Book Description | Now in paperback, a powerful and inspirational memoir of a shocking and improbable journey from torture to recovery. Michelle Stevens has a photo of the exact moment her childhood was stolen from her: She's only eight years old, posing for her mother's boyfriend, Gary Lundquist--an elementary school teacher, neighborhood stalwart, and brutal pedophile. Later that night, Gary locks Michelle in a cage, tortures her repeatedly, and uses her to quench his voracious and deviant sexual whims. Little does she know that this will become her new reality for the next six years. Stevens can also pinpoint the moment she reconstituted the splintered pieces of her life: She's in cap and gown, receiving her Ph.D. in psychology--and the university's award for best dissertation. The distance between these two points is the improbable journey from torture, loss, and mental illness to healing, recovery, and triumph that is Stevens's powerful memoir, Scared Selfless. In this harrowing tale, Stevens, who was inspired to help others heal by becoming a psychotherapist, sheds light on the all-too-real threat of child sexual abuse, its subsequent psychological effects, and the best methods for victims to overcome their ordeals and, ultimately, thrive. Scared Selfless is both an examination of the extraordinary feats of the mind that are possible in the face of horrific trauma and Stevens's courageous testament to their power. |
Editorial Review | In Scared Selfless, Dr. Michelle Stevens takes readers on a remarkable journey. Her account of childhood trauma--told with candor and, yes, even wit--and how she found the strength and resilience to ultimately recover and triumph is an inspiration not just to other survivors, but to us all. The book is a guide for anybody seeking to overcome challenges and lead a richer and fuller life.--Arianna Huffington "Scared Selfless is a riveting memoir that takes readers on a roller coaster ride from the depths of hell to triumphant success. Michelle's extraordinary life story and diligent, compassionate work as a therapist teaches us that, with true-grit determination, it's possible to overcome the worst adversity. Scared Selfless offers courage, strength, and resilience to anyone who desires a better life."--Dave Pelzer, author, A Child Called 'It' Scared Selfless is a compelling read about choosing your path in life and owning that decision." -Dr. Phil "A beautifully written book...with honesty [and] humor...Through grit and hard work, what begins as Grand Guignol finishes with a big Hollywood ending." --Vanity Fair A testament to hope.--People |