Daddy's Apprentice: Incest, Corruption, and Betrayal: A Survivor's Story

When I first started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The struggles of a young girl are heatwrenching. I do wish the book had more details of her life. I felt like I missed some bits and pieces here and there.

I picked up this book, and could not put it down. I was riveted by the courage of this girl, who endured so much for so long. It is amazing to me that these things can happen, and in many instances right under our noses. This girl was at the mercy of her father, and the only person who could have helped her, was too being abused. I admire this woman, because she has come so far from where she began, she learned to let go of the resentment and hate that her father deserves. In letting go, she set herself free. I commend her for this, because now she has taken control of her life, and chosen not to let anything bring her down. I can only hope i would have half her courage.

I had to read this book for a class in college. Not only did the author make you feel like you were actually there, but I honestly could not put it down. (And I am sorry to say, I hate reading what my teachers assign me) It was an eye opening account of what many children endure behind closed door. I recommend this book esp. to Psychology and Education students, faculty, or even someone in the profession already.

Sandy Wilson's "Daddy's Apprentice" is an account that deserves serious attention. One of the many profound issues that this work addresses is that of the devices employed by abusers to intimidate their victims into silent compliance. The courage summoned by the author to reveal her secrets broke the fundamental bonds of her father's control. The themes of guilt, fear, and accountability are brilliantly woven between the lines of this text. The storyline is exciting and fast-paced, while deeper personal and social issues are subtly explored. The reader is not bombarded with the explicit details or the extent of the sexual abuse, however, the issues of power, violation, guilt, and perpetual dread are apparent. Meanwhile, the notion of "pigeon-holing," which is only mentioned directly towards the end of this memoir, is ever-present throughout this book. Sandy accepts a society that views her as "white-trash" and by this, our society not only minimizes, but compounds her sufferring. Nonetheless, the author does not depict herself as a martyr, a helpless female, or a heroine. She addresses her situation honestly, and reccounts her experiences without prejudice. This work not only lends understanding to a very sensitive subject for every reader, but empowers those who can identify with Sandy's struggle. As this is a true story, it cannot be neatly packaged up and shipped out. Therefore, the unanswered questions, the jagged edges, linger with the reader and offer a sense of wonderment at the vague line between what can be seen and what lurks in the shadows beyond. I invite those who pick up this book to examine such themes as co-dependency, enablement, the depth of trust and the depth of fear, isolation (personally and geographically), stereotyping, and the ease at which we can be manipulated by others. Sandy's gift to the public in sharing her story must be noticed and appreciated.