In Cabin Six : An Anthology of Poetry by Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Rating:
Summary: hard to find, but worth reading
Review: "Taboo." "Unspeakable." "Dirty." Male sexual abuse may be referred to in many ways, but never has it been referred to as a topic society is either honest nor open about. Too often individuals choose to look the other way or ignore the reality that such abuse can, and does, happen to men - quite possibly just as frequently as it happens to women.
At first glance, some of the poetry may seem very crude or cause one to wonder if the book is even worth reading - but do not be decieved. This book is indeed a gem. I read through it very quickly when it first arrived, but later returned to read much more slowly over the same works. Having been sexually assaulted myself, I know how hard it is to admit what occured. But having had a close male friend confide in me the details of abuse he experienced for years during his childhood - I am well aware that men suffer just as much, if not more than females. The psychological trauma is extremely intense - especially if the abuser is a trusted friend of family member, as often occurs in these poems.
This book allowed me to gain more insight regarding sexual abuse as experienced by males, and thereby understand my friend even more. As many of the other reviewers have suggested, I too would highly recommend it to any survivor of abuse (or survivor's friend), whether they are male or female. I would also recommend it to anyone pursuing a career in psychology, social work, or perhaps even criminal justice. Understanding the effects of abuse can be critical for truly understanding clients and treating them with the respect and consideration they deserve - and these poems provide a rare first-hand perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Ground-breaking material, excellent poetry!
Review: As the only anthology of poems by male survivors of sexual abuse, it is truly ground breaking!

Anyone who is serious about poetry, as a writer or reader should have this book. While the technical student of poetry may feel some of the poems lack skill, certainly this can be forgiven considering the subject matter. There is, however, some excellent work here that demonstrates what the skill of writing poetry is really all about. Consider "Tenants" by Murray Reiss which takes a graphic subject and effectively uses the metaphor of tenants to explain dissociation and distancing oneself from one's feelings. Or "Camp Fires" by John Magadieu which decries the crafty arsonist who lights fires that burn forever. The blunt brevity of "Incest" by M Scott Grant powerfully portrays the overwhelming nature of conflicting feelings.

Anyone who is an adult male who experienced childhood abuse (whether sexual or other abuse) or who cares about such a man will find this book invaluable. Poetry gives voice to feelings, perspectives and experiences in ways that prose cannot.

Male survivors may find it an excellent gift to give their partner or close friend. I found it an excellent means of sharing who I am and what I have experienced with a close friend, in ways I have never been able to explain to him over the past years he has known about my past.

This book is for those who are students of poetry and for those concerned about the subject of abuse. This book gives a voice to men who have been denied a hearing by our culture.

Rating:
Summary: Where to find this book
Review: Since this book is out of stock with amazon.com, you may feel your only option is to purchase one of the copies from those that are selling it used on this site. However, this book is available from the publisher's website (http://www.impact-publishing.bigstep.com), for a much more reasonable price. And to those individuals attempting to sell a copy online, this is a capitalist market so there is nothing wrong with trying to make a buck, but to mark up the price of the book as much as you did is outrageous.

Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!
Review: This book displays a rare combination of beauty and power. The beauty that lies in the telling of raw and blunt truths. The power to change lives, to shed light on a seldom viewed, but common experience, the experience of victimhood and of recovery. As a psychologist, I've often come face to face with the damage that can be done by sexual abuse. The authors of these poems show uncommon courage in facing that pain, and in allowing the reader to begin to share some understanding of their experience. I recommend this book to all survivors-men and women-and to those who work with survivors of abuse, and to all who share their lives in any way.