Everything I Never Dreamed: My Life Surviving and Standing Up to Domestic Violence

In her harrowing tale of surviving domestic violence, debut author Glenn details the story of her abuse—and her rebirth, including going on to helm a major national nonprofit addressing domestic violence. After growing up in an abusive family that included sexual abuse by a stepfather, Glenn endured beatings and verbal abuse at the hands of her husband, Cedric, the father of her son David, whom she gave birth to at 16. For the next 13 years, Cedric’s behavior escalates, until he abducts Glenn at gunpoint and threatens to kill them both, subsequently shooting her twice in the head (he later died by suicide). The author turned the experience into action, ultimately rising to become the president and chief executive officer of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Glenn ably delves into the damaging psychological effects prolonged abuse can have, and what the reality of the situation is for many women: she cites one nationwide study that found that about half of the victims of domestic violence surveyed listed not having enough money or resources as the most significant barrier to leaving their abuser. She also examines the various risk factors that create abusive men, and galvanizes readers and their allies to action by offering possible escape routes, and stressing the need for an increase in funding for emergency shelters. This is a raw, honest, and hopeful account. (Oct.)