Sue William Silverman

I found this memoir well-written and very moving. After suffering through the devastation of childhood incest, the author interpreted sex as love. A dangerous and scary place to be. Telling her most intimate secrets while documenting her therapy, I found the author's story of recovering from sex addiction sad, touching, and sometimes shocking. Apparently, while writing this book, she still had a relationship with her parents, which is unthinkable to me. I will see if Ms. Silverman has written more on that subject in another book.… (mere)

This collection of poetry was so.. it spoke it me on such a deep and personal level that I had to put it down so many times that sometimes I wondered if I would ever finish it. But not only did I tell myself I had to, I wanted to. The poems are so starkly beautiful and honest in their pain, and yes it can be hard to read - but I beg anyone who can, to read this important piece of work.

This book of poetry left me feeling a sense of deep sadness and for that, I will forever hold each piece of what every girl has said in every poem, close to my heart.… (mere)

I'm about halfway through this book, which is a perfect summer read because it's getting me interested in teaching again. After years of using the same text in my creative nonfiction classes, I feel moved to make a switch. I love several things about the book so far. It's clear that Silverman is a good teacher who pays attention to students. I get the feeling this book was written specifically with students in mind, and Silverman pulls that off beautifully. The book is essential a vulnerable account of her journey as a writer interspersed with unique and thoughtful exercises that I want to try with my students. There are reading selections here and there, but the book manages to make these elements feel like seamless parts of a carefully considered whole. Silverman offers the best description of voice I've seen. She never talks down to the reader, always stresses her real life (and significant) pains and challenges to welcome readers into a space where complexity and honesty are the goals. I'm learning a lot, I'm reinspired. This is no ordinary textbook!… (mere)