A Letter from Chuck Tucker
|
About What Odd Things I Thank You For
A letter from Chuck to Laurie, January 9, 2016 Dear Laurie, Wow! This is an amazing story, told in a coherent and compelling way. I was pulled in, drawn along, touched deeply, needed to stop and let things settle, had to go back and keep reading. More than once, I sobbed. I am touched; I am moved. I feel great sadness at all you have suffered. I feel privileged to have heard your story. Your seamless blending of horror and holiness is powerful, all the more so for being related in a humble way that never shames the reader. The honesty and humility of your book is something quite special. You are amazingly open about your journey, but you never ask the reader to pity you, you never suggest they are guilty, nor do you ask them to be anyone’s rescuer. A shipload of sorrow is present, barrels of tears wait their time to flow . . . and you speak of blessings and gratitude. Your love and empathy for others who walk a similar path is palpable. Put simply: You. Nailed. It. This book will be invaluable to victims of sexual abuse, to therapists, to partners and love ones of victims. Victims who have become survivors will read the book and say, “Yes, that is what it’s like,” and will celebrate with you. People who have suffered the trauma of horrible birth families but without rape and torture will also find strength and comfort here. You open with a piece any parent can relate to, one that is strong enough to engage the reader and show them what is coming, but not so strong as to scare them away. The vignettes help frame the story, often providing a context for the prayers and their chapters, as well as a balanced view of you. You work the reader up progressively to higher intensity episodes, and when we reach the midpoint there is full understanding of the challenges you face—or at least we think so. “I’ve Had It All Wrong” is, for me, a perfect turning point—a powerful moment when you lay down the label of victim and claim the title of survivor. As in any epic, this is the moment when the tide begins to turn and the reader senses that the heroine will win out in the end. But not without struggle, not without more tests and battles. Yet those difficult battles in the second half of the book are more bearable to read because, as in a good novel, we see your spirit clearing and in our hearts we know you will win. The second half of the book also shows that a turning point, a breakthrough, does not bring relief from the work. Instead, the turning point alters the character of the work and gives it new meaning. This is a key insight your book provides. The last several pieces are deeply touching—a return to earth that is gentle; a fully authentic piece that allows the reader to put the book down in wonder and appreciation. It all works. Sweetheart, you have done something truly amazing with this book. It is so wonderful, and I could not possibly be more pleased for you, nor prouder of you. With love and admiration, Chuck |