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18th out of 203 books
—
66 voters
Little Madhouse on the Prairie: A True-Life Story of Overcoming Abuse and Healing the Spirit
by
Marion Elizabeth Witte (Goodreads Author)
Marion Witte was raised in a little house on the prairie, but her childhood was nothing like the idyllic version of childhood made famous by Laura Ingalls.
Witte's story has its roots in immigrant grandparents who struggle to make a living on the harsh Midwestern plains. Unbelievable hardship, alcoholism, abuse and abandonment were the norm during her youth. Witte endured p...more
Witte's story has its roots in immigrant grandparents who struggle to make a living on the harsh Midwestern plains. Unbelievable hardship, alcoholism, abuse and abandonment were the norm during her youth. Witte endured p...more
Paperback, 240 pages
Published
April 1st 2012
by Wise Owl Publishing, Inc.
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Honest and inspirational,"Little Madhouse on the Prairie" chronicles Marion Witte's triumph over an abusive childhood. Written in a straight-forward and engaging style, the book begins by Marion poignantly recalling the double-tragedy that took place while she was growing up. Not only did she suffer unspeakable abuse by family and friends of family, but she also suffered tragic neglect from those who knew about it and were supposed to protect her, but did nothing to stop it. It is hard to imagin...more
It is my true wish that everyone read this book, and recognize the power of acknowledgement and forgiveness - not that we have to forget or condone actions of our families - but recognizing we have a choice to take responsibility for our present life. Marion's book is a must read as a way to understand how families' behaviors overtly and subtlety affect children for the rest of their lives, and how the power of facing the lions and tigers and bears can bring us to a place of acceptance, self-lov...more
I won this book from a Goodreads contest. It's a great book that I believe anyone that has suffered or is suffering from abuse (no matter the age) should read. I believe it really does show the strength of the human spirit and shows that no matter what horrible things you may have gone through in your life, there is light at the end of that dark tunnel and you can overcome anything.
I was deeply moved by this book and could relate to many of the author's stories. I understand all too well how we can carry a painful experience into our adult life, and this book helped me recognize the importance of facing those dark memories, however distant and scary. I have read many books on the subject, penned by doctors and therapists, but this was the first that spoke from the victim’s point of view.
I like the fact that only a portion of the book was spent covering the actual abuse, an...more
I like the fact that only a portion of the book was spent covering the actual abuse, an...more
I am a member of a small book club in Los Angeles. Each of our members takes a turn picking out the next book we will read. Some pick current best-sellers, some pick old classics, and some relatively unknown books.
A friend recommended Little Madhouse on the Prairie as my selection, and I picked it for several reasons:
-We had just finished a book by a big name author, and I wanted to compare that type of read to a book by a new author
-The subject material of the book was intriguing to me
-The boo...more
A friend recommended Little Madhouse on the Prairie as my selection, and I picked it for several reasons:
-We had just finished a book by a big name author, and I wanted to compare that type of read to a book by a new author
-The subject material of the book was intriguing to me
-The boo...more
I feel compelled to share my views on Marion Witte's book, Little Madhouse on the Prairie. For any child, living within a dysfunctional and abusive family is never a choice, it's their misfortune. The choice, however, to not only move beyond a horrific childhood, but to change one's destiny shows not only the power of optimism, but courage and strength of heart.
I was blessed as a child to be raised within a family where evident love and support was a way of life. I never experienced any manner...more
I was blessed as a child to be raised within a family where evident love and support was a way of life. I never experienced any manner...more
As someone who understands about abuse and the effect it can have on your life, I have to say I loved this book. Not in the way you love a romance novel or a mystery story, but in the way you love a book that is open, honest and authentic. I struggle with the idea of forgiveness, and have not been sure that I could ever reach that point in my life. This book helped me to see that not only is it possible to forgive someone else, it is possible to forgive yourself. My deepest thanks to the author...more
The true life story of Marion Elizabeth Witte, Little Madhouse on the Prairie, is an incredibly informative and eye opening book. Ms. Witte writes openly and truthfully about her abuse-ridden childhood. Her story about unbelievable trials and circumstances is so personal and contains such raw and real emotions that it is impossible to not be moved by it. Reading this book has really opened my eyes to what the life of one who is abused is like. Things that I would have never imagined or expected...more
It may be a blessing that not everyone relates to this book. Fortunately, most people have not endured the type of life that the author describes. On the other hand, if you are one of the millions of children who lived through a difficult childhood, this book may be just what you need to bring some peace to your life. I was lucky to have been raised in a loving, caring household, yet there are other people in my life that were not so fortunate, and I have recommended this book to them. I enjoyed...more
I was very interested and intrigued when I heard about this book, Little Madhouse on the Prairie: A True-Life Story of Overcoming Abuse and Healing the Spirit. As I started to read the book, I remembered that I had heard snippets of information about this author over the years. I had not really thought too much about them at that time - until I read this book.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I read Marion Witte's insights into the abuse she suffered in her early life. It is really no...more
The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I read Marion Witte's insights into the abuse she suffered in her early life. It is really no...more
Marion Witte is an inspiration and a role model for those in recovery from all forms of abuse. She has in fact paved the way for a new paradigm of healing from abuse. Her book reveals with great insight the loss of childhood that occurs when a parent, who is abusive and cruel, withholds the love and acceptance that a child so desperately needs and longs for. In her humble and powerful way, Marion transformed her life by telling her truth with courageous honesty,risking adversity and rejection b...more
The true life story of Marion Elizabeth Witte, Little Madhouse on the Prairie is an incredibly informative and eye opening book. In this book, Marion Witte writes openly and truthfully about her abuse-ridden childhood. Her story about unbelievable trials and circumstances is so personal and contains such raw and real emotions that it is impossible to not be moved by it. Reading this book has really opened my eyes to what the life of one who is abused is like. Things that I would have never imagi...more
Thank you Marion for such a strikingly similiar story to my own. The book was so familiar that I read into the wee hours. I simply could not put it down. It seemed to peer into the fiber of my being with an understanding of my personal childhood experiences.
The alcoholic dad, the abusive mother, family characteristics passed down through generations are very real. I can relate to the feeling of being all alone and inferior; the supressed anger emerging at inopportune times was the story of my li...more
The alcoholic dad, the abusive mother, family characteristics passed down through generations are very real. I can relate to the feeling of being all alone and inferior; the supressed anger emerging at inopportune times was the story of my li...more
This is a true story, Marion Witte’s story. She goes into intimate detail to explain how things came to be the way they were. She is very sensitive and even understanding of what her family was like and who they were. Marion offers acceptance and respect to the people that were her grandparents and parents, in spite of things not being “right”. I found this to be a great statement about healing and the person that Marion Witte has become.
Marion chooses to focus on the journey of overcoming abuse...more
Marion chooses to focus on the journey of overcoming abuse...more
12 likes · like · see review
I Was Drawn Into This Book!
It took a lot of courage for me to pick up the book and begin to read "Little Madhouse on the Prairie." I was afraid I would have nightmares, or it would feel like getting a tooth drilled without Novocain. I thought the subject of child abuse would be too painful. Yet I was surprised to find myself drawn into the scenes in the book with a fascination and interest in exploring just how resilient the spirit can be. I was inspired to know that one can survive that much d...more
It took a lot of courage for me to pick up the book and begin to read "Little Madhouse on the Prairie." I was afraid I would have nightmares, or it would feel like getting a tooth drilled without Novocain. I thought the subject of child abuse would be too painful. Yet I was surprised to find myself drawn into the scenes in the book with a fascination and interest in exploring just how resilient the spirit can be. I was inspired to know that one can survive that much d...more
GIVES A VOICE TO THE SILENCE OF THOSE WHO ARE WOUNDED
I was moved on so many levels by this story, and the commitment to carry the exploration through to the point of loving your inner child, and claiming your inheritance. I found myself understanding my parents on new levels, feeling their suffering, releasing them from old grudges, and affirming myself in my own commitment to fulfilling my desires to create and love more freely. Not only for myself, but also to create a new legacy in the family...more
I was moved on so many levels by this story, and the commitment to carry the exploration through to the point of loving your inner child, and claiming your inheritance. I found myself understanding my parents on new levels, feeling their suffering, releasing them from old grudges, and affirming myself in my own commitment to fulfilling my desires to create and love more freely. Not only for myself, but also to create a new legacy in the family...more
I am not a big reader and I must admit I had your book for about two weeks before I actually picked it up and read it. I have heard you speak on about three or four different occasions. When I finally picked up your book, I couldn’t put it down. At times it brought tears to my eyes. I felt like I was there with you. I could relate to much of it. The emotional abuse,the family looking good on the outside to others, the brother who tormented you, babysitting, staying busy so you wouldn’t have to g...more
I was given Little Madhouse on the Prairie some weeks back. After reading it, I was moved to comment on it, in hopes that it will wind up in the hands of those who can benefit from its message.
Marion Witte’s story is every child’s worst nightmare. The fact that she endured the physical and emotional scares of her childhood is incredible. But, even more incredible, is her intense desire to prevent or help others who might be suffering as she did. This is truly a case of realizing the blessing th...more
Marion Witte’s story is every child’s worst nightmare. The fact that she endured the physical and emotional scares of her childhood is incredible. But, even more incredible, is her intense desire to prevent or help others who might be suffering as she did. This is truly a case of realizing the blessing th...more
Ms. Witte is one of the most amazing human beings I have met to date. She is a wonderful mother, child advocate, writer, business woman, and God Send. She is also an entrepreneur and speaker. In my opinion, she is a true teacher and angel. It is such a brave thing to uncover such a taboo topic such as child abuse and speak for so many individuals who are still suffering and lost in their past.
This book is really for anyone and everyone. It may appear at first to be written for the child abused...more
This book is really for anyone and everyone. It may appear at first to be written for the child abused...more
Little Madhouse chronicles the life of the author. Most of this memoir is spent reviewing recollections of the abuse Marion sustained while growing up on a small farm in North Dakota. It is heart-wrenching. The book helped me to realize how thankful I am for growing up in a loving and supportive household. As a father to a wonderful daughter, it broke my heart to think that anyone could treat their daughter the way Marion was treated.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style. She captivat...more
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style. She captivat...more
Witte’s own story, Little Madhouse on the Prairie: A True-Life Story of Overcoming Abuse and Healing the Spirit (Angel Heart Publishing 2010), has its roots in immigrant grandparents who struggled to make a living on the harsh Midwestern plains. Unbelievable hardship resulted in alcoholism and violence, passed on to Witte by her mother’s wrath. “The publication of my memoir is part of the first phase of my goal—awareness.”
The crux of her story maintains that once the actual physical abuse stops,...more
The crux of her story maintains that once the actual physical abuse stops,...more
A simply straightforward story of a real woman's life, written with a kind of honesty that is enchanting and brave. It's the real life of one valiant woman, yet on a deeper level it is the story of so many women, and one of archetypal proportion. Ms. Witte is a kind of Pied Piper for women and children, so many of whom have suffered and stayed silent, entreating us to come forward into the light and follow her example. This is the kind of book that comes back to you over and over long after you'...more
It's hard to say that you enjoy a book that deals with a serious topic such as child abuse. But, I definately had a soft spot for this engaging read. You can't help but think back to your own childhood while reading the account of hers. This book deals with subject matter that touches every human emotion and takes you all the way through the darkness to the author's ultimate redemption and forgiveness. Forgiveness not only of those responsible for her abuse, but for herself as well. The truths s...more
A book that tells the story of so many!
Little Madhouse on the Prairie is the true life story of Marion Witte's life on a rural farm, from childhood on. Marion shares her experiences as a child, her raw emotional reactions, and her determination to get out and live her life differently. However leaving the farm wasn't as easy as a geographical move. The emotional baggage from her childhood moved with her.
Marion's story is a journey out of the damaging wreckage of an abusive beginning. She candid...more
Little Madhouse on the Prairie is the true life story of Marion Witte's life on a rural farm, from childhood on. Marion shares her experiences as a child, her raw emotional reactions, and her determination to get out and live her life differently. However leaving the farm wasn't as easy as a geographical move. The emotional baggage from her childhood moved with her.
Marion's story is a journey out of the damaging wreckage of an abusive beginning. She candid...more
It's hard to say that you enjoy a book that deals with serious topics such as child abuse. But, I definately had a soft spot for this engaging read. You can't help but think back to your childhood while reading the account of her own. This book deals with subject matter that touches every human emotion and takes you all the way through the darkness to the authors ultimate redemption and forgiveness. Forgiveness not only of those responsible for her abuse but for herself as well. The truths she s...more
I loved reading this book. I didn't want to put it down. But if I had to put it down I was excited to pick it back up to get the stories of her childhood. I think child abuse was so much easier to get away with then because it wasn't paid attention to as so much as it is now. Reading this book had me remembering my childhood and how I can relate to alot of things you experienced. I learned to love my child more and more as he grows up, and try to pay attention to all the little things that are...more
I won this book through one of Goodreads contests. I received it Thursday afternoon and finished it late that night. It was at times heartbreaking since it deals with childhood abuse. Thankfully, it doesn't go into great detail with the abuse but you can really feel the emotion as the author is talking about it. If you have a history of childhood abuse (which I do not), you should definitely read this book. The years of therapy she goes through and the different types of therapy she chose were v...more
10 likes · like · see review
A BOOK THAT ENGENDERS HOPE
In Little Madhouse on the Prairie, Marion describes the abuse she suffered as a child and the actions she took to recover from the abuse. As a therapist, I am struck with her progression from being a victim to personal empowerment. That came with the commitment to heal herself, not merely to survive the abuse, but to thrive. Her journey through various modes of healing will be valuable to others who have not yet made this journey. In the final section, Lessons I have Le...more
In Little Madhouse on the Prairie, Marion describes the abuse she suffered as a child and the actions she took to recover from the abuse. As a therapist, I am struck with her progression from being a victim to personal empowerment. That came with the commitment to heal herself, not merely to survive the abuse, but to thrive. Her journey through various modes of healing will be valuable to others who have not yet made this journey. In the final section, Lessons I have Le...more
A first reads goodreads win- signed by the author!
A well, written touching memoir. The first part of the book is told in short story form as Ms. Witte shares memories from her childhood and the abuse she suffered. I can only imagine that these are only some of the many memories she has of the physical and emotional abuse. She also chronicles how she dealt with the abuse in her adult years- though she was not ready to face this challenge until in her 40's. I'm glad she had some examples of good...more
A well, written touching memoir. The first part of the book is told in short story form as Ms. Witte shares memories from her childhood and the abuse she suffered. I can only imagine that these are only some of the many memories she has of the physical and emotional abuse. She also chronicles how she dealt with the abuse in her adult years- though she was not ready to face this challenge until in her 40's. I'm glad she had some examples of good...more
11 likes · like · see review
This is my fourth goodreads giveaway win. I think this is the first time I have to say that I can unfortunately relate to the author a little bit. I say unfortunate because this is a true story of childhood abuse. I never had it as bad as Marion, but I can honestly say that I was abused. My mom took discipline to the extreme and there were times when she would smack me just for looking at her in the "wrong" way. In reading this book, I was reminded of those dark times, and glad that I have heale...more
11 likes · like · see review
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Madhouse on the Prairie - Current Family Relationships | 2 | 7 | Jan 21, 2011 11:09am | |
| Little Madhouse on the Prairie - Who is The Audience? | 4 | 11 | Jan 21, 2011 11:00am |
Marion Witte is an author, public speaker, and Certified Public Accountant, with a life-long career of managing and owning business ventures.
She founded and manages the Angel Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to supporting positive parenting and youth empowerment. She is the Editor in Chief of the Next Generation Parenting and Brave New Leaders websites. Ms. Witte’s memoir - Lit...more
More about Marion Elizabeth Witte...
She founded and manages the Angel Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to supporting positive parenting and youth empowerment. She is the Editor in Chief of the Next Generation Parenting and Brave New Leaders websites. Ms. Witte’s memoir - Lit...more
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“The past always comes knocking, and sometimes it doesn't call first.”
—
6 people liked it
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Oct 08, 2010 01:54am