Strength beyond the Shadows: Overcoming a Childhood of Trauma, Neglect, and Sexual Abuse

by Seth Gehle

As seen on the Youtube channel Soft White Underbelly

“Strength beyond the Shadows is a raw, hard-truth, light-shining-bright-into-some-dark-places story few have the courage to reveal and Seth is on an undeniable quest to change lives.” —NICK LAVERY, Green Beret, U.S. Army Special Forces, Founder / CEO, Precision Components LLC

Seth Gehle's story is a testament to the courage and strength within each of us to overcome adversity and our personal traumas. For nearly sixteen years, Seth suffered unspeakable crimes and endured tragedy that no human should have to face. Growing up in a broken home filled with abuse and neglect, a young Seth left and found himself further down the path to hell.

In this painfully honest account, Seth describes the horrific trauma and sexual abuse he withstood as a child. Seth’s story is all too common. What makes him an anomaly is his willingness to recount his experiences, bringing understanding of not only what he endured but the devastating aftermath suffered by millions who are victims of childhood trauma.

Through an unrelenting will to survive, Seth fought for his life and discovered the power of the human spirit. His ability to articulate the darkest moments of his life as well as his courage to live beyond such horrendous suffering are found within the pages of Strength beyond the Shadows.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

222 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2024

Reviews

[Hannah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read!

I went to high school with Seth. Honestly, as I read the book, I found myself thinking about how well Seth hid things from his peers. I remember Seth as a goofy, funny and smart kid. As an educator, this book has opened my eyes to the idea that you truly do not know what others could be going through. It made me sad to see how the education system truly failed Seth in many ways. Because of this book, I want to make it a priority to be trained extensively in recognizing trauma in my students and how to help them cope. Seth’s willingness to step out and share his story is a type of brave that only some acquire. Not only did he share his story, but it is also written so well. I’ve heard Seth’s story multiple times, but it hits different when you can see the words and process all of the details!

[Amelia Epperson]

This is a hard book to rate. So I didn't. I came across Seth on tiktok and wanted to read his story. This story is heartbreaking and really hard to read. Seth did not hold back. I love that he is sharing his story. This takes so much courage and strength and boy, did Seth have strength. His story will help others with their trauma and hopefully give them the courage to speak up and say their truth. One day, I hope I have the courage.

[Cheryl Launt · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was sad to read what Seth went through as a child. It is horrific to hear how common this happens in todays society. I know way too many people that things like this happened to, and are rarely spoken about. I did not like that Seth felt his actions against so many people in his life were chalked down to because bad stuff happened to him. He didn't really do anything wrong. Seth was brutal to so many children and would have effected theirs lives in a negative way, with fear. And when caught driving unlicenced and boasted how he got away with it and added that they hadn't really done anything wrong. Really? Glad I or my children were not on the road alongside him. Bad things happen to a lot of us, and it isn't a given that you turn into a bad person because of it. It usually gives you more compassion.

[Brittani Quay · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000/10 recommend

Seth is such an inspiration and his ability to overcome one of the most horrific childhoods one could imagine and go on to talk about it in order to help others is amazing. Everyone needs to read this book!

[Marni M · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Strength Beyond the Shadows** by Seth Gehle

Everyone has a story to tell… and Seth Gehle’s is one that stayed with me long after I finished.

This was a difficult listen (I experienced it through audiobook), not because it was poorly written or narrated — but because of how *painful* the content is. The details of the abuse he endured for so many years were heartbreaking, and at times, I had to pause just to process what I was hearing. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t allow you to stay emotionally detached.

That said, what stood out most wasn’t only what he survived but what he *became* despite it. I truly applaud him for facing his demons, doing the hard internal work, and breaking the cycle. His love for his little family shines through, and it’s clear he would do anything in his power to protect them and build a life different from the one he came from.

This book covers heavy, difficult subject matter, so I wouldn’t recommend it lightly — but it *is* a powerful story, and one worth reading for those who can handle the intensity.

A painful journey… but ultimately, a hopeful one.

[Kathy Kindred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just for the simple fact of what Seth faced in his first 16 years of life gives him the right to earn a 5 star rating for his book! The complete and utter rawness with which he shares his experiences is honorable. As a child who experienced a lot of trauma as a child herself and has persevered, I couldn’t give him kudos enough to realize that he is not what he faced/did as a child but who he is today because of those things! There are several things that could trigger a person but is worth the time and effort to read!

[Abrianna Rasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the only books where I actually read the acknowledgments. It’s our duty to read the stories of those who have been through unspeakable trauma. We can’t look away. Looking away is complacency. This was beautifully heartbreaking but so necessary. I see you, Seth. Thank you.

[U · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I started this I thought it would break my heart to read such a difficult period in someone's life. And it's true I totally did and have so much sympathy for all the difficulties Seth went through but there were parts especially when becoming a young adult that just didn't sit right with me. Perhaps just something unexpected more than anything. Obviously I don't want to be too harsh because this is an actual person's life and I'll never understand or feel what being raised in the environment seth was raised in can do to a person. It's quite difficult to criticises a book when a person has shown vulnerability but the amount of army talk and romanising bombs and guns and the army just doesn't sit right with me. Especially when it comes to being a solider in Afghanistan. Really shows the army pray on the lost and vulnerable and morphs their desire for violence into something heroic lol. On a positive note I do love how the ownership of what happened was powerfully taken and then given through this book to provide other people with strength, and I have to say I did learn a few things myself.

[Bridgette G Staley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbroken and Healed

I’m not going to lie, I was nervous about reading this. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know all the details. As someone who had been around the man at a point in my life, I didn’t know if I could stomach knowing the terrible things he did. And it did make me sick to my stomach but the perseverance shown time and again after every shitty situation you went through, is extraordinary. Seth might have grown up in the shadows but he is certainly a light in the darkness. I encourage everyone to read this story. I feel that no matter what trauma someone has been through this story is a light at the end of the tunnel. For those who don’t think they can go on, read this for the inspiration to keep moving forward. No one deserves such suffering growing up. There is never anything a young child can do to deserve this torture. Thank you for telling your truth Seth. Thank you for being an inspiration. I hope you continue being the father you’re jealous of your children having. The father/parent you and your sisters deserved.

[King Cabrera · Rating 2 out of 5]

This rating is not at all a reflection of Seth, what he went through and the struggles in his life. It is simply a rating, in comparison to the other books I’ve read this year.

I came across Seth and his story on TikTok and I was moved by his courage to talk about his trauma and his resilience in coming out the other side of it. So I bought the book - to support him, and to learn more about his story.

And as some of the others mentioned, it reads like scattered thoughts on a page. Again, nothing wrong with that and it does not in anyway, minimize what he went through.

First half of the book is the lead up and build up of the trauma that he experienced and then the second half is just things that happened leading him to where he is now, with only a drop of relevancy to what he’s experienced.

Overall, I think that Seth did a great job of putting to paper, the bad things that have happened to him, and how that led him to be where he is at today.

[Shell Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written book. It was easy to follow and understand what Seth went through.

I just have an issue with a kid from ages 10-15 who continued to go to a grown man's home knowing exactly what would happen. Just about every weekend, Seth went to Mondo's home, knowing he would be abused. He didn't HAVE to go. He chose to go for pizza and video games, but he knew what would happen. I guess I just don't understand that part. I'm in no way blaming him for what happened. I just don't understand it.

I'm glad he was brave enough to tell the police to prevent this from happening to anyone else.

He went through a lot, and I'm glad he survived and led a productive life.

[Heather Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title tells you exactly what kind of story you are stepping into, but Strength Beyond the Shadows is much more than a survivor’s memoir. It is a powerful testament to resilience, healing, and hope.

As someone who also grew up in Ohio, parts of Seth’s story struck a personal chord. I witnessed from the sidelines how addiction tore through families, first with crack and then with heroin. My mother kept me safe from that world for a time, but when my father got clean and regained custody, I saw firsthand the pain and instability that came with it. Reading Seth’s experiences felt like revisiting pieces of my own past, always feeling like I had one foot in and one foot out.

Seth’s childhood was heartbreaking, yet the love of his grandparents shines through as a reminder that even in darkness there can be light. When his sisters chose to stay with their mother, I felt that ache deeply. Sometimes the hardest thing is choosing the right path when chaos feels familiar.

His bravery in coming forward about Mondo was incredible. Those scenes were raw, disturbing, and necessary, showing not just the horror of abuse but the strength it takes to confront it. Learning that Mondo was a serial abuser made Seth’s courage even more inspiring.

Beyond being a story of survival, this book offers valuable lessons for parents. Always know where your children are, trust your instincts, and never ignore warning signs. Strength Beyond the Shadows is difficult to read at times, but it is one of those stories that stays with you and reminds you that healing is possible and that strength can grow even from the darkest places.

[Ashley Davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Suffering builds endurance. Endurance builds character. Character inspires hope in others.”

Seth is incredibly brave to share his story. If this review were based on his life and bravery alone, I’d give him 5 stars for sure (especially for the ultramarathon parts, which were my personal favorites).

Unfortunately his editors did him wrong. This book should have gone through far more drafts than it did before it was published. It feels like reading a high schooler’s rough draft essay in language arts. Seth needed his editors to help him with his organization, flow and to remove excess jargon. This could have easily been done while preserving the voice and personality of his own memoir.

[Christine Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless

"You have to unpack your luggage. Otherwise, you will continue to carry it around, and when you eventually drop it because it’s too heavy, it will break open and all of your contents will come spilling out." As someone who works in child welfare, these things happen under our noses every single day and I wish I had a magic power to end it. I am so proud of this man for being so brave in disclosing his abuse. This story can be a healing piece and a guiding light for all survivors.

[Ophelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raw and honest memoir of surviving severe childhood trauma, neglect, and sexual abuse. Gehle’s courage shines through, offering real inspiration and solidarity—especially from a male survivor’s perspective—as he rebuilds into a veteran, husband, father, and speaker.

The writing feels repetitive at times and could use tighter editing for better flow and balance between pain and redemption.

3.5 stars: Powerful, important story worth reading if you like gritty survival accounts, but not fully polished.

[Hailey Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough book to get through. I'm not typically a nonfiction reader, but after seeing his story on social media, I decided to read this book to learn more. This book was dark. It made me physically sick to my stomach, and I shed many tears while reading. This was a perfect example of never knowing what someone else is going through. Working in education we see a lot of students in similar situations. I fear that there are just as many that we don't know about.

[Tiffany Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gut wrenching for sure but it ends so amazing. Seth actually grew up in the same area as I did & we lived the same kind of life (give or take) its so crazy that a TikTok post made me want to read a book that ended up being written about things that happened where I grew up, things I went thru, people I knew. Proves the world is smaller than you think. Absolutely read this. Even if you cant relate. He gets so crazy deep in his healing its beautiful. Proud of you Seth. ❤️

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and Honest

This is an amazing book full of honesty. For a man to be open about the abuse he had as a child sets a tone for others to be open, honest, and get the help they need. Thank you Seth for sharing your life with us. While I did not have sexual abuse growing up I too suffered from physical and emotional abuse. Thank you for reminding me I am not alone and that sometimes just living another day is a win.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to read, but a must read

This is why children need advocates. This is why every adult has the responsibility to speak out and report when things seem off. We owe it to every child to be their voice no matter their social standing, or race, or age, or gender. Kids need safe adults! We never know what our students, neighbors, athletes, relatives are going home to behind closed doors. If something is off trust your gut and investigate

[Rosina Deveney · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

It is a great story of pushing through and realizing that you do have a life worth living for. What Seth had to endure and survive is sad and something no child should have to. Seth has shown courage and strength to be able to get to where he is now and has decided to show up for his children!!

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth has an ability to relate his story in an open and honest way that reveals an understanding of what he has gone through and, more importantly, how he has come through the traumatic experience to be the man that he is today. I would highly recommend his book and wish him all the best in the future. He's also an amazing public speaker!

[Alyssa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read what’s been hidden, I’m in awe. The strength to go through what Seth did and to overcome it, is strength I can only aspire to have. My dad told me to read it and to see the emotion it brought out of him, is what prompted me to. I’ve shown therapist friends and let them know, this is a book worth reading and possibly passing onto others.

[Jessibie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Bad

It's such a sad read. As someone who has experienced childhood trauma myself, it's incredibly sad to see myself in him, but his courage and strength to stand up for himself and his friend is incredible. It's easy to stand up when you have someone to fight for. It's not so easy to stand up for yourself.

[Rachell Zinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This guy went through hell. I couldn’t imagine living the life Seth did during his childhood. His parents failed him. DHS failed him. Thank god for his grandparents, even though I do wish they would have stepped in earlier than they did. Kudos to you Seth for coming out stronger in the end and beating the odds!

[Michelle Ziolkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll always give memoirs 5 stars.

What a heavy read! My heart breaks for the little boy who was unsupported in his childhood and who went thru very traumatic things. It is almost unimaginable that someone could survive such things but it is amazing to know that Seth went on to become an amazing father to his 2 babies.

❤️

[Jewel]

I had to walk away from this several times. I wanted to hug Seth countless times as he recounted his life. He is so well spoken. It’s a hard read because you want to be angry at all the adults in his life, but he deserves to be heard. I stumbled across him on TikTok and it’s heartening to see his testimony and helping others.

[Kirby Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many questions

Excellent rags to extraordinary story. Even though I have so many questions Id want to ask. In some ways, Seth's tells a story that all victims of abuse should be able to tell. And in some ways, he tells a story that no one could possibly tell. Read it. Get something from it. Thanks Seth!

[madalyn glaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I saw Seth talking about his book on TikTok and decided to read it. As a mother my heart breaks reading about his childhood, but damn am I proud of the life he has created for himself and his family. The strength it took to tell his story and write this book, is truly amazing.

[Alyssa Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strength Beyond the Shadows is raw, honest, and courageous. Its exploration of childhood trauma and adversity is handled with emotional depth and authenticity. Seth is tenacious and willing to face painful truths, flaws, and take accountability as he slowly heals. Through it all, there is a thread of hope, resilience, and the possibility of healing. A powerful and lasting read.

[Katlyn Westmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard Seth’s story on Soft White Underbelly a couple of years ago. I recently stumbled across his book and it was moving. Heartbreaking and inspiring. It made me cry and laugh. As a foster parent to kids have gone through similar struggles it broke my heart.
Worth a read, his positive outlook and resilience is admirable.