I have just finished reading your book,I have to say it is the worst of the "real life" books i have read. I had to keep putting the book down but wanted to read to the end to see how you managed to get through such badness. My husband and I have also suffered abuse at the hands of so called family members when we were young and think it is disgusting how anyone could do such things to a child. I treasure my children so much,too much sometimes! It is great that you came through such a terrible upbringing to help so many other children. The only thing I have to say to you is you cannot let these people get away with what they have done to you and probably many others after you. I am 35 years old now and I didnt do anything about what my step Father did to myself and my sisters until 3 years ago when we went to the police. They haven't found him yet but when they do i hope he gets what he deserves for making our lives such a misery. Best Wishes for now and the future...Lisa x

Hey Joe. I have just finished reading Cry Silent Tears...and oh my god!!!
I wanted to put the book down as it was upsetting me reading what "Uncle Douglas" was doing and what your mother was allowing these men to do to you and to not be protecting her child as a mother should, but i didnt want to put it down as i wanted to know how you overcame these terrible events as you must have survived them to write your story!
I have huge respect for you and everything you are about
and your book will be passed around to my friends and family to read and underestand the dark world and people that are out there!

I had a hard upbringing as my mother was a single parent with 6 of us to bring up! My mother never recieved an income from our father and had only benefits to bring us up on...we learnt the value of money at a young age and to respect each other and our mother. We grew up in such a tight unit and the times where hard but my mother loved and respected us and cared for us as much as she able to do so! So to hear that a mother could put one of her youngest through do much....you are lucky to have gotten out of it all. Some children dont survive these tragedies.
I have a few questions if you can answer them. If not i wouldnt be offended. Have you been in touch with your family since? How is "Thomas" and "Ellie" and have you heard anything from "Wally"? What kind of help did you receive?

Hope to hear from you soon

Best wishes
Rebecca

hi joe ,,, i have judt finshed reading your book cry myself to sleep i got it yesterday at 3pm and finshed it today its an amazing book very sad i cried reading it im so sorry for the things u had to go trough as a child there are no words as to how angry it made me feel thank u for being brave enough to share your life with us ,,,,, u will always be in my prayers ,,,,

I just finished reading your book. It took me quite some time to finish as i have two little ones who r always in need of my attention, but every second i got to myself i spent it in reading about your horrific childhood. Despite being disgusted of the tortures you endured as a child, i felt i had to finish reading your book as i couldn't leave it without seeing justice given to you. It may not be justice that i ended up reading, but i was happy to see you found love in your life. I am mother of two, and its just hard to beleive a MOTHER can treat her own flesh and blood like that.. I've read many such childhood biographies but your was just soo touching and shocking, i just kept shaking my head in disbeleif. I'm so sorry it all happened to you. No child deserves to be abused. You were such a brave child, and by writing this book you have become an inspiration - I wish you and your family all the happiness - Take care!!

Joe, words cannot begin to describe how i feel now ive just finished reading your book... I ve cried so much.My 10yr old daughter asked me why i was crying. I decided it was best to tell her about the book, she joined me in crying and said to me "Mum, i feel blessed". Thanks Joe for this is an eye openner to many of us who take things forgranted in life.

I hope your mum and the rest of your family have learnt through you. I now believe that there is always 'light at the end of the tunnel'.

wow i jus wna say tht ur book is so sad and it must have been awful for u 2 witness the death of your dad at the age of 5 xxxx my heart goes out 2 you bbe xxxx

wow i jus wna say tht ur book is so sad and it must have been awful for u 2 witness the death of your dad at the age of 5 xxxx my heart goes out 2 you bbe xxxx

Dear Joe,

i have just finished ur first book and words cann't describe the emotions i went throu, i took all your words and emotions to heart that i couldnt stop thinking of u,i just wanted to come and give u a hug when you were a child and be your friend who you could trust when you where on the street n love you the whay u deserved to be,
You should be so proud what you ended up achiving in life. God only knows why he lets crulty happen in the world especillay when is comes to children and all forms of abuse the have to deal with in the lifes and by you telling your story maybe encouraging other children tell theirs.
I am now reading cry silent tears and cant stop thinking about you as a child and thinking that as i read your story somwhere out their thse poor childern are living it. and now i am more gratful to my family and friends for protecting me and showing me the meaning of love life and happyness.

Stay strong and thank you for sharing your heartbreaking story joe may you live a long n happy life from here on with the family you longed for xxxxxxxxxxxxxxlove j x

Hi Joe,
I am currently reading "Cry silent Tears"....I started it last night and read over 60 pages - I read for so long that I was exhausted and had to put it down.
I wouldn't read this story unless it was true - I was quick to feel hatred for your mother and I share a bit with MY Mother with an astounded, hate-filled tone in my voice. I apologize if this hatred for your mother is offending, however, I am certain that it is not. I want to reach into this book and put my arms around this 4-year-old and care for him myself.
I am now 34 years old, but grew up in a loving family whom I am very grateful for - your book; although I am only on page 60 or so; makes me even more grateful.
I understand that this blindness to abuse (in North America) would not happen (as much) in this day, as more people are aware and are quick to report any possible mistreatment. It is infurorating that it happened with no help even 30 years ago.
It makes me feel relief and happiness that you not only had the strength to survive, but found a happy life. Although I haven't gotten that far, I know that your children are adored in the same way that your Father adored you.
Bless you for having the strength that you have and for finding your way in such a horrible life. I see that you have written another book and I already can't wait to read it. You are one of those people that others marvel at; stunned at his or her strength. Please accept my amazement and happiness of YOUR path to happiness as admiration for an incredibly strong person.
Sincerely,
Kelly Martin
Ontario Canada

Hey Joe, I read both your books and i must say what a remarkable person you are. You are an inspiration to everyone and you should be proud of yourself! Im proud of you!!! I would definantly recommend them. They where upsetting to read, I couldnt put the books down. Im happy for you now, and i am also glad you are helping others.
Keep it up!
Get well soon xox
Anne