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“A Phoenix Rising, though filled with stories of years of heartache and abuse inflicted on two innocent children, left me with a sense of hopefulness for the children that my organization works with. Bryan Nash endured horrible pain and suffering at the hands of his foster family, blood relatives, who perpetrated heinous acts of mistreatment and abuse upon he and his sister. And somehow, Bryan found the strength and courage not only to endure his circumstances, but eventually to forgive those who hurt him so badly, allowing him to ultimately transcend the pain of his past, to become someone who's light shines brightly in the world today.
A Phoenix Rising brings to the surface of our awareness the terrible truth that occurs behind too many doors, in too many homes. But the message of the book is one of hope. It shows us that it is possible for people to not only survive these situations, but to transform their lives into something greater than their circumstances.
I encourage everyone to read this book, and to look within themselves to find ways that they can make a difference in the life of those who may have less fortunate experiences, one candle lighting another, illuminating the path for each of us to find our way.”
- M. Karene Cargill, Vice President, HeARTS Giving Hope
“I just finished the book and it is the best book I have ever read in my
whole life. It made me cry and it made me happy thet he was fighting and he
wouldn't give in. I want to say that I am very happy I got to know Bryan
Nash at a camp and I want to thank him for taking his time to tell us about
his story. Thank you.”
- Sarah Miller
“I was deeply moved by your
personal story…A Phoenix Rising reminds others of the
importance of bringing hope, encouragement and change. Your story educates
and reminds people about a subject that is the lifestyle for far too many
people.
Thank you for having courage to share the journey of your life and by
doing so you have helped to promote a deeper awareness to this important
issue.”
- Beth Carrigan, Light Heart Foundation
“Bryan’s dedication to giving abused men,
women, and children a voice has been invaluable. We think your
story is a great motivator for so many individuals. In all you do, you are a
good role model for everyone!”
- Beverly Edelstein, 23rd Street Station - Provides assistance to victims of domestic abuse through mentorship and
education.
“After reading A Phoenix Rising I
began to ponder my own life. Being adopted at a young age, my life as seen
through my eyes was living hell. Or so I imagined. After reading about the
hardships Eddy and Cindy went through, I am forced to accept that in fact I
should be grateful for my family and the life I lead. A Phoenix Rising
is truly a work of art that is both emotional and inspiring. This book,
without doubt has changed my view of life forever. ”
- Luis
“I came to your book signing with my
daughter, Pam. Once I started your book, A Phoenix Rising, I could
not put the book down. Bryan, you did a super job in writing your book, WOW!
Thank the Lord for your sister, Cindy, and her faith in her “Daddy-God.”
It’s amazing that with the abuse you and Cindy suffered that you are ok
physically and mentally. The mental abuse had to be hard to overcome and the
feeling to breakdown those barriers that kept in a prison for so many years.
Forgiveness is hard to do but necessary for you to move forward in your
life, learning to trust and love another.
In writing your book, it had to be hard to open up those old wounds. I
applaud you for having the strength and courage to write your book. I can’t
wait for books two and three.
Thank you for your courage and may God continue to bless you and care for
you.”
- Shirley Holm
"The emotional experience that resulted
from reading your story made my heart swell. Your story brings hope to
anyone who has "spirit" that they are not alone. It allows the individual to
connect with others in the comfort of their own homes. Your story is a very
powerful indicator of what can be achieved if the heart, mind and spirit can
align for survival."
- Christy Long, Tribal Member working directly with Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
"It was great reading your book. Helps
others who may not have been abused understand that it will always be hard
for us, but that it is possible to rise above it."
- Nancy
Upon finishing Mr. Nash's book, A
Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments, I cried...I cried harder than I have
in years. The tears felt as if they were coming directly from the battered
soul and bruised heart of the little abused girl that I was...still am in
some ways. Mr. Nash's ability to take me into his and his sister's world of
abuse touched me in the deepest recesses of my heart. The sobbing I
experienced after reading his book was the beginning to a healing process
that has been long overdue for me. He gave me hope that victims of child
abuse can rise above the abuse and break the cycle of abuse and that we can
learn to forgive those that so selfishly hurt us. He also showed me in his
endearing references to his Guardian Angels how to look into my own abusive
past and recognize that I had a few Angels of my own. That in itself is
something I have never been able to do until I read Mr. Nash's book and it
made me realize that I was not always alone and unprotected as I once
thought I was. I also applaud Mr. Nash's courage for being open and honest
about whom his abusers were. That took a lot of guts!!!
I am an avid reader, and in summary, A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments,
effected me on a deeper level than any other book I have read in a long
time. I am also an aspiring writer and the one thing I have dreamed of doing
but have been afraid to do is write my own story...Mr. Bryan 'Eddie' Nash
has given me the courage to actually begin the painful and humiliating
journey into my past and write the book. Thank You, Mr. Nash, for giving me
the courage to be heard. ONE VOICE HEARD, ONE CHILD SAVED! I recommend,
rather abused or not, that folks read this book. It will take you on a
journey that is compelling, heart-wrenching, and inspiring all in one. It is
a page turner, a book that is not forgotten!
- C. J. Farmer, Avid Reader and Aspiring Writer from S.E. Missouri
Well I read it… Unbelievable Bryan. How confusing for
you to be a part of so much craziness. Could be a good movie. On another note it was really well written.
- Carol
This book showed me many things; how one person overcame
so much pain, survived and emerged on the other side an amazing human being. This book
renewed my faith in God and the human spirit, and that any obstacle can be overcome with
faith and love.
- Mary Gladwill
I have, on numerous, times started to read your book
and it seems as if there was always a reason I could not. I wanted and needed to be able
to focus on the book and you as a person I actually know, and not just another character
in a book. There are no words to express the revulsion I felt or feel for your aunt and
uncle, or the respect that I feel for your sister for choosing you, her brother, over a
chance to escape the misery of your existence. I stand in awe of you, that you lived
that life, and yet even knowing you there is no sign of abuse visible to me in your
character. Yours is a story of strength and inner courage, how you could see the light
in the dark and recognize the angels in your life is beyond me. Why you did not end up
a crazed man in a straight jacket or a cell is beyond me. I am proud to know that you
consider me a friend!
- Raul Gastelo (Baretta)
Thank you for writing this book. It serves as one more example of why relatives need the same training and supervision that are required of foster parents. As a foster parent of more than 40 children over the last 20 years I have seen many of my children placed with relatives. While relatives hearts may be in the right place (not always, but probably-hopefully for the most part) they often have no idea what they are getting themselves into when they accept someone else’s child into their home and family. Many times they feel that the new child will adapt and learn to get along in their new world and much effort is put into helping them forget their past. Everyone in the family seems surprised when the child doesnt automatically love his or her new family members and thank them for all they are offering. No one in the family stops to consider that the child usually did not ask to be there and probably only wants to go home. The child is made to feel that they insult the new family when expressing these feelings-instead of receiving the understanding that needs to come with such feelings. Many of these placements are doomed to fail without support, supervision and help for both the new parent and the child. These children come with baggage and emotional issues that need to be dealt with for them to prosper and succeed in any world. Bryan Nash does a wonderful job of writing about the loneliness and isolation of children who are placed in untrained homes without the community’s support, and gives us an insight into the ugliness and bad image that a few caregivers can give to the wonderful selfless group of foster parents out there struggling day in and day out, 24 hours a day to help these children succeed.
- Kathy Harvey, Director, Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County
I thought it was one of the best written and most moving books that I have read for quite a while.
– Joe Wickham
As a political scientist I can offer a fresh look at a valuable new book by Bryan Nash. Nash's book - A Phoenix Rising - is a freakish look at a pre-1975 world that was just starting to understand the reality of severe child abuse and neglect. It is almost quaint to remember the sensibilities of public authorities who underestimated the dangers faced by unprotected children harmed by their parents/guardians/caretakers. I think this book is a vital reminder that public policy has made major advances and that the heroic survivors of this previously neglected mistreatment have a crucial message to share with the world. Nash has a remarkable capacity to communicate the mental framework of the abused - hyper vigilance, almost psychic insight, and careful/diligent social calculation. I recommend "A Phoenix Rising" to anyone who wants a near perfect description of the complex, multifaceted world of an abused child.
– John C. Drew, Ph.D.
