Christine Stark

There are a mixture of essays in this book but overall they're really good. A few don't give enough background or set the foundation enough to give the reader a good idea of why the philosophy is as it is, which isn't useful in a debate about pornography and prostitution and its harms. But many of these essays are right on, and really powerful.

"In real life, women of color, particularly African-American and American Indian women, and poor women of all races, are disproportionately targeted for prostitution and most likely to be seen as consenting to it. Thus, to say that prostitution is 'just like' other forms of sexual abuse is to ignore the racism and classism that supports the mass prostitution of women and girls, especially of young Black women, in this country."

"In prostitution, the john performs the sex act with the unwilling victim, but subcontracts the intimidation and violence to another man, the pimp."

"Whilst trafficking in women is recognised by most governments and international agencies as a problem, the industry to which the victims are delivered is increasingly being normalised." (the author of this essay is australian.)… (plus d'informations)

Little Miss So-and-So experiences things she could not possibly understand. She lives in the world of her mind, imagining and defining the unspeakable acts done to her by those whose job it is to protect her, in the best way she knows how. She concocts characters, explanations, stories, plans that explain, describe, depict, color and sound out her life in ways that she as a young child can deal with, be comfortable with, find references to and interact with the world around her. It becomes confusing and convoluted, but it is her world, where she feels safe, where she protects herself and buries the pain away. Eventually it all gets uncovered and comes to surface. This story threads its way through Miss So-and-So’s depiction of life.

This book was amazing. The style in which it was written(prose poems), the language, how empowering it was, how endearing the characters were, how real and frustrating the plot was. This book will move you. It may be tough to get into at first, just because it is very different and you have to get into the flow and rhythm of it, but once you do it will be a riveting ride. This story is a powerful read that everyone over the age of 18 should read. It touches on some very important issues in modern society and it not only touches, it nourishes, it questions and it answers. It’s amazing to me how full of life and active this story is and its the characters.

Most of all, I think this story will give hope to anyone. It will piss you off because you know these kinds of things are happening, but it will also give you hope. It is not all doom and gloom, it is actually very entertaining, very beautiful and enlightening, but there’s absolutely no sugar-coating and the author did not shy away from anything or show any fear. You will swear this is a true story, but author Christine Stark (www.ChristineStark.com) admits that while some characteristics of Miss So and So are similar to her own, the character and story are fiction.

It’s difficult to get into the specifics of this book because you will WANT to and you MUST read it…but I will recommend this book 100%. This is the best book I’ve read in years, hands down. I couldn’t put it down and when it was over I was sad and wanted MORE! This book is artistic, and unique and funny and touching and it makes a difference. All I can say is buy this book especially if you care about feminism, sexual abuse, child abuse, addiction, multi-culturalism, art and creative expression, GLBTT community, poverty, mental health. If you care about people and don’t want to close your ears and eyes to the truth…if you care about healing and how much people suffer in silence, read this book!

Most importantly, if you want to be a writer, or you want to sustain yourself as a writer, you have to read good writing, and that is what this is. It is original, authentic muse-worthy creative expression. As creative people we have to be a part of the movement we want to succeed in. Recommend this book to therapists, counselors, health care workers, teachers, activists, healers, social workers, and artists. Check out other reviews of this book and others in the series at the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/Nickels-dissociation-Reflections-America-Series/dp/1615990...

This book is largely about sexual abuse, so it could be triggering for some.… (plus d'informations)

I believe I just read the most extraordinary book I have ever read!
This is definitely one that will stay fresh in my mind and i will always wonder how Little Miss So and So is doing throughout her life.
I thought this was brilliantly written, and Christine Stark has such an amazing mind, I was delighted to read and review this book!!
Dissociation is a disorder i never read much about, but as soon as I heard I would be receiving this book, I started to do research to better understand what exactly I would be reading about, and wow! I was blown away by what this little girl had to live through.
I hope to read more from this author, as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
It was terrifying, true horror, and at the same time, a bit magical in the sense that the whole story took place in a child's mind.
I highly recommend this book!… (plus d'informations)

I was excited to be chosen to review the book, Nickels: A Tale of Dissociation. I received a copy of the book to read, and found that I became engrossed in the story. I was unsure it would be the type of book I would like, as it is written in a unique style with prose poems. I soon adjusted to the writing style and followed the tale of Little Miss So And So throughout her life, from the age of four to 26. I found the story of a child who was going through so much turmoil and abuse to be heartbreaking and deeply moving. As I continued to read, I learned more about Little Miss So And So (and later just So And So) as she tried to love, overcome guilt for things she had no control over, and just survive each day. I truly was transported to inside the mind of a child and later into the mind of a young woman that was never fully given the chance to grow up, as she struggled with the fear of being crazy and the dissociation she experienced. The book is deep and even dark at times, but it is ultimately a story of a young girl growing into a woman and learning to survive and overcome her past. Truly a moving book that helps shed light on abuse, sexuality, dissociation, and strength.… (plus d'informations)