The Laid Daughter --- Book ReviewWritten by Faye Brown
There has been a lot of publicity lately centered on issue of child molestation. Child molestation is a horrific form of child abuse that leaves its victims with a deep loss of self and inability to cope with life's challenges.Another form of child abuse, that leaves its victims powerless and confused, is incest. Incest is a topic that most families refuse to discuss and sometimes deny that it ever existed. The Laid Daughter, by Helen Bonner is such an example. In this riveting novel, author discusses her own issues with incest. What is so unique about novel itself is that author has been journaling her strange feelings for over 20 years before she realizes that her journal entries depict her true life experiences. The author takes us on her journey through self discovery and healing by allowing us to see her daily struggles in life. She is plagued with failed marriages and her inability to have honest and open relationships with others. She cuts herself off from her family and friends. There is, however, something very striking about Ms. Bonner's character. She is able to hold down a job and build herself a lucrative career while dealing with incest issue. Going through healing process was not an easy road for Ms. Bonner. Early on, she was given erroneous advice from some early therapist. She found herself dropping out of therapy with belief that somehow she could conquer her demons on her own. She then seeks therapy through a wonderful therapist by name of Glenda Parkinson who discovers that Helen was not just a survivor of incest, but she also suffered from a Multiple Personality Disorder.
| | The Monkey With The Wooden ApplesWritten by Steve Gillman
There once was a happy monkey wandering jungle, eating delicious fruit when hungry, and resting when tired. One day he came upon a house, where he saw a bowl of most beautiful apples. He took one in each hand and ran back into forest.He sniffed apples and smelled nothing. He tried to eat them, but hurt his teeth. They were made of wood, but they were beautiful, and when other monkeys saw them, he held onto them even tighter. He admired his new possessions proudly as he wandered jungle. They glistened red in sun, and seemed perfect to him. He became so attached to them, that he didn't even notice his hunger at first. A fruit tree reminded him, but he felt apples in his hands. He couldn't bear to set them down to reach for fruit. In fact, he couldn't relax, either, if he was to defend his apples. A proud, but less happy monkey continued to walk along forest trails. The apples became heavier, and poor little monkey thought about leaving them behind. He was tired, hungry, and he couldn't climb trees or collect fruit with his hands full. What if he just let go? Letting go of such valuable things seemed crazy, but what else could he do? He was so tired. Seeing next fruit tree, and smelling it's fruit was enough. He dropped wooden apples and reached up for his meal. He was happy again.
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