“Shards of Glass”: A Memoir of Child Abuse and Finding the Strength to Overcome It

CW Seymore is the author of “Shards of Glass”, a personal memoir about enduring and overcoming child abuse. As regular readers of All Things Crime Blog know, we are dedicated to exposing and overcoming this national and international malaise. Please read the following reviews of Ms. Seymore’s memoir, and more importantly, read her book and spread the word: Child abuse can and must be overcome. It is an idea whose time has come.

“Shards of Glass will push all your buttons and wake you up to the reality many of us live with, but seldom acknowledge or write about. It is simultaneously horrific and hopeful, striking a fine balance between facing down the barrel of violence and not letting it define who we are or how we survive.”

–Gabriel Constans: Ph.D. Author: “Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something!” “Grief’s Wake Up Call” and”Good Grief: Love, Loss & Laughter.”

The Kirkus Review:

A debut memoir of survival from an author who finds strength in her religious faith.

Seymore (a pseudonym) recounts the horrific physical, emotional and sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her father throughout her childhood. She organizes the book into chapters she calls “snapshots,” each recounting a particular memory, and doesn’t hold back when describing the physical and emotional damage her father caused; readers may recoil from accounts of her father inflicting a bone-deep cut or of the author tending to her bloodied, beaten mother. However, Seymore also leads the reader through her teenage commitment to Christianity; her faith eventually provided her with an escape, as she left home to begin a career in ministry and, ultimately, began her recovery. Throughout, the author maintains a calm, unaffected tone; although she doesn’t shy away from blaming her father for the abuse, the memoir is never bitter. The graphic snapshots convey the force of the abuse but without emotional histrionics or pleas for sympathy. The author’s account of her recovery and growth after leaving her home’s violent environment takes up only a few pages, but a planned sequel may expand on that portion of her story. Overall, readers will be left with the impression of a woman who endured a traumatic childhood and came to understand how it shaped her; along the way, she maintained a sense of strength driven by both her own personality and the support she drew from her faith. Some sensitive readers may find Seymore’s unstinting descriptions of abuse excessive, but others will appreciate her story of personal growth.

“As a Humanitarian and Writer I fully endorse “Shards Of Glass” by CW Seymore. I Commend her Tenacity, Spirit, Faith in GOD and Courage to painfully reveal her story. CW will open wide the eyes of the reader to this problem and give hope and inspiration to those who have equally suffered the nightmare of abuse and will touch the hearts of all of us to stand up, take note, be responsible and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Two Thumbs Up! This Book Should Be On The Best Sellers List!”

–Pete DeLorenzo: Nationally recognized; Comedian, Actor, Recording Artist, Producer, Director and Humanitarian.

From CW Seymore, the author of Shards of Glass:

“From the Ashes of Abuse to the Altar of Triumph and Deliverance!”

“Please Lord, don’t let him find me. Please Lord, don’t let him find me.” This was my constant prayer. An agonizing cry in desperation for “Help” and “Rescue” that never came from my father in the countless tragic, horrifying events that occurred throughout my childhood. Through tears, in pain, experiencing shock or fearing for my life, this prayer was always uttered in earnest. I would find myself rocking back and forth hiding in one of my many “safe places.” It was usually outside in the forest or in the cornfield, under my bed, in a closet, or behind the couch where I hid terrified, alone, helpless and desperately afraid.

I spent 15 years in this state of mind, fearing for my own life and the lives of my mother and sister. Everyday brought a new horror, a new set of fears, and the prospect of renewed excruciating pain. The process of sharing my story has been tremendously difficult! Recalling the past and reliving the intense physical and psychological trauma of each memory was emotionally draining and would awaken many of my post traumatic experiences from the past. As a result I suffered severe panic attacks, anger and intense anxiety throughout the ordeal. This book has been a healing process for my soul! And a release for ending the silence and turmoil which have held me captive for far too many years.

My greatest desire is that this story and its vivid accounts will help other survivors find hope, healing and comfort, and know that they are not alone! This book is for all those who have suffered at the hands of an abusive parent, guardian, protector or family member. This is for everyone who has experienced the unspeakable horror and trauma of domestic violence, physical abuse, verbal degradation, mental anguish, rape and sexual molestation.

CW Seymore currently resides in Florida and wrote Shards of Glass under a pen name to protect and maintain the anonymity of her family and those innocently involved. The author is available for speaking engagements and interviews per request. Please contact her via email at: [email protected].

She would love to hear from you and even meet you at one of her upcoming booksigning events!