Questions About Tears of the Silenced: A True Crime and an American Tragedy; Severe Child Abuse and Leaving the Amish

by Misty Griffin (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (9)

I love this book took me a few days to read but I read it non stop and I have recommended this book to everyone! You wrote it so well you are an inspiration. You are an amazing person!?

Misty Griffin Thank you :) I pray it will open people's eyes and show them what can happen when you just brush off suspicions of abuse.

I did not put it in the book…moreThank you :) I pray it will open people's eyes and show them what can happen when you just brush off suspicions of abuse.

I did not put it in the book but after my sister and I went to the Amish community some Mennonites that had lived around us came to visit. They apologized to my sister and I for not stepping in to help. They said they knew we were being terribly abused and had thought about calling CPS but never did :(

Actually, if you think about it I am sure everyone knew, we didn't think they did but it was a tiny town and my mom and step-dad slipped up many times and were very mean to us in front of people. I am sure each person hoped someone else would do something...... But no one ever did.
Happy Holidays
<3 Misty <3 (less)

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Hey Misty! Your book is so inspiring and moves the reader to tears. I have decided to do my book report on your book and have a question for you. What would you say are your top ten life changing moments in your life? Its an honor to say I have talked to you!

Misty Griffin I am so sorry I just came across this question!

Hmmmm..... Top ten, I had so little life experience until I was almost 19. I don't know that I have 10…moreI am so sorry I just came across this question!

Hmmmm..... Top ten, I had so little life experience until I was almost 19. I don't know that I have 10 but here are some I can think of.

1. Picking up the National Geographic when I was 6, that is when I knew I wanted to be a missionary like the doctors I saw saving AIDS patients.

2. When I refused to obey my step-dad and attempted to run to the police.

3. Deciding to leave the Amish.

4. Getting my GED

5. Marrying my husband

6. Starting college.

I am sure I have more but cannot think of them at the moment. So sorry for the late reply
Blessings :)
Misty Griffin(less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Cathy Hi Misty - I'm currently reading your book and am fascinated by it. I praise you for having had the intelligence, maturity and, above all, the courage…moreHi Misty - I'm currently reading your book and am fascinated by it. I praise you for having had the intelligence, maturity and, above all, the courage to take action to help yourself by escaping and publishing your book.. As I push myself to read your story and all of its injustices, I recognized that you were raised in a severely codependent and narcisstic home, which set you up to be vulnerable to the ongoing abuse that you endured in the Amish ulture. If you're not already aware of the dynamics of odependence and narcissism, I strongly recommend learning about these mental disorders.

I am the youngest of three and was raised by a very codependent and narcissistic father, thus I reognize the dynamics through the injustices you were forced to tolerate. If you would like to contact me directly, I invite you to email me at: teachercathyj@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you! :-)

Cathy(less)

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Are there any bookclub Questions for Ty’s book?

Sara I know this is a bit late, however hopefully this helps someone else.

1) What happened to Aunt Fanny?
2) How does one justify the ongoing abuse to an in…moreI know this is a bit late, however hopefully this helps someone else.

1) What happened to Aunt Fanny?
2) How does one justify the ongoing abuse to an innocent child, or such a death?
3) Would you recommend this?
4) Why even bring up the subject of the Bishop and bestiality?
5) Is she going to hell if she rejects the Amish way?
6) Why wouldn’t you believe her story?
7) Since when is it someone's religion to rape, molest, kill, or abuse a person?
8) How can a mother torture her own children so?
9) Could the same story have been told in half the pages if things said two, three times were omitted?
10) Without journaling, keeping a diary, etc. could you the reader go back and recount accurately the first 23 years of your life?
11) How could this happen even in the late last century?
12) How could the grandmother have survived the abuse-ice cold baths in winter?
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I am extremely saddened that some people think your book is fiction. It is so very difficult to discuss this sort of thing with anybody! I remember running to my mom and crying in her arms uncontrollably. As an adult, I asked her if she asked me what was wrong, she said "No." When you live in such a small community, & you know your neighbors, and/or are related to them , is it harder for people to acknowledge it?

Bobirley Adams Having known abuse victims, just admitting that you have been abused is not easy for a child, especially if the child is brainwashed to believe the ab…moreHaving known abuse victims, just admitting that you have been abused is not easy for a child, especially if the child is brainwashed to believe the abnormal is normal. The worst part is when they finally get the courage to open up and adults refuse to believe! Even as I read some of the reviews some people think it is fiction. I believe every word. It took INCREDIBLE COURAGE to open up about such private matters. May people find the courage to match Misty’s courage and respect her efforts to help give a voice to others in a similar situation. It is time that children are believed when they try to open up. Few adults would be courageous like Misty to share the tragic experiences, especially when she reached out for help and was turned down. We should rally behind and support her for her honesty. When people read books like this and become enlightened, then society can really help other victims. (less)

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