This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
Code Silence: Surviving Casa by the Sea by Allie Burton is an autobiography that reflects on the consequences of her early misadventures, which included spending time with her friends, rebelling, and running away. As a result, Allie’s parents sent her to a reform school in Mexico called Casa by the Sea. She quickly discovered that basic human rights had to be earned, with harsh rules that regulated speaking freely, talking to family, wearing shoes, shaving, her appearance, and having treats. The experience of navigating the reform school and its restrictions is something no child should have to face. The trauma of having religion forced on her and being sent to another country as a form of punishment scarred Allie in so many ways. With all of the mental, emotional, and psychological anguish, she added another layer of torment by remaining silent for so many years afterward. She decided that it was time to break free from the distress, pain, and anger so that she could find peace as she moved forward with her own family.
This story has so much going for it that it’s difficult to simply call it a memoir or autobiography. The author’s experiences were heartbreaking, humiliating, and inhumane, yet the way she survived the horrible punishment of being sent off to another country is nothing short of admirable, amazing, and inspiring. I recommend Code Silence by Allie Burton to teens and adults that have faced traumatic experiences. This story will reassure readers they are not alone and that finding peace and happiness can be achieved by speaking out. I applaud Burton for standing up for herself and for the bravery it took to share such a story.
