Memoir, a true story or a fabricated one, in the Amish community or any other closed community, this book raises the awareness of abuse in all shapes or forms. Just because it is hard to believe that something like this is possible, that is forgotten that morality and any sense of humanity should be above all sins doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Even if it would be a story created to get attention I would still give 100% credit because escaping from any type of abuse is a long journey that many are not aware of while living behind closed doors. Many houses around the world have all types of abuse, physical or psychological, and nobody really knows what happens. Beliefs, religion and traditions are getting over the family principles and this abusive behavior happens unfortunately, especially in closed communities. In any part of the world when you are alone, limited from possibilities to sustain yourself and becoming dependent on someone else, abuse is possible. It is necessary a lot of strength and courage to get out and start over, especially when it is not known what expects you on the other side of the abuser. ( )

This is a true story of a real person, the author, but greatly revised to take out some of the violence and most of the names (and so forth) are changed to protect the innocent and the victims.

Extremely well written, praise to the editors as well, who handled a tough story extremely well.

As a school librarian I have come across difficult situations and felt Misty's frustration when trying to find help for young adults in difficult circumstances (none as bad as this case). It's a perplexing problem, especially since it's so hard to prove and there is also a history of false accusations by players using the system to harm someone they have a grudge against.

Thank you, Misty, for putting your life on the line to escape and trying to help others.

FROM AMAZON: A gripping story that takes you on the journey of a child abuse and sexual assault survivor turned activist.

True story of child abuse. When Misty Griffin was six years old, her family started to live and dress like the Amish. Misty and her sister were kept as slaves on a mountain ranch and subjected to almost complete isolation, sexual abuse, and physical violence. Their step-father kept a loaded rifle by the door to make sure the young girls were too terrified to attempt escape. No rescue would ever come since the few people who knew they existed did not care.

Sexual abuse among the Amish. When Misty reached her teens, her parents feared she and her sister would escape and took them to an Amish community. Devastated to again find herself in a world of fear, cruelty, and abuse, Misty was sexually assaulted by the bishop. "...I knew I had to get help, and one freezing morning in early March, I made a dash for a tiny police station in rural Minnesota. After reporting the bishop, I left the Amish and found myself plummeted into a strange modern world with only a second-grade education and no ID or social security card." Ultimately Misty graduated nursing school and currently works as an activist for abused children. ( )

This is a true story of a real person, the author, but greatly revised to take out some of the violence and most of the names (and so forth) are changed to protect the innocent and the victims.

Extremely well written, praise to the editors as well, and the narrator handled a tough story extremely well.

I found this free as an included book in my Audible membership. My thanks to all for making this book accessible. As a school librarian I have come across difficult situations and felt Misty's frustration when trying to find help for young adults in difficult circumstances (none as bad as this case). It's a perplexing problem, especially since it's so hard to prove and there is also a history of false accusations by players using the system to harm someone they have a grudge against.

Thank you, Misty, for putting your life on the line to escape and trying to help others. ( )

An inspiring story of the hardships and abuse the author endured. Her determination and grit will stir up your emotions, no doubt. ( )

At moments, this was a tough book to read.
You feel dirty at times, witnessing the abuse these two girls, their grandmother and their aunt suffered through the book. It almost felt wrong to read it.
But there is a message there.
Moving forward is possible.
You won't feel it at that moment, in that space in time, but it is there. Just like it was for Misty. She took that power into her own hands.
She is a voice for all of those silenced victims in the Amish community.
As a worldly person, I am left wondering how we as a people can allow this to continue. If you read this book, you will be affected. You will probably ask how people can turn a blind eye based on religion.
I did, at least.
I read my Bible every single day, and the teachings I learn from God within that book say nothing about abuse and being a sexual predator.
At least there is a happy ending to the story. ( )