Dear Joe,

Thank you for your book. I'm a member of a creative writing class and love writing poems. Main reason for doing this, that I loved writing all my life and that I hope to improve my English. Two years ago I moved from Germany with the age of 50 after I got married to the most wonderful man.
I was beaten by my dad with a belt or a cane, when I was little, but must tried so hard to forget about this, that I never thought about it.
I could not stop reading your book and I believe this is very helpful to make our society aware of this violene to children.
Tomorrow I will meet my writing class and talk about your book, because I want more people to make aware how hard it is for children to be heard and how they are kept in silence because of their fear.
Joe, you deserve a good life now! God bless you!

Kind Regards
Marion

Hi,

I've just read your book. It was so moving, how someone can overcome such abuse and violence. I take my hat off to you for being able to get through it and carry on with your life the way you have, as unfortunately there are so many that can't find their way through to the end of the tunnel. Best Wishes
x

i have never read a book like yours before only autobiographys like jordans etc but as my holidays were approching and there was nobodies i fancied my fiance chose me yours. His words "you will like these type of books my mam does" and what an impact it had on all of our holidays. I could not put it down desperate to get to the end it filled me with anger, horror and great upset. You were a brave little boy far braver than i could have ever been your hidden strength came out to fight for your survival why? because its what you deserve. Before reading your book i think i was very blind to the harsh reality of everyday life around the world probly due to my up bringing, a small village in the country with a loving family. Of course i no there is bad out there but you tend to not think about it. Reading so much detail in your book really got into my mind and i wanted to talk about it with my family so much so they all read it. I finished within 3days bearing in mind am a slow reader my mother in law and fiance within the day, not able to put it down, up until all a.m hours until they finished desperate to pass it on. You need some justice though joe. I cant believe these people have not yet been locked up and torchered themselfs am angry at the police and social services how many important leads do they not see or miss or how many times are they fooled by people like your mother. If only wally had the strenght when he left to get help for you, and what about marie and your dads sister? why did these people not come looking for you? after 3 years of not seeing daylight surly they were suspicious at one point. All these if's why's and but's none of it really matters now, you have overcame it. Its a sin to think your child hood was taken from you from these evil people but am a believer you reap what you sow and their day will come. We cant turn back time so well done you for having the courage to move on with your life your a real inspiration to others and i belive this wedsite has probably helped alot of people. I know yor dad would be so so proud of you and what you are doing cant wait to read your second book. Your kids are so lucky because i know you will want to be just like you remember your dad being with you. They will have everthing you didnt in those early years. A truly moving read thankyou.xxx

Joe, everything happens for a reason, and that reason is so you could come out and open peoples eyes! And help others, and become the great man you are today! After reading your book im thinking of working for the NSPCC.
xx

I just bought your book today and iv read half of it already! Im dreading to read the next chapter because i know it will have me in tears.
Its hard to let go of the past, especially one this traumatic, but you have a bright future ahead and you WILL be very successful! Much love xxx

Hi I have just finished reading your first book and it had me in tears that this should be allowed to happen. Didnt the social services learn anything from Maria Colwells murder and abuse? Do they find it easier to just ignore the problems and hope they will just go away? I had a great upbringing and family life and have never been subject to any sort of abuse and find it hard to believe how parents can do this to their kids. Im sure if a child told me things were happening to them I would fight tooth and nail to get them away from their abuser.All I can say is that I think your book is great (although sad) and that Im glad that you came through it and give your kids the life you always wanted. I bet your dad would be really proud of you. Best Wishes Karen

Hi joe , I just wanted to take the time to write this message to say how much your book moved me , i cried from page 1 , i couldnt begin to imagine how your life must have been , but you are a survivor and you have come through those terrible things , and to your credit a better man than your peers all those years ago. I have nothing but respect for you and i hope you lead a very happy life , its no less than what you deserve

I was choked reading your book. I was abused by a neighbour and uncle as a child. I am glad to say that they are both dead and they both suffered with arthiritis in their hands. I am a great believer that what goes around comes around. There was never any charges brought against them unfortunately. What really breaks my heart and I will never understand is what an adult sees sexual in a child and how people can be so cruel. I cherish my children and when my eldest told me that when aged 7 her cousin aged 14 was touching her I brought in the police and got him charged. It caused a lot of friction in my family but my daughter came first and foremost to me. I will look out for your next book. Kind Regards

Lorna

Hi Joe, my name is charlotte and i am 13 years old and reading your book made my heart break. i knew there were people who abuse children in the world but i was shocked of the amount of cruilty you were put through i finished your book the day i got it and it made me cry. You were so brave to write this book and i am sure your dad is so proud of you. A mothers love is meant to be unconditional and what your mother put you through was terrible. I would just like to ask if anyone has been arrested and punished for the horrific abuse they put you through. i hope your your wife and children are happy and i give you my best wishes. Love Charlotte x

Your book made me cry, i didnt think there were people out there who can do such things. Reading your story made me realise how lucky i am to have a family who love and care about me. It just makes me sad to think there are children out there being treated as you did my heart goes out to them. You should be proud of yourself and im sure your dad is looking down on you. Your an amazing person and i wish you and your family all the best in the future take caree
x