Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You

This was absolutely a difficult story to read but it is a story that needs to be told, people need to know that this kind of thing happens. The strength of this author to tell her story in such a raw way, and to tell it with such honesty really means something.

This is not an easy book to read, and you may often find yourself having to put the book down once in awhile simply to get away from the horror and reality of child abuse. Silverman is more than a survivor, she is an inspiration to victims who have experienced the savage, psychological, and inhuman terrors of child abuse. In Silverman's case, it tears the reader's heart to the very core to read of the abuse suffered at the hands of the one person who should have provided love and protection - her own father. What goes on behind the closed doors of a prominent, respected family will validate that child abuse knows no barriers or limitations when it comes to social standing. Silverman takes the reader through a nightmarish journey which will make the staunchest of characters break down and weap, not only for Silverman but for all the other innocent children whose childhood is being stolen from them at the hands of an abuser. The scars of child abuse remain forever, but through Silverman's story, she shows a light at the end of the tunnel, and an inner personal strength in reaching out to others that can only truly be understood by someone who has walked in her shoes.

Silverman speaks out on the abuse suffered as a child and as a child that came from a highly regarded family. Her story telling is excellent and even the abuse is told from the view of pain rather than pity. Not only will you hear the true story of sexual abuse but the fight for a peaceful life and inner search that moved Silverman from a victim to victor.Having volunteered and worked with many young abuse victims from child to adolescent, her story was sad but also inspiring. Many victims grow to blame the world for the pain ensued upon them. They allow the abuse to wreck havoc with all interpersonal relationships. Silverman confronts her abuse, her abuser and moves on to the path of strength and wellness.She shows courage and fortitude in her search for inner peace. Having read many titles on this subject, I have found this to be the most inspiring and sound. Many others are written from the one-sided victim role and this title finds the balance and answers the questions; What am I going to do about it? What can I do to get better? How can I help myself and help others?Be warned you will read some acts of abuse that will make you cringe and perhaps put the book down to reflect.An adult title for anyone who has experienced abuse or is associated with an abuse survivor or works with abuse survivors.

This is one book I sincerely wish did not have to be written or published, not because it happened, but because I wish something like this never had to happen. I had not heard of Sue William Silverman before picking up her memoir, and the second I closed the covers together I wished that she did not have to live the life she was forced to live. To have survived years of torment and terror, of which Williamson has her own definitions, is truly a testament to the author's will to maintain a normal life beyond the circle of abuse.Written to read like a novel, Because I Remember Terror is a gripping history of abuse and power, and of the subsequent healing and forgiveness. People with weak stomachs should be warned that Silverman does not sugar-coat her childhood--her language, though vibrant and flowing, is quite raw. Those fortunate to have never been sexually abused should read this as an account of a terror that needs to be extinguished. Those who have been abused will look to this book as representation of one woman's survival.

Sue Silverman's award-winning book is truly a work of art. The language is simple and powerful, like perfect poetry. Her story is personal, but as more and more similar stories of childhood sexual abuse are revealed, this book has a universal tone that is frightening because of its ordinariness. I could only read a few pages as a time, but I literally couldn't put it down and, after devoted the better part of two days to the effort, allowed myself to be moved to tears by the story and by the fine writing.

A new met friend suggested Sue Silverman's book. Last week I received the book. I read it over the weekend. At half of it, it was almost falling from my hands and I wondered if I was going to be able to go ahead - the terror and the horror are truly there - I did. I have not yet recovered from the emotion, it is really tough. But it is also one of the more powerful writing I have ever read about incest. The facts are clear, the feelings are honest, and the person seems to be so connected with herself as a child. Sue Silverman saved the child better than any mother could do. She is now helping children and women. This is what I would like to do. I am French, moved 3 years ago from Paris to the United States to escape from destruction. I had recovered memory three years beofre, after a long therapy. My life could not be the same. When I moved here, I escaped from suicide, which was a recurrent idea of issue to this pain. My memory is less and less fragmented.