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Through the Glass

3.69 of 5 stars 3.69 · rating details · 233 ratings · 50 reviews

An impassioned, harrowing and ultimately hopeful story of one woman's pursuit of justice, forgiveness and healing.

When Shannon Moroney married in October of 2005, she had no idea that her happy life as a newlywed was about to come crashing down around her. One month after her wedding, a police officer arrived at her door to tell her that her husband, Jason, had been arrest...more

Hardcover, 368 pages

Published October 11th 2011 by Doubleday Canada

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Oct 01, 2012 F. Johnny rated it 1 of 5 stars

I was at first startled, then incredulous, then furious with Moroney as I read this book; she struck me as deeply self-centred, with a remarkable blind spot for the suffering of her husband's actual victims. What angered me the most was that she repeatedly attempted to find out, from various mutual friends, co-workers, and acquaintances, familial and identifying details about her husband's victims; she demands to know the identity of the stepson of one of the victims, who was a student at the sc...more I was at first startled, then incredulous, then furious with Moroney as I read this book; she struck me as deeply self-centred, with a remarkable blind spot for the suffering of her husband's actual victims. What angered me the most was that she repeatedly attempted to find out, from various mutual friends, co-workers, and acquaintances, familial and identifying details about her husband's victims; she demands to know the identity of the stepson of one of the victims, who was a student at the school at which she worked. When refused by the principal, she insists that it would make her feel "less anxious" to know who the kid is. Okay-- but it's not all about *your* comfort level, Ms. Moroney. Told no again, she attempts to find out from the vice-principal. Then, when she finds out that this victim's partner is a work acquaintance, Moroney is angry with him and the victim-- yes, you read that right-- that they asked mutual acquaintances not to disclose this relationship to her. I had to put the book down for a few minutes at that point. Moroney was angry at the woman her husband brutally raped for wanting her privacy. Wow.

All while Moroney petitions the court to have a publication ban placed on her own name, since she faces so much stigma and invasion of privacy. Seems fair.

Later, she: laments that she is denied a conjugal visit with her husband, incarcerated for brutally sexually assaulting and abducting two women; demands the right to, along with the women her husband raped, deliver a victim impact statement so long that the court calls a recess in the middle of it; has *her mother* deliver a victim impact statement (during which her mother calls the rapist her "son-in-love," with his victims listening in the courtroom). There's more that angered me, but those are the highlights.

It is offensive that she is profiting from the hideous crimes her husband committed, but what troubled me on a psychological level was the way Moroney repeatedly elevated her suffering, and even that of her violent and terrifying monster of a husband, to the level suffered by the victims. I'm not saying she didn't suffer, but I'm confident she didn't endure anything near what the two women imprisoned in her basement did.

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Nov 17, 2012 Amy added it

*SPOILER ALERT* I grabbed this book off the shelf at the library when I didn't have a book on hold to read. It's a book I probably would've never selected had I really understood the gravity of the crimes. But I found it captivating.

At first, I thought Shannon was naive & foolish in pursuing a romantic relationship with Jason. He was very upfront and told her from the beginning that he'd be in jail and was on parole for murdering a female roommate. I feel everyone has the opportunity to mak...more *SPOILER ALERT* I grabbed this book off the shelf at the library when I didn't have a book on hold to read. It's a book I probably would've never selected had I really understood the gravity of the crimes. But I found it captivating.

At first, I thought Shannon was naive & foolish in pursuing a romantic relationship with Jason. He was very upfront and told her from the beginning that he'd be in jail and was on parole for murdering a female roommate. I feel everyone has the opportunity to make amends and do better. But I also feel that you need to be smart in choosing relationships that are positive and healthy. I was even more shocked when she decided to stay in contact with her husband after he kidnapped and raped 2 women.

By the end of the book though, I found I respect this woman greatly. Never once did she condone or excuse Jason's actions-- nor did Jason. He always wanted to plead guilty. Shannon brings to light a very complex problem...how to make criminals take accountability for their actions but at the same time also providing support to help provide rehabilitation and hopefully recovery to the point that they can return to society and not be a threat. Having criminals just living in jails for years on end and the returning to society having had no real counseling, education opportunities it's helping anyone.

Her support of restorative justice was something I'd really never known much about but feel it much better way to help criminals be accountable but at the same time also allow the victims to address their accusers and hopefully be able to get answers and find some peace, so they can move productively forward in their lives without remaining 'victims'.

The ending was bittersweet. I surprised myself when I felt sorry for Jason when Shannon remarried. Not because Shannon shouldn't move forward; but because you could see it was heartbreaking decision for her as well. She knew at that time Jason would need to do the best he could with the circumstances he'll having being in jail for years on end. She could no longer spend her time trying to help provide legal assistance to help him maintain/build a healthy mental state. It was a reminder how cyclical abuse is if the victims never get proper counseling and coping skills. (less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shannon Moroney’s memoir, Through The Glass is one of the most emotionally compelling non-fiction reads I’ve stumbled upon in a while.

Through The Glass opens with an ominous knock at the door. Shannon opens the door to the news that her husband of only a month has been arrested for the brutal assault and kidnapping of two women. Shannon finds herself thrown into a world she cannot fathom, devastated from the revelation, and learning she herself has been a victim of her husband’s dark tendencies....more Shannon Moroney’s memoir, Through The Glass is one of the most emotionally compelling non-fiction reads I’ve stumbled upon in a while.

Through The Glass opens with an ominous knock at the door. Shannon opens the door to the news that her husband of only a month has been arrested for the brutal assault and kidnapping of two women. Shannon finds herself thrown into a world she cannot fathom, devastated from the revelation, and learning she herself has been a victim of her husband’s dark tendencies. What follows in the rest of the book is Shannon’s journey through the legal system, a desperate attempt to understand her husband’s dark compulsions, and ultimately a journey of forgiveness and peace.

Shannon’s experience highlights an often overlooked segment of the criminal justice system: the family of the offender. They are often given no guidance on how to proceed through the process, or offered much support, even if they, too, are victims of the offender. What Through The Glass did was offer me a stark reminder that there is often much more to a story than what we know. That crime doesn’t just happen to a victim. And this in no way is meant to diminish the impact to victim of a crime, only that it is a form of death in a way when a loved one commits a crime. You’re grieving the loss of a life you imagined yet the person you are mourning isn’t dead.

Shannon also reveals how it is possible to forgive a person but not an act. How it is possible to provide closure between victims and offenders through honest and open dialogue. And how some offenders truly do need to be locked away forever, for the safety of society at large.

Shannon’s story made me want to be a more compassionate person. I admit, early on in the book when Shannon recounts meeting her husband Jason, a part of me judged her for her choices. But as she explained how their relationship progressed, I realized two things. First, that I was too harsh in my snap judgement of Shannon, and second, that many of us are guilty of similar knee-jerk reactions and are probably guilty of misjudging a number of people.

Frankly, if I were ever in trouble, I would want people like Shannon and her family in my corner. This book is simply one woman’s story of a shattered world, and how she found her way through it and on to new happiness. The benefit is that in reading her story, we learn a lot about grief, compassion, and understanding. And just maybe, we want to be a better person because of it.(less)

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Oct 11, 2012 Felicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read, 3-5-wine-glasses

Read for Review
Overall Rating 3.50

First Thought when Finished: NonFiction is such a hard thing to review because it is so personal. Through the Glass is one of those stories that needs to be read but won't be easy.

What I Thought of the "Story": Through the Glass is the story of a woman who finds out that her husband has committed a horrific crime. This is not his first offence but no one in the system saw it coming. It is about her journey as a victim, wife, activist, and daughter through the or...more

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Feb 03, 2012 Rhiannon Ryder rated it 4 of 5 stars

Zombies, bug infestations and now true crime! I'm already so creeped out I don't know how I'll sleep for the rest of the year!

Through the Glass is one of those books I never would have chose for myself, I'm not a true crime girl and the cover blurb was not selling me. Imagine my surprise when, ten minutes into reading, I was so absorbed I could barely put it down.

A month into her marriage Shannon’s husband kidnapped and brutally assaulted two women. Although aware her husband had been imprisoned...more Zombies, bug infestations and now true crime! I'm already so creeped out I don't know how I'll sleep for the rest of the year!

Through the Glass is one of those books I never would have chose for myself, I'm not a true crime girl and the cover blurb was not selling me. Imagine my surprise when, ten minutes into reading, I was so absorbed I could barely put it down.

A month into her marriage Shannon’s husband kidnapped and brutally assaulted two women. Although aware her husband had been imprisoned at the age of eighteen for murder, she was told, by his parole officers and psychiatrists, that he was a fully rehabilitated member of society and one of their success stories. After several years of a committed, loving and kind relationship, they were married with the blessing of all their friends and family. So how could this have happened?

This was a fascinating story, but not at all what I expected. Less about the crime itself and more about her experiences as the family member of someone who's committed a crime, she is very open and honest about her journey. I can't say I had ever considered the ramifications on the family members of criminals, but it was crazy to read about Shannon loosing her job, her denial for long term medical disability for her issues from the crime and the complete lack of support through victim services (even though one of her husbands many charges had been voyeurism of which she'd unwittingly been a victim of). The ripple effects in her life were astounding and it was enlightening to read about her experiences. As a school counsellor she also had a very experienced background to help her get through her situation, and as a reader her background was very informative in the description of her experiences.

In addition to talking about her side of the situation, Shannon takes great care to talk about her now ex-husbands side. He was immediately sorry for his actions, was in fact the person to report the crimes to the police, and only wanted to plead guilty so his victims need not suffer for longer then necessary. At no point does she condone his actions, however she takes the time and thought to explain his background, lack of proper psychiatric care while imprisoned for murder and how this came to destroy his beautifully rebuilt life. By combining her story with his, she illustrates a lot of the short comings of the Canadian penal system, it's lack of proper rehabilitative care and many of the ways that it could work better to actually reform criminals. She talks about other countries and their various systems and makes interesting comparisons and suggestions.

Although a very depressing subject matter, Shannon manages to make the book both uplifting and full of hope, and impressive feat. She talks about changes that can be made to improve the system for the families of criminals, the victims and the criminals themselves and she talks about the work she does these days to try and help make that happen. A thoroughly engrossing read, which has left me with a lot to think about.(less)

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Jan 22, 2012 Dana Burgess rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book has intrigued me ever since I heard about it. I volunteer to support and advocate for victims of crime and have often wondered, along with others in my field, who supports and advocated for the families of offenders? Especially violent offenders whose actions and crimes negatively impact not only their victims but also their families. Hard question.

In her book Through the Glass, Shannon Moroney tells her story: how her storybook marriage and life fell apart one month in, the day the po...more This book has intrigued me ever since I heard about it. I volunteer to support and advocate for victims of crime and have often wondered, along with others in my field, who supports and advocated for the families of offenders? Especially violent offenders whose actions and crimes negatively impact not only their victims but also their families. Hard question.

In her book Through the Glass, Shannon Moroney tells her story: how her storybook marriage and life fell apart one month in, the day the policeman came to her hotel room to tell her that her husband had been arrested on charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and more. Shannon writes, in a straight forward way, of her journey through pain, guilt, denial, the loss of friends and employment and the many obstacles of the Canadian criminal justice system.

It is important to remember that this is Shannon's personal journey and it may not be the same journey that every one in this situation needs to take. I was impressed with how she stayed true to what she knew she needed to do for herself, despite the objections and misunderstanding of many of those around her. I was also impressed that she could write about her experiences in a way that didn't attack her attackers but simply states the facts, how she felt and what she did in a fair and understanding way. The story is very well written.

I must say that I was sceptical from time to time about the author's decisions in the process and wondered if they would turn out for the best. It was frustrating to read about the lack of help and understanding she received as she tried to follow a path that was not well marked or travelled. As a victim advocate, I was especially dismayed at the response she received from the victim advocate she was referred to, when it was determined that she also was a victim of her husband's secret life. I want everyone to know that not all advocates are as insensitive and rude as the one she dealt with. Even still Shannon persevered. She took the time to look inside herself and recognise what she needed. Then she went on a no-holds-barred search for support and help in moving forward with whatever decision she had made.

You'll notice that I keep calling the author by her first name. As I read, I found myself connecting with Shannon and her story in a personal way - possibly because of the volunteer work I do and possibly because of my own personal experiences, or maybe just because she is so honest and open in telling her story. There were parts of the book and the conclusions she comes to with regards to improving the justice system in Canada, that I don't necessarily agree with. And many of her decisions are not ones I would have made for myself. But each of us must process our lives and deal with our personal calamities in our own ways. What I do think this book does is open a door to discussion that has long been ignored in our society: what do the offender's family go through in the aftermath of his/her criminal behaviour? I think these silent victims of crime will benefit greatly from Shannon's experiences and her continued advocacy in this area.

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Oct 23, 2011 Lynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoirs

I won this book through a Goodreads contest.

Through the Glass is an account of Shannon Moroney's life after her husband, Jason Staples, was arrested for kidnapping and sexual assault. Newly married, Moroney had to come to terms with the crime and the devastating impact it had on her life and others. When I hear about horrible crimes, I have often thought of the perpetrator's family and friends. They too are victims of the criminal, tainted forever by the crime. Moroney brings their perspective a...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm really torn on this book. Having never been put in Moroney's situation, and I hope to god I never come close to being involved in any possible way to this entire situation, I am hesitant to be too critical. It's eye-opening to see the impact such horrendous crimes can have on people that aren't necessarily the direct victims, and I agree that Canada's justice system is far from being ideal, especially for families of victims and of criminals. Moroney is no Karla Homolka, that much is very VE...more I'm really torn on this book. Having never been put in Moroney's situation, and I hope to god I never come close to being involved in any possible way to this entire situation, I am hesitant to be too critical. It's eye-opening to see the impact such horrendous crimes can have on people that aren't necessarily the direct victims, and I agree that Canada's justice system is far from being ideal, especially for families of victims and of criminals. Moroney is no Karla Homolka, that much is very VERY clear. She had no hand in the crimes and was supportive and positive leading up to the events. And anybody who has suffered heartache knows that emotions override rational thought quite easily - making the whole situation that much more difficult to deal with, especially in the early days of a marriage.

But I have to agree with some of the other low-rating reviews. I found that I felt less and less sympathetic towards her position as the book went on. The victim's right to privacy is paramount; soaring above her "need" to know their identities. I was actually disgusted that Moroney felt so betrayed by the mutual friend who refused to disclose the one victim's identity with her. What a loyal friend to stay supportive of both parties in this situation without being a blabbermouth between them. That mutual friend was in a terribly awkward (and probably painful) position, and has all my respect for remaining silent on behalf of both sides. After all the pain and fear Moroney felt as a victim of voyeurism herself, I'm flabbergasted that she doesn't think that the women who were brutally raped, kidnapped, and nearly murdered don't deserve the same level of privacy. As if those two women aren't facing their own demons of stigma, shame, and rejection from some of the ignorant people out there that will victim-blame them for having their basic rights ripped away from them.

The oft-mentioned "miscarriage" is upsetting as well. It's one thing to have a positive pregnancy test, and know that you are carrying a developing baby, and then lose it, with all the shattered hopes and feeling of failure; it's quite different for one's cycle to be just a few days late. If it was, indeed, a miscarriage, I do feel badly that it was not reflected true to reality at all in the text; however, it really doesn't seem that way.

On the positive side, I'm extremely impressed that despite the selfishness that comes across in patches, that Moroney took her pain forward and made something positive out of it. Her work to increase the practice of restorative justice and to better the support systems that were essentially nonexistent for the criminal's family is beyond admirable.

I think overall this book is an excellent testament to the reform needed in Canada's psychiatric services, to changes needed with regards to restorative justice, and to the inspiration of goodness and change that can grow from traumatic experiences. But it also acts as a reminder that the rights to certain pieces of information (particularly identities) are not magically granted to anyone victimized in a crime. (less)

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May 20, 2013 Colleen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, book-club, canadian, non-fiction

Shannon Moroney is a newlywed, only married one month, when she gets a knock on the door at the hotel where she staying while at a conference. She opens the door to a police officer, who informs her that her husband has just been arrested for sexually assaulting, confining and kidnapping two women. Over the next few days and months she learns details of the brutal assaults the women were subjected to at the hands of her husband and she is shocked to the core. This doesn't sound at all like the m...more Shannon Moroney is a newlywed, only married one month, when she gets a knock on the door at the hotel where she staying while at a conference. She opens the door to a police officer, who informs her that her husband has just been arrested for sexually assaulting, confining and kidnapping two women. Over the next few days and months she learns details of the brutal assaults the women were subjected to at the hands of her husband and she is shocked to the core. This doesn't sound at all like the man she has known for two years. The book covers the two and a half years after the assaults, from his arrest until his sentencing, and how Shannon has to cope with a range of emotions from grief, shock, depression and disbelief. Throughout all this she is supported by family and some friends, but is disturbed to find the correctional system and society seems to value punishment over rehabilitation, and offers little support for victims.

I was intrigued by the story because I'd heard about it (it occurred fairly recently and somewhat locally). It's certainly an interesting read, but I had a few issues with it. Or, more accurately, I had issues with Shannon.

First of all, she is totally shocked by her husband's actions because he has always been a wonderful, kind, gentle partner. However, when she met him he was finishing off a parole sentence because he'd just served 10 years in prison. For murdering a woman. Pause to mull that over. Before I started the book I knew about this, and wondered how on earth she could (1) marry someone who had admitted to violently murdering a woman and (2) be absolutely, totally shocked that he'd committed a violent crime against two more women. She does explain how he seemed to be a completely different man, and her reasons for trusting that he would never commit another crime, but I honestly can't see putting myself into this position. And yes, even if I did grow to trust him, I would be shocked when I heard of the sexual assaults but really, somewhere in my brain surely I register that this isn't TOTALLY unbelievable.

I also take issue with her "I'm a victim" crusade. Yes, she is a victim in that her life was turned upside down and she suffered emotionally. I can't even begin to imagine how she felt, and I truly wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. However, she seemed determined to place herself on the same victim "level" as the two women who were brutally assaulted, and I just don't think you can compare them.

She remained supportive of her husband throughout the entire ordeal, as did her family. She gave a victim impact statement that ran on so long, the judge had to call a recess half-way through. Her mom referred to Jason as her "son-in-love" in HER victim impact statement, which I'm sure didn't sit well with the two sexual assault victims that had to sit through all this in court. I suppose Shannon and her family are just better people than I because I'm not sure I could do that, but if that's what they're like, then OK. However, I didn't like the fact that Shannon immediately cut off anyone who refused to show the die-hard support for Jason that she and her family were demonstrating. She refused to acknowledge that other people were entitled to their own feelings. Her ongoing, aggressive attempts to find out the identities of the victims were very off-putting, particularly because she was simultaneously seeking a court order to get a publication ban on HER name. So.... her privacy was somehow more important than the victims' privacy??

Anyway, other than some attitude on Shannon's part, the book was an interesting read, especially to get a glimpse at the lack of support and resources for family members of people who have been charged with a crime.(less)

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Jan 01, 2012 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was another book I happily recieved through the goodreads giveaway contest. Though I had not had a chance to read it until now it came in october, and since ive seen it in a few libraries and many bookstores. I wondered why it was so popular and soon discovered why. The book illustrates Shannon Moroneys life of loss-dealing with her husbands assaults of two women. It describes his criminal past and her acceptance and trust of him, and how he broke it by comitting those crimes. At first I wa...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Bree T rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir, arc, non-fiction

When Shannon Moroney got married in October of 2005, she thought it would be forever. Her husband Jason had a past, but that had been a long time ago, when he’d been barely an adult and he’d been an exemplary member of the community ever since. He had won the trust of her family and her friends and they’d had a perfect courtship and wedding.

One month after the wedding, Shannon was away at a work conference when a police officer knocks on the door of her hotel. He informs her that in the town whe...more When Shannon Moroney got married in October of 2005, she thought it would be forever. Her husband Jason had a past, but that had been a long time ago, when he’d been barely an adult and he’d been an exemplary member of the community ever since. He had won the trust of her family and her friends and they’d had a perfect courtship and wedding.

One month after the wedding, Shannon was away at a work conference when a police officer knocks on the door of her hotel. He informs her that in the town where they live, a couple of hours away, Jason has been arrested for sexual assault. He was working in the health food store he took casual shifts at, alone, when a woman came in. He assaulted her, tied her up and sexually assaulted her out the back. When another woman came in to the store, Jason did the same thing to her as well. Then he went and hired a van, took them both back to the house he and Shannon had purchased not long ago and continued the terror. Somehow the women managed to talk him out of the rest of his plan and instead Jason drove to a pay phone and called the police, alerting them to what he had done.

In that moment, Shannon’s life changed forever. Her happy life that lay ahead of her vanished in an instant, her husband incarcerated, her family and her thrown into grief, trying to understand how the man they had come to know could commit these horrible acts. Shannon finds herself a victim in this as well, judged by people, relieved of her job because of her relationship to Jason, unable to find help or support anywhere she looks.

Through The Glass is the story of her grief but also how she stuck by her husband, unable to abandon him. She offered him friendship, understanding and eventually, forgiveness. She didn’t understand what he had done but she accepted that he had done it and the fact that he didn’t know why he had done it and she fought desperately to see if there were any answers for her in the justice system. It was a long hard difficult road and details the loneliness she felt, the heartbreak and the determination.

I don’t often read non-fiction but every now and then a particular title will catch my eye and this is one of them. Through The Glass details the breakdown of trust and communication and perhaps raises some issues in the justice and rehabilitation system. Jason Staples was convinced of manslaughter at eighteen and served a 10 year sentence before being gradually assimilated into the community. He checked in regularly with his parole officer, attended counselling sessions when required and spent several nights a week in a boarding house. He had a job, he ticked all the boxes to say the people in charge of his case were confident that he would not re-offend. When Jason met Shannon, he was required to recount to her his past so that she could choose if she wanted to be with him. After speaking extensively to both his parole officer and his psychiatrist, Shannon chose to believe in Jason, to believe in the system that said he was no longer a danger.

Some years later and just a month after their marriage, Jason proved this wrong when he kidnapped and brutally assaulted two women before turning himself in. Where most would have obtained separation and divorce and walked away without a backward glance to heal and attempt to put their lives back together, Shannon stayed loyal to Jason. They did obtain a legal separation, but she remained supportive to him as a friend as she sought to understand just what it was inside Jason that was broken that made him do this.

I experienced a lot of emotions reading this book. In some ways, I admired Shannon because marriage is supposed to be for better or worse and the fact that she loved Jason (romantically and then later on in a different way) was very obvious but I think most people agree that having your husband rape and assault women falls far beyond any reasonable parameter of ‘worse’. She seemed equal parts brave and stupid in choosing to keep him in her life and support him and ultimately, I can’t decide which. I think that because she chose to keep him in her life and to do what she could for him, then she needed to be able to deal with the fact that there were people who were not going to be able to do this and also that there would be repercussions. Loved spouse or not, Jason committed sickening acts and anyone who dared say so was immediately removed from her ‘Golden Circle’ ruthlessly. She didn’t ever make excuses for his behaviour but she also didn’t seem to see that in keeping him in her life, she was really making her own much more difficult. She wanted to complain a lot about the stress, anxiety and difficulty of Jason’s situation but the ultimate thing was it wasn’t her situation. It was something she chose to involve herself in. A lot of this book seems to be Shannon feeling sorry for herself, or wanting people to feel sorry for her….I feel sorry for her up to a point, but then the sympathy dries up. She knew Jason had a very chequered past and she chose to accept him despite that. She gave him trust and loyalty and love and he threw that back in her face in one of the worst ways a man could do so. So I do feel sorry for her, for that. But ultimately, she chose to stand by a man who savagely attacked women. I do not feel sorry for her because of the pain that brought her. Jason hurt a lot of people and often it felt like Shannon’s concern for the victims of his physical victims seemed perfunctory at best most of the time. It was really all about her and how much she was victimised for being his wife and also what she thought the victims should do in order to heal.

I admired her because I think she did what many people could not and do her best to try and get Jason the help she thought he so desperately needed and because ultimately I think she was fighting for something worth exploring and that is the idea of proper counselling and therapy for inmates who may have sexual disorders such as was theorised about Jason. Shannon is right on one level – throwing a lot of criminals into jail works in so far as they are off the street but often it does absolutely nothing to address their behaviour. But I felt that she failed to understand that not everyone could be or would be sympathetic to Jason and that was something that made her seem very self-righteous and selfish, like her reaction was the only correct one and there was something wrong with anyone who reacted differently.

Through The Glass is certainly an interesting story and one that I feel raises many questions. It’d be a great book club book because there’s simply so much to discuss and debate over and I’m sure there’d be a lot of opinions on various topics raised throughout the story. The theme of forgiveness and understanding is very strong throughout this book and that may put some people off who simply cannot accept the idea of forgiving someone so unabashedly guilty of such a crime. But this book does have a very pointed and strong look at the justice system that will strike a chord with many people.(less)

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Aug 16, 2011 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-memoir

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book and was humbled by Shannon's capacity for forgiveness. Her life was torn upside down by the actions of her new husband yet she somehow continued to keep her head held high and create a new and inspiring life for herself. She credits her "Golden Circle" for helping her through this tragic, shattering situation and it is obvious that her family and friends in this group lifted her up..just as she lifted her husband Jason up in so many ways....more

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Feb 29, 2012 Kirsty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-fun

WOW! I would not have chosen this book for myself at all, the little blurb on the cover caught my interest, but not really enough to try it. My Brother-in-Law recommended it, and had a copy on him at the time so I read the first chapter, and decided I had to give it a go.

I learned a lot reading this book, about the criminal justice system etc, which I have never been exposed to before, which I found interesting. I have never thought about the offender's family before when you hear about crimes o...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Suzanne Donald rated it 5 of 5 stars

“Lock them up and throw away the key”. This draconian attitude for the perpetrators of crimes is the understandable reaction to the huge global increase in horrendous violent offending. Shannon Moroney in ‘Through the Glass’ (2011) gives those of us that have ever held this thought a chance to look deeper and, maybe, form another opinion. Moroney, while not condoning the actions of Jason―the man she was married to―searched for understanding of why and how this man she had loved could have commit...more “Lock them up and throw away the key”. This draconian attitude for the perpetrators of crimes is the understandable reaction to the huge global increase in horrendous violent offending. Shannon Moroney in ‘Through the Glass’ (2011) gives those of us that have ever held this thought a chance to look deeper and, maybe, form another opinion. Moroney, while not condoning the actions of Jason―the man she was married to―searched for understanding of why and how this man she had loved could have committed the horrendous crime he did makes for compelling reading. Her compassion and love, as she searched for answers, resonated with me. But then I thought: am I evolved enough to feel this compassionate love for a stranger whom I’d no personal feelings of love for? I don’t think I am that evolved yet!

The other aspect of this book that gave me new understanding, was the experiences Moroney went through as an innocent victim of this crime: some friends ignoring her; long-term work-place associates not wanting to employ or talk to her; police interrogations that appeared to see her as an accomplice. This is another big issue that Moroney fully covers in ‘Through the Glass’. It took her several years to come to terms with it all, but―out of darkness comes light―“after personally discovering the lack of help available for family of criminals, she became a restorative justice advocate who speaks internationally of the ripple effect of crime”.

Interestingly, while reading this book I also had a copy of a new release ‘Shaking Hands with Love’ by the New Zealand medium Gina Ravenswood. Here I discovered that those that commit horrendous crimes are not linked to their soul. And what stops that connection? It’s the emotional body that surrounds and protects the soul: the hurts, pains and experiences that need to be released before their soul, their ‘true self’―that Moroney’s sixth sense knew existed within all people―could express. When Moroney digs deep, while visiting Jason who’s serving a lengthy sentence, for the first time he eventually releases his inner secrets of shocking, horrific childhood experiences.

This is a book I think all those involved in the justice system, whatever country they reside in, should read. With some cases “throwing away the key” is the answer to protect society. But a need for a more holistic approach, and research into new ways of restorative healing is self-evident after reading ‘Through the Glass’.

I highly recommend it.
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Dec 17, 2012 Anne rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was difficult to read and rate ...On the one hand, there is the compelling story of a young woman who finds herself an indirect victim of her husband's crimes and abandoned by a system that assumes that she is also responsible somehow for the crimes. And on the other hand, there is the crazy love story of a young woman who remains very much in love with that criminal and tries her best to defend/explain his acts. She keeps on saying how sorry she is for the victims but this does not show in...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Val Walton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

I liked the way the book drew attention to the hugh gaps in our criminal justice system which seemed to leave inmates without much help. I liked the way she has opened my eyes to the restorative justice program and the fact that I unconsciously judged the family of criminals.

I didn't like her reference to the golden circle and excluding friends for trying to keep confidential the names of the victims. There seemed to be a bit more sympathy for herself than for them. She seemed a bit arrogant.

I l...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a frightening and honest testimony to the anguish of the family members of a criminal and to the victims of crime. The book goes on to examine the many aspects of the victims. The consequences that Shannon experienced as the result of her husband´s crimes made her a pariah in the community where she lived and worked. She was a victim too but that fact did not get recognition on so many facets. The book takes an uncomfortable look at the lack of resources and knowledge to examine the ment...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Lynne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bookclub-reads

This memoir was not only well written, it was written in such an honest way. Shallon Moroney was able to respectfully represent victims who were affected by her husband's crime - including herself and her family. She didn't shy away from what Jason did, she didn't excuse his behaviour, but she did highlight the impact from the offenders families point of view: she highlighted how difficult it was for her, since she too was a victim.

At the end of the day though, it was the story of a victim and w...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am glad Shannon Moroney's life experiences had provided her with opportunity to give her life meaning and purpose through advocacy. However I believe Shannon was naive to fall blindly into love with a murderer and expect a happily ever after. There are many troubling comments in her book pertaining to forgiveness and lack of rights for criminals who have commited disgusting violent crimes. I agree, she did not commit the crime but I was shocked to read how upset she was when she was relocated...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Maxine McLister rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just one month after her wedding, Sharon Moroney's life came crashing down. While at an out-of-town conference, police arrived to inform her that her husband, Jason, had been arrested and charged with the kidnapping and brutal sexual assault of two women. This is the story of her life in the aftermath of Jason's crimes.

Despite her own innocence, Shannon lost her job, many of her friends, and may have had a miscarriage. She would learn that she and many of her family and friends had been victims...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Dianne Kaucharik rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: drugs-crime

In this candid and well written memoir, Moroney shares her experiences with the justice system, family, friends, her employer, community and, moreover, her newlywed husband who committed violent, sexual crimes one month after their marriage. Moroney instantly grieves the loss of the spouse she thought she knew and the dreams she had for their future together. She is "victimized" too by her husband's crimes and suffers several, significant losses, yet is unrecognized in terms of victim support se...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Kris rated it 5 of 5 stars

This booked stunned me; I could not put it down. Shannon Moroney did an amazing job informing the reader about what happened to her and her family in the aftermath of her husband's crime. As a reader I experienced anger, disbelief, frustration, and disgust about the situation Shannon found herself in, but I also experienced wonder at people's ability to forgive and give of themselves. Moroney managed to convey how someone can hate the crime that has been committed by a loved one but still love t...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational

I had to take my time reading this novel, and I frequently had to put it aside because of the vivid and emotional journey, and the close proximity of several of the locations mentioned.

This is an incredible book. These pages are full of so much strength and emotion. To be able to share all of this with so many people takes such bravery and grace, and to transform all of the pain of this journey into positive change for so many people; the victims, the families, and even perpetrators (who are gen...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Laima rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, random-house-books, canadian-authors, great-eh, cbc-books

Through The Glass by Shannon Moroney.

***I won this book from Goodreads as a First Reads giveaway***

This is a true story. Sad but true.
I found this book an eye opener regarding mental health, the prison system, courtrooms and rehabilitation.

Shannon Moroney met her future husband, Jason Staples, while he was working as a cook at a soup kitchen in Kingston, Ontario (hometown of Kingston Penitentiary). Shannon had taken a group of kids there for a field trip. Jason was very charming and they were im...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Zara rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoirs, own, review-list

Through the Glass by Shannon Moroney is a revealing memoir about Moroney’s therapeutic process and how she copes with the after-effects of her discovery that the man she loved and married had unexpectedly recommitted horrific and violent crimes in the form of kidnapping and the raping of two women.

The narrative is written in first person by the author who divulges in detail the careful history in which she thoughtfully considered her relationship with Jason Staples after learning he was previous...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Adriane rated it 4 of 5 stars

A really intriguing look into the tragic turn Shannon's life took one month into her marriage, when her husband committed a very violent crime. It took me a few chapters to really start to absorb what it must have been like for her, and made me think an awful lot about my own character - how I would I react if something like this happened to me? Or to someone I knew? It took a lot of strength for Shannon to come out better on the other side of this, and to share her story with the public.

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Nov 08, 2012 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir-biography

I have such a difficult time reviewing memoirs... I even took a couple of days after finishing this book trying to figure out what I wanted to say about it... In the end, I read some other reviews and want to point you to theirs because they say how I feel about the book especially in terms of 1) Moroney's consistent mentioning of "losing her baby" (when it only seemed to me that her cycle was merely a couple of days late); 2) her need to know the names of the victims; 3) the book as a positive...more

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Nov 01, 2012 Jean Godwin Carroll rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: family-drama, non-fiction, memoirs

A fascinating account of a woman who, a month after she is married, gets a phone call that her husband has kidnapped and brutally raped two women. I believe that many people will have a hard time agreeing with her decision to "hate the crime, love the person", as she continues to love and support her husband even as he is convicted and given Canada's most servere designation as a "Dangerous Offender". She went on to form the Forgiveness Project, which seeks to attain "restorative justice" for of...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Jillian Lewis-rath rated it 1 of 5 stars

One woman who puts her pain and suffering above every one else's. She marries a man who has murdered before but she's surprised when he commits another violent crime. With complete disregard for the rape victims privacy she goes on a journey for closure. I can understand how she would want closure but she is such a self centered ego centric it's sickening. Btw, getting your period after being a couple of days late doesn't mean you lost a baby which she keeps bringing up.

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Jan 14, 2013 Sallie Des Biens rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wish the author had focused more on the broken prison system instead of lamenting her "victimization". I believe she was genuinely concerned about the women her husband savagely assaulted, but to put herself in the same category did not resonate with me. She knowingly married a murderer. She chose to marry him anyway. The women who were brutalized had NO choices. All in all, this book left a bad taste in my mouth.

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“A friend once told me that she understood pity as 'I'm sorry for you', whereas compassion is 'I feel your pain because I see that you could be me and I could be you'.” — 7 people liked it

“I was realizing that forgiveness was a decision I would have to revisit over and over. It was turning out to be a process, not a single act. Forgiveness neither erased nor diminished the magnitude of Jason's violence and its continuing ripple-effect. It didn't take away the anger, frustration or loss I felt about what he'd done, and it couldn't bring back the life I'd had with him. What forgiveness did do was remind me that there was a human being behind the violence, and that his heinous acts did not represent the sum of who he was. Forgiveness gave me the permission to see and know both aspects of Jason, to be enormously angry and pained by his violent acts, but also to let go of that anguish before it took complete control over my mind and heart. Forgiveness stopped rage from becoming resentment, and it released me from having every aspect of my character and the life I still had ahead from being bound to Jason's violence. Forgiveness put my life back into my own hands.” — 5 people liked it

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