Cover Your Tracks Without Changing Your Identity: How to Disappear Until You Want to Be Found

by B. Wilson

Is your life on a downward spiral? Why not simply take off, cover your tracks and then return to your old life once the dust has settled? Learn where to go, how to get there, what to take, where to stay, how to live comfortably and securely in your refuge and how to return home when - and if - you decide to.

Genres: Nonfiction

88 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2003

Reviews

[Darlene Hull · Rating 2 out of 5]

After J.J. Luna and Ahearn's books this was pretty elementary. Basically it's just a guide to running away. Some good takeaways but not recommended for those who seriously need to hide. Very quick read with some good resources, so it's more a starter guide.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas; as long as you can look past some outdated information (and a lot of outdated opinions).. The author is a conservative white guy, which is exactly who the book is written for. He sometimes admits where his advice falls short but uses a tone that’s condescending and less than respectful. For example:

“Horror stories in the media aside, it is rare that hitchhikers are assaulted or killed. Special note to women: Forget this option [hitchhiking]. Don’t argue with me; just forget it. We both know why.” (p.15)

or

“[About living at a boarding house] There was a very homely, mannish-looking slut across the hall who always wanted sex from me (no I didn’t accommodate her) … The ‘manager’ would get plastered at night and scream at his wife. He eventually went back to prison for beating her half to death one night.” (p.22)

Wow. This guy is a gem. Keep in mind that this book attempts to offer solutions and advice to women facing abuse? But sure, joke about women getting murdered, I guess. And every woman is just throwing themselves at you, I’m sure.. Not to mention the homophobic anecdotes that make light of sexual assault? No comment on that one, except maybe a really exhausted and disappointed expression. But, if you hadn't put the book down yet and can try to look past these (glaring) faults, the rest of the book surprisingly enjoyable!

It’s an interesting thought exercise, and the author does try to give decent advice to people struggling - mainly regarding self-reflection, avoiding the problems that might cause someone to disappear, and to live in the present. “After nine months in refuge, I can honestly say that my life is much better. I have been able to take stock of things to realize how much I have been under the control of false guilt and incorrect thinking. I have seen new things, met new people, and learned new skills. I am a better person for this experience.” (p. 69) and I’m happy for him! (Although, this really gives credence to the idea that men will literally do anything but go to therapy.) But, there’s a lot to be said for putting aside everything and just living, and I hope in the 20 years since this book's publication, he’s learned even more and perhaps changed his mind on a few things :)

[Ezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, eccentric, & niche read I stumbled upon in a stack of donated materials. Prepare for some early-2000s homophobia & general advice now rendered mostly inaccurate 22 years post-publication.

[Jerry]

A good introduction to the topic. Lots of recommendedbooks for further study.

[Michael Laflamme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good primer, but mostly valuable as an aid to much further research.