This book is both a painful personal account and an inspiring call to action. Author Tim Lennon begins by recounting his own childhood trauma as a survivor of clergy abuse, a story that unfolds with heartbreaking honesty. From that foundation, he traces the rise of a global movement of survivors who have turned silence into strength and pain into activism. Through detailed chapters, Lennon chronicles the efforts of individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly to expose abuse, support victims, challenge institutional cover-ups, and push for justice around the world.

What struck me most was the rawness of Lennon’s writing. His emotions come through in every line. Rage, grief, confusion, and ultimately, a fierce determination. He walks us through his journey from a silent, broken child to a relentless advocate and leader. The writing has a rough-edged clarity. It’s not polished like a memoir written for mass market appeal, but that’s exactly why it hits so hard. You feel like he’s speaking directly to you, almost like you’re sitting in a church basement at a support meeting, hearing someone finally say out loud the things no one else will.

The book is packed with stories, statistics, names of organizations, and powerful examples of systemic failure across nearly every major institution like churches, sports teams, the military, Hollywood, schools, and government. It’s an ambitious, wide-reaching work that paints a clear picture of just how deeply rooted the problem is. Lennon doesn’t shy away from the scale or complexity of it all. Instead, he leans in, showing us the full scope so we understand that this isn’t about one bad actor or one broken system. It’s everywhere. And that’s what makes the book so powerful. It’s not meant to make you feel comfortable, it’s meant to wake you up.

I’d recommend Stand Up Speak Up to anyone who cares about social justice, survivor advocacy, or institutional reform. It’s especially powerful for survivors who might be looking for a sense of connection or hope. It’s not always an easy read, but it’s an important one. Lennon’s voice is not only personal, it’s political, unflinching, and urgently needed. This book is a torch passed from one survivor to another. If you’re ready for it, it will light something in you.