A GOOD WOMAN'S HELL: The Journey Through and Out of Darkness is the story of one woman's battle with and triumph over the dark and despairing side of herself and her life events; how she found a non-traditional path out of hell and into the wholeness sought after by so many women today.
For Teresa Starkey, childhood was tainted with rejection, self-imposed shame, and spiritual unrest; young adulthood brought spousal loss (death), grief, rape, and anger; the next eighteen years were a nightmare roller coaster ride through relationships with men whose "gifts" included alcoholism, drug entanglements, marital infidelity, fear, abuse, and despair. Hell after hell ... until the misery, albeit familiar, became unbearable.
In this book, the author chronicles not only her experiences in and escape from hell, but also shares her own non-traditional path to growth and enlightenment. The challenge to those still in the clutches of their own despair is to take the first steps toward spiritual connection, no matter how unusual, no matter what path is chosen.
Here is the proof that it's never too late to find the higher power within that offers rescue from a good woman's hell.
Excerpt
My toes were cold. My body was heavy. My stomach churned. My heart pounded. I went into the bathroom and just stood there. I looked at the medicine cabinet, but I didn't open it. It was empty. The kitchen was empty. The house was empty. I was empty. I imagined that cabinet full of pills. I saw myself take out a bottle and pour them all in my hand. I saw the glass of water and me throwing my head back as I swallowed four or five at a time. A swallow of water, more pills. Water, pills. Then I would go back to the bedroom, lie down next to my son, and hold him. He would be warm. He would laugh at the TV. I would go away, still and quiet, listening to my son giggle, smelling warmth and soap, holding his precious hand. I wouldn't have to do this anymore. But cartoons would end. Eric would be hungry, and I wouldn't answer. He would cry. He would scream and cry. He would hurt. He would be all alone. My fault. All my fault, making my baby hurt and cry. All wrong--leaving so completely--on purpose.
I walked back to the bedroom and lay down next to the giggling boy. He was eating his last cracker. The room was still dark with its single, gloomy-day window. I lay there through more cartoons and made wet spots on my pillow with my tears. That evening, Jack came home with a bucket of chicken and a twelve-pack of beer. After we'd both had a few, life was pretty good.
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Reviews for "A Good Woman's Hell: The Journey Through and Out of Darkness"
Reviewed by GA Mercer
2/14/2003
I got a true visual when I read the excerpt -- that shows true writing skill!
www.gamercer.com
Excellent excerpt! It contains a gripping narrative that certainly entices the reader into wanting to see more. I'm sorry that you lived through this, but happy to see that you made it through with flying colors.
Reviewed by Annette DeLore
11/18/2002
I very much want to read the rest of this book. This is a story the public needs to read. I'm looking forward to being able to order this book.
Reviewed by J. Torgerson
11/16/2002
Wow, in your face reality-- powerful stuff. Well Done!
Teresa: Gripping . . . the only word that really fits. Pinfully honest, & I could only imagine, as I read, how difficult it must've been to put this to paper. Yet it's a catharsis, & you're to be commended.
Iportant story. Proof that our own experience can be a healing balm for others.
You have quite a gift for conveying emotion, thank you for sharing such a powerful story!
Reviewed by Lisa Young
11/14/2002
Memoirs don't generally appeal to me, but this one does. I like the way the character dreams as she's plodding through her life (imagining where all the other drivers were going) and when she realized that eventually, her hubby would wind up drinking his pee. I will be buying this book.
A story that reflects the emotional turmoil so true to any woman who has suffered through an abusive relationship. Theresa Starkey's writting style will help anyone abused or not understand the cycle and how it can be broken. Well done!
Your writing gripped me. It is a shame that we, as a people, put ourselves through this kind of hell. How we treat each other is terrible. I touch on it in my story as well, only this is fiction and it is a mother and daughter. I see the way that you escaped and can can see the similarities in my character plight to freedom.
It sounds good but I'm sorry you had to live through it.
Powerful and honest. The excerpt and chapter were well written and definitely left me wanting to read more. I look forward to reading the entire book. This is a must read for women stuck in the cycle of abuse and depression, and will hopefully offer hope.
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