Jeanette Norman, Domestic Violence Editor for BellaOnline, writes about my book.
Barbie and Brady's relationship started off beautiful. He was loving, attentive, everything Barbie was looking for. But quickly the abuse begins. I really like how Barbie intertwined the story of the abuse in the past with what she was doing after the abuse. She recounts talking to a man in a bar, women in a shelter, and women in prison. The language the author uses may offend some people but the graphic language used is what was said to her. To recount a tale of domestic violence, you can't hold back what was said. You can feel the emotion of what Barbie was feeling as Brady abused her continuously. The author demonstrates the typical pattern of what abusers and victims go through.
The title itself will catch your eye and make a survivor of abuse shake their head in agreement because it never stops just as this wonderful lady's life reflects! Ms. Durbin is very brave for writing about her story of abuse. It can be painful to relive what has happened to you. Her story flows with ease, she uses language typical of an abusive relationship to get her story to be realistic, and you can feel her heart as she sits with the other characters helping them deal with what they went through.
A victim of domestic violence would benefit from reading this book because you will see how Barbie gets out. This could be an inspiration to someone out there. Even if it only gives you one ounce of strength to leave, it will be worth your time to read it. This book was excellent. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to look into what a domestic violent relationship could be like.
Barbie and Brady's relationship started off beautiful. He was loving, attentive, everything Barbie was looking for. But quickly the abuse begins. I really like how Barbie intertwined the story of the abuse in the past with what she was doing after the abuse. She recounts talking to a man in a bar, women in a shelter, and women in prison. The language the author uses may offend some people but the graphic language used is what was said to her. To recount a tale of domestic violence, you can't hold back what was said. You can feel the emotion of what Barbie was feeling as Brady abused her continuously. The author demonstrates the typical pattern of what abusers and victims go through.
The title itself will catch your eye and make a survivor of abuse shake their head in agreement because it never stops just as this wonderful lady's life reflects! Ms. Durbin is very brave for writing about her story of abuse. It can be painful to relive what has happened to you. Her story flows with ease, she uses language typical of an abusive relationship to get her story to be realistic, and you can feel her heart as she sits with the other characters helping them deal with what they went through.
A victim of domestic violence would benefit from reading this book because you will see how Barbie gets out. This could be an inspiration to someone out there. Even if it only gives you one ounce of strength to leave, it will be worth your time to read it. This book was excellent. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to look into what a domestic violent relationship could be like.
Review by Author Hope Fields:
Barbie Durbin writes of her own personal journey through the horrors of domestic violence. However, her book does not contain documentation of repeated incidents, which continue until the book is concluded. Instead, she writes using a refreshing and unique method. Barbie writes from the perspective of an author who is meeting, and helping, many victims of domestic violence. Barbie holds book signings, back-to-back, as well as visiting abuse shelters and women's prisons. Each time, she meets one particular victim that stands out to her in the crowd. They usually bring up one of the chapters in her book that aided them in leaving, or considering leaving. A conversation usually follows, as Barbie remembers and discusses Brady, her abuser. On one incident, in her book, she is visiting women in a prison. During this time, she listens to their individual stories, and offers her compassion, and her understanding, in a way that left me in tears. The factor that most intrigued me with Barbies book, "It Never Stops," is how she is able to discuss so many truths of domestic violence and its effects, while intertwining her own personal story into all of it. The storyline flows smoothly, and though hard reading because of the topic, is still easy to follow along. Barbie Durbin discusses factors of abuse that many will not dare to speak out. However, through her tenacity and her courage, she is able to reach out and touch the heart of those who either have endured it, or are currently enduring it. She speaks of the cycles of abuse, the truth of Battered Wife Syndrome, the endless threats, the realities of why so many do not leave their abuser, the suicidal thoughts the victim feels when at their most desperate moments, the self-blame, and the injustices of the legal system. Barbie is a writer that is able to include such a broad range of truths pertaining to domestic violence in her book, while speaking compassionately to the heart of each reader as an individual. Her book is one that I will recommend to all those whom I personally meet, because it is not a book of personal tragedies, but rather an offering of support from one who is a companion along a journey so dark and tragic, that it leaves most feeling utterly alone. Through her writings, Barbie dispels these fears. She offers her story as a gift of compassion to other victims of abuse, as well as the gift of knowing that they are not alone. However, perhaps her greatest gift through her book, "It Never Stops," is the manner in which she bravely encourages countless others, through bold truths and undying compassion, to leave their abuser and take back not only their life, but also their voice.
Barbie Durbin writes of her own personal journey through the horrors of domestic violence. However, her book does not contain documentation of repeated incidents, which continue until the book is concluded. Instead, she writes using a refreshing and unique method. Barbie writes from the perspective of an author who is meeting, and helping, many victims of domestic violence. Barbie holds book signings, back-to-back, as well as visiting abuse shelters and women's prisons. Each time, she meets one particular victim that stands out to her in the crowd. They usually bring up one of the chapters in her book that aided them in leaving, or considering leaving. A conversation usually follows, as Barbie remembers and discusses Brady, her abuser. On one incident, in her book, she is visiting women in a prison. During this time, she listens to their individual stories, and offers her compassion, and her understanding, in a way that left me in tears. The factor that most intrigued me with Barbies book, "It Never Stops," is how she is able to discuss so many truths of domestic violence and its effects, while intertwining her own personal story into all of it. The storyline flows smoothly, and though hard reading because of the topic, is still easy to follow along. Barbie Durbin discusses factors of abuse that many will not dare to speak out. However, through her tenacity and her courage, she is able to reach out and touch the heart of those who either have endured it, or are currently enduring it. She speaks of the cycles of abuse, the truth of Battered Wife Syndrome, the endless threats, the realities of why so many do not leave their abuser, the suicidal thoughts the victim feels when at their most desperate moments, the self-blame, and the injustices of the legal system. Barbie is a writer that is able to include such a broad range of truths pertaining to domestic violence in her book, while speaking compassionately to the heart of each reader as an individual. Her book is one that I will recommend to all those whom I personally meet, because it is not a book of personal tragedies, but rather an offering of support from one who is a companion along a journey so dark and tragic, that it leaves most feeling utterly alone. Through her writings, Barbie dispels these fears. She offers her story as a gift of compassion to other victims of abuse, as well as the gift of knowing that they are not alone. However, perhaps her greatest gift through her book, "It Never Stops," is the manner in which she bravely encourages countless others, through bold truths and undying compassion, to leave their abuser and take back not only their life, but also their voice.
Review by Karla Trammell Volunteer Coordinator Family Violence Center, Springfield, MO
Barbie Durbin gives us a graphic account of her experiences as a victim of domestic violence, a worldwide epidemic that has affected millions of women throughout history. For centuries, abused women were silent about these crimes because of fear: fear of ridicule, fear of change, fear of death. Only in the past thirty years has there been adequate legislation in the U.S. to deal with victims and perpetrators, and some areas of the country still refuse to embrace proper punishment for abusers.
Durbin describes the pain, mental anguish, and loss of self-esteem that can haunt abused women for the rest of their lives, often cut short by the ultimate fatal episode. Her strength in surviving and her courage to share her story is admirable. Hopefully, this book will help to empower other victims of abuse with the will to leave their situations and change their lives.
From the Sheriff of Greene County MO, Jack Merritt
In reading Ms. Durbin's book, It Never Stops, I was disappointed in some of the language she used to tell her story. Other than that, I feel she has done a very good job in detailing the very desperate situation that so many women find their lives in. It is educational, but I would not recommend it for the younger audience.
In reading Ms. Durbin's book, It Never Stops, I was disappointed in some of the language she used to tell her story. Other than that, I feel she has done a very good job in detailing the very desperate situation that so many women find their lives in. It is educational, but I would not recommend it for the younger audience.
From the Aspiring Writer site: www.aspiringwriters.net and www.publishamerica.com
Montana (my miniature Schnauzer) and I live in Southern Missouri. I have two wonderful children and three incredible grandsons, and an equally wonderful son-in-law.
Great new author!, July 13, 2004 I was very impressed with this book. It is hard to believe that this is Ms. Durbin's first novel. It is a compelling story of domestic violence, and the bravery and determination it takes to escape it. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
From Lavenia Ann Claman, owner of Aspiring Writers
It Never Stops is a book for adults only. It is graphic both in speech and in sexual scenes. It tells what it is like to be a victim of verbal and physical abuse. It tells why one woman let it go on for so long and how she came to know she was worthy of much, much more in life. It is a story of courage and hope.
Barbie Durbin tells it like it is and from her heart. This is always hard to do and she did it very well. It was a soul cleansing experience and one she wanted to share with others.
No woman should let abuse continue. She could well end up blind, crippled, and an invalid. Barbie relates how difficult it is to get out of this type of situation.
Women should read this book and tell others about it so they can see it can be done.
bravenet.com