Wounded Boys Heroic Men: A Man's Guide to Recovering from Child Abuse

I would recommend this book for men who still have the emotional scares, the resentments, child abuse issues from our childhood holding us back from achieving happiness and serenity. We can become heroes, over come addictions, free ourselves from the bonds of our pain once and for all.

The section of the book that the reviewer is referring to is a quote from a member of my men's group, and not about myself. However, it is important that readers understand that for many different reasons, people are unable to face the realities of their abuse and as a result may inadvertently put loved ones at risk. This is unfortunately an all-to-common consequence of all forms of child maltreatment. It is not constructive to judge their actions in the past, but to help them change for the present and future. What was important for this particular man, was that he did ultimately face his problems and heal not only his own wounds, but his relationship with his son. He struggled for many years and his hard work ultimately paid off. Today, he has a wonderful relationship with his son and his new grandchildren.

This is a great book. I have found most self help books, and most psychologists, lacking empathy for victims of abuse. I have made many unsuccessful attempts in the past to work through my problems but never made any real progress. Dr. Sonkin breaks the process down into four steps- experiences, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors- which have made it possible for me to understand how to work through it all. And the great empathy he expresses was what allowed me to get beyond the usual andger and alienation I feel toward therapists, who tend to be judgemental and condescending. I went through and did all the exercises and wrote everything down- in particular writing down all the feelings lifted a great burden from me. If you are suffering from the effects of abuse, find a good therapist and get this book. Life will look a lot better.

I have found this book to be a valuable resource for men dealing with childhood abuse issues. As a survivor, I found most of the literature on abuse to be directed toward women. Sonkin directs this towards men and speaks to the issues men go through. Though not an easy read, I have had many of the issues described thoughtfully and caringly in a way that speaks to me. Many of the thoughts and feelings that I've experienced were laid out in the book, but solutions also offered. If you are just beginning your journey to healing or well along the process, this book can be helpful along the way.

This is a very insightful book into a subject that is greatly ignored. This book can help many men to overcome something that is usually hiden from public view and can help others understand what their men whom have suffered abuse go through.