Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt [Hardcover]

Christi Paul (Author), Sanjay Gupta (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 2012

Like millions of other women, CNN’s Headline News and truTV’s In Session anchor Christi Paul blamed herself for the emotional abuse heaped on her by her first husband, whose violent, profanity-laced tirades left her feeling as though she had no value, no self-worth, and nowhere to turn for help.

Then one day, when Christi was taking refuge in a church parking lot, the verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” popped into her head. In that moment, she realized she did have someplace to turn after all. Holding fast to her faith, Christi began the arduous process of rebuilding her self-image and regaining control of her life.

Now happily remarried and the mother of three girls, Christi feels called to share her story in the hope that other victims will find courage to seek the help they desperately need and deserve.

Written with great candor and poignancy, Love Isn’t Supposed to Hurt chronicles Christi’s personal experience of dealing with emotional abuse and shows how—with God’s help, some unconventional therapy, and the support of family and friends—she was able to break the cycle of abuse, regain her sense of self-worth, and discover what true love is really all about.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It takes a lot of courage to overcome the pain and anguish of emotional abuse—and even more to write about it. Thank you, Christi. I have no doubt it will encourage people to find their strength. Every woman should read this book! (Cheryl Burke, ABC's Dancing with the Stars, author of Dancing Lessons)

From the Inside Flap

Words can hurt.
They can also empower.
“I felt like I was being shredded . . . one painful, hateful word at a time.”
Like millions of other women, CNN’s HLN and truTV’s In Session anchor Christi Paul blamed herself for the emotional abuse heaped on her by her first husband, whose violent, profanity-laced tirades left her feeling as though she had no value, no self-worth, and nowhere to turn for help.

Then one day, when Christi was taking refuge in a church parking lot, the verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” popped into her head. In that moment she realized she did have someplace to turn after all. Holding fast to her faith, Christi began the arduous process of rebuilding her self-image and regaining control of her life.

Now happily remarried and the mother of three girls, Christi feels called to share her story in the hope that other victims of abuse will find the courage to seek the help they desperately need and deserve.

Written with both candor and poignancy, Love Isn’t Supposed to Hurt chronicles Christi’s personal experience with emotional abuse and shows how—with God’s help, some unconventional therapy, and the support of family and friends—she was able to break the cycle of abuse, regain her sense of self-worth, and discover what true love is all about.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Books (May 14, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414367376
• ISBN-13: 978-1414367378
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.2 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (204 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christi Paul is an award-winning journalist and national weekday news anchor for CNN's HLN and TruTv's In Session. In her eight years at CNN, she has covered a wide variety of stories, including two presidential elections, the Virginia Tech shootings, the Casey Anthony murder trial, the Warren Jeffs polygamy trial, and the Conrad Murray trial. She has also interviewed such noted figures as Senator John McCain, Reverend Jessie Jackson, former drug czar Barry McCaffrey, actresses Jane Seymour and Patricia Heaton, bestselling author Marianne Williamson, and musicians Keith Urban and Jim Brickman, among others. An accomplished singer, Christi has performed the National Anthem for the Cleveland Indians, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Thrashers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. She has also performed onstage with Grammy-winning artists Richard Marx and David Foster. Christi has also recorded 2 songs at Nashville's famed Blackbird Studio. The songs titled "Wake Up In It" and "Free" correspond with "Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt" and both are available on iTunes. This spring Christi became an ambassador for Liz Claiborne's Love Is Not Abuse campaign, which aims to teach teenagers about dating violence and help them make healthy relationship decisions. She also serves on the board of Safe Kids Georgia and is an ambassador for the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. Part of the proceeds of "Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt" will go to The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Christi lives in Atlanta with her husband, Pete, and their three daughters.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Everyone! Life Changing! I'm not alone! June 1, 2012

By Amanda Howell

Format:Hardcover

This book is an amazing story of hope, finding peace, self worth, grace & forgiveness. As a divorced single mom of two, this book has been my constant companion. Christi Paul writes in a way that is raw and revealing, but also in such an open way you will feel like you are reading your best friend's journal. This book gives me strength. The exercises at the end of the book have been a brilliant source of therapy for me. She has reminded me that God's grace is MORE than sufficient and I'm worthy of being loved. Thank you Christi Paul for sharing your story... Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Story, Powerful Message June 1, 2012

By Kevin

Format:Hardcover

As a radio talk show host, I work my way through about six books each week. I'm not able to read every book cover to cover, and yet, every once in a while, I find a book that I cannot put down. Christi's was one such book. I never found a lull, never looked away, never wandered in my thoughts. She had me from start to finish. Her stunning honesty and humble reflection compelled me to look deeper at the lying messages still embedded in my own soul. Not only is Christi's story gripping and well written, she offers hope, healing, and nuggets of wisdom all along the way. If you're in a dangerous situation or know somebody who is, read this book, be encouraged, and believe with all of your heart that God is with you, He's for you, and He will make a way for you.

*If you'd like to hear Christi's interview on Live the Promise, go to: [...] and type in Christi's name on the search bar. She was on Live the Promise on 6/1/12

**My name is Susie Larson (not Kevin) :)

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars For all who have been hurt by love May 30, 2012

By Lynn Furney

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Christi Paul has written a wonderful book about Loving and Fear in a relationship. Please read this book if anyone has been in an abusive relationship, whether verbal, mental or physical. This is a wonderful but scary look into good relationships that turn into bad that involve alcohol and anger.

I watch Christi on In Session and have always admired her, but after reading this book I admire her even more! Thank You Christi