Review
The title of [this] book comes from a Chinese proverb: "If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come." This simple proverb exemplifies so well the positive, hopeful approach of Dionne's book. Unlike other books written for incest survivors, THE SINGING BIRD does not pull you back into the past. It is not heavy or depressing. It speaks as a friend and walks with you on your journey, a journey for which each chapter is a new step.
Chapter 6 is "Gathering Self-Protection." It begins with a quote from Oscar Wilde, "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance," a wonderful affirmation for an incest survivor. In the chapter, Dionne asks us to "name our fears" and outlines a way to "practice facing a common fear." At the end of the chapter, she lists many specific things we can do to face fear and to strengthen our boundaries.
Each chapter is written in a conversational style and ends with a list of things to practice doing to achieve your goals. Other chapters cover "Being Seen," "Sex and Intimacy," "Assertiveness at Work," "Living in the Body," and more.
I found this book very comforting, one I can go back to again and again when I am feeling down and alone. Thanks, Dionne, for helping the singing bird to come. (Patricia Erickson, From The Banner Project Newsletter) -- Patricia Erickson, From The Banner Project Newsletter
