Customer Reviews

Shattered Reality

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What is your worst nightmare? What would you do if it came true? How would you deal with it, the emotions, the pain and heartache. How would you help your loved one through the horror of a nightmare come true, while at the same time trying to hold it together yourself? These are the questions that the author, Kimberly Cheryl must deal with when she discovers the horrific injustice and gift of sweet innocence being ripped away from her cherished daughter; as she learns that someone held dear and trusted her entire life has, has done the unspeakable to her child.

Shattered Reality is the perfect title of Ms. Cheryl's work, as it describes how quickly one's sense of security can be shattered to pieces, in the blink of an eye. Sexual abuse is a very difficult and still a "hush hush" type of problem in today's society, sadly. Ms. Cheryl takes the subject and speaks of the story that she, her daughter and family had to, and still has t, endure and brings it to light in a very deep and heartfelt way. Shattered Reality is a wonderful book for anyone who has ever experienced sexual abuse, or any type of abuse for that matter. It lets people know that they are not alone and is reassuring in it's honesty.

We, as parents, and myself as a mom, try so hard to keep our children safe from harm. They are our life, our breath and our center of being. To discover that no matter how hard we try, all the precautions that are taken, all warnings, teachings and soul deep desperate ways we try to keep our children safe, circumstances can still happen to rip all of those well meaning intentions to shreds. Our children are an extension of ourselves and when they are hurt and betrayed, as are we. While reading Shattered Reality, I could feel the author's pain and emotional betrayal, the heartache and sense of desperation to make all the wrongs right again.

Shattered Reality is not an easy read, but it is one that I think helps bring to light something that all parents should be made aware of. I also wanted to mention that the author's daughter added her wonderful talent to the book with her soul searching and beautiful drawings that speak volumes with delicate pencil strokes.

One of the most terrifying fears of a parent is for harm to come to their child. "Shattered Reality" is an inspirational guide for parents of sexually abused children who want to help their children heal from the trauma of these incidents and in doing so, help themselves heal. Encouraging parents not to blame themselves, "Shattered Reality" is a solid pick for those who are struggling to cope with these horrible tragedies.

As a father of two teen daughters, as the husband of a woman who endured childhood abuse, I find this subject heart-rending but vital. So often, our society tries to quiet the voices of the victims because of the uncomfortable repercussions within families, jobs, churches, schools, etc.

Kimberly Cheryl brings her own heartache to the page, refusing to be silenced. In "Shattered Reality," Cheryl pours emotion into her words, giving us enough detail to feel her and her daughter's pain without giving undue attention to the acts themselves. I had planned to read this book in another month or two, after finishing a project, but I found myself flipping through the pages, unable to pull myself away from this candid, painful, yet ultimately insightful account. It contains a number of editing errors, but that did not stop me from reading through the entire thing in one sitting.

Do we find absolution in these pages? Not really. The justice system continues to do a pitiful job of protecting the abused, with a jaundiced male eye turned toward the perpetrators and the "overly-emotional" mothers involved. As a father, I would find it hard not to pick up a dull knife and end the perpetrator's possibilities of further abuse, but of course that too is an emotional reaction. Where do we go, though? When families and the law stand opposed to the truth, when they try to protect the status quo at the cost of young lives, I find myself livid.

Cheryl has opened her heart to share her own family's story. I would've loved to hear more of the father's point of view or involvement, but the words here are potent. The drawings done by her daughter are also moving. If only we could look past outward appearances and stop pointing fingers at young women and men who don't look "acceptable," we might find that many of them are covering hurts that go very deep.

Understandably, Cheryl says she'll never forgive. She says she'll never forget. My wife has never forgotten either, but she would say that forgiveness has been vital in her long-term healing, letting go of the need to exact a penalty for wrongs done and instead holding onto a future with men, women, and family who know how to love safely and unconditionally.

"Shattered Reality" is not only an honest and easy-to-read account, it contains a wealth of helpful resources at the end. It would be a great companion piece in the literature for any who have endured abuse, first or secondhand.

Kimberly describes the extremes that a parent must go through to help her child find justice against a child predator and family member. She chooses the more difficult path of staying the course, a much tougher existence than just walking away and "sweeping the issue under the rug", and moves us to a world of insight. Well written and very moving!

As I kept reading, I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't MY story but it was so close to home. The raw emotions...the hurt, anger and betrayal. Thank you Kim for taking the time to bare your soul to all of us. I of course am going to have any one I can read this book...so informative. Child Sexual Abuse is such a deep and dark secret. It's time to let the secret out. It's time to tell. Kim helps give parents and anyone else that reads this book the tools to help children tell. And a little bit of "you are not alone". Because this path is so lonely for parents...so lonely...much love Kim, thank you, hugs and prayers!!!!

Saturday, October 25, 2008
Conversations Presents its "Top 25 Non-Fiction Titles of 2008"
Conversations Book Club is pleased to announce its "Top 25 Non-Fiction Titles of 2008". There are so many true-life accounts on the market right now, however, these are the ones that we feel should be on your bookshelves and centerpieces in your discussions.
(Listed in no particular order)


1. "Resilience" by Alonzo Mourning
2. "Look Me In The Eye" by John Elder Robison
3. "Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration" by Marcia Ann Gillespie, Rosa Johnson Butler and Richard A. Long
4. "Mississippi's Uncovered Glory" by Jerome Gentry
5. "Rollin' With Dre" by Bruce Williams
6. "Rewriting The Script" by Arlether Wilson
7. "The Express: The Ernie Davis Story" by Robert Gallagher
8. "From Pieces To Weight" by 50 Cent
9. "Prince Among Slaves" by Terry Alford
10. "Hard Times & Great Blessings" by Kenneth F. Worth
11. "War of the Bloods In My Veins" by Jiwe
12. "Shattered Reality" by Kimberly Cheryl
13. "It Never Rains In Tiger Stadium" by John Ed Bradley
14. "No Place Safe" by Kim Reid
15. "How To Wow" by Frances Cole Jones
16. "Laying Down My Burdens" by Brenda L. Thomas
17. "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop
18. "How To Get Out of Debt" by Harrine Freeman
19. "The Day I Stopped Being Pretty" by Rodney Lofton
20. "Hiding In Hiphop" by Terrance Dean
21. "Do Travel Writers Go To Hill" by Thomas Kohnstamm
22. "I Don't Want To Die All Alone" by Joseph Henderson
23. "The Enemy Between My Legs" by Stephanie L. Jones
24. "Teach With Your Heart" by Erin Gruwell
25. "Zoom Power" by Monica Carter Tagore

JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
Posted by C. A. Webb at 1:00 PM

This book very graphically brings to light a major problem in American society that is too frequently covered up, because of the impact on the family, and is ignored by the judicial system, because it is a family matter. Ms. Cheryl does a wonderful job of describing the emotions and frustrations that accompany abuse of a child. The resource material that is included is invaluable.