A Deep Dark Secret

This is a great book. So sad but true.

Well written book. I felt like I was with the little girl and could her pain but I wasn't able to help her. Ms. Roby is an awesome writer. Don't sleep on this one.

I've only read two books by Kimberla Lawson Roby with A Deep Dark Secret being the second book. I was little apprehensive about reading it because of the subject matter. I'm glad that I decided to give it a chance. It was written really well. I like the fact that the story was narrated from Jillian's point of view. I could actually get a sense of the pain this twelve year old was going through. There were times when this book was too painful to read. It's really short but Kimberla was able to wrap it up nicely. I don't know anyone personally that has been sexually abused. This book has opened my eyes to what millions of children are going through. After reading this book, I sat my 9 year old daughter and 7 year old son down and had a lengthy discussion about sexual and physical abuse. I wanted them to know that if someone were to do anything inappropriate to them to let me know right way. I don't care how bad they think it is or if they're scared that I might get upset. I don't care who it is....they need to let me know. My husband and I are happily married and I can't fathom their own father or anyone else in my family doing the things that were done to Jillian, but you never know. The people who you love and trust the most are at times the actual perpetrator. After reading this book, I've told myself that I would make sure that I know all the warning signs and keep my eyes and hears open. There needs to be more awareness brought to this subject. Children shouldn't have to suffer in silence. I'm hoping that more children have the courage to come forward and get the help they need.

This by far was one of the best books ever. Myself being the mother of two teenage daughters, I recommend this reading even for young people. It gives details and information on how children are abused. More and more children are becoming victims of sexual abuse but are too frightened to tell anyone. This book shows how abuse can affect a child and gives sure signs of abuse. I'm going to make sure both of my daughters read this book. It wouldn't even hurt to be implemented in some of the upper grade schools. This is a serious issue that has not been addressed enough. God bless you Ms. Roby for addressing this issue that truly affects so many.

I loved this book.It was totally unexpected, but a very welcome fictional account of one teen's struggles with molestation, shame and the resulting havoc on her family. In a very real way, Roby brings to the reader's attention all of the anxiety, grief, fear and self-loathing that can result from molestation. Great read.

Seven year-old Jillian Maxwell's life could not be better. She had a new step-daddy that she adored and a new baby sister. On the day her baby sister was born, Jillian's life began to change. Her dream daddy became her worst nightmare when he started to make secret visits to her bedroom. Jillian knew what they did during these visits was wrong, but her daddy told her not tell anyone about them because no one would believe her and she would have to leave home. Therefore, Jillian endured years of being manipulated by her step-dad to do things she knew was not right. Jillian successfully disguised her anguish, by putting on a happy face for her family, friends and teachers. In this novella, A Deep Dark Secret, by Kimberla Lawson Roby, the plight of Jillian and other young ladies with her problems came to light. Statistics show that one in five girls will be abused by a trusted family member by age 18. As a former child protective services worker, I have witnessed that girls respond in a variety of ways. They will become sullen and withdrawn, an over-achiever, become sexually active at a young age or have an intense dislike for the opposite sex. It is usually when the perpetrator tries to take the abuse to another level that will make the child react, by either telling or fighting back. In this novella, Ms Lawson Roby presents two opposite reactions to the abuse by the parents and by the girls. I think this novella is a good book for mothers and daughters to read together and could open up an excellent dialogue between them on the perils of keeping secrets. Jeanette APOOO BookClub Motown Review Book Club

Seven-year-old Jillian was the happiest little girl in the world. She was finally going to get a father and soon a new baby sister. She grew into a responsible teenager, obeying her parents, exceeding in school and being a loving, attentive older sister to her baby sister. On the outside, Jillian is your typical energetic teenager, but on the inside, she's protecting a deep, dark secret. Afraid to tell anyone because she knows they wouldn't understand or believe she wasn't telling the truth, she carried the awful pain alone. Her schoolwork begins to suffer and she starts to draw into herself, until a teacher inspires her to keep a journal. As time goes on, Jillian develops strength and courage to gain control of her life. Written with compassion and warmth, A DEEP DARK SECRET is a stirring piece of literature which focuses on a serious issue that is running rampant, and how a family overcomes and survives the dark cloud that hovers over their lives. Roby skillfully influences the reader to float into the heart and soul of Jillian's character and feel her anguish. The subplot ties in perfectly as the story unfolds. A DEEP DARK SECRET...a tender masterpiece of family loyalty, friendship, and peer pressure. Reviewed by Sharon Lewis of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers