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Flying on Broken Wings
Carrie Bailee fled Canada and came to Australia when she was twenty. Once here she was assisted by a number of Australian women, and was ultimately encouraged to apply for refugee status in order to stay in this country. So began her battle to be granted asylum in Australia. Carrie stood before the Refugee Review Tribunal and revealed the dark underbelly of child sexual abuse and organised crime rings in our privileged, first-world neighbourhoods.
This is the story of one young woman's heroic journey to survive, escape and soar above her shocking childhood experiences, and her powerful struggle for freedom and a beautiful life in Australia.
This is the story of one young woman's heroic journey to survive, escape and soar above her shocking childhood experiences, and her powerful struggle for freedom and a beautiful life in Australia.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionCrime
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2014
6 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 23, 2015
A good measure of how good I find a book is my highlighting per page of text. I exhausted 2 highlighters reading this which is a personal record. This is an outstanding read. There were so many places in the book that expressed with such acuity, concepts I've needed to articulate for so but have never been able to find the words.
The way Carrie thinks / writes / describes things is a source of inspiration, hope and strength for me. Working for a children's charity that serves victims of CSE and works with trafficked young people, I am so grateful to Carrie for this remarkable work which has succeeded in voicing and giving a name to her experiences. It is a source of solidarity and reassurance to survivors also - who often feel so alone with the oppressive pressure and nameless dread of shame. Carrie's story helps start chipping away at the unwarranted shame that survivors often carry, helping them return the shame back outside themselves to the perpetrator, where it came from and belongs. It helps survivors to that crucial epiphany, that it is not shame on them, but shame on those who abused them.
Against all odds and in the face of such extreme abuse and mistreatment that Carrie managed to come through with a kind and gentle soul is both incredible and testament to her greatness of spirit. Carrie tells her story without a trace of bitterness for the terrible events of her childhood. She is concerned above all to use her experiences to help others to heal - and this unselfishness and generosity is just so powerful. The wellspring of understanding, support and hope you will find in this book is profound. The calmness and the sense of fellow feeling flowing from the pages and the reassurance to survivors that they are not alone are so important. Child sexual exploitation, enslavement and human trafficking is a horrendous global problem that occurs in developed countries and in our own backyards far more than most people realise. Many people just don't get this - it's too horrible a thought to admit into our consciousness. But admit it we must if we are to confront and address this scourge.
Carrie's book is a beacon of light in the deepening darkness of the world today, where every which way we turn it seems there is ever more senseless violence and greed. The message of strength, hope and courage Carrie's writing imparts profoundly affected me and continues to fortify my ability to stay strong for others that are being severely oppressed. I find myself returning to Carrie's book when I need strength, comfort and I my hope is running low - her story and the sense of her spirit that shines from it revitalise me and help me to continue in the often confronting work I do.
Carrie has lived the horror but has turned it around into it's opposite - I commend her remarkable story to you - read it and let other's know about it. It is people like Carrie Bailee that give me hope for our troubled world.
The way Carrie thinks / writes / describes things is a source of inspiration, hope and strength for me. Working for a children's charity that serves victims of CSE and works with trafficked young people, I am so grateful to Carrie for this remarkable work which has succeeded in voicing and giving a name to her experiences. It is a source of solidarity and reassurance to survivors also - who often feel so alone with the oppressive pressure and nameless dread of shame. Carrie's story helps start chipping away at the unwarranted shame that survivors often carry, helping them return the shame back outside themselves to the perpetrator, where it came from and belongs. It helps survivors to that crucial epiphany, that it is not shame on them, but shame on those who abused them.
Against all odds and in the face of such extreme abuse and mistreatment that Carrie managed to come through with a kind and gentle soul is both incredible and testament to her greatness of spirit. Carrie tells her story without a trace of bitterness for the terrible events of her childhood. She is concerned above all to use her experiences to help others to heal - and this unselfishness and generosity is just so powerful. The wellspring of understanding, support and hope you will find in this book is profound. The calmness and the sense of fellow feeling flowing from the pages and the reassurance to survivors that they are not alone are so important. Child sexual exploitation, enslavement and human trafficking is a horrendous global problem that occurs in developed countries and in our own backyards far more than most people realise. Many people just don't get this - it's too horrible a thought to admit into our consciousness. But admit it we must if we are to confront and address this scourge.
Carrie's book is a beacon of light in the deepening darkness of the world today, where every which way we turn it seems there is ever more senseless violence and greed. The message of strength, hope and courage Carrie's writing imparts profoundly affected me and continues to fortify my ability to stay strong for others that are being severely oppressed. I find myself returning to Carrie's book when I need strength, comfort and I my hope is running low - her story and the sense of her spirit that shines from it revitalise me and help me to continue in the often confronting work I do.
Carrie has lived the horror but has turned it around into it's opposite - I commend her remarkable story to you - read it and let other's know about it. It is people like Carrie Bailee that give me hope for our troubled world.
October 29, 2014
Ok. I had an idea of what I was about to start reading. So I did some prep work. :-) I finished work early on Friday. Grabbed a jacket went down to the river bed, found a nice comfy spot on the grass and began. Im not a fast reader. I like to soak in what I read. After making me comfortable, Carrie began to take me on a journey that was to change the trajectory of my existence.
As a male in my mid-40s, married with young teenage children this book would not be on my radar of books to read. However after a chance meeting with Carrie where she spoke these words, "Everyone is broken in some way", I thought to my self "Dude! (cause I'm pretty cool like that) you gotta get into this chicks book!" So when it came out I drove around 1/2 the day to 5 different book shops looking for it.
So continuing my journey down by the river side, Friday turned into Frinight I took the book into the car where I parked it four hours earlier to continue by the dim glow of the interior light. Stopping occasionally to stretch my neck and what seemed like take a breath I literally could not bring myself to stop reading long enough to think " I should get home".
Carries story telling is entertaining, informative, imaginative, with just enough reality to help you understand the importance of her message. This constant ebb and flow of darkness and light, took me on a spiritual experience of my own. When I eventually got home and tucked myself into bed to continue (this time packing tissues because do you know how hard it is to read through welled up eyes?) i looked forward to seeing what Carrie had planned for me. She talks to me throughout this book. She tells me how Black dark can be she also tells me how white and bright light can be. On one side of the page I would laugh on the exact opposite side of the same page I would cry. This book is not just about unimaginable betrayal or it's polar opposite unconditional trust. It is about the human spirit and how strong it can be whilst facing both of those. It gives us courage to reach out and grab the life that we want. To be compassionate towards our fellow human beings and to most importantly live with purpose.
Thank you Carrie for your incredible strength to bring to light this unimaginable horror that exists in our society. I feel I have become a kinder more compassionate human being after having read this book.
It is absolutely brilliant.
X
As a male in my mid-40s, married with young teenage children this book would not be on my radar of books to read. However after a chance meeting with Carrie where she spoke these words, "Everyone is broken in some way", I thought to my self "Dude! (cause I'm pretty cool like that) you gotta get into this chicks book!" So when it came out I drove around 1/2 the day to 5 different book shops looking for it.
So continuing my journey down by the river side, Friday turned into Frinight I took the book into the car where I parked it four hours earlier to continue by the dim glow of the interior light. Stopping occasionally to stretch my neck and what seemed like take a breath I literally could not bring myself to stop reading long enough to think " I should get home".
Carries story telling is entertaining, informative, imaginative, with just enough reality to help you understand the importance of her message. This constant ebb and flow of darkness and light, took me on a spiritual experience of my own. When I eventually got home and tucked myself into bed to continue (this time packing tissues because do you know how hard it is to read through welled up eyes?) i looked forward to seeing what Carrie had planned for me. She talks to me throughout this book. She tells me how Black dark can be she also tells me how white and bright light can be. On one side of the page I would laugh on the exact opposite side of the same page I would cry. This book is not just about unimaginable betrayal or it's polar opposite unconditional trust. It is about the human spirit and how strong it can be whilst facing both of those. It gives us courage to reach out and grab the life that we want. To be compassionate towards our fellow human beings and to most importantly live with purpose.
Thank you Carrie for your incredible strength to bring to light this unimaginable horror that exists in our society. I feel I have become a kinder more compassionate human being after having read this book.
It is absolutely brilliant.
X
November 22, 2014
I'm fourteen years old and this amazing book really struck me. My mum had read it and told me what it was about and I was excited and nervous to start reading it.
It is an amazing story and one that will not be soon forgotten
It made me realise how very lucky I am to have two very loving parents who will do anything to protect me. I knew a girl who was molested and I saw how it changed her, I can't imagine having to live through the trauma. What Carrie experienced through her childhood was absolutely inhumane but she is a very strong woman, although I will never understand fully, I know how hard it must have been to write this inspiring novel.
This book made me cry and it are me think, I am still thinking.
I guess I never realised how awful it could be. It is unfathomable to me how Carrie's adoptive father was such a sadistic asshole with sadistic asshole friends who found pleasure in beating and molesting young girls.
As I mentioned before, I am fourteen years old and although my situation is nothing like Carries, I felt like I could relate, so this helped me through times of my own. As soon as I finished reading, I looked up the spoken poem and watched it on YouTube and it was amazing.
Click below to watch this outstanding, gut wrenching video
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xs_sPq2Tado
It is an amazing story and one that will not be soon forgotten
It made me realise how very lucky I am to have two very loving parents who will do anything to protect me. I knew a girl who was molested and I saw how it changed her, I can't imagine having to live through the trauma. What Carrie experienced through her childhood was absolutely inhumane but she is a very strong woman, although I will never understand fully, I know how hard it must have been to write this inspiring novel.
This book made me cry and it are me think, I am still thinking.
I guess I never realised how awful it could be. It is unfathomable to me how Carrie's adoptive father was such a sadistic asshole with sadistic asshole friends who found pleasure in beating and molesting young girls.
As I mentioned before, I am fourteen years old and although my situation is nothing like Carries, I felt like I could relate, so this helped me through times of my own. As soon as I finished reading, I looked up the spoken poem and watched it on YouTube and it was amazing.
Click below to watch this outstanding, gut wrenching video
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xs_sPq2Tado
October 27, 2014
I am a Clinical Psychologist who primarily works with adults who have experienced significant childhood trauma. During my 20’s my own innocence was shattered when I worked as a case worker within the Child Protection Unit. During that time I was exposed to the world of paedophilia and witnessed crimes against innocent children that I could never imagine possible. Some of the faces of these tiny and defenceless children, I continue to carry with me to this day.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and applaud Carrie Bailee for her courage in sharing her story of one of the most heinous crimes against a child, child sexual abuse. Not only was Carrie brutally and relentlessly sexually, physically and emotionally abused by her adoptive father she was also subjected to the underworld of organised paedophile rings. Unfortunately, statistics indicate Carrie is not alone, child sexual abuse happens every day and does not discriminate by socio-economic, ethnic or professional background, it can be perpetrated by someone we know and thought we could trust, by someone we don’t know, and through organised paedophile rings or child trafficking. The current statistics are extremely alarming and indicate that 1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 boys have experienced some form of sexual abuse. Despite this horrific statistic it is also one that is likely understated given the abusive nature of paedophiles to control and threaten their victims to not disclose. Sadly, this control and lack of disclosure is a story that is retold time and time again in my clinical practice.
Carrie Bailee’s story told in ‘Flying on Broken Wings’ will open anyone’s eyes who has been fortunate to lead a sheltered and protected childhood, to anyone who was lucky enough not be a 1 in 3 or 1 in 6 statistic and experience the horrors of CSA. Carrie’s story is all to relevant and a strong reminder that as adults we need to have a united front, to work together to STOP protecting sexual perpetrators, through continual silence or ignorance of these statistics. Silence and ignorance only further isolates the child and therefore protects the world of paedophilia. Carrie is speaking out through her book and we must ALL speak out, we must ALL regularly talk about the existence of CSA, the children and the adult survivors, who need to know that what happened to them is a heinous crime and if we hide it away, if we make it a secret, then then we’re providing evidence to the child that what is happening to them is or was OK, thus and sadly, many of them will remain feeling alone and isolated in their world of defectiveness, shame and fear.
Flying on Broken Wings, though brutal and honest, is also a story of insurmountable strength, courage, optimism and hope for many who have been affected by child sexual abuse. For this, Carrie deserves a standing ovation. Carrie, thank you for breaking your silence and by this you are sending your message of inspiration “to every soul who ever believed they were too broken to fly”.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and applaud Carrie Bailee for her courage in sharing her story of one of the most heinous crimes against a child, child sexual abuse. Not only was Carrie brutally and relentlessly sexually, physically and emotionally abused by her adoptive father she was also subjected to the underworld of organised paedophile rings. Unfortunately, statistics indicate Carrie is not alone, child sexual abuse happens every day and does not discriminate by socio-economic, ethnic or professional background, it can be perpetrated by someone we know and thought we could trust, by someone we don’t know, and through organised paedophile rings or child trafficking. The current statistics are extremely alarming and indicate that 1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 boys have experienced some form of sexual abuse. Despite this horrific statistic it is also one that is likely understated given the abusive nature of paedophiles to control and threaten their victims to not disclose. Sadly, this control and lack of disclosure is a story that is retold time and time again in my clinical practice.
Carrie Bailee’s story told in ‘Flying on Broken Wings’ will open anyone’s eyes who has been fortunate to lead a sheltered and protected childhood, to anyone who was lucky enough not be a 1 in 3 or 1 in 6 statistic and experience the horrors of CSA. Carrie’s story is all to relevant and a strong reminder that as adults we need to have a united front, to work together to STOP protecting sexual perpetrators, through continual silence or ignorance of these statistics. Silence and ignorance only further isolates the child and therefore protects the world of paedophilia. Carrie is speaking out through her book and we must ALL speak out, we must ALL regularly talk about the existence of CSA, the children and the adult survivors, who need to know that what happened to them is a heinous crime and if we hide it away, if we make it a secret, then then we’re providing evidence to the child that what is happening to them is or was OK, thus and sadly, many of them will remain feeling alone and isolated in their world of defectiveness, shame and fear.
Flying on Broken Wings, though brutal and honest, is also a story of insurmountable strength, courage, optimism and hope for many who have been affected by child sexual abuse. For this, Carrie deserves a standing ovation. Carrie, thank you for breaking your silence and by this you are sending your message of inspiration “to every soul who ever believed they were too broken to fly”.
October 29, 2014
What an amazing book.
What an amazing story.
What an amazing woman. If you're stuck on picking a new book, look no further.
This womans story is insane! How one woman can endure this and and still come out as one of the most inspirational women in Australia astounds me.
If I can have even 1 bit of her strength and courage and her ability to move forward, I will be one happy woman.
The story has it all, but what I got most from it was Carrie Bailees message of HOPE. The message that NO MATTER WHAT, things will be okay. You can move forward. You can love yourself again. You can forgive yourself.
Do yourself a favour, push past any fear you have in picking up this book (in regards to the story line) and get it today! You will NOT put it down, and when you finish it in one seating (yes this will happen), you will get up and want to change the world. You will feel so inspired.
Thank you for sharing your story Carrie. It was one emotional ride for me, and I loved every second of it.
BUY THIS BOOK TODAY!!!
What an amazing story.
What an amazing woman. If you're stuck on picking a new book, look no further.
This womans story is insane! How one woman can endure this and and still come out as one of the most inspirational women in Australia astounds me.
If I can have even 1 bit of her strength and courage and her ability to move forward, I will be one happy woman.
The story has it all, but what I got most from it was Carrie Bailees message of HOPE. The message that NO MATTER WHAT, things will be okay. You can move forward. You can love yourself again. You can forgive yourself.
Do yourself a favour, push past any fear you have in picking up this book (in regards to the story line) and get it today! You will NOT put it down, and when you finish it in one seating (yes this will happen), you will get up and want to change the world. You will feel so inspired.
Thank you for sharing your story Carrie. It was one emotional ride for me, and I loved every second of it.
BUY THIS BOOK TODAY!!!
November 7, 2014
Last week, I entered the book store looking for some trashy fiction to read. Instead, I noticed this book sitting on the shelf, literally urging me to pick it up. Once I read the synopsis on the back, I knew I had to read it and I am glad I did.
Words can not express the emotions I experienced as Carrie took me on a journey filled with evil and betrayal at the hands of the one person who should be her protector, her father. Her suffering is inconceivable and made me feel psychically ill at times. But, her strength and courage is one of the most inspiring stories you will ever read.
Her strength and bravery is something that we need more of in this world. She possesses a soul of true beauty and bravery.
Thank you for opening my eyes to the unspoken evil that is happening in our so called 'first' world countries. You have shown me the importance of offering all children an open hand for them to grasp. Too easily, our children are written off as 'naughty' or ADHD, when perhaps they may be suffering from imaginable hurt and pain. Carrie is proof that with unwavering love and support, good truly can come from evil.
I pray that Carrie continues to be a strong voice for those who are too weak to speak. Do yourself a favour and read her story. You will be forever changed for the better.
Words can not express the emotions I experienced as Carrie took me on a journey filled with evil and betrayal at the hands of the one person who should be her protector, her father. Her suffering is inconceivable and made me feel psychically ill at times. But, her strength and courage is one of the most inspiring stories you will ever read.
Her strength and bravery is something that we need more of in this world. She possesses a soul of true beauty and bravery.
Thank you for opening my eyes to the unspoken evil that is happening in our so called 'first' world countries. You have shown me the importance of offering all children an open hand for them to grasp. Too easily, our children are written off as 'naughty' or ADHD, when perhaps they may be suffering from imaginable hurt and pain. Carrie is proof that with unwavering love and support, good truly can come from evil.
I pray that Carrie continues to be a strong voice for those who are too weak to speak. Do yourself a favour and read her story. You will be forever changed for the better.
September 5, 2014
This story is easy to read and beautifully balanced. It's such an insight into how trauma at an early age affects how you see yourself and the world, incredibly powerful. I love that Carrie's voice, her personality comes through very clearly. We journey with a woman of incredible resilience, courage, humour and humility. Her story will inspire others to speak out, to ask for and offer help. Bravo!
September 1, 2014
Now disclaimer that I work for the publisher of this book, but that in no way diminishes how proud I am that we have published this book and to have worked with Carrie. She is an amazingly strong and courageous woman, and this is a book she can be very proud of. It will changed the lives of all who read it.
December 2, 2014
I read Flying on Broken Wings back in Sept just before its release date. I was lucky enough to have my fiancee home on a rare occasion and I read Carrie's book cover to cover.
All the while glancing over to my children listening to them laugh and play with there Dad, making sure they were protected from the growing fear and pain her writing evoked in me.
My heart was absolutely racing and at times I was actually paralyzed with fear for Carrie and the realty of how magnified the emotion in a child's mind and heart must of felt.
As a story teller I felt she was kind, often sparing us from the graphic details that would of been, all the while allowing me into her private and traumatized experience of being a child.
Even in darkness and pain she was still thinking of us just as she would of done for her sister.
For the next week I didn't really speak much,her pain, her story, the people who came into her life at the exact right time, the triumph and then the love that was found.
The story in its whole entirety was so much to consume and digest.
It is now Dec and I still think of Carrie Bailee, her legacy and the children who are living it everyday... every single day.
Do not be afraid, by reading this book you will emerge strong,educated and part of legacy that is Carrie Bailee.xx
All the while glancing over to my children listening to them laugh and play with there Dad, making sure they were protected from the growing fear and pain her writing evoked in me.
My heart was absolutely racing and at times I was actually paralyzed with fear for Carrie and the realty of how magnified the emotion in a child's mind and heart must of felt.
As a story teller I felt she was kind, often sparing us from the graphic details that would of been, all the while allowing me into her private and traumatized experience of being a child.
Even in darkness and pain she was still thinking of us just as she would of done for her sister.
For the next week I didn't really speak much,her pain, her story, the people who came into her life at the exact right time, the triumph and then the love that was found.
The story in its whole entirety was so much to consume and digest.
It is now Dec and I still think of Carrie Bailee, her legacy and the children who are living it everyday... every single day.
Do not be afraid, by reading this book you will emerge strong,educated and part of legacy that is Carrie Bailee.xx
November 18, 2014
Carrie's story is a surprise. It is less about *what* she endured (which, frankly, will inspire an uncomfortable visceral reaction for many)... and more *that* she endured. That, even while walking with fear, vulnerability and shame, she found her path. That she reached out and grabbed hold of the hands waiting to help her along. That she told her story. That others are now telling her story. That she is now a point of light for so, so many who, too, have endured. Carrie's book will take you places, some of them dark, but you will not feel dragged to a place you don't wish to go. Her work is not crass like that. But if you are looking for a somehow romanticised treatment of the issue of sexual violence against women and children, you won't find that here either. Carrie delivers a raw, real and devastating account of her childhood; however it's her success as a woman, mother and advocate that will resonate. She is authentic. She is charming. Oh, and she's a bl**dy good author!
January 27, 2015
This book alters the way one views life. Every conscious mother, father, uncle, aunt or person of influence in a child's path will obtain a critical view of caretaking from this impactful memoir. A child you know will be hurt. Read this and see if you have the cahunas to ask yourself the difficult questions. Thank you, Carrie for your awe inspiring courage. You embody that which we all yearn to be.
I live in America and am looking forward to the opportunity to purchase quantities of the book for violated and neglected children (and their parents) in our system. We look forward to welcoming you into our country to share your important story.
Michele Fisher
I live in America and am looking forward to the opportunity to purchase quantities of the book for violated and neglected children (and their parents) in our system. We look forward to welcoming you into our country to share your important story.
Michele Fisher
February 15, 2015
This was one of those books that will move you and inspire you. Carrie Bailee's story is one that should be read by everyone and to understand that violence against children and women are not isolated incidents that take place in some third world country we hardly hear about. It can happen any where at any time. The author's resilience is something of the superhuman kind, and has to be read to be believed. You will not stop reading once you start. Wish the author and her family all the best for the years ahead.
October 29, 2014
Like many others, I read this book in under 24 hours. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to see how Carrie could overcome all that she suffered. The content is horrifying but not overly graphic for those that are afraid to start. It is beautifully written and you can feel Carrie's incredible strength shine through. I urge everyone to read this book and share it with your friends. Well done Carrie...every success to you!
April 6, 2015
I finished this book last night and have been thinking about my review.
I have realised I have no words.
There are just no words.
I just can't.
I can only wish Carrie Bailee the very best for her future. She is the strongest person I have come across in a long time.
I have realised I have no words.
There are just no words.
I just can't.
I can only wish Carrie Bailee the very best for her future. She is the strongest person I have come across in a long time.
January 26, 2015
every man should read this book, it is eye opening and apropos to current events and issues that have remained hidden for far to long. a very hard read but worth every word, and in the end a redeeming story of perseverance over unimaginable pain.
October 29, 2014
Fantastic read. Although heart breaking at times, Carrie takes you on a journey of hope. So in awe of the amazing spirit of this beautiful woman.
November 17, 2019
A remarkable story of one women’s strength, survival and resilience to regain her life & voice!I couldn’t put the book down!! I’ve heard the author Carrie present and admire her ability to have healed from such a traumatic past and for sharing her story with us all. I would def recommend this book and rate it a 10/10!
November 17, 2019
Totally gripping, heart breaking and courageous on every page. An eye opening story of betrayal, horror, courage and ultimate triumph.
Thank you Carrie for your unbridled honesty, vulnerability and inspiration in sharing your past and carving out your own future.
Be prepared with plenty of tissues and time as you won’t be able to put this book down.
Thank you Carrie for your unbridled honesty, vulnerability and inspiration in sharing your past and carving out your own future.
Be prepared with plenty of tissues and time as you won’t be able to put this book down.
November 17, 2019
Could not put this book down, I love a good biography & heartfelt... I love reading about people's recovery from darkness & this is an amazing human to have endured what she has & write it for us, honest read.
November 17, 2019
I really loved this book. incredibly powerful and well told story of terrible life trauma and how to overcome no matter what. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it.
May 30, 2015
As a survivor of sexual abuse...As a child who too was 'sold' to a heinous cult I had so many reservations and emotions attached about reading this book. In fact Carrie's book sat on my bed side table for weeks unopened. I contemplated each night picking it up...thinking each time it would either make me or break me..but how could a story of true survival, strength, resilience, empowerment and hope damage my already broken wings anymore than they already are? If anything what this book has done for me personally is begin to glue back some of the broken pieces back together in my preparation to fly...no for when I'm ready to soar! It was raw, it was intimate, it was highly respectful, but ultimately for me it was empowering!!
I have since read the book twice and I will continue to draw from it the moments in this book where Carrie, despite adversity soars above shame...to enlighten, empower and guide me on my own personal journey towards freedom and inner peace.
To Carrie, if you are reading this, my gratitude to you hardly seems suffice...how does one begin to thank someone who has had the courage, strength, integrity and resilience to take the risk and show the world your vulnerability, to take the risk and expose this heinous, often unspeakable crime in its truest form for what it is..you took these risks unselfishly to bring hope to others, to be the voice for those still vulnerable and to help us start to recognize and own our own story, with respect, not shame. Well Carrie I believe it was a risk that was worth taking. You owned your story girl and in the process showed yourself the dignity you deserved. I cried with you, laughed with you, shared your pain but also felt your strength and resilience and in doing so felt my own empowerment, hope, gratitude and inner peace. As you say we are all a little broken, but your book empowers others to come to know that no matter how broken our wings may be, they can and still will fly! Perhaps even soar as you have so courageously done! I have since purchased another book for my office so I can continue to share the hope to those I see who's wings may also be broken.
So much respect and gratitude to you Carrie. Your voice I believe is a gift given to you, so never lose it...There are so many still without a voice and until they find their own may your voice be the microphone for hope, courage, for empowerment, for change, for freedom and for inner peace. Nothing but respect for you Carrie!
So did this book break me? No. Did this book make me? Absolutely! totally inspired, empowered and hopeful!
I have since read the book twice and I will continue to draw from it the moments in this book where Carrie, despite adversity soars above shame...to enlighten, empower and guide me on my own personal journey towards freedom and inner peace.
To Carrie, if you are reading this, my gratitude to you hardly seems suffice...how does one begin to thank someone who has had the courage, strength, integrity and resilience to take the risk and show the world your vulnerability, to take the risk and expose this heinous, often unspeakable crime in its truest form for what it is..you took these risks unselfishly to bring hope to others, to be the voice for those still vulnerable and to help us start to recognize and own our own story, with respect, not shame. Well Carrie I believe it was a risk that was worth taking. You owned your story girl and in the process showed yourself the dignity you deserved. I cried with you, laughed with you, shared your pain but also felt your strength and resilience and in doing so felt my own empowerment, hope, gratitude and inner peace. As you say we are all a little broken, but your book empowers others to come to know that no matter how broken our wings may be, they can and still will fly! Perhaps even soar as you have so courageously done! I have since purchased another book for my office so I can continue to share the hope to those I see who's wings may also be broken.
So much respect and gratitude to you Carrie. Your voice I believe is a gift given to you, so never lose it...There are so many still without a voice and until they find their own may your voice be the microphone for hope, courage, for empowerment, for change, for freedom and for inner peace. Nothing but respect for you Carrie!
So did this book break me? No. Did this book make me? Absolutely! totally inspired, empowered and hopeful!
October 29, 2014
Ok. I had an idea of what I was about to start reading. So I did some prep work. :-) I finished work early on Friday. Grabbed a jacket went down to the river bed, found a nice comfy spot on the grass and began. Im not a fast reader. I like to soak in what I read. After making me comfortable, Carrie began to take me on a journey that was to change the trajectory of my existence.
As a male in my mid-40s, married with young teenage children this book would not be on my radar of books to read. However after a chance meeting with Carrie where she spoke these words, "Everyone is broken in some way", I thought to my self "Dude! (cause I'm pretty cool like that) you gotta get into this chicks book!" So when it came out I drove around 1/2 the day to 5 different book shops looking for it.
So continuing my journey down by the river side, Friday turned into Frinight I took the book into the car where I parked it four hours earlier to continue by the dim glow of the interior light. Stopping occasionally to stretch my neck and what seemed like take a breath I literally could not bring myself to stop reading long enough to think " I should get home".
Carries story telling is entertaining, informative, imaginative, with just enough reality to help you understand the importance of her message. This constant ebb and flow of darkness and light, took me on a spiritual experience of my own. When I eventually got home and tucked myself into bed to continue (this time packing tissues because do you know how hard it is to read through welled up eyes?) i looked forward to seeing what Carrie had planned for me. She talks to me throughout this book. She tells me how Black dark can be she also tells me how white and bright light can be. On one side of the page I would laugh on the exact opposite side of the same page I would cry. This book is not just about unimaginable betrayal or it's polar opposite unconditional trust. It is about the human spirit and how strong it can be whilst facing both of those. It gives us courage to reach out and grab the life that we want. To be compassionate towards our fellow human beings and to most importantly live with purpose.
Thank you Carrie for your incredible strength to bring to light this unimaginable horror that exists in our society. I feel I have become a kinder more compassionate human being after having read this book.
It is absolutely brilliant.
X
As a male in my mid-40s, married with young teenage children this book would not be on my radar of books to read. However after a chance meeting with Carrie where she spoke these words, "Everyone is broken in some way", I thought to my self "Dude! (cause I'm pretty cool like that) you gotta get into this chicks book!" So when it came out I drove around 1/2 the day to 5 different book shops looking for it.
So continuing my journey down by the river side, Friday turned into Frinight I took the book into the car where I parked it four hours earlier to continue by the dim glow of the interior light. Stopping occasionally to stretch my neck and what seemed like take a breath I literally could not bring myself to stop reading long enough to think " I should get home".
Carries story telling is entertaining, informative, imaginative, with just enough reality to help you understand the importance of her message. This constant ebb and flow of darkness and light, took me on a spiritual experience of my own. When I eventually got home and tucked myself into bed to continue (this time packing tissues because do you know how hard it is to read through welled up eyes?) i looked forward to seeing what Carrie had planned for me. She talks to me throughout this book. She tells me how Black dark can be she also tells me how white and bright light can be. On one side of the page I would laugh on the exact opposite side of the same page I would cry. This book is not just about unimaginable betrayal or it's polar opposite unconditional trust. It is about the human spirit and how strong it can be whilst facing both of those. It gives us courage to reach out and grab the life that we want. To be compassionate towards our fellow human beings and to most importantly live with purpose.
Thank you Carrie for your incredible strength to bring to light this unimaginable horror that exists in our society. I feel I have become a kinder more compassionate human being after having read this book.
It is absolutely brilliant.
X
April 4, 2025
Carrie,
I am deeply honoured by your presence in this world and your amazing journey of survival. You are an amazing human being and so damn inspirational. Your life story is such a wonderful gift to the world and your experiences has been this unbearably bright light and blessing to me personally, in many ways unknown.
I never thought a book can change a life such as mine until I read your life story. The day I finished it, I was never the same. It took me to places I never wanted to be but I am immensely honoured to be a small witness to your life. It also inspired me to travel and backtrack my childhood experiences which brought me so much joy and happiness.
Growing up in a third world country and currently living in Australia, this book made me realise the gravity of human slavery in all corners of the world. Honestly, I felt a lot of grief and sadness after reading your book and made me realise a lot of things personally in my life time. But this story is about hope, love and forgiveness which I really loved. Your book has the power to lift people who have been victims of such atrocities. It has the ability to educate young men and women who have been victims of all kinds of childhood abuse and be able to utilise your story as a beacon of light in their darkest hours.
I firmly believe that you are placed on this earth with a great purpose to accomplish and I am deeply grateful for bestowing such a gift. Thank you once again.
with all my heart,
Cyrille
I am deeply honoured by your presence in this world and your amazing journey of survival. You are an amazing human being and so damn inspirational. Your life story is such a wonderful gift to the world and your experiences has been this unbearably bright light and blessing to me personally, in many ways unknown.
I never thought a book can change a life such as mine until I read your life story. The day I finished it, I was never the same. It took me to places I never wanted to be but I am immensely honoured to be a small witness to your life. It also inspired me to travel and backtrack my childhood experiences which brought me so much joy and happiness.
Growing up in a third world country and currently living in Australia, this book made me realise the gravity of human slavery in all corners of the world. Honestly, I felt a lot of grief and sadness after reading your book and made me realise a lot of things personally in my life time. But this story is about hope, love and forgiveness which I really loved. Your book has the power to lift people who have been victims of such atrocities. It has the ability to educate young men and women who have been victims of all kinds of childhood abuse and be able to utilise your story as a beacon of light in their darkest hours.
I firmly believe that you are placed on this earth with a great purpose to accomplish and I am deeply grateful for bestowing such a gift. Thank you once again.
with all my heart,
Cyrille
October 29, 2014
I loved this book. At first I thought I would be too scared to read it.
When I did start reading I could not put the book down ( well I did but only to loan it to my sister to read, and she read it over two nights - made me wait to read the last few pages - but when i got it back I didn't want the book to end ).
Please don't be afraid to read this book. Carrie can write. Carrie is funny, articulate, nice, clever, thoughtful , beautiful, and horrible things happened to her. How can you grow up seemingly this 'normal' girl and anything but normal be happening to you?
Carrie not only survived she is someone I am now in awe of, she is amazing truly someone you would want to stop and speak to listen to - Congratulations Carrie, your family, and children should be so so proud of you!!!
November 17, 2019
In this extraordinary book Carrie share a very personal journey and along the way also opens our eyes up to the sinister world of organised pedophilia. Carrie's writing style is captivating and had me reading this book in a matter of hours. I couldn't put it down.
The most amazing thing is 'how' Carrie shares her story. She does share the horrors of her childhood, but she doesn't leave you there. She continues on with her story to reveal a woman of extreme courage, bravery and strength. This is a story of survival and triumph. Carrie is one of the most inspiring people I have ever known.
It has taken incredible courage to share such a personal story. But her heart to help others shines through as she takes us on the journey. So many people have been deeply touched and encouraged through Carrie's story, and given the hope that they will also find a way to move forward.
Thank you Carrie, for sharing your story. I feel very privileged to have read it.
The most amazing thing is 'how' Carrie shares her story. She does share the horrors of her childhood, but she doesn't leave you there. She continues on with her story to reveal a woman of extreme courage, bravery and strength. This is a story of survival and triumph. Carrie is one of the most inspiring people I have ever known.
It has taken incredible courage to share such a personal story. But her heart to help others shines through as she takes us on the journey. So many people have been deeply touched and encouraged through Carrie's story, and given the hope that they will also find a way to move forward.
Thank you Carrie, for sharing your story. I feel very privileged to have read it.
April 9, 2019
Heartbreaking story. But wow how she survived and turned her life into something that helps many others. How brave and strong. Carrie lived thru such horror at the hands of her father, who should've loved and protected her. Remarkable story of survival thru a horrifying childhood.
June 26, 2018
Devastating, unfathomable, so well written. A must read
November 17, 2019
Carrie manges to balance the terror of darkness and inspiration of light in this jaw dropping and heart wrenching biography. She seamlessly flows between the present and the past. Her reflections to dark times are important recollections to both inspire strength and learning that this can happen to anyone, anywhere. She balances the darkness with gentle humour. All reflections to the darkness are marked well in the book so the reader can skim forward if anything becomes too much to handle or for future reference. I highly recommend this book - Carrie, thank you for sharing your darkness with us and showing us how it’s possible to see the light.
November 17, 2019
Once you start reading this book you won’t be able to put it down. Such an incredible story of hope. Carrie Bailee shows enormous courage when facing a level of evil & darkness that most people couldn’t even imagine...she survived & then had the strength to open old wounds, be vulnerable & write it all down so that others could know they’re not alone & that they can get through it. So inspiring!!! Every person should read this book!!!
November 17, 2019
I simply could not put this book down once I started reading it. An incredibly raw eye opening story of survival. A must read.
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