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Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Nash has written a fascinating and compelling book that feels like a script for a made-for-TV movie, and it's all the more compelling knowing that it's his true story. One of the unique things about A Phoenix Rising is that it's told as if Bryan is right there telling you his story; the editing is not perfect, but it's not meant to be -- the story is actually make more real by leaving in the occasional sentence in imperfect English, as if a friend were retelling their life to you over coffee. Refreshingly raw and authentic, Nash describes each scene in such vivid detail that you can't help but be there in your mind. Buy this book; you won't be disappointed!
- William Guertin, CEO The 800-Pound Gorilla
A raw look at a childhood defined by abandonment and abuse, based on a true story.
When siblings Cindy and Eddie are left by their mother at an orphanage in northern Georgia,
the children made a pact to stay together and care for one another no matter what external
forces might come between them. Soon after, however, the barely preschool-age pair was
shuttled off to California to live with their aunt and uncle, Elaine and
Hank Whitsett. The Whitsetts physically and verbally tormented the children
until they were shells of their former selves. As a result, Cindy and Eddie
developed coping mechanisms and turned to God to overcome feelings of
abandonment and loneliness.
Eddie, who emerges as the main protagonist, was left alone all day with
abusive Elaine while Cindy attended school. Fortunately, next-door neighbor
Nellie entered his life like an angel. Through her kindness and love, Eddie
realized that his living circumstances were abnormal and unacceptable. He
turned to nature for peace and solitude and his community for love and
justice. Nash offers a heartwarming story about keeping faith and hope
alive, even when feelings of pain and loneliness seem unbearable, and the
characters are rich and textured. Despite a distracting change in narrative
point of view in the second half from omniscient narrator to Eddie, Eddie’s
defining moments and strong character are consistently engaging.
A tearjerker that will inspire those familiar with abuse.
- Kirkus Discoveries
THREE STARS
“I learned about inequalities in the eyes of others. Just like oppression,
it is about ignorance. It is about insecurity, selfishness, and control.
Mostly, it is about fear of the unknown.” This quote
articulates the type of treatment Eddie and his sister, Cindy, endured
throughout most of their childhood. Eddie was but a baby when he came to
live with Mama Skinner and Papa Lue, and his sister Cindy was only 5 and a
half. Mama Skinner and her husband took in children for money but the
children were never treated any differently than their “natural” children.
Mama Skinner read from the Bible every night after all of the children were
ready for bed. The children who stayed for a time with Mama Skinner and Papa
Lue felt loved and cared for even though they had to perform chores. So, it
was quite a change when Cindy and Eddie were taken from this home to their
Aunt Elaine and Uncle Hank’s home. Little did they know that this signaled
the end of their innocence.
This story is a testament to the strength
of the human spirit. The author says he learned “to look outside the walls
of circumstance and open your heart. Be mindful of those around you for they
are there at that very moment for a purpose.”
- Susan Burks, ForeWord Clarion Reviews
A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments
will be an enlightening read to those who have not experienced abuse first
hand and an encouraging read to those who have (you are not alone).
Bryan Nash has done an outstanding job of telling his story. He shares about
oppression he endured for years; the craziness of it, the unfairness of it,
growing up with an aunt and uncle who were just plain mean, cruel, and evil.
He talks openly and honestly about anger, bitterness and the loneliness he
felt and shares with us what he learned and took away from his situation.
A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments is a true inspiration which will
bring help and hope to many.
- Connie Harris, MyShelf.Com
One of the reasons I loved A Phoenix Rising is
because both Cindy and Bryan’s voices ring so clear and true. Not only do
they make me see and feel the things they saw and felt, they make me believe
that it is imperative we forgive those who abuse. Nash does such a wonderful
job in the opening chapters showing the other side—the loving, caring, and
nurturing side of life. The contrast was so important in being able to show
the cruel and sadistic side that plays such a role in the lives of children
of abuse. A Phoenix Rising, a very emotion-evoking story, is filled
with many interesting characters, ranging from angelic to satanic. Nash
could not have embellished upon either side of the character spectrum to
make his characters more real. The reader immediately gets the idea that
Nash is writing the story because he wants the world to know about and take
action against the growing incidents of child abuse and to encourage a
greater awareness of the issues.
...Without a doubt, Nash is extremely qualified to tell this story and to
encourage others to take action. The history and documentation of child
abuse is abundant. Nash’s experience, fortunately, has created positive
values and a strong desire to help others. The issues he deals with makes
his book one of the most memorable and instructive on how we need to be
dealing with child abuse. (Please click here to
read entire review).
- Allen Stark, Audubon County Advocate Journal
