Larry L. Franklin's Blog, page 4
July 12, 2022
Kirkus Review
VICTIMS MAKE THE BEST BIRDHOUSESBY LARRY L. FRANKLIN ‧ RELEASE DATE: APRIL 29, 2022
Franklin recounts his childhood abuse and his path to recovery.
Franklin, whose last book was The Black River (2020), repressed memories of his difficult youth until his mother revealed that his father never loved him. For most of his young life, Franklin says he was physically and emotionally abused; as an adult, he blocked those memories. After his mother’s admission, however, the scenes flooded back into his mind: “For the moment, I was unable to speak. My mother had rolled an emotional grenade that spun on the gray carpet stretched out across the living room floor and came to a stop at my feet. Mentally, I threw my body on top of the grenade, hoping to stop the pain that twisted and churned in my body.” Franklin’s childhood was so traumatic, it took years of therapy for him to find clarity. His recounting of his journey to mental wellbeing, and the case he builds for the efficacy of therapy, is well and candidly told. Many memoirs graphically portray trauma; but here, Franklin uses a lighter touch, alluding to rather than dwelling on the violence. Instead, he offers the emotions he felt while on his journey to healing. While Franklin’s encyclopedic, straightforward memoir moves slowly at times, the details may resonate with readers (“Even in my adult years, when I was in my thirties, I attempted to measure my level of grief. If someone I loved died, would I cry? How much sadness would I feel? Would it weigh me down? I wanted to know, so one night, I imagined that my two daughters had died”). Overall, Franklin offers an honest, diaristic report that has the potential to help those who’ve weathered similar experiences.
A frank and cathartic account—and a testimony to the benefits of psychotherapy.
July 8, 2022
Love, Dry Creek and a dog named Max
In May of 2022, my memoir — Victims Make the Best Birdhouses — was published. Hidden inside my memoir was a twelve-page “mini story” of who I’ve become. While consumed by my twenty-year journey, my “mini” story, “Love, Dry Creek & a Dog Named Max” surfaced. It felt right to include the short story under a separate cover and dedicate it to my granddaughters. Parts of “Love, Dry Creek & a Dog Named Max” are included in my memoir. The message, in its entirety, are revealed in authorllfranklin.com included under about the author.
At times, the temptation to veer from this path will be strong, and some friends may pull away. The currents of instant gratification are powerful. Although they’re nice — the expensive house, flashy cars, designer clothes, and other such yearnings — they don’t match the love found in your flower garden, dog, or best friend. Shun the ways of the noisy parrots who seemingly know what’s best. Listen to your heart and continually question yourself. When you’ve found all the answers, you’ve lost your way.
July 1, 2022
When an abused child sees an animal die, the child feels the lost.
For many abused children, the most nurturing, predictable, and unconditional experiences come from animals — dogs or cats. Children with abusive and unpredictable adults caring for then, put their hopes and dreams in relationships with nonhumans. So when they see an animal die, they actually feel the loss. But when a human dies — they may not.
Dr. Bruce D. Perry, American psychiatrist
Compassionate & Optimistic
MR — REVIEW
A very captivating story
Predators do rob birdhouses. And in this book, “Victims Make the Best Birdhouses,” Larry shares how his soul, from a mere child to late in life, was continuously under brutal attack. The nightmares and feeling he experienced for so many years are heartbreaking. But with faith and help from good family and friends, he did not let those predators steal his Soul. A very good read. Thank you for sharing.
HD — REVIEW
A powerful story based on a traumatic childhood.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this book, but it became one that I could not put down. The courage and fortitude to write about one’s story of abuse is sure to inspire other survivors to work towards finding their own peace, healing, and happiness.
LUKE — REVIEW
Compassionate & Optimistic
This book is a compassionate and optimistic story of a victim becoming a survivor. I truly love how the author pulls off different emotions, the healing journey and how he became successful despite his past. This book shows us that what had happened in the past can affect our future but if we choose the right path we can definitely get through it even how bad it was before. I highly recommend this book, it is worth the 5-star.
June 29, 2022
Gorgeous, Descriptive, and Honest
Larry Franklin wrote the bravest, most candid story about abuse I have ever heard or read. I was privileged to witness many accounts during my five years as a therapist at the Monterey Country Rape Crisis Center and this book stands out. Larry’s gorgeous writing pulled me in immediately. I plowed through the book in one sitting. At first, I wanted to find out what happened but then fell in love with Larry’s gift of language in his descriptive chronicle. I could see the visuals he described, hear the dialogue spoken. I loved the healing journey with his therapist, wife, mother, and younger self. It brought me to tears with admiration for his dedication. Larry continued his work through mental health and physical challenges that would have leveled most humans. In the world of trauma and grace, this book is an epic inspiration.
Amy Somers, LPCC, MFA
June 18, 2022
Book Reviews IV
Lara Mazzone
5.0 out of 5 stars
I couldn’t stop reading
A truly moving memoir about repressed memories and PTSD from sexual and emotional abuse. I finished the entire book in one day!
HD.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful story based on a traumatic childhoodI wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this book, but it became one that I could not put down. The courage and fortitude to write about one’s story of abuse is sure to inspire other survivors to work towards finding their own peace, healing, and happiness.
robert l somers
5.0 out of 5 stars
gorgeously descriptive and honest
Larry Franklin wrote the bravest, most candid story about abuse I have ever heard or read. I was privileged to witness many accounts during my five years as a therapist at the Monterey Country Rape Crisis Center and this book stands out. Larry’s gorgeous writing pulled me in immediately, I plowed through the book in one sitting. At first, I wanted to find out what happened but then fell in love with Larry’s gift of language in his descriptive chronicle. I could see the visuals he described, hear the dialogue spoken. I loved the healing journey with his therapist, wife, mother, and younger self. It brought me to tears with admiration for his dedication. Larry continued his work through mental health and physical challenges that would have leveled most humans. In the world of trauma and grace, this book is an epic inspiration. Amy Somers, LPCC, MFA
Loukas S.
4.8 out of 5 stars
Harrowing
It’s a personal memoir of abuse survival, written in a very novelistic way. Recovered memories are a controversial subject and telling the story in this fashion puts one at a certain remove from the real world. This book has harrowing moments and might be, for some, a good road map for recovering from such trauma.
JoseGarayBoszeta
5.0 out of 5 stars
A valuable testimony from a survivor of sexual abuse.
This book reminded me that, despite appearances, we never know what burden each person is carrying. In compelling prose, Larry L. Franklin opens up about his repressed memories of childhood abuse, and his life-long struggle to overcome the hurt and find happiness with his family. This book is a valuable testimony that will be helpful to people seeking an answer through psychotherapy and truthfulness with oneself. Highly recommended.
Abbey K Bowen
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inspiring story of triumph in the darkest of places.
Like many other reviewers said, I couldn’t put this book down, and I read it in one day.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
I just finished this book in 2 sittings and I’m still sobbing. What the Author went through as a child and the emotional toll it has taken on him as an adult to overcome is truly amazing. I’ve lived in the same neighborhood as Larry and his wife, Paula, for about 15 years and they are such an engaging and loving couple. I especially enjoyed hearing how they met and their journey through this difficult discovery. We just never know what other people overcome and survive. This book will be an inspiration to others that have suffered through abuse. A must read to help understand the difficulties from abuse and the mental illness it causes.
Alex Wright
5 out of 5 stars
An epic tale
Captivating!!
SundayAtDusk
Free To Fly….
4 out of 5 stars
Like Stephen Mills’ recent memoir, “Chosen: A Memoir of Stolen Boyhood,” Larry Franklin exposes his abusive childhood. The story leaves no doubt how psychologically lingering sexual abuse to a boy can be. In Mr. Franklin’s case, there was also the damaging, disturbing effects of incest. Fortunately for the author, he did have thoughts of suicide his whole life. He went on to have successful careers, as well as a good marriage and family life. Yet his buried memories were always there, finally surfacing, demanding to no longer be ignored.
A story like this one will hopefully help other sexually abused males speak out. Even more so than females, they so often deeply bury the memories of what happened to them as children. Doing so can not only cause emotional stress throughout their lifetime, but also extremely, self-destructive behavior. When they self-destruct, no justice is done, and their abusers get away with their abuse. Some abuser sympathizers will then say we need to remember that man abusers, such as the author’s brother, were abused themselves as children. True, but having terrible things happen to you as a child does not give you a right to do the same terrible things to others, not as a child and not as an adult.
Your abused status turns into abuser status when you go on to harm others. We all make decisions every day, starting at a very young age, about how we react to the good and bad things that happen to us. We all have free will. Larry Franklin did not turn into an abuser. Instead, he went forward in life lugging some very heavy baggage. Using therapy, meditation, dream work and this memoir, he is freeing himself of that baggage, which will hopefully encourage others to do the same, in any constructive way they choose to free themselves. The need to speak out, write, do whatever it takes to keep their childhood sexual abuse and memories from burying them alive or burying them into the ground.
Dianes
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Writer
I saw this book advertised and the snippet that I read peaked my interest. When I got the book, I couldn’t put it down. Larry is an amazing writer who tells of unspeakable abuse that he endured as a child. Although my heart was breaking for him thinking about the hell he had to endure, it made me realize what an amazing story of recovery! He was able to overcome and now lives a beautiful life.
BookloverPC
5 out of 5 stars
Riveting memoir
This memoir if very, very well written. Larry Franklin’s journey to healing is an extremely impressive one. Once I began reading it, I could not put it down until I was finished. Larry is one of the strongest people I have ever known. Despite all of the abuse he experienced as a child, he has been very successful in his educational endeavors, his work life, volunteer work, and has a beautiful and loving family. It is an honor and a pleasure to be a friend.
MR
5 out of 5 Stars
Very Captivating Book
Predators do rob birdhouses. And in this book, Victims Make the Best Birdhouses, Larry shares how his soul, from a mere child to late in life, was continuously under brutal attack. The nightmares and feeling he experienced for so many years are heartbreaking. But with faith and help from good family and friends, he did not let those predators steal his Soul. A very good read. Thank you for sharing.
Beverly Warshawski
4 out of 5 Stars
Bravery and honesty
Larry L. Franklin has written a gut-wrenching book of his sexual, physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his family. Through explicit scenes of remembrance within the therapeutic setting, Mr. Franklin struggled to liberate himself from the past. This book is a brave exercise demonstrating personal resiliency.
Hopper
5 out of 5 Stars
Reaching Forgiveness and Peace
“Victims make the best birdhouses” is a moving memoir about the heavy baggage the abused people carry, even if the memories are repressed. Bringing memories in the open, including writing this book, helped the author improve his mental health. It was a difficult book to read at times, but reaching forgiveness and peace at the end felt good. Bravo!
Book Reviews
Lara Mazzone
5.0 out of 5 stars
I couldn’t stop reading
A truly moving memoir about repressed memories and PTSD from sexual and emotional abuse. I finished the entire book in one day!
HD.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful story based on a traumatic childhoodI wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this book, but it became one that I could not put down. The courage and fortitude to write about one’s story of abuse is sure to inspire other survivors to work towards finding their own peace, healing, and happiness.
robert l somers
5.0 out of 5 stars
gorgeously descriptive and honest
Larry Franklin wrote the bravest, most candid story about abuse I have ever heard or read. I was privileged to witness many accounts during my five years as a therapist at the Monterey Country Rape Crisis Center and this book stands out. Larry’s gorgeous writing pulled me in immediately, I plowed through the book in one sitting. At first, I wanted to find out what happened but then fell in love with Larry’s gift of language in his descriptive chronicle. I could see the visuals he described, hear the dialogue spoken. I loved the healing journey with his therapist, wife, mother, and younger self. It brought me to tears with admiration for his dedication. Larry continued his work through mental health and physical challenges that would have leveled most humans. In the world of trauma and grace, this book is an epic inspiration. Amy Somers, LPCC, MFA
Loukas S.
4.78 out of 5 stars
Harrowing
It’s a personal memoir of abuse survival, written in a very novelistic way. Recovered memories are a controversial subject and telling the story in this fashion puts one at a certain remove from the real world. This book has harrowing moments and might be, for some, a good road map for recovering from such trauma.
JoseGarayBoszeta
5.0 out of 5 stars
A valuable testimony from a survivor of sexual abuse.
This book reminded me that, despite appearances, we never know what burden each person is carrying. In compelling prose, Larry L. Franklin opens up about his repressed memories of childhood abuse, and his life-long struggle to overcome the hurt and find happiness with his family. This book is a valuable testimony that will be helpful to people seeking an answer through psychotherapy and truthfulness with oneself. Highly recommended.
Abbey K Bowen
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inspiring story of triumph in the darkest of places.
Like many other reviewers said, I couldn’t put this book down, and I read it in one day.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
I just finished this book in 2 sittings and I’m still sobbing. What the Author went through as a child and the emotional toll it has taken on him as an adult to overcome is truly amazing. I’ve lived in the same neighborhood as Larry and his wife, Paula, for about 15 years and they are such an engaging and loving couple. I especially enjoyed hearing how they met and their journey through this difficult discovery. We just never know what other people overcome and survive. This book will be an inspiration to others that have suffered through abuse. A must read to help understand the difficulties from abuse and the mental illness it causes.
Alex Wright
5 out of 5 stars
An epic tale
Captivating!!
0
Victims Make the Best Birdhouses – Book Reviews II
These are the latest book reviews posted on Amazon. I’m always grateful for any reviews you might share. Thanks again.
Lara Mazzone
5.0 out of 5 stars
I couldn’t stop reading…
A truly moving memoir about repressed memories and PTSD from sexual and emotional abuse. I finished the entire book in one day!
robert l somers
5.0 out of 5 stars
gorgeously descriptive and honest
Larry Franklin wrote the bravest, most candid story about abuse I have ever heard or read. I was privileged to witness many accounts during my five years as a therapist at the Monterey Country Rape Crisis Center and this book stands out. Larry’s gorgeous writing pulled me in immediately, I plowed through the book in one sitting. At first, I wanted to find out what happened but then fell in love with Larry’s gift of language in his descriptive chronicle. I could see the visuals he described, hear the dialogue spoken. I loved the healing journey with his therapist, wife, mother, and younger self. It brought me to tears with admiration for his dedication. Larry continued his work through mental health and physical challenges that would have leveled most humans. In the world of trauma and grace, this book is an epic inspiration. Amy Somers, LPCC, MFA.
Loukas S.
4.8 out of 5 stars
Harrowing
It’s a personal memoir of abuse survival, written in a very novelistic way. Recovered memories are a controversial subject and telling the story in this fashion puts one at a certain remove from the real world. This book has harrowing moments and might be, for some, a good road map for recovering from such trauma.
Abbey K Bowen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like many other reviewers said, I couldn’t put this book down, and I read it in one day.
Alex Wright
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating!
H.D. 5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful story based on a traumatic childhood
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this book, but it became one that I could not put down. The courage and fortitude to write about one’s story of abuse is sure to inspire other survivors to work towards finding their own peace, healing, and happiness.
JoseGarayBoszeta
5.0 out of 5 stars
A valuable testimony from a survivor of sexual abuse.
This book reminded me that, despite appearances, we never know what burden each person is carrying. In compelling prose, Larry L. Franklin opens up about his repressed memories of childhood abuse, and his life-long struggle to overcome the hurt and find happiness with his family. This book is a valuable testimony that will be helpful to people seeking an answer through psychotherapy and truthfulness with oneself. Highly recommended.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moving and Inspirational
I just finished this book in 2 sittings and I’m still sobbing. What the Author went through as a child and the emotional toll it has taken on him as an adult to overcome is truly amazing. I’ve lived in the same neighborhood as Larry and his wife, Paula, for about 15 years and they are such an engaging and loving couple. I especially enjoyed hearing how they met and their journey through this difficult discovery. We just never know what some people overcome and survive. This book will be an inspiration to others that have suffered through abuse. A must read to help understand the difficulties from abuse and the mental illness it causes.
June 13, 2022
Victims Make the Best Birdhouses
Sometimes a potential reader is struck by the title of my book and wants to know what it means.. While I prefer the readers wait until page 72 to discover the answer, I’ll share the secret. The title is designed to provide a hook for reading the book. By the way, I think “Victims Make the Best Birdhouses” is a damn good hook. The best I’ve ever written. But here goes.
Victims Make the Best Birdhouses
Sometimes I think it would have been easier if I’d had cancer or another more socially acceptable disease. The physician would have shown my family an X-ray of my tumor and prescribed a course of treatment, giving them hope that they could openly share with their friends. Or maybe it would have been better if my wife had taken me to a hospital and said, “Something is wrong with my husband. He is depressed and having nightmares. He’s downright miserable.”
After performing a CT scan, the doctor might have said, “We’ve determined your husband’s problem. As you can see from the images, his soul is being strangled by massive adhesions. The different-colored adhesions represent a specific type of abuse, with the number of strains revealing the frequency. Look here, and you can see how the CT scan tells a story. The blue striations tell us your husband was sexually molested by his older brother. Based on the massive number of strains, we estimate his brother’s penis was rammed up his anus more than one thousand times.”
“Can anything be done to help him?”
“Oh, yes. He can be treated with medications and work with a psychologist who will help loosen the grip of the adhesions and terminate their growth. They can never be removed, but he can recover. However, he will likely become a different person from the one you know.”
“What if we don’t do anything?”
“Well, that’s an option,” the doctor might have said. “However, if you choose that option, you might as well cut a hole in his side, tie a rope around his neck, and hang him from a tree. It’s more humane. And untreated abuse victims make the best birdhouses.”
