Ok, I've been loathe to post this for obvious reasons
but there is one book that really did change my life.

Girl, Interrupted.

I was sexually abused by my stepfather for years, and it culminated in a gang rape when I was 18. By this point, it was known that he had been abusing me and I was trying to get my head sorted and get my life sorted.
I was 22 when I read Girl, Interrupted and I spent hours reading it and re-reading it. I totally related to Daisy......
After re-reading it for probably the 5th time in 24 hours, I finally realised that I could possibly end up like that unless I made concious decisions not to allow the abuse to shape my thoughts, my actions and ultimately my life.

I took positive steps towards becoming an active, healthy member of society and now....well I'm doing alright. Actually, I'm doing great. I have a great job, wonderful friends who have seen me through some of my darkest times recently and things are looking good for my new relationship.

Life throws shit at you, but it is possible not to let it get you down.

Edit:
Wow. Thank you all for the wonderful responses. Believe me, I thought long and hard before posting this - I'm not ashamed of it and my closest friends and my family know of it. It's just kinda hard to write on a messageboard, you know? I hope that by posting this story, some young 'un out there will be inspired to speak out, too.
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Sun 18 May 2008, 16:47, 14 replies)

"I like this"
has never seemed less appropriate. Your bravery and strength do you more credit than you can possible imagine.

Stay strong

*hugs*
(TheWeeWitch hasn't been here much recently .., Sun 18 May 2008, 17:19, closed)

I'm going to click *I like this!*.
I don't even need to explain why, but it's great that you've gotten through it all.
( ClanSoul, Sun 18 May 2008, 17:29, closed)

Wow
Whatever else you do in life, you can be proud of the way you have responded to those horrific events. I am astounded by your courage and strength. Thank you
( seeballs Doo da da doo da da doo da da doo, da da doo da do, Sun 18 May 2008, 17:55, closed)

I have
A Hell of a lot of respect for you after reading that.
Well done for "doing great", as you put it.

*clicks*
( Cawl, Sun 18 May 2008, 17:57, closed)

How horrible
I sincerely hope that your evil stepfather is now locked away where he belongs.
(EuroSong I love horse meat: best of all the animals, Sun 18 May 2008, 18:05, closed)

he
died 4 years ago. I went to his funeral and cried like a baby for my lost childhood. And then I pissed on his grave
( Batshitmentalist is sane for once, Sun 18 May 2008, 21:49, closed)

It never ceases to amaze me
How incredible some of the b3tards are.

My mum went through a similar experience as a child (perpetrator was her mum rather than a father figure though) and she's always been of the opinion that a happy life is the best revenge, and indeed, she is happy!

Love to you WBM, I toast your success!
(Jugular, Mon 19 May 2008, 9:45, closed)

Damn
it still shocks me how sick some people can be.

WBM, you seriously have done so well in getting to where you are today! No-one should ever have to go through what you've been through.

*hugs*
(Swarve, Mon 19 May 2008, 10:56, closed)

*hugs*
A happy life really is the best remedy, and I hope everything carries on going well for you *click*
( Maladicta, Mon 19 May 2008, 11:05, closed)

Hi WBM

I've posted elsewhere about the redoubtable Mrs Grimsdale - Xena to her friends, so I won't repeat myself, but she is living proof that no matter what these bastards, that abuse the most sacred trust we are given do, you are your own person and you can put it behind you. You will never forget or forgive, and it will have made you a different person to what you might have been, but one day, you'll be able to look back - as she can - at a wonderful, grown-up daughter of our own who has been kept away from that whole side of her family, and think "Yes, you might have stolen my childhood, but I took my life in my own hands and made something wonderful of it and you can't touch me now."

We don't know if her so-called father is still alive or not and to be perfectly frank we don't care.

Oh, and if a fella can't take your occasionable bouts of anger then forget him, we had some stormy times in those early years and I took some flak on behalf on men in general, but I think it made us stronger in the long run.

All the best,

Che
(Che Grimsdale Best before:, Mon 19 May 2008, 11:36, closed)

.
"I made concious decisions not to allow the abuse to shape my thoughts, my actions and ultimately my life."

"I took positive steps..."

"Life throws shit at you, but it is possible not to let it get you down."

Well said and congratulations on overcoming the shit that happened. Have a click from me!
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 19 May 2008, 13:24, closed)

I've clicked this story....
for your intestinal fortitude. You have my utmost respect and admiration.

xxx
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 19 May 2008, 17:49, closed)

^
All of this, and more.

'nuff said.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Tue 20 May 2008, 9:28, closed)