Shattered [Paperback]

Bill Harbeck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 2009

Shattered. There is no crime more devastating than childhood sexual abuse. It steals the innocence and soul of its victims and leaves them in a world of silence and shame. Attempting to live in safety, survivors create a world of false security praying no one will ever discover the ugly secret and no one will hurt them again. For too long, these stories have hidden in the shadows, countless souls longing for freedom from the pain and suffering in their hearts. This is just one story that speaks for millions who are holding on to hope. Bill Harbeck is the executive director of Holding on to Hope Ministries. He is leading the way addressing the difficult topic of sexual abuse. This issue has been ignored far too long. Bill spent thirty-two years in education and is an experienced communicator. He is also the survivor of childhood sexual abuse. He speaks across the country informing communities about the prevalence and consequences to individuals and families. More important, he shares the good news of hope for survivors suffering in silence. Bill and his wife Jillian live in Phoenix, Arizona

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Xulon Press (September 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1615791914
• ISBN-13: 978-1615791910
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #885,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT, INSPIRATIONAL BOOK, November 21, 2009

By 

M. Boland - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shattered (Paperback)

I would recommend this book to anyone, even those who are not victims of childhood abuse. I am not a victim of abuse, and I read this book because I was a neighbor to Bill and Jill Harbeck and their family when they lived in Wheaton. I saw them as the "perfect" Christian family that were great neighbors. When I start to read a book, if it does not capture my attention after the first 5 pages, I don't finish it. This was very simply and well written and I finished it in a couple of hours. It is a glimpse into the inner turmoil and lifelong, devestating effects of childhood abuse. The story of how to cope and the journey to hopefulness, instead of hopelessness, is valuable for anyone to learn, in any negetive life experience.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real story from a family that has walked through tough years, October 19, 2009

By 

Jennifer (Rockford, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shattered (Paperback)

I just picked up this book last week and devoured it. I am always trying to get my hands on helpful reading material regarding dealing with sexual abuse as a close family member is a victim and I so want to understand how to help and support. Bill and Jillian were a part of our school and now that I know the road to their healing, I am in awe of how God can use others who tell their "dark" story to help shed light on the road to healing for others. I particularly appreciate Bill's candor in how long it takes to see progress. Yes, we know God can and does heal, but it's not always as instantaneous as we desire. Knowing that as a supporter I need to not be on my time table for the other's healing but to pray and do as God leads in supporting that process for another was so helpful for me. Bill's journey is years in the making. My own journey along with my family member has caused a new level of reliance on the Lord for me as well. I am being changed as I let God lead that healing in the other, not me. You can know the words in this book are from the heart, true and a piece of hope for your own story. The Wounded Heart by Dan Allendar that Bill mentions was also a significant help for me in understanding the process. Jillian's chapter was helpful in knowing the perspective of a close supporter. There are not many resources out there from that perspective. Thank you Bill and Jillian for this work from the heart!

3.0 out of 5 stars A good account short on Gospel, January 2, 2012

By 

Brucifer Maximus - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shattered (Paperback)

I purchased this book after hearing the author talk on the radio.
I think that this book serves a good purpose to explain the long-term impact of sexual abuse on male survivors.
The author states "This book emphasizes the darkness and pain I have suffered from unwanted sexual abuse for over forty years now." That is an understatement. Bill's account is heartbreaking, and that's an understatement. Bill's portion of the story is about 135 pages long, and he doesn't give any specifics about hope or healing except for pages 110-112. Then it goes right back to his career.
If I had to summarize the message of this book it would be: Abuse destroys you and maybe in the end you can be slightly less destroyed but God himself can't really help you out of your suffering, he'll just suffer along with you while you struggle every day.
There is some truth to that. And this book is a good starting point to understand the problems of abuse, but PLEASE don't stop with this book. After you understand the pain abuse causes, it's time for more than three pages of vague ideas about help. Check out The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender, which Bill himself refers to, Victims No Longer by Mike Llew, and Rid of My Disgrace by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb, because those books emphasize the hope and healing instead of the pain and suffering.
When a book is 90% devastation, 2% gospel, and 8% aftermath I would strongly discourage any victims from reading this without a support system in place. I would equally strongly encourage this book for anyone who buys into the idea that sexual abuse of boys isn't so horrible because of some physical reaction they might have. This book completely destroys that idea, and serves that purpose well.