. This book would be a good resource for family members of someone who has been through sexual abuse, in order to understand some of what they might be going through inside.