Review "BREAKING THE SILENCE is a true testimony to the word resilience. A must read for anyone who has experienced or knows someone who has experienced heartache and pain from abuse."--Vicky Coppens, Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW"Joan Eastman is put on bed rest for the length of her uncertain pregnancy and buys a diary to occupy her time and Breaking the Silence is what she reveals in her diary: a saga of growing up repressing psychological and sexual cruelty and falling into substance abuse as one reflection of the self-hatred she feels.Plenty of fiction and nonfiction sagas stop here, chronicling that abuse and its lasting impact; but the strength of Breaking the Silence lies in its ability to proceed past the pain to the other side, using the forthcoming birth of Eastman's child and her diary to foster the process of moving beyond past injustices into healing.Any who have struggled with past abuse, wondering how to shake its shackles and move into a future unencumbered by past tragedy, will relish the first-person diary entries in Breaking the Silence, which follows a way out of the maze. It's a powerful saga of a woman determined to undertake the work that will truly release her from self-destructive patterns and reactions that pass between generations.Juxtaposing the progression of pregnancy with life lessons learned from her experiences, Joan's story is a haunting survey of life, death, and everything in between, and a powerful saga not for those who would lead the unexamined life; but especially recommended for readers struggling with their own dark pasts and its implications for the future.Plenty of stories capture the experience. Too few chart the course between devastation and destruction to spiritual and emotional rebirth. Breaking the Silence is one such gem - and is a top revelation especially recommended for spirituality readers who want an account of finding not just a way out, but God." --Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review"The journey of victimization,self-hatred, healing, illumination, redemption, and peace are wonderfullyexpressed in Diamante Lavendar's novel. Her motivation cannot only be found byone but by all. Diamante Lavender's deep understanding of the human heart is a gift to read." --Renee Salvatori, Author of Open Your Heart to the True YouBreaking the Silence by Diamante Lavendar is a beautifully written story about a woman's experience of childbirth. The story opens in the hospital as Joan Eastman faces a past fear in which she lost a child. And now she sits, pregnant again, with thoughts of fear. From there the story takes you on an emotional personal journey, a testimony of deliverance and the blessing of grace. The story moves through experiences to bring the reader into the story from a firsthand point of view. It takes courage to write a story like this. The cover itself conveys a profound message of barrenness, which flows brilliantly with the theme of the story. The author states that it's based on a true story, which in itself is a work of bravery. I loved the author's point of view. With the diary inserts, you get an up close and personal invitation into Joan's fears, regrets, and prayers. Sharing personal things in a fictional or non fictional way leaves you vulnerable to opinions. Courage stands in the face of opinions, knowing that the seed of the message was presented. An insert taken from the book speaks volumes. These words of truth can be utilized by anyone who is a victim. 'Victims never forget. Somewhere deep within their memories lie the things that have happened. It takes strength, great fortitude, to be able to turn the negative into positive. But it is essential in helping victims to fight their demons. And with God, it is possible.'I recommend this book to anyone seeking words of encouragement through a wonderful, illustrated testimony of deliverance. The ending is the ultimate climax, in which you shall experience the beauty of Angelica Faith.Reviewed By Tshombye K. Ware for Readers' Favorite- 5 Stars!Breaking The Silence is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom's Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for parents and educators and is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Using a rigorous evaluation process, entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost. Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media trust the MCA Honoring Excellence seal when selecting quality products and services for families and children Read more About the Author Diamante Lavendar has been in love with reading since she was a child. She spent many hours listening to her mother read to her when she was young. As she grew older, she enjoyed reading novels of all genres: horror, fantasy and some romance to name a few.She began writing in college and published some poetry in anthologies over the years. After her kids were older, she wrote as a form of self expression and decided she wanted to share her stories with others.Most of her writing is very personal and stems from her own experiences and those of her family and friends. She writes to encourage hope and possibility to those who read her stories. Diamante believes that everyone should try to leave their own positive mark in the world, to make it a better place for all. Writing is the way that she is attempting to leave her mark--one story at a time.To learn more about Diamante Lavendar's inspiring female characters, and their stories of personal growth visit her author page or find her on her website! Read more
C**S
Very Thought Provoking
Breaking the Silence by Diamante Lavendar is a touching fictional memoir written through a series of diary entries by the main character of the book, Joan Eastman. The character has bought the diary to journal her second pregnancy. Beginning with a poem written by the author, the poem sheds light on the beauty of the Lord’s keeping of you in your life and the fleeting temporal world that we live in, giving all hope for the future available in the Lord. Her book continues with fading in-and-out of memories and glimpses of the characters life, revealing horror of young innocence that was stolen and abused, Eastman’s memories of child abuse portray abuse that began at two-years-old and continued for many years. Encouraging all to not internalize abuse, the author speaks out to inspire others to break the cycle of silence that victims of abuse often endure in their suffering.As the book transcends into the depths of child abuse and the wounding, the author reflects these journeys with life-lessons learned that reveal an overcoming spirit. She reveals how the Lord was there at every “winding road” that helps readers understand such issues as: anger, emotional and sexual abuse, the damage of stuffing emotions, self-esteem, hatred, perfectionism, self reflection, and so much more that offers readers hope and faith in God, offering a realization that with help from Him, they can overcome all abuse and neglect in their lives.Throughout the book, many different seasons are revealed in the character’s life, displaying just how God carried the character through all the dark times. A restoration of hope and a personal relationship in the Lord developed over the years in the character which sheds light on the fact that whether abused or not, all readers can relate to the different seasons of one’s life and look back upon their lives to see the hand of God active upon their life. This is the main theme of the book intertwined with breaking the silence of abuse that the author has creatively conveyed.She also wants others to know that they are not alone. Encouraging all to look to God and that there is hope, healing and restoration in Jesus Christ. This book comes highly recommended for those that need help and encouragement in processing abuse, giving them a foundation in the Lord, and helps lead them into recovery by offering hope through Jesus Christ.
A**S
Amazing Story of Hope
“Joanie Petite” takes us on an emotional journey; all captured in her diary filled with memories of the most significant events of her life. None of these events are farfetched from our own lives. Rather, you may see yourself mirrored in some of the intimate details of Joanie’s journey. Hers was not a “bed of roses” but one filled with challenges, childhood abuse, anxiety, worry and depression and even the loss of a child. Though the twist and turns of her life from as far back as when she was two years old, through her teen years and into adulthood threatened her sanity and life. And even though she stumbled and fell making bad choices along the way, Joanie Petite’s story is one of hope, strengthened by her faith in God and her expectation of the gift of another child. Even though her chances of achieving her dreams were slim, she tied a knot, garnered all the strength she could muster and held on. Definitely a story of encouragement for those who may be crumbling beneath the weight of despair , hurtful memories of the past, doubts in the present and fear of the future. Joanie’s life is a perfect example that with determination, hope and faith we can overcome the worst adversities. I highly recommend.
K**R
A Great Read, Especially for Those Who Have Lived It
Diamante Lavendar’s gut-wrenching tale of abuse and survival does not actually begin with the work itself. Instead, this book begins with a poem entitled “Please Do Not Weep.” This poem underscores the depth of the emotional journey that is to be undertaken throughout this novel. The poem speaks to the good that may come of our sorrows, the growth that we experience through hardship. Its message may not be entirely clear prior to reading the book. It may seem inappropriate for a story of someone who has been mistreated. But upon reading the novel, it becomes clear that without this poem, the story would be incomplete.The story centers on Joan Eastman, and we begin to learn early on that her life has not been easy. We learn throughout the story of her abuse, her addiction, her miscarriage, and more. But she has been granted a new lease on life. Despite her struggles, she has been given another chance to bear a child. She no longer wants to victimize herself through substance abuse, the way she was victimized by those who were supposed to treat her with kindness in her youth. She is ready to break the cycle, and she will do anything to make it happen.The writing style of this book is interesting. It takes the form of fictionalized diary entries, although the story itself is meant to be based on a true story. In between these diary entries are short sections, each entitled “Life Lesson.” They are only a few lines each, succinct and to the point. And while many of them seem intuitive, they are lessons of which we must all be reminded from time to time. This can be a difficult book to read at times, especially for those who have been hurt by those they loved or who have hurt themselves through substance abuse. But those who are willing to work through the pain will find this tale of inspiration to be most beneficial. Because it does not matter how much of the story has been fictionalized; every word of this story is dripping with truth.
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