Saturday 22 November 2014

Book Review: Stolen


http://nutsaboutbooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/STOLEN.jpg
  • ISBN 9781441246141
From The Back: 

There is hope, even on the darkest of days
Katariina Rosenblatt was a lonely and abused young girl, yearning to be loved, wanting attention. That made her the perfect target. On an ordinary day, she met a confident young woman--someone Kat wished she could be like--who pretended to be a friend while slowly luring her into a child trafficking ring. A cycle of false friendships, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.

As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, her ultimate escape, and her passionate efforts to now free other victims, you'll see that not only is sex trafficking happening frighteningly close to home--it's also something that can be stopped. Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you.

My Reflections:

When I saw this book up for review I had to read it. However I don't think I was prepared for the emotions the story evoked in me.  This is a hard read, not for the faint of heart, but it is a must read.

Every parent, youth worker, and church director must read this book. How will we ever stop the atrocities that go on around us if we pretend that bad things won't happen to the children around us?

Sex trafficking is nothing new to our society, and shockingly it is common place, yet we do very little to educate ourselves to the realities of this crime. The numbers of children sold into the sex trade have risen in an alarming rate. In the US over 300,000 children are forced into this horrific trade a year. One year. Girls and boys as young as 9 are recruited and most don't make it to adulthood alive...

Canada is no different, don't think this only happens south of the border. Here are some shocking Canadian statistics:

- Humans are the second most trafficked "product" in the black market [internationally], surpassed only by drugs.

- According to the RCMP, 800 to 1200 people are trafficked in and through Canada every year. (although this is hard to track due to the underground networks in Canada)

- 2200 men, women, and children, are trafficked into America from Canada every year. Canada is considered a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of prostitution and forced labour.

- In Canada a girl can be sold for $15,000 and earn her owner over $40,000 a year.
(Source: http://www.4mycanada.ca/HumanTrafficking.html.)

Back to this book,  Katariina Rosenblatt shows immense bravery, strength and wisdom in her journey from an abused, confused and scared little girl to a healthy, functioning individual who holds a PhD. This woman is a shining example of God's love and mercy, with him ALL things are possible! What a testimony.

I was deeply moved by this story it is a stark reminder to be a present and loving  force in our child's lives, because if they don't get the love and care they crave, someone else will give it to them.

This story is tastefully done, although explicit and revealing you will want to read this front to back. This is not a mere autobiography, it is a story of redemption and grace. God's love is with us through all things. Even in the deepest sin and darkness, he is always near. He will always seek us and draw us to him. This story is a shining example of just that. In Katariina's darkest moments he saved her more than once, something she will admit rarely happens. Her life is a testament to his great love!

This story is a gut wrenching read on a miserable topic, but it is an important and worthy read. I finished this book in 2 days, and was glued to the pages. I could not put it down.

Because I have also lived through abuse, although certainly not to this degree, I can tell you from experience that the brain of a child can not comprehend the horrors of what is happening to them. A child believes what an adult tells them, abuse becomes a common everyday occurrence and the child is trained to think the abuse is normal. I have read some reviews that have criticized the author, they can not believe that Ms. Rosenblatt would not leave her abusers. I have to say this to them, when this is all you know, when you have never experienced what real love is, when no one cares about you and you have no self worth, why would you leave? This is your only security, twisted as it is. Please don't judge a person unless you have walked in their shoes.

I absolutely recommend this book, wholeheartedly, how else can we equip ourselves to the realities of the fallen world we live in and try to help the people around us? This book is a candle shining in the darkness, well done Ms. Rosenblatt!

Some more Canadian statistics:

Child Trafficking in Canada

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

About The Authors

  1. Katariina Rosenblatt

    Katariina Rosenblatt

    Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD, is living proof of the promise she heard long ago at a Billy Graham crusade that God would never forsake her. Katariina has a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution and works closely with law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI...

  2. Cecil Murphey

    Cecil Murphey

    Cecil Murphey has written or coauthored more than 135 books, including the bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven with Don Piper and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story with Dr. Ben Carson. Murphey is a recipient of the Gold Medallion Award, two-time...
    Continue reading about Cecil Murphey

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