And Life Continues Sex Trafficking and My Journey to Freedom

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· 226 ratings · 22 reviews

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Jan 28, 2016 Robin Currie rated it it was amazing

And Life Continues, by Wendy Barnes, is a masterfully crafted literary work which exposes, in great and oftentimes painful detail, the process by which people, especially women and girls, are trafficked right here within the U.S.A. The criminality of human trafficking is so complex and nuanced, and its nature so distinctive, that it is extremely difficult for most people to understand the dehumanizing, and ever plummeting lifestyle, of enslaved persons. Yet the author skillfully describes the ev And Life Continues, by Wendy Barnes, is a masterfully crafted literary work which exposes, in great and oftentimes painful detail, the process by which people, especially women and girls, are trafficked right here within the U.S.A. The criminality of human trafficking is so complex and nuanced, and its nature so distinctive, that it is extremely difficult for most people to understand the dehumanizing, and ever plummeting lifestyle, of enslaved persons. Yet the author skillfully describes the events and the involuntary life of servitude for these young women and girls, in such a manner that the reader can feel deeply connected to the victims and their plight.

What's especially notable, as one becomes engrossed in the book, is the way the author has expertly managed to anticipate the emotions that the reader will be experiencing, the instant before the feeling occurs. And, almost as swiftly as was the onset of the emotion, Ms. Barnes has acknowledged and addressed the sentiment, contributing even further to the reader's growing understanding of the subject. The deep emotional connection created by the author, places the reader as close as would be possible, to the experience. One becomes so mentally engulfed in the scenario, that there is deeper clarity about the additional associated issues that these victims experience because of their prolonged trauma. The survivor experience becomes raw and real, yet the reader must understand that this is truly a lived experience, and however powerful the author's words, this experience can never be fully comprehended by anyone other than a survivor.

The most impactful part of the book (at least for me) comes around the middle. It's a chapter which begins with a very meaningful quote, and is highlighted by painfully descriptive words. As a reader, and a woman, and a person of faith, this chapter left me incredibly sad and the author seemed to reach out to me from the pages and touch me with her hopelessness. It felt deeply personal. It is a chapter I will never forget.

Crafting this book truly must have been an extremely difficult one. Ms. Barnes is abundantly deserving of praise for finding the courage and the strength to chronicle such an experience. The story was so moving, that once I began the journey of reading the book, I carried it around with me everyplace that I went, for two days until I had consumed every word. One of the foremost messages that I was left with was this: no one can ever say, "I know how you feel", or "I would do the same thing", or other similar responses. As people outside of that experience, we can only listen, silently, contemplate, and understand that we can never truly understand. There are likely very few words that we can offer to comfort survivors. Rather, we can demonstrate our compassion and our outrage against this crime by taking action. As citizens of this world, we need to move, to fight, to give, to learn, and to sacrifice. There is likely no true justice for survivors such as Wendy, but there can be the rewards of seeing her efforts multiply. This work is one that will change people, will compel people to action, and will save lives. And Life Continues should absolutely, without a doubt, be considered required reading for law enforcement, workers in the medical professions, elected officials, social workers, school teachers, clergy, and the like. I am humbled to have been able to read this book and to provide this review. Lastly, I want to say thank you to Wendy Barnes, for her dedication to helping others survive and heal. The world needs more people like Wendy, and we also need more books by Wendy.

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Wendy Barnes tells a compelling story in And Life Continues: Sex Trafficking and My Journey to Freedom. It is not an easy book to read, and, without question, it was not an easy book for Barnes to write.

She details her experience as the victim of a sex trafficker, a man devoid of compassion, humanity, and morals. In the preface to the book, she says, "Through a childhood of poverty, neglect, and abuse, I formed the beliefs that would write the script of my life. At fifteen, I left home to escap

Forced into prostitution by the man she fell in love with, the man she believed was saving her from her difficult childhood, Barnes never sugar coats her experiences or assumes the mantle of "poor me." Even though she is brutally honest about the things she had to do to protect her children and to please her husband, she does not make excuses for her behavior. She does not seek our pity; she seeks our understanding as well as our outrage that things like this go on in our society today.

It is a beautifully rendered story of a shocking, disturbing, and ugly situation. Barnes' voice is powerful as she describes her multiple attempts at suicide, her self-mutilation, and her addiction to her husband-pimp, an addiction more controlling than any drug. Whenever she took her children and escaped from him, one phone call would bring her back.

Ironically, for Barnes, prison brought her freedom. It was her true escape from a life of violence and degradation. Her husband's imprisonment and her enforced separation from him gave her the time and space she needed to confront the truth of her experiences and to begin building a healthy life.

I've heard prostitution called a "victimless" crime, and in places where it has been legalized the prevailing myth is that the women involved and their clients should be allowed to make their own choices and live their lives as they wish. Sadly, too many women have been coerced into that lifestyle finding no alternatives for their lives.

Human trafficking is real and it isn't just women who are its victims. Children—boys and girls—are often bought and sold in a not-so-secret marketplace. And it isn't just somewhere else. It's likely in your state, your city, your town, in your own backyard.

Read Wendy Barnes' story and walk in her shoes for a few hundred pages. You will be changed.

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May 20, 2017 Selena Poling rated it it was amazing

Must Read

This is a riveting story that opens your eyes to how young girls can be manipulated into lives of prostitution. A true look into the mindset. It was an emotional read. At times I cried. At times I was so angry and at times I was shocked and didn't want to read anymore. I barely put this book down. Once I had started reading these words that took so much for Wendy to write, I felt I owed it to her to read every single one. To know in detail what she went through. To share something with

Must Read

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Wendy shares so openly and honestly about the world of trafficking and who easy it is to get sucked in and stay stuck. She didn't sugar coat anything! She shared how real and brutal it really is. She was so transparent about what she went through and so honest about what she was feeling that I felt like I was right there with her!! This is a MUST read especially if you want to know what trafficking is really like and how manipulative traffickers are!! Wendy shares so openly and honestly about the world of trafficking and who easy it is to get sucked in and stay stuck. She didn't sugar coat anything! She shared how real and brutal it really is. She was so transparent about what she went through and so honest about what she was feeling that I felt like I was right there with her!! This is a MUST read especially if you want to know what trafficking is really like and how manipulative traffickers are!! ...more

So many emotions!

I'll be honest. I spent a lot of the time being very angry. I was so glad that Wendy was able to understand her own responsibility for things that happened. This book will break your heart, piss you off, and inspire you to teach your children about self-esteem and dangerous relationships. It will also make you want to change certain laws!

So many emotions!

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I purchased this book after hearing Wendy speak at a Human Trafficking conference this fall. She was such an eloquent speaker, but also opened herself in a raw and real light to how and why trafficking occurs.

Before this conference followed by this book read, I didn't understand how systems and people and a community can fail and lead a person into this life. I feel now that I can advocate for resources and change with a better understanding to this complex sociatial problem.

Well done Wendy. T

Well done Wendy. Thank you for sharing!

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Harrowing, amazing

This book tells the story of a lonely young girl who becomes a prostituted person and eventually ends up in the criminal justice system accused of prostituting other teenagers. It's a very well written and fascinating account that I could not put down. I'm amazed at Greg Hightower's end and am so happy for the author's new lease on life free from the nightmare she endured for so many dark years.

Harrowing, amazing

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Eye Opening

Wendy's life story is so impactful. To be invited into a portion of the life that she fought so hard to hold on to was the best thing I've ever read. You can't read her life in words and not be moved to tears, to be angry, to empathize, and to then seek ways to help someone else. I'm forever changed, and you will be am the better for engaging in this story of her life.

unbelievably sad but amazing book

I once again couldn't put this book down . its hard to believe anyones life could be controlled so much by one evil man . Wendy is a survivor and an amazingly strong woman . This is one story i won't ever fotget so i highly recommend reading this .

unbelievably sad but amazing book

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Apr 01, 2021 paula rated it it was amazing

Hard to put down!

This book was written honestly from the heart. A harrowing insight into human trafficking and the journey of a strong, beautiful woman turning her life around. Very well written and thought provoking

Oct 17, 2020 Laikyn Meng rated it it was amazing

Shear Honest and Raw

Was it too much to expect a future? ― Alan Gibbons, The Dark Beneath

Wendy's story is one that shows and tells and leaves you emotional. How courageous and informative the events of her life have led her to freedom.

Shear Honest and Raw

Was it too much to expect a future? ― Alan Gibbons, The Dark Beneath

Wendy's story is one that shows and tells and leaves you emotional. How courageous and informative the events of her life have led her to freedom.

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Aug 01, 2020 Amisha rated it did not like it

Difficult to read and not well written

I had a hard time getting through this book. Bad decision after bad decision led to a Terrible life for this woman and her kids. I'm not sure what the purpose of this book was.

Apr 06, 2019 Teresa Farmer rated it it was amazing

This book is the best I have read concerning the life that victims live it is a first hand and very difficult to read but it is brutally honest

Nicely written

Great book. Written very well. Glad she was so candidate. Will help lots of girls. Very proud of her accomplishments

Excellent

Love this story. Not a dull moment. Such survival and strong will. This woman went through so much and her children to turn out so great.

Oct 30, 2019 Sabrina rated it it was amazing

Brilliant read

This book was amazing Wendy is a wonderful person and I wish her all the luck in the world .

Feb 24, 2022 Molly rated it it was amazing

One of the best books I have ever read. I keep it and planning on reading it again.

May 22, 2017 Teresina rated it it was amazing

I knew this book would be difficult for me to read due to my personal story, irregardless I felt compelled to read it as part of my healing journey. I started reading it close to midnight after work and finished at 5am this morning. My emotions ran from being infuriated with her manipulator, incensed at those who judged her in ignorance and overjoyed with her victories and supporters that helped change her story. It is stunningly written and needs to read by every citizen to educate our society I knew this book would be difficult for me to read due to my personal story, irregardless I felt compelled to read it as part of my healing journey. I started reading it close to midnight after work and finished at 5am this morning. My emotions ran from being infuriated with her manipulator, incensed at those who judged her in ignorance and overjoyed with her victories and supporters that helped change her story. It is stunningly written and needs to read by every citizen to educate our society , so we can open our eyes and see those currently living this horrific nightmare. In stirs in me more compassion for those I encounter. It affirms that resilience is possible for every soul willing to do the work of recovery. I am struggling with words to express how it changed me and to put it in words adequately to prompt others to spend the time to read her book. I have spent my day mostly listening to the gentle rain falling. I never realized why I loved rain so much before I read this book. ...more