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Mia’s Odyssey
Mia’s Odyssey: Taking Back My Soul by Mia Odeh is an insightful memoir that offers a journey into a woman’s intricate and complicated life. Mia was born in Palestine, the place where she spent most of her childhood. She was joyful and wanted nothing more than to be with her family and see the sunset from the rooftop of her house. However, her beautiful and innocent reality was quickly broken as her family decided to sell her off to an older, unknown man.
At only sixteen and still feeling like a child, Mia experiences a series of events that wake her up to the cruel reality that comes with some people. Right away, she’s forced to move to America, far away from her family, an unknown place with a language that she couldn’t even begin to understand. Her husband, who everyone believes to be her father, doesn’t support her and quickly shows the monster hidden beneath.
Mia’s story is heartbreaking, focused mainly on a traumatic past filled with sexual and domestic abuse. Yet, despite this, her outlook on things and her resilience to survive and to save not only herself but her children will remain as the silver lining of this book, showing how bravery and determination can take a person out of the depths of the most miserable situations.
The emotional book is incredibly written. Fast-paced and concise, this memoir offers every detail that a reader needs to know to understand Mia’s situation and exposes the cruel reality of so many young girls and women out there, a reality that’s often hidden behind closed doors. However, given the nature of the subject at hand, the book was hard to read. It was simply distressing realizing what this young girl had to endure every day in her own home, being trapped in her own personal hell. Seen as nothing but a servant and a breeding animal, Mia eventually plans her way out of this lifestyle for her and her own children’s sake. She is looking to find a new way to live without the continuous torture, humiliation, and trauma she had to endure.
Mia’s Odyssey: Taking Back My Soul by Mia Odeh and Mike Ball is an unforgettable memoir that will open the eyes of many people. It will make you think more compassionately about the people you may encounter in your daily life. These people might be experiencing unspeakable things without no one even noticing. This is a feminist story and, above all, a story of overcoming that will inspire the fights of many.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0B46V571M
Destiny Lives On Fairhaven Street
Used to an environment of violence and lovelessness, a young boy named CJ went about his days in resignment and acceptance that this is the life he will experience until his last breath. In school, he was either bullied or ignored. At home, he and his older brother got beat up by their alcoholic father, and their mother was no exception to the treatment. When CJ’s mother decides to end the marriage, he meets the person who will change the course of his life forever, Danielle. Their blissful three years as friends-to-lovers end when the divorce of CJ’s parents leads him to Michigan, leaving Danielle with only a heart-shaped pendant, and his promise to return. With eight years between his departure and arrival back to the love of his life’s door, CJ recalls his journey and the lessons he learned along the way.
Destiny Lives On Fairhaven Street is a compelling memoir of CJ’s journey from a fragile and abused boy to a strong and empowered man, all through the power of love. The author’s story tells us that we are the masters of our own fate, and no matter what world we live in, we can choose to be different. From the very start of the story, we are immersed into the harsh world the author lived in. CJ was expected to be just like his father by everyone around him, but in the end, he promised firmly to himself that he is going to break the cycle, and with the proper drive, he was able to prove it. It may look like a typical story of perseverance, but understanding CJ’s experiences and seeing how it affected him in the present, his life is very admirable. He saw the good during times of hardships and he was still able to build a life he envisioned.
From the beginning, I found it endearing that he told his story in a narrative manner to his two children, because I felt that it gave the book a conversational feel. Although there are some events that are unimaginable for some readers, such as the abuse, I was able to grasp just how heavy these parts are with the way the author described it. Furthermore, this may not be the first time I read a book that features domestic violence, but the fact that these stories are publicized is crucial in our world today, and every single one of these stories must be heard.
Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street is a captivating and motivating memoir that will push its readers to believe in three things —love, fate, and hope. I highly recommend this to people who are going through a lot in life and are looking for a sign to continue on, because CJ is living proof that we can be triumphant. I hope this memoir can help readers to accept that we deserve this one thing, no matter how we measure it —happiness, and that we must not be afraid to seek it.
Pages: 258
The Crimes My Wife Suffered
Truth is Indestructible is an emotional memoir of the abuse your wife sustained at the hands of family, and your journey to help others in situations like hers with social reform. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I was stimulated to write the book because of two main challenges. First, the crimes my wife suffered were so horrible, indeed so evil, that I found it hard to express them in words. I have found that music, as a non-verbal language, can express what usually lies beyond articulation. But I sought nonetheless to search for language suitable to convey the evil of the events. The second challenge was the ongoing cover-up of the crimes: I was horrified that my wife’s extended family chose to brush the crimes under the rug, and I felt compelled to bring the truth out into the light of day.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I wanted to narrate the story without giving too many details of the crimes. I hint in the narrative at the nature of the attacks on my wife, but I decided against providing the awful details. Instead, I looked at the significance of the crimes and how they relate to concepts of justice, retribution and truth.
What advice would you give to others that are in a situation like your wife was in?
I would suggest focusing principally on the victim’s healing. The search for justice is very important, but protecting the victim from further trauma is – in my view – perhaps more important.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope the reader will take from the narrative the importance of protecting children, as prevention is certainly better than after-the-fact detection. Also, even in the bleakest of situations, one can always salvage something positive, if only bringing out hidden truths.
Author Links: Amazon | Website
Stuart Nagero was born in the United Kingdom. He earned a doctorate from a British university and has worked in the United Nations system for more than two decades.
A Way Out Of A Living Nightmare
Drunks is a realistic novel following the passionate but tragic relationship of an alcoholic couple that is struggling with their demons. Why was this an important story for you to tell?
It was important for me to tell because of my own experiences and that of others I knew.. Many of the events in DRUNKS did occur. There are a few that didn’t but overall many who have read it have been able to relate to it. That was and is important to tell and does show a way out of a living nightmare.
I appreciated how raw and authentic your characters felt. What were some ideas that were important for you to capture in your characters?
Ideas that passed through my mind were to depict in some way the stealthy degradation that alcoholism inflicts on its victims. In doing so, it reveals the levels to which many descend into, causing them to act violently, cruelly, without compassion, and often criminally. Through Al and Chrissy, i wanted to reveal those traits.
What were some themes that you wanted to explore in this novel?
A major theme was that if you really want something you will get it. If you are in trouble there is always help to be found. Al realised he was in deep deep trouble but found help. He only had to ask. Chrissy surrendered and what she wanted was to drink and she found help in that sad direction mixing with wino’s, drunks, and down and outs. There’s an old adage, ‘birds of a feather flock together.’ Both Al and Chrissy bear witness to that.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
2022 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner
A realistic drama about the deep, consuming, relentless and compulsive passion between an alcoholic couple struggling with their own demons.
It’s multi-award-winning author Ken Fry like you’ve never read him before. Reminiscent of Days of Wine and Roses — a poignant story of a doomed triangle between a man, a woman, and alcohol.
My name is Alan Markham, and this all happened a while ago, but the memories don’t go away. Looking back, I can see that our lives had been carried along like a rudderless ship in a storm. The life we had is gone. It sank beneath the ocean waves and I was powerless to prevent that.
I’m controlling my problem, but I’m under no illusions. I could come apart at the seams any time… should I pick up a drink.
My memories of what it was like for my wife Chrissy and I, have become a blurred recollection. They hurt. But I need that pain to remind me of what I was and how I got to my present state.
I owe her that, at least.
Are you in control of that glass or bottle you’re holding?
That’s what Chrissy and I thought so too…
Read our story.
Healing From The Trauma Is Possible
Real Events of Narcissistic Abuse is your memoir of surviving abusive relationships with narcissists and how you healed from those experiences. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Real Events of Narcissistic Abuse: Someone’s Survival Guide was inspired by God through learning how many other victims and survivors are out there in the world. After discovering that this horrific abuse occurs around the world, I knew my story was needed to help others understand that they are not alone, that they are not crazy, and that 100% healing from the trauma is possible. Overcoming the trauma and trauma triggers is and can be done when we know the ‘why’ behind the abuse. When we understand the ‘why,’ we can connect the dots with all the red flags we missed so that we don’t miss them again going forward. The book will inspire and educate others about the very real spiritual battle for the mind, as we learn that the abuser was trying to gain control of our mind.
While the abusers want to control us, it is ultimately the control of our minds they truly want. When they cannot get control of our minds, they will experience what is known as a narcissistic collapse, an adult temper tantrum. It is during this collapse that their true colors show who they really are and who they are not. My story helps others identify if they are in an abusive relationship or situation so they can start planning their escape and break any unhealthy attachments to the abuser. Hence my brand, inspired by Jesus, breaking the trauma bond to the world, to help others overcome unhealthy attachments to people and things so they can truly heal.
My story is one of many about trials, tribulations, and triumphs! It is also a walk with me on my journey into God’s reality. The day I was reborn in Christ is the very day I realized we are in a real spiritual battle between good and evil, and that the abusive behaviors are the real evil we are facing daily. To fight the good fight, we draw closer to God and become a better version of ourselves as we heal and grow spiritually to do all that we are destined to do. We turn our pain into purpose and co-create with our Heavenly Father to benefit humanity with love, light, and laughter through changing that thinking into positive vibes, and live our best life.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Narcissism?
One major misconception many people have is that narcissism is a mental disorder. When God tells us we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places, it becomes clear that narcissism is a spiritual disorder, one where the abusers are disconnected from their righteous spiritual body. Narcissism is all about negativity and low vibration to keep people down so the enemy can keep kicking them while they are down. Abusers do the same thing and that is not a coincidence. Everyone experiences a little narcissism growing up, but survivors who get rid of that victim mentality associated with narcissism start to see exactly what not to be and what not to engage in when it comes to the abuse. It’s called growing up and maturing as we should. And we put away all those childish things like Jesus did (1 Corinthians 13:11).
While narcissism is the “all about me persona,” the ‘ism’ mindset, it is through the spiritual energy transfer that negative thoughts and emotions occur. The abusers cannot process their emotions properly, so they project them outward, abusing others to try and make themselves feel better. When they realize that doesn’t work, it makes them even more bitter. Many experts in this type of abuse will tell you that these abusers are cowards underneath the mask they wear. What we mean by the ‘mask’ is the mirroring of their target to trick their target into thinking they found a soulmate. Narcissism is all about keeping people away from God, so they don’t discover their purpose and get into repentance. Repentance goes hand in hand with the spiritual awakening as we learn to knock it off with childish behaviors and follow God’s commandments. None of us are saints by any means, and that is why we need Jesus, but narcissism will keep people confused and lost while at the same time tricking them into believing they are saved. Talk about cognitive dissonance in action!
Narcissism is also highly judgmental of outward appearances. Narcissism is filled with hypocrisy, lies, deceit, and all the other wickedness we are to refrain from, including idolatry. Narcissism is full of idolatry, putting other people and things above God. Narcissism causes people to lack empathy and compassion for others. Without empathy, a gift from God, the individual will become a narcissistic abuser, even at least a part-time one. Nonetheless, an abuser is an abuser and that’s not okay. I say that abuse of any kind is not okay often for a reason, as it is wrong to go around treating others badly. We are instructed by God to love one another, and we learn to do that from afar when it comes to the enemy. We simply love from afar by not fearing or hating them. We turn it over to God and let Him handle them.
The bottom line with narcissism is that it is designed to trick many into thinking the world revolves around them and that there is never enough. A good example can be found in those who, out of fear, go and buy way more than what they need of a particular item, not thinking about their neighbor who may also need that item. That is classic narcissism in action, not caring about anyone else and only caring about themselves. Narcissism causes people to put themselves above God, and that’s where they mess up.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
One significant piece of advice someone gave me that changed my life was to start setting strong boundaries and sticking to them. One surefire way to do this is learning to say ‘no’ to things that do not resonate with my spirit and not feel guilty for saying ‘no.’ We learned through the abuse that when we give the abuser an inch, they will take a mile. By setting strong boundaries, we are more easily able to resist the devil and he shall flee (James 4:7). Without boundaries, we are more easily tempted and fall into sin. Once God wakes us up to and from the abuse, we enter a spiritual awakening and what comes with that is repentance, seeking forgiveness for our sins from God. We must have boundaries to pick up our cross and follow Jesus because the enemy will always try to test our faith, using the same tactics repeatedly, as he has no new tricks.
One of the best examples of a boundary that I learned to set the hard way was to never get personal with coworkers, especially if in a toxic and abusive workplace. Another example of a boundary is the disclaimer on my website that lets potential abusers know that if they are just looking for attention or a pity party, then my services are not for them. My consulting sessions are for those who are serious about healing and growing spiritually. Setting that boundary has curtailed an influx of abusers who were just looking for attention and verbally attacking me with mundane gaslights and questions. One made me laugh as they tried to see if they could get me to second guess myself by asking if I was sure I was healed enough from the trauma to help others. My first thought was, “Well, I can see right through your shenanigans, and they won’t work, so yes, I am 100% healed.” So, boundaries are an important thing to have if we are to stay focused on our calling and do the will of God. Without boundaries, we would not be able to thwart the fiery darts of the wicked. Additionally, without boundaries, we allow ourselves to be pulled into many different directions and we sacrifice our inner peace. Boundaries help us keep our inner peace.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
The primary takeaway from my story for readers is just how strong they truly are because of God and Jesus! A good example is in the book about how I still managed to keep my GPA high and graduate with my bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honors, despite the crazy-making from narcissistic abuse situation number nine. That situation was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and I finally heard God’s call, paying close attention to all the behaviors of the ex-roommate who fit the criteria of a psychopath with everything he tried to do, from putting spyware on mine and my mother’s phone, to rigging up an electrocution ‘machine’ in the house to try and cause me to fall ill. He was living in a fantasy world where he painted me as his wife and the spyware was so he could have a “pretend affair” with someone he tried to triangulate me with. Some parts of that story are comical as he tried to turn his “pretend mistress” into a version of me. The abuse he dished out was not funny at all, but some of the things his pretend mistress did was hilarious. Even during the aftermath of that situation, I was able to enroll into the current doctorate program and once all of that finally calmed down, with a protective order out against the ex-roommate, I have made it to the dissertation proposal stage in the program!
Readers will learn that nothing is impossible with God! Through faith, dedication, and determination, we are resilient and stronger than we think. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, and no man can stop God’s plan for our lives. Readers will be encouraged and enlightened to keep going, healing, and growing. Each time the enemy tried to cause our downfall, we bounced back ten-fold, emerging stronger than we used to be.
The book is an easy read! It is not bogged down with overly sophisticated words and is to the point, without heavy jargon no one has ever heard of, keeping the writing style conversational. With the conversational style, readers can relax and enjoy learning while healing and being educated about narcissistic abuse.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Our stories matter and can help other survivors understand exactly what is happening on a societal level and how it all ties into the spiritual battle between narcissists and empaths. The reader will learn more about their own experiences with narcissistic abuse and be able to find closure within themselves, as well as understand that none of it was personal.
Plus, the reader will be inspired and empowered to know they can take their power back! Overall, the major takeaway from this book is that survivors will renew their hope and faith that healing is possible, as well as learn the reason why we didn’t see the abuse on an individual level for so long. We learn that we were duped into thinking the abuse was normal until we start to recognize all the red flags on an individual level, then we see them on a societal level.
“You deserve all you can get.”
The Future Survival Guide discusses how Christianity can help bring you peace and forgiveness after surviving abuse and coping with the memories that remain. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote this book because so many are fledgling after years of adulthood, held down by past events, or outright ignorance not because of laziness but rather having trusted wrong, and they are still punishing themselves for it instead of assessing it and casting it aside in order to be free. I believe if I reach a decent percentage of readers they will share “The Future Survival Guide” with others.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
Being a plain, overweight child, I entered adulthood with a range of insecurities. I did look a lot better as an adult, but psychologically I was still that plain unpopular girl. When I was 22, I was offered a job that paid more than I ever thought I’d be making, and the first words out of my mouth was “I don’t deserve that much.” Interestingly, that was my mindset, but his reply still resonates to this day. It’s been years so I don’t remember his name, but I do remember the hard look he gave me when he said, “You deserve all you can get.”
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
That my book is God inspired and it was put on my heart to write for them. What I’ve observed and learned over the years is in those pages. So it is from His wisdom, and my strength arrived from the same, that I trust all who reads “The Future Survival Guide” will personalize whatever touches them in those pages.
Author Links: Amazon | Website
Love, Bruises & Bullsh!t
Love Bruises and Bullsh!t is an anthology book consisting of stories detailing abuse towards the different women who are featured. The book was compiled by Sheree Schonian & Yasmin Walter and features twenty different stories from different women who have experienced abuse. These stories deal with abuse from family and significant others and they share how the women involved have either dealt with that trauma or how that trauma affects the victim and their families. Some stories have names associated with them and some are left completely anonymous, demonstrating how hard coming forward and telling your story can be. Some of these stories are also told from the perspective of a child dealing with the abuse. That really added another level to the book, showing the abuse from all angles.
This is a book everyone should read, even if it makes you uncomfortable; especially if it makes you uncomfortable. That is because this book shows the true, sad reality of abuse from those who have experienced it firsthand. The two authors who compiled these stories, Sheree Schonian & Yasmin Walter, do a great job of choosing stories that have weight and really leave an impact on the reader. The definitions of the three pillars in the title, love bruises and bullsh!t, are given at the front of the book. This is a perfect introduction to the reader for what is to come and also gives insight into how it might be hard to see an abusive relationship while you are in it.
I appreciated that the authors added resources and statistics within the book, providing women with information on how to get help if needed. I especially loved the how to support someone section, as people who have not dealt with abuse might not know exactly how to help when they see someone in danger. That is a very important resource provided. This is a book everyone should read, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or experience of abuse because it shines a light on an issue that affects everyone but is rarely talked about.
Pages: 280 | ISBN: 0645255882
You Are Not Alone
Ninety Days is a powerful collection of poetry that takes readers through the six stages of relationships. Why was this an important collection for you to write?
The most important section for me to write was the healing section of the book. Writing the book was a therapeutic process for me and this part was especially important in my process.
My favorite poem from the book was the second one under Attraction. Do you have a favorite poem in this collection?
It’s so hard to pick a favorite. I put so much emotion into each and every poem, but one that I really felt connected with even after publishing was the 11th poem under the healing section. It really speaks to the growth and the developing love for myself after such a traumatic experience.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
You are beautiful, you are valuable, you are worthy of all good things.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your collection of poetry?
I want my readers to know that they are not alone, that in this lifetime we will all experience pain, heartbreak and loss. Healing isn’t linear but eventually you do come home to yourself and find peace.
Author Links: Website
LITERARY TITAN 