Dark Obsession

by Shelley Sessions, Peter Meyer

A victim of incest recounts the pain and fear of her father's obsession with her, and her subsequent lawsuit against him

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Karen]

This true story of incest is dark and disturbing, but grabs hold and won't let you go until you're done reading the entire book.

[Donna]

This story was very difficult to read and I almost couldn't finish it. I finally decided I had to finish reading it since she deserved to be heard. This girl went through so much, suffered so much humiliation and betrayal, but she was still strong enough to stand up to him in court. She was very brave and so strong and overcame so much. It bothers me that this book is all I can find of her story. An internet search doesn't bring up much. There may be a Washington post article but since I'm not a subscriber I can't read it. It makes me wonder if the family has paid to keep this information off the internet. This story needs to be known, if only because of the hope it could give to other women. Shelley was deeply hurt but she didn't give in. She stood up for herself.

[Amanda Byers]

I tried to read it and for the most part I couldn’t put it down but then I had to find a new copy. It seemed as if once it’s put down and you aren’t reading it almost everyday, you can easily lose interest.

[Stephanie]

I’ve just started this book and I’m already pissed off.
The story is heartbreaking and maddening. More than once I was tempted to throw the book, I was so thoroughly disgusted with several people who did not bother to protect Shelley and seemed to exist in a level of denial that should make the record books.
The writing reads like a Dateline episode, quite a bit of unnecessary repetition and so many exclamation points!!! (Flashback to an episode of Seinfeld.)

[Rashmi]

It showed the dynamics between an incestious relationship and how it affects people that are involved.
I character that I'll never forget is Linda, she literally decided to ignore everything that was happening and turned to god for answers?? Like why??

[Lauren]

I havent red the book in many years. My sister and I went to school and knew Shelly. The story is sad and it kind of creeper me out.

[Fishface]

If anyone is seeking insight into how a child molester justifies his disgusting desires, and breaks the law over and over without ever feeling bad about it, look no farther. This true story was brutal to get through, but Shelley's persistence shows that a person can get through almost anything and the outcome was so worth it. For anyone tempted to feel sorry for the whiny, self-pitying child rapist, a glance at his victim's honesty and clarity will immediately set you straight.

[Kelly]

It's a disturbing story. Unfortunately, it is poorly told. Terrible writing. A lot of repeating things, and telling the same stuff over and over. There's just not much story there. I really wish I hadn't wasted a week reading it, but once I started it I was determined to finish it. I'm glad it's over.

[Linda]

True story of incest in a wealthy family in Texas.

[Ann]

Compelling account, well-written - I finished it in 24 hours.