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Stand

by Debbie Williamson (Goodreads Author)

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 · rating details · 61 ratings · 49 reviews

One courageous woman shatters the chains of abuse that bound her family for generations and dares to brave the crippling memories of sexual abuse; shatter the illusions of denial; reveal her family s bitter legacy of violence; reach for healing and wholeness, and take her place on a path to forgiveness and peace. Replacing shame with hope, fear with truth, and shadows with...more

Paperback, 168 pages

Published January 8th 2008 by Souper Publishing (first published 2008)

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Nov 03, 2010 Aik Chien 인첸 rated it 5 of 5 stars

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. But the first chapter already made me so sad and angry of what was happening to a nine-year-old Debbie. Her uncle raped her. And she was helpless, afraid and unable to do anything. If possible, I would jump into the book, slap her uncle, command him to stop his sinful act and save Debbie from the suffering, pain and hurt which accompanied her for a very long time. I was even heartbroken when I learned about Debbie's mother, who was a...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, first-reads

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. I was hesistant to read this book, and for good reason -- this is very tough subject matter. The author is incredibly brave for sharing her story. I especially admired her strength in forgiving those who perpetuated the cycle of abuse that affected her life. At the same time, she does not shy away from accepting responsibility from what occurred within her own household (as an adult), and it is admirable that she has rebuilt her relationship wit...more

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May 17, 2010 Monika rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People needing to take a Stand against abuse/past

Shelves: bedside-table

Wow, last night I finished this book... in tears. From the start to the end I cried along the way, I cried for the pain that the women in the book suffered. Some suffering that was caused with purpose and some that was as a result of that pain.

I definitely didn't feel like an outsider peering in a window just being nosey, but for me with similar past issues (which still bother my today) I felt as though Debbie was writing to reach out to me. She was telling me that I too can overcome the past th...more

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Apr 09, 2010 Tobyann Aparisi rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all of those who need hope

Recommended to Tobyann by: Debbie the author and beautiful angel

I got this book from the first reads, I signed up for it because it kind of sounded like my life and something I might need to help me understand my own decisions in my life. I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down. It has so many truths and such heart and soul. It was uplifting and reminded me not to give up on my dreams. Anyone who has been through an abusive life should read this book, should hear this story and the story of the family members before. Then rejoice when you too c...more

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May 13, 2010 Simmonsmry rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised to have this book arrive in the mail after winning the GoodReads giveaway. It is an intense memoir about the cycle of abuse in the author's family. Not shying away from the horrific incidents of sexual abuse that were perpetrated against both her and her mother when they were children, Debbie Williamson describes how she was haunted by these events and pshychologically traumatized. She conveys that her own healing was integral to helping her own children and grandchild...more

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Apr 03, 2010 Kayleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

This book is so great and powerful that I would like to share the first page with everyone.

1
Stolen Innocence
1965

Courage takes many forms. There is physical courage, there is moral courage. Then there is still a higher courage-the courage to brave pain, to live with it, to never let others know of it, and to still find joy in life; to wake up in the morning with an enthusiasm for the day ahead.
- Howard Cosell.

My sister, my cousin and I spent a hot summer day in the pool and were spending the nigh...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Debbie Williamson added it · (Review from the author)

This is my book!

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Jul 09, 2010 Bookventures Book Club rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. For some reason, I had some difficulty putting this review together. Maybe it’s because this story has no characters that you can like or dislike or a plot that you can pick apart. You’re peeking into someone’s life and this someone just happen to have been a victim of sexual abuse. Debbie Williamson’s story is heart wrenching but yet carries a power message; you have to take a stand against abuse in order to break the cycle reclaim your life.

Debbie narrates the story as she takes you through th...more For some reason, I had some difficulty putting this review together. Maybe it’s because this story has no characters that you can like or dislike or a plot that you can pick apart. You’re peeking into someone’s life and this someone just happen to have been a victim of sexual abuse. Debbie Williamson’s story is heart wrenching but yet carries a power message; you have to take a stand against abuse in order to break the cycle reclaim your life.

Debbie narrates the story as she takes you through the generation of abuse that engulfed the women and men in her family. Saying that his book is emotionally charged is an understatement. The author really makes you feel the anger, confusion, sadness and relief in the same waves that she experienced them and it’s unclear as to whether it’s the writing that helps you to feel this way or the fact that you can empathize with Debbie and what she went through. Another compelling force in the book are the photos of Debbie’s family. They really help to bring the story close to home for the readers simply because there are times when reading this book, you think to yourself “I can’t believe that this actually happened”. Additionally, the title of the book is also quite fitting since Debbie’s story is also a clear testimony to the notion that abuse in whatever form is cyclic and you can either sit by and have the cycle repeat itself or you can take a stand.

Aside from the obvious theme I also found spirituality being significant throughout the book. Debbie constantly makes reference to diary entries where she talks to God. She also credits her spiritual breakthrough and messages from the ‘other side’ for helping her get through her most difficult times.

Though much of the book is heavy and raw, there is a silver lining and Debbie gets her happily ever after. The book serves as an inspiration for women who are currently in abusive relationships, giving them hope that they too can make it out and rebuild their lives. I am definitely going to pass this on to my girlfriends.(less)

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Jun 28, 2010 the little reader rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, read-in-2010, non-fiction

let me first start by getting this out of the way – i was sexually abused when i was 3 or 4 years old. it impacted me deeply and though i consider myself lucky to have come out relatively unscathed, it is a truth of my past. this book is a look at the shame and struggles that are experienced following sexual abuse.

i read this in one sitting, with the book in one hand and a box of tissues in the other. Stand was raw and powerful and gut wrenching, but it was an absolutely amazing experience that...more let me first start by getting this out of the way – i was sexually abused when i was 3 or 4 years old. it impacted me deeply and though i consider myself lucky to have come out relatively unscathed, it is a truth of my past. this book is a look at the shame and struggles that are experienced following sexual abuse.

i read this in one sitting, with the book in one hand and a box of tissues in the other. Stand was raw and powerful and gut wrenching, but it was an absolutely amazing experience that i am honored to have shared with the author.

Hi, my name’s Debbie. I am a whore. I am a slut. I have had so many affairs. I’ve cheated on my husband for years. I am a liar. I’m not worthy of anything. I’m not trustworthy; you can’t trust me. This is who I am.

with this proclamation, Debbie claims her failure, taking responsibility for her life, and attempts to break the cycle of abuse that was set in motion decades before. at the age of 9, Williamson was raped by her 22 year old uncle and, years later, in the midst of her own failed marriage and recklessness, she attempts to regain control of her life and stop the cycle of abuse and neglect that she has plagued her family for so long.

Stand chronicles three generations of abuse in Williamson’s family, both physical and emotional, that had run so deep. domestic abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, alcoholism and neglect – it was all present in varying levels. her grandmother Bessie, after being widowed, remarried an abusive man who ruled the house with a firm hand, trickling down physical and sexual abuse to the children, and even among siblings. Lois, Williamson’s mother continued the pattern of abuse by neglecting her children and cheating on her own husband rather publicly. Debbie found herself in a place of self loathing when she woke up one day and realized that she had become just like her mother, cheating, drinking and neglecting her own children.

the writing is stark and painful to read, loud and honest with the long lasting pain of abuse, and yet the overlaying message is that of hope. Williamson takes hold of her life and shakes out all of the skeletons and i can only imagine the courage that it must have taken to write this book. it is an unfortunate truth that so many children face the same sad situations and come away so damaged that the pattern of abuse is only repeated generation after generation, but Williamson’s testimony is a glimmer of hope that shouldn’t be ignored.

i would absolutely recommend this for anyone that has been abused or knows anyone affected by abuse, in any way. it is not a book that i can say was enjoyable or good (that just doesn’t seem right), but i can’t say enough how much i appreciated it.(less)

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May 22, 2011 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won this book through Goodreads. It is signed by the author, & I love that. This isn't a book that I would normally have chosen for myself, so I am grateful to have won it. I enjoyed it a great deal. The author's story was not one I could relate to for the most part. Her description of her mother's childhood & her own were detailed, but not overly graphic. They were so well written, empathy came naturally.
I teach young children, & I related to & found much of the childhood expe...more

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Jul 06, 2010 Mona rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Victims of abuse and their dear ones

Shelves: first-reads, domestic-violence

This is a very raw, harrowing, and personal memoir made even more so by the inclusion of family photos. Ms. Williamson writes in a very readable,conversational style. I felt as if she was confiding in me.

If there is any drawback, it's the excessive emphasis on the spiritual. I found my mind wandering during those parts. I had the same issue when I read Alice Sebold's THE LOVELY BONES.I did like the parts where she mentions her journal and talking to God.

I always like it when authors use quotatio...more

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Nov 06, 2010 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, memoirs-bio

Stand by Debbie Williamson is a sensitive and detailed telling of her life as a sexually abused 9 year old to her final resolution with her abuser, her uncle. This book portrays and hurt and anger and self hatred that resulted from her horrible experience. The book tells not just of her early experience but of her mother’s abuse from her step father Debbie was sexually abused by her uncle. Both them were threatened by their abusers that if they told. It is amazing that with their experiences tha...more

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May 15, 2009 Eva Leger rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: people who read abuse memoirs & open minded people,

Recommended to Eva by: Love

Shelves: b-abuse-recovery, b-non-fiction

Wow- I'm still a little in shock here. I'm always a little anxious when I read a book by an author I don't know. Especially an author I meet on-line, on a site like this, etc. Let's just say I was anxious for no reason with this one.
While reading it questions kept popping into my head, stuff I just knew I was going to have to ask Mrs. Williamson, to pick her brain a little. Then the question would be answered within a page or two. I think that happens a half a dozen times. It was so nice not to...more Wow- I'm still a little in shock here. I'm always a little anxious when I read a book by an author I don't know. Especially an author I meet on-line, on a site like this, etc. Let's just say I was anxious for no reason with this one.
While reading it questions kept popping into my head, stuff I just knew I was going to have to ask Mrs. Williamson, to pick her brain a little. Then the question would be answered within a page or two. I think that happens a half a dozen times. It was so nice not to be left with these questions you're just wanting to know so bad about.
Mrs. Williamson is a very, very strong person and she has a beautiful family, which she shows to us all throughout this book. (A little side note- there are pictures throughout the book- not too many, just enought to get a feel for each person and just enough to let you be able to really picture the person during a certain situation- I loved that.)
I'm not as open minded as Mrs. Williamson is. I could tell that pretty quickly. I kind of wish I was. I'm very skeptical when someone tells me they had an out of body experience or that they were visited from the other side. Maybe it's because it's never happened to me but that's just the way I am. So, the parts where the author mentioned her deceased father coming to her and actually speaking to her were difficult for me. I just don't see it. On the other hand, I hope to God it really happened- because then maybe someday, before I die, I'll be a little more reassured about the after-life. I'm working on faith alone right now and a little reassurance wouldn't hurt.
Near the end of the book the author mentioned the 'gift' being passed onto her daughter- this was tough to swallow for me to. I hope to have one (or more) conversations with Mrs. Williamson about the whole thing. I'm interested in hearing more and who knows- maybe she'll make a believer out of me. :)
That's about the only thing that made the book a little harder for me. I have a lot of praise for how she handled the religious aspect of the book. There are many people, me being one of them who DO NOT like being preached to- I never felt that with this. The author talked about her ralationship with God, her faith yet she didn't harp on it, she said what needed to be said and left it alone. She didn't come across as snooty or snobby, as her faith is better because of this or that, she didn't act like people should follow her lead and follow her to wherever religon-wise- this went very far with me and I know it will with others too.

Okay- the book tells about Debbie Williamson's life- it wasn't an easy one and she worked HARD to get through her problems. That deserves something there with so many people laying the blame for their own faults on someone else in these times. It was refreshing to read about someone having their faults, dealing with them in an incorrect way, realizing it, trying to fix it, and becoming a better person for it. I enjoyed learning about how the relationships between her and her family members changed and grew also- particularly her mother and kids.

I wouldn't suggest keeping this on the shelf for too long- it's one of those books where when you do finally grab it down to read you want to kick yourself for missing out for so long.
One more thing- the way Mrs. Williamson writes is fantastic! The whole story just flowed and this being a first novel- that's a pretty cool feat, especially when talking about subjects as harsh as are dealt with here. I mentioned this to a friend and I'll mention it to the author as well, but I hope she's still writing. In my opinion she could go on writing, in many more different ways.
One more thing again- I definitely think Stand can be of help to a lot of people, women specifically.
(less)

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Dec 26, 2009 Kellyreaderofbooks rated it 3 of 5 stars

Stand tells the story of the author, Debbie Williamson. Born into a dysfunctional family, she is raped by an uncle at the age of nine. While telling her own story, Mrs. Williamson also goes back and tells the story of her Grandmother and Mother, who also came from dysfunctional families.

I thought the author did a great job of showing how the cycle of abuse goes on generation after generation. It really shows that how we are treated as children can impact how we feel about ourselves as an adult.

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Jun 01, 2010 Tammie rated it 3 of 5 stars

6/1...Finished this book in one day..........and while I can feel the pain of the author coming thru the written word, I can't say I enjoyed the book. The time line was very jumpy and I constantly had to flip back thru the book to be sure I knew who I was reading about and when. Too many people and not enough information to build an understanding of the role they played in the authors life.

Wow...my summer beach book bag is going to be well stocked before Memorial Day even arrives. I will post m...more

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Dec 13, 2009 Sassy Lou rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book was so good. It had me crying, and wanting to punch someone at the same time. It was good. I have never had to deal with sexual abuse, or really any kind of abuse, but I have had my own trials. This taught me that I'm not the only one going through hard times, and it also taught me to be grateful for the family and friends that I have. I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It had a great message of courage.

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Jan 29, 2010 Kerry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-reads, biography

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 04, 2010 Lisa Jensen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received this book through GoodReads'book giveaway. Ms. Williamson's story is truly inspirational,not only for those who have suffered from abuse, but to anyone who has faced adversity. This brave woman decided to change her life for the better,to perservere and rebuild her life. She reminds us that everyone deserves to be loved and to be happy.I recommend this book to anyone who needs motivation and support to make their dreams come true.

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Apr 03, 2010 Amanda Yanez rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I won this through the GoodReads First Reads program...and absolutely loved it! I have spent several years working in social services with children who were victims of all types of abuse. So many people do not understand that parents who are abusers were often victims themselves. This book is one of the most realistic portrayals of the cycle of abuse that I have ever read!

I also want to commend the author for not only being brave enough to stop the cycle of abuse to protect her children, but als...more

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Jul 04, 2010 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I won this book and I'm so glad I did. Heartwrenching and heroic, you must read this gripping memoir detailing one womens struggle to break the cycle of abuse. I couldn't put it down, when I finished, I passed it on to my daughter who read it in one sitting.

Thank-you Debbie for sharing your intimate story.

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Apr 07, 2010 Denise Elkins rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found this book very hard to read. Not because it wasn't well written but because it was too well written. It brought back many memories of my childhood and first marriage. I couldn't put the book down. Debbie's courage comes through the pages from start to finish. For anyone who has had similar experiences this is a must read.

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Apr 15, 2009 Love rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 24, 2010 Penny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: giveaway-shelf

I work in law enforcement and, as such, witness the results of violence, abuse and neglect. I can testify that there are not many happy endings, most are mediocre at best. I mention that not to discourage others in this type of situation but rather to recognize the strength that it must have taken for Williamson to fight to change her circumstances. I feel privileged to have been able to share her story and for that I thank her. As opposed to some other books I've read, Williamson does not take...more

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Aug 03, 2010 Jennyfer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This life story truly relates how resilient the human spirit can be, no matter how much a traumatic life experience can threaten to break it. Inspires me to let go of the past, and seek a brighter future. Thank you Debbie...

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Apr 08, 2010 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, swapped-donated

A very straight-forward, touching story. The author did not dress up the writing to elicit pity or make any characters more likable/palatable. Sometimes it felt like the writing was too plain, but I appreciate it because sometimes that is how it comes out when someone is healing.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

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Apr 08, 2010 Jennifer Short rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down, and was actually crying while reading it. Debbie tells about her dysfunctional family while growing up, and then as she continues to live in a dysfunctional situation as an adult until she decides she's going to make a change, and what a change she made. This is a truly inspiring book and I woudl definately recommend it to not only surviors but anyone who would like to see the change a person can make in their life!

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Jun 19, 2010 Lynn Dove rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I was one of the winners of Stand in a goodreads giveaway.
Debbie Williamson writes a gut-wrenching memoir of a family drastically affected by a lifetime of abuse. A difficult book to read in some ways not only because it is graphic in nature, but also a little disjointed in parts, it is still a powerful book in its message. I can't say I enjoyed the book but I don't believe that was the author's intent anyway. This is not a "feel-good" book, but a book that shows the emotional rollercoaster rid...more

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May 20, 2010 Kelly Mazza rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received this book as a first reads winner & finished it in a day & a half. Debbie's story of abuse is sadly all to common these days but her story also shows it is possible to triumph over tradgedy, to break the cycle handed down from generation to generation and to start a new family tradition. Debbie shows that no matter your past you can be happy again. I have no doubt this book will help countless vicitms of abuse.

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Apr 09, 2010 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting memoir about ending the cycle of abuse and the long lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse.

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Mar 13, 2010 *•.♥.•*Sabrina Rutter*•.♥.•* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own, child-abuse, signed

This is a very moving memoir. I found myself in tears several times. I can't imagine how someone can live that many years in such a poisonous marriage and still thrive. I would have liked to hear more about her spiritual experiences but maybe later she will write a book on that. Hopefully she will go to some classes and learn how to strengthen her psychic abilities.
Debbie crammed a lot in 167 pages. It feels like this book was much longer than that. I'm glad it seemed that way becuase I normally...more

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About Debbie Williamson

Born in SLC, Utah. Raised in Southern California. Has four children and eleven grandchildren.

Married Gary Williamson October 2000.

Lives in California. Has four schnauzers, loves to travel, golf, read, garden and scrapbook.

More about Debbie Williamson...

Books by Debbie Williamson

Journals of the Big Mouth Bass, Book One: Keeping Secrets

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