One of the books I read in the first semester is Kidnapping My Daughter by Rachel Jensby. With such an unusual title, I couldn't ignore this type of book. This true-crime novel consists of 192 pages, and it was such an eye-opening book (which was surprising because what lesson could I possibly gain from reading the details of a mother essentially kidnapping her own kin . . . ?)
The plot is given away from the title as it's about a mother 'kidnapping' her daughter in a sense. With more context, the mother is the author, Rachel, and she wants to save and protect her daughter, Cheyenne, from her abusive ex (who's the biological father of Cheyenne). The novel details the ugly abuse Rachel underwent through as Rachel was both emotionally and physically abused by her ex before, during, and after her pregnancy. Things took a dark turn once Cheyenne was born, thus a plan was formed by Rachel: she planned to flee from her ex and his family with her lover and Cheyenne's 'father', Ben.
I can most definitely say this book kept me on my toes, and it gave insight into how much the Child Protection Services/Agencies and the court system lacked. People often think that the CPS is good because it's designed to help and protect kids. This book was quick into diminishing that assumption. I should point out that this book is not for those uncomfortable with details of abuse, mentions of abuse, violence, and rape. This novel isn't the type for one to pick up for good entertainment because this book is literally about the struggles and thoughts of an actual mother struggling to keep her and her own baby daughter safe.
If anyone wants to know how screwed up some people can be and read about the consequences of severely flawed child protection agencies and court systems, this book may be for you (that is, if details of abuse and mentions of said-abused and rape doesn't make you uncomfortable).
- Ashley Salgado
I've never heard of this book before, let alone read it; however, your report on it draws me in. One thing that always interests me are true or experience based stories about CPS and the foster care system in the United States. Thankfully I've never had to learn about it through experience, but I want to educate myself on it so that I can help those who do live through it in any way that I can. This book would be one way to further educate myself on this subject.
ReplyDeleteI like Jasalyn have never heard of this book but based on your analysis, I might just give it a go. I am very captivated by the love a mother has to protect her children and although you say this book is not to be read for entertainment necessarily, I want to further educate myself on the subject. I have seen time and time again the system failing to put children into good homes, and this book seems to go into detail about it. Although I have never personally gone through this experience, I feel the need to educate myself on the subject more.
ReplyDeleteI've taken interest in true crime novels lately, and the book you described is definitely captivating. Of course, the events you tell of are disheartening and truly tragic, but the fact it is written in the point of view of a mother who had to undergo such horrific events and work through them compels me to read her story. I would also like to know more of the flawed child protection agencies, for I fall under the umbrella of people who believed CPS was a good way to help children get away from abusive households. I feel that reading of Rachel's experience would give me a better understanding of those who had suffered through similar situations.
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