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 Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Shelter from Our Secrets, Silence, and Shame: How Our Stories Can Keep Us Stuck or Set Us Free by Rebecca Brown is the product of a deep longing to share her story that allows her to take a step toward common ground with many readers. This is not the self-help type where the author offers meaning, affirmation, validation, and tools. Rather, it is a collection of stories gleaned from her years of experience working with patients with traumatic experiences. These stories serve in building a space where anyone can connect with other people’s bitter yet enlightening truths. She shares not only the experiences of her patients but her own as well that began in her early childhood. In doing so, the book aims to heal the toxicity that consumes us from the inside. While our secrets, silence, and shame will always be present as they have carved a mark in our past, it does not mean that we should lose our connectedness to ourselves and others.
It takes courage and resilience to write a book like Shelter from Our Secrets. Rebecca Brown boldly demonstrates by example as she opens her own heart and tells her own story. In her crisp narrative, you learn what separates people who manage to face their dark struggles and how it has shaped them to become a stronger and better version of themselves over those who chose to let their secrets and shame define them. Having mental and emotional strength does not entail having some special genetic trait. There is no hocus pocus here. As a clinical social worker who went through her own struggles, Brown understands the importance of setting realistic expectations and the willingness to embrace the story of who you are with all your heart. Shelter from Our Secrets is a great read—one that helps you to take a step toward self-healing.