Customer Reviews

Surviving the Silence: Black Women's Stories of Rape

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This is one of the most important books I have read in my struggle to recover from the harrowing effects of rape. I have found several books on this topic, but this is the first that addresses my specific needs as a Black woman trying to heal from sexual violence. Charlotte Pierce-Baker and her fellow witnesses are people of immense courage who offer hope and strength to other survivors and their loved ones everywhere. I highly recommend this book to all members of the Black community. It's fluidly written, carefully structured and filled with painful truths and hard-earned wisdom about individual and communal healing. If you want to share your own story of survival and healing or to discuss this book, please join me in one of these online forums: Black Survivors of Sexual Assault Forum (Delphi) and Black Rape Survivors (Yahoo). Feel free to contact me for more information.

This is a wonderful, well-written, honest book. I especially appreciated the author's inclusion of the voices of young people and of adults who were raped when they were young. Most rape in the US happens to people under the age of 25, so these voices need to be heard! I am strongly recommending this book to everyone I know who works against sexual assault. The author's openness about her own experience over time is very helpful and moving. She indicates that some parts were written years before other parts. There were places where I wanted to insist "don't blame yourself for that, the rapists are responsible for the fact that you and your family are dealing with this." This books adds greatly to our understanding of the long term impact of sexual assault.

This book has helped me in ways too numerous to count. I have purchased copies for friends and recommended it highly to others. As African-American women we have the dual burden of sexual and racial violation. Our African-American men are suppose to protect us - not rape us! White men and society has been raping us for years and justifying it. Charlotte Pierce-Baker and the other survivors have laid the foundation of healing. From each of the stories I found Strength. I learned that I was not 'going crazy.' I learned that this inner turmoil of racial responsiblity, societial perceptions and the deeply embedded history of rape toward African American Women was not an uncommon pandemonium of thoughts. I listened and felt the pain and suffering. I discovered that the death of my former self 'REALLY DID HAPPEN' and this new Woman I have become must once again discover her strength. My strength. As my 1 year anniversary approaches, I am re-experiencing the symptoms. Yes, I am dealing with this unbearable pain, once again. But the worst part is over, because I survived! Loud and clear. I SURVIVED!

Also recommended: Can I get a Witness, Black Women and Depression; Yesterday, I Cried; Too Blessed to be Stressed; After the Silence;

It is 4 o'clock in the morning. I began this book yesterday evening, at my office, thinking I would read a few pages and go home. I did not leave until I had finished. And then I went home and woke up --just now--dreaming about it. This is a riveting and courageous story told with an elegance and grace that will leave readers astonished. She gives us the gift of her anguish as our way towards healing. One might think only victims of rape would need this. I am not one, but I know fully and well of the terrors of silence and fear. Thank you for this gift of spirit. It is a blessing.

Charlotte Pierce-Baker has indeed rendered a valuable service for our community. She has given a voice to survivors to encourage continued healing. She has encouraged our men to commit to this lifelong process. Black women have been raped since their earliest tenure in America. This violation has been considered to be unmentionable. Finally, the silence has been broken. I am grateful to Charlotte Pierce-Baker for her witness.

It is incredibly powerful and intense. The end of each chapter, where Pierce-Baker responds to the survivors draws the stories together in a meaningful way. Also, this is the first book I have ever seen that gives voice to the men who support survivors of sexual violence. I read it in two days, despite work and classes, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the effects of sexual violence.

I am hoping that this book will encourage victims of rape to come forward no matter how intimidating it may seem. It is important particularly in the black communities to come forward after being victimized by sexual abuse. Someone very close to me was sexually assaulted several years ago and never went forward. In fact, she has attempted to move on with her life as if nothing ever happened. It cannot be an easy thing to be violated and try to forget about it. This book is important for those who have suffered from rape, family member of rape victims, friends of victims, or spouses. This book is the first step toward healing and is a guide for those afraid to come forward. Buy this book, it is worth every penny.