Facing the Sunshine: A Young Woman's Emergence from the Shadows of Sexual Abuse and Anorexia - Softcover

Sara Jane Thornton

3.5

6 ratings by Goodreads

9780976369462: Facing the Sunshine: A Young Woman's Emergence from the Shadows of Sexual Abuse and Anorexia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 097636946X ISBN 13: 9780976369462

Publisher: Soaring Wings Press, 2007

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Facing the Sunshine is a true account of a journey to well-being following a childhood lost in the shadows of sexual abuse. At age sixteen, Sara Jane Thornton left home and spiraled into self-starvation, which nearly took her life. Hospitalized for two years after a suicide attempt at age twenty-one, she was subjected to seclusion, shock therapy, restraint with medication, and other adverse treatments. Aided finally by psychotherapy, self-empowering, strength-based interactions, and her own innate resilience and determination, she defied expectations and was discharged. A failed attempt to live independently then convinced her to move in with her father, her abuser of many years, where she compiled this book. Merging her past with the present, she succeeded in shaping a radiant and meaningful future.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Sara Jane Thornton, a popular guest speaker, balances motherhood and academia in New Brunswick, Canada. She is featured in the film Through True Eyes: Process of Recovery from Eating Disorders.

Review:

Compelling. A must-read for any helping professional or loved one of a person momentarily swept up in the "perfect storm" of childhood sexual abuse, intimacy problems, and eating disorders. Thornton's memoir reminds that there is hope and meaning after the storm. --Linda T. Sanford, LICSW

A story of triumph and spiritual awakening that is bound to captivate readers. Candid, insightful, and inspirational. --Viola Fodor, BEd, MEd

A gripping account of the absolute darkness and imprisonment brought on by self-destructive behaviour. Thornton effectively illustrates the vicious cycle of an eating disorder as she spirals into ... depression, providing valuable insights into the struggle and inner turmoil stemming from childhood sexual abuse. I commend Thornton on having the courage to share her story to help others. She is living proof that there is triumph after adversity. --Melinda Hutchings

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.