Because staying quiet just wouldn't be right...

I actually considered NOT telling anyone that I read "another" book--especially on the heels of my last book review. I don't want any of my readers to think that's all I do...nor do I want to make your heads spin. I was going to just read the book, add it to my sidebar, and quietly continue through my pile that's begging "to be read".

Of all the books in my pile, though, this is NOT the one that bears no review. I need to make a few statements before I get into the meat of my review:
* This is NOT a Christian book.
* It includes several accounts of violence
* The language is not always "clean"

That being said, I MUST share it with you and here's why:

It's another memoir...written by Janine Latus a journalist and author whose work has appeared in several magazines. It is her story. And her sister, Amy's storyas well. Here is an excerpt from the website about the book:

In April 2002, Janine Latus's youngest sister, Amy, wrote a note and taped it to the inside of her desk drawer. "Today Ron Ball and I are romantically involved," it read, "but I fear I have placed myself at risk in a variety of ways. Based on his criminal past, writing this out just seems like the smart thing to do. If I am missing or dead this obviously has not protected me..."

That same spring Janine Latus was struggling to leave her marriage -- a marriage to a handsome and successful man. A marriage others emulated. A marriage in which she felt she could do nothing right and everything wrong. A marriage in which she felt afraid, controlled, inadequate, and trapped.

Ten weeks later, Janine Latus had left her marriage. She was on a business trip to the East Coast, savoring her freedom, attending a work conference, when she received a call from her sister Jane asking if she'd heard from Amy. Immediately, Janine's blood ran cold. Amy was missing.

This book is so important. As I read about the victimization of these two women and the untimely death/murder of one of them, I realized with great sadness that this could be ANY woman I know. It's important because this sort of thing can, and does, live right under our noses and we often miss the signs of abuse or, more importantly, the cries for help.

The story is well-told. It is another one that had me riveted from beginning to end.

I found myself praying for all the women out there who are suffering at the hands of abusers...both physical and emotional. I found myself so thankful for the blessings of my own husband who is the absolute opposite of these men. I found myself again thanking God that He charged us with raising four Godly young men who will know how to love, honor, and cherish the women in their lives.

And while I considered NOT posting this review, I found myself again reminded that we MUST not be quiet. We must continue to spread the message that domestic violence is simply not acceptable in any circumstance! And I would be remiss if I didn't share a resource that is available for women who find themselves in the throws of such victimization: 1-800-799-SAFE. For more information, you can also visit Janine's Website. Latus notes several times when family members said to her, "We would've come." It was the old "If only I'd known..."

Whether you read this book or not, please think about the women you know. Reach out. Love one another. Be a friend. And, if you know of someone who is being treated poorly by someone, TALK. You never know when YOU might be the difference...the HOPE for someone in need.