Vina: In the Eyes of a Child

Rating:
Summary: "We can speak out"
Review: ...like so many others I was unable to put this book down. It is a book that I keep on my desk at home and refer to often. I have highlighted many words as they are what I have been trying to put into words for years. There was no sexual abuse, starvation or foster care in my childhood. I instead suffered only physical and emotional abuse untill my teenage years. Like Kim I blocked those events from my memory. I am 48 and only remember my life clearly from April of 1974 when the person I thought was my "MAMA" died. I have two sons and an ex-husband that don't understand why I keep telling everyone "I want to go home." I met Kim in March of 2004 and consider her my best friend I will ever have. We don't talk or see each other often but I knowthat she is the only person I have met to date that truly understands what I feel inside. Kim has the strength and courage to pursue what I have only dreamed about. My heart is with her and those that are still hiding secrets of thier past. With Kim's determination and support from her books I beleive we all can "go home" someday. We can make peace with that fact that we are not to blame for the actions of those we trusted with our futures. We are victims and we can speak out to prevent the abuse cycle. Thank-you Kim for letting the world see abuse thru the " eyes of a child."

Rating:
Summary: A true healing tool !!
Review: First, any individual who can live such a tragic childhood and then go on to tell about it in such detail should be commended! I applaud this author and only hope that sharing her story can be the end of the long road in her healing process. This is a traumatic story that STARTS OUT with the reader at the edge of their seat and then continues to make the reader chase the storyline. One cannot predict this ending, but any person who has suffered abuse of any sort can more than relate to the choices of this author. I hope this book falls into the right hands and can help others who have suffered such abuse. It is a truly inspiring story and it should be used to help others in their road to recovery from abuse. A WONDERFULLY INSPIRING STORY THAT CAN MORE THAN MOTIVATE ANYONE WHO HAS SUFFERED ABUSE!! I wish the author and editor all the best!!

Rating:
Summary: A true healing tool !!
Review: First, any individual who can live such a tragic childhood and then go on to tell about it in such detail should be commended! I applaud this author and only hope that sharing her story can be the end of the long road in her healing process. This is a traumatic story that STARTS OUT with the reader at the edge of their seat and then continues to make the reader chase the storyline. One cannot predict this ending, but any person who has suffered abuse of any sort can more than relate to the choices of this author. I hope this book falls into the right hands and can help others who have suffered such abuse. It is a truly inspiring story and it should be used to help others in their road to recovery from abuse. A WONDERFULLY INSPIRING STORY THAT CAN MORE THAN MOTIVATE ANYONE WHO HAS SUFFERED ABUSE!! I wish the author and editor all the best!!

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!!
Review: I found the book to be a story of great tragedy and yet great triumph. The book was easy to read and I felt the story flowed nicely. I experienced a range of emotions while reading it. I felt much rage and disbelief thoughout my whole reading. I can't fathom a father who would treat his children in such awful ways. At first I was appalled at the mother because I didn't understand why she didn't try to protect her children. But my girlfriend (I'm letting her read my copy) made me see that the mother was just as much a victim as the children. I don't consider myself to be a judgmental person...but in the case of that father, I could've been judge, jury and executioner and I'm not a violent person. The story was captivating and I had a hard time not finishing it in one sitting. I must say, however, that at one point I didn't think I'd be able to finish the book at all. I was so angry and felt like I wouldn't be able to read about the pain and suffering that occurred in the family. On a different note, I identified with the author regarding the "spiritual gifts". I believe it to be a reality and the passage of scripture that she seemed to have held onto is one that I cherish myself....that "God won't put more on you than you can bear". I have to believe that the family...and the author in particular has a special purpose. It's the only the reason I could think of for the children having to endure so much pain. Also, I applaud the courage that it must've taken for her to share her story. I can't say I "enjoyed" the book but I can say it was a compelling story and one that moved me intensely.

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!!
Review: I found the book to be a story of great tragedy and yet great triumph. The book was easy to read and I felt the story flowed nicely. I experienced a range of emotions while reading it. I felt much rage and disbelief thoughout my whole reading. I can't fathom a father who would treat his children in such awful ways. At first I was appalled at the mother because I didn't understand why she didn't try to protect her children. But my girlfriend (I'm letting her read my copy) made me see that the mother was just as much a victim as the children. I don't consider myself to be a judgmental person...but in the case of that father, I could've been judge, jury and executioner and I'm not a violent person. The story was captivating and I had a hard time not finishing it in one sitting. I must say, however, that at one point I didn't think I'd be able to finish the book at all. I was so angry and felt like I wouldn't be able to read about the pain and suffering that occurred in the family. On a different note, I identified with the author regarding the "spiritual gifts". I believe it to be a reality and the passage of scripture that she seemed to have held onto is one that I cherish myself....that "God won't put more on you than you can bear". I have to believe that the family...and the author in particular has a special purpose. It's the only the reason I could think of for the children having to endure so much pain. Also, I applaud the courage that it must've taken for her to share her story. I can't say I "enjoyed" the book but I can say it was a compelling story and one that moved me intensely.

Rating:
Summary: To my sister Vina
Review: I hope this book helps others to deal with there child hood. The information portryed in this book is truthful of the facts of are child hood. Use this book to help you deal with your child hood and help others survive.

Rating:
Summary: To my sister Vina
Review: I hope this book helps others to deal with there child hood. The information portryed in this book is truthful of the facts of are child hood. Use this book to help you deal with your child hood and help others survive.

Rating:
Summary: I can't wait to read your next book
Review: I live in the same town as your brother Chiefy, at least when he is not on his ship. He spoke to me off and on about his childhood and it was just so sad,then I read the book and there were parts when I couldn't help but cry and there were parts that just disgusted me. It's so hard to believe that a human being can be that sick in the head-and to think he got away with it just revolts mee. Chiefy told me he has passed away though, so I'm sure now he is paying for what he did. I certainly hope so because no human being deserves to go through what all of you did. I'm surprised and glad that you all kept your sanity and are normal people today. You all deserve alot of credit. You're a good writer. I can't wait to read your next book.
Mimi M
Lakeside,CA

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down!!!!
Review: In the world that we live in it is hard to believe that one person could go through that and be able to write about it.
The writing is never drawn on or hard to keep your attention.
My heart go out to this woman and the siblings that survived
this emotional rollacoaster. 5 stars for sure!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Unbelievably Heart-Wrenching ......Wonderfully Written!
Review: Ms. Thomas expresses her heart-wrenching story in a way that it makes it difficult for most to even image. Her writing style makes it very hard to put the book down. The story she writes of her ordeals of her childhood, make you wonder what the outcome of her life has been. Her every word and the work that she put into the book happens time and time again. What happens? You HAVE to read this book!