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Lynn C. Tolson chronicles her extraordinary journey from psychological and sexual abuse victim to emotionally and spiritually empowered survivor. While engaged in a conscious critical analysis of the underpinnings of being female within the confines of a patriarchal family and clulture, Tolson wisely chooses to voice her personal--yet ever political--insights in female-friendly storied form. With an uncanny commitment to the truth of the exigencies of a female experience which all too often is silenced, Tolson lures us, through words, along an extraordinary journey of healing and hope, as experienced against the backdrop of relationally oriented psychotherapy. As a therapist myself, I frequently find myself sharing Tolson's insights and understandings in my own empowerment oriented work with women, as the author's clear vision and uncompromising voice aptly illustrate the concepts and themes resonating throughout clients' everyday lives. A talented writer and storyteller, Tolson's narrative is at once shocking and awe-inspiring. In the illustrative words of one of my female clients vis-a'-vis my (now well-worn) loaner copy of Tolson's provocative book: 'That was me on those pages!'
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V. Marash, Ph.D
Lynn C. Tolson's story is one of courage and survival. Despite her initial suicide attempt, she perseveres, using counseling, introspection, and reflection. These things are not easy tasks for someone who has been physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by those who were supposed to protect her. Tolson doesn't sugar coat her abuse or her voyage through recovery, but even though the realities of overcoming abuse are difficult, she proves, in the end, it was/is worth it. Early in the book, Tolson says, 'I was afraid to reveal my true self because I was unsure of who I really was under the muck and mire of memories.' Ironically, in writing this simple sentence, she is letting us see her true self: a woman, not unlike millions of women around the world, who was abused by the men who were supposed to love her, yet, she triumphs over the hurt they inflicted. This is a story that those women need to hear. This is the story of a woman, who in the face of revealing her true self to the world, took her life back. This is the story that can help abused women in every corner of the world begin their journey through recovery so that they, too, can someday say, 'Now, at last, I see the ultimate destination: a healthy life, a spiritual connection, and emotional and physical well-being.'
~ K. Lock, MA, in MO
Lynn C. Tolson's book is a must read for survivor's. I am just starting my healing journey, and this is the first book I read pertaining to the subject of sexual abuse. I could not put it down.
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K.M.A. in PA
Lynn C. Tolson is a remarkable woman. I could relate to her so much through this book. I constantly doubt myself that this happened to me, and this book has given me the hope I need. Her courage to write this book has blown me away. At this time in my life I am having memory problems as many sexually abused survivors do. This book opened my mind to healing, recovery, and the courage to heal. Her writing is absolutely captivating. I can honestly say this book has changed my life. Thank you Lynn for having the knowledge and courage to be a hero and write this book.
~ Anonymous
Lynn C. Tolson wrote a must read book. The first page grabbed me immediately, and I had to put all other things aside to continue reading. Lynn's courage, her struggles, her pain, the people in her life and her growth are amazing and she tells her story in an easily flowing way.
~ B. Scott in CA
Lynn C. Tolson's accomplishments in the book are so uplifting, but first we are taken through darkest days and deepest hurts. This book begins on a night of Lynn's worst despair, a dramatic experience some of us will never experience except through reading this book. I bought 2 more books, and gave them to friends I hoped would benefit from reading it. Reading what Lynn has done with her life, with her talents, and God's love by her side there is no doubt in my mind we will see her name again.
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A. in AZ
Lynn C. Tolson's book is simply stunning. One of the biggest stigmas of being a survivor of sexual abuse/incest is the fear that no one could possibly ever understand what you've been through. Reading this book is an incredible insight, not only into Lynn's experiences, but also into the realization that there are other people who can and do understand.
~ Kathie G. in IN
Lynn C. Tolson's story is compelling and uplifting. A survivor is not always the one who is the strongest or wisest, but the one who perseveres. Lynn takes the reader through the darkest moments of her life into a place where peace and happiness come to fruition. The book is candid but not brutal. It is an enjoyable read with a great message. Tolson is truly a gifted writer.
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L.G. in MO
Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story is an absolutely awesome story! I was spellbound to the end. The reflections on experiences in the author's life were real and very well-written. I could not put the book down. The feedback from the therapist provided great insight into my own life. We've all experienced some sort of abuse in our lives and this book helped me realize I am not alone and being a victim has never been my fault. The author's courageous journey is a lesson for everyone and will help readers become healthy and happy in their relationships. The book is a combination novel and self-help. A great read with real life lessons that can be applied to your life immediately.
~ S.P. in AZ
Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story, a book by Lynn C. Tolson, is a story that needs to be read by anyone who has ever thought about suicide, has experienced abuse, or is running from the painful memories of the past. Lynn provides a powerful story as she takes you down the painful path of her last suicide attempt that almost killed her. The strange thing is she doesn't know why she wants to die, she only knows that she wants the pain to stop. It is only by the grace of God that she survives. Having been given a reprieve, Lynn finds a special therapist named Karen she can begin her journey of healing with. It is her special relationship with Karen that gives her the permission and freedom to talk about the sordid and painful memories of her past. She reveals her innermost secret about being sexually abused by her father and then her brother. She tells how lonely she felt as a child in her overwhelmingly dysfunctional family and how she just wanted someone to love her. "That's what I felt like, a tattered book that had been thrown away before anyone bothered to read beyond the cover," she writes. Lynn plodded along in therapy for quite some time revealing everything that had happened to her while receiving invaluable hope and support from Karen. She tells how she "surveyed the fragments of a family not yet dead, but no more living." In the end, Lynn overcomes her past, confronts her perpetrators, and stops just existing, but begins living. She then courageously writes her own story, offering hope to anyone who is a survivor of childhood abuse, neglect and/or trauma. She shares her inspiration and hope with anyone who feels hopeless and unworthy. Read her story and you will find that no matter how bleak a stiuation or family may look, there is always hope and the potential for healing.
~ S.P. Riggin, MEd, LPC, CCM, CVE in GA
Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story was very captivating. I felt for and understood Lynn as she told her story. I never felt that it was biased in any way, and longed to find out what was coming next. As a man reading a story about a woman and her experiences with sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, I was touched by her courage to continue, even when she did not want to continue she persevered, found strength and did more than survive, she thrived. I was able to identify with the main character just as easily if that person had been male. As a therapist I have encouraged several of my clients to read this book to assist them in working through their abuse issues (both male and female clients.) If I could sum up the most impressive thing about this book besides the author, it would be how she tells her story as though she is telling it to her therapist. That is very healthy and encouraging to others who may need counseling. Thank you so much Lynn for sharing your story and breaking the silence.
~ D. Balderston, PLMHP in NE
If there's something we recovering people like to read most it's a book by another recovering person. Especially one who's really gone through the wringer and come out alive, ready to share experience, strength, and hope. Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story by Lynn C. Tolson is just one of those books. From the very first page Tolson brings you head first into a roller coaster ride through her life. My knuckles turned white reading the first chapter. The title of the first chapter is "Pills and Prayer." It reads like a treatment to a suspenseful movie. Tolson brings us right into the mind of someone who wants to die and the thought process that goes into such a task. Three pages in and Tolson has your attention. If you are interested in reading a gripping true story about a fellow survivor, Beyond the Tears is the book to choose.
~ Chris D. RecoveryWorld
Writer's Digest International Book Awards judges wrote that "the author of Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story bravely and honestly reveals the darkness of her past in an attempt to offer a message of hope to her readers. Her effective use of flashback and on-going dialogues with a counselor keep the reader engaged, but not overwhelmed. Unlike many titles of this genre, this book is written from a position of healing; the author has allowed herself sufficient time to process the abuses of her childhood, the dysfunction of her family, and the effects of her own Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, enabling her to offer readers a complete picture of the journey toward recovery. This work offers encouragement and optimism to those who have come through similar ordeals."
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