If I could give this book more than FIVE STARS, I would.
Here’s the Blurb For EMPTY CHAIRS: Standing Tall and Fighting Back Book 1
Stacey Danson, lived through and beyond horrific child abuse. This book tells of her brutal beginnings, the streets of Sydney at the age of eleven were preferable to the hell she endured at home. She ran, and those streets became her home for five years. She was alone, ill, and afraid. Stacey also had an unshakeable belief that she would do more than just survive her life. She would not allow her future to be determined by the horrors of her childhood. She reached out for something different; there had to be more to life; if she could only find it. She had a dream of a life where pain and humiliation had no place. She was determined to find that life. Empty Chairs is the beginning of the journey. Now she is living the dream.
And now, my REVIEW:
This true story from Stacey Danson aka Suzanne Burke captivated me from the first word to the last. How could any so-called mother inflict such horrific and sadistic abuse on her young daughter? What kind of sick mind would let her think it was okay to sell her child’s body to soothe her addiction? Sassy-Girl’s mother, that’s who. So, when this child made the decision to run, looking forward to life on the streets as opposed to her current “life in hell,” I cheered for her. Did it matter that she’d beaten her mother severely? Hell no! I cheered for that too. But, this young girl of ten years old couldn’t have been more lost as she struggled to learn the rules of the streets. The daily chore of finding a safe place to wait out the nights proved difficult. Her instinctive distrust of people, in general, was her biggest ally. But, the part of the book where Sassy-Girl celebrated her first ever Christmas broke my heart. As she watched the families play in the park with children who ran and laughed and played, she realized on a small scale just what she’d missed. And the moment she started to think she had a grip of living on the streets, the unthinkable happened. A brutal rape that left her incapacitated for days on end only served to strengthen her resolve to not let herself be vulnerable ever again. And, when she lay sick and unable to move for days, I began to fear she would die. All I can say about this book is that if you think homeless kids on the streets are all thugs or brats, you need to sit down and read this. My heart will never forget this young child and the many others out there today like her. Stacey Danson bared her soul in such a way that at times I almost felt like an intruder for reading. This is a well-written gripping story from start to finish. But, if you are squeamish or faint-of-heart, this book might push you over the edge. And, now I am compelled to read the sequel to this story, “Faint Echoes of Laughter.“
For more books by Suzanne Burke aka Stacey Danson, visit her Amazon Author Page
Suzanne Burke is a member of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB.
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I agree, Vashti. There were parts where I wanted to turn away and stop reading, but I couldn’t. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Jan, again, my thanks…my world is a happier and more serene place now, my friend. I am loved, and I have my dear little family around me. I can’t ask for more. ❤️️
Hi Jan! I love your review. This was a tough read for me. It drained me at times, but I’m glad I read it. I think everyone should. Thanks for featuring Suzanne and her book here. ❤️
❤️️ Thanks again, Vashti. I’m overwhelmed by the amazing support that has been given so selflessly.
You deserve it. <3 xx
Thank you, Jan, for writing this incredible review. No book has affected me as much as Empty Chairs. Truly, it belongs on the big screen. Soooz is an amazing writer, but more than her skill in telling a story, she is an exceptional human being. This book is a MUST READ; I recommend it to friends, family…strangers on the street. ♥
I couldn’t agree more, Gwen. Thank you so much for stopping by.
❤️️ Oh, Gwen … for a writer I am bereft of words. Thank you seems so inadequate, but I do Thank you, from the bottom of this old heart. xo
Thank you, Karen. I truly appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
This was one of my favorite books to read this year. It is heart-wrenching and yet, beautifully written. It was hard to put the book down and it brought out deep emotions. Jan, your review was very well done and captured the power and message of this true story.
(((Hugs))) Karen, and thank you so much.🌷
Thank you, John. This book captivated me.
Super review, Jan. Soooz is very special.
Hello, John. I’m so fortunate to have made so many new friends, friends whom I consider to be special as well.🌷
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Tonya, the fact that it is a true story made it all that much more emotional and gripping. Child abuse is such a travesty! Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, this sounds so intriguing and such a tragic story, I’ll keep my eyes out for it. Thank for sharing Jan. Beautiful review.
🌷Hello, Tonya, and thank you. Jan’s review moved me to tears of gratitude for her understanding.
This review certainly peaked my interest.
This memoir is the most compelling I’ve ever read.
Thank you, Shirley. 🌷
Gracie, this is one of the most compelling true stories I’ve ever read. I cannot say enough good things about it.
(((Hugs))) Jan. Thank you so very much.
A powerful review. If the review brings out so many emotions, then I can only say it is a “must read” book. The book has been sitting on my Goodread.com reading list for a while. Based on your review, I’m going to move it up near the top. Thanks for sharing.
Hello, Gracie, and thank you. It is a difficult book to read based on the subject matter, however I hope it conveys to folks that may not yet understand fully that street folks didn’t begin life living out there. 🌷