This is a journey into one man’s hell, with the hope that it will help others find the strength to be able to say, “I need help.” Dane Johnson was like every other man in his thirties except for one very big secret. One that, for him, was so horrific, he was determined to keep it hidden. He thought it would never see the light of day—that is until today. His fragile world has crumbled around him. … fragile world has crumbled around him. The past exposed for the world to see. Now the boy he tried so hard to keep safe might be gone forever.
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Out Of The Shadows
By Theresa Sederholt
5 out of 5 stars
The story Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is a book that I found both heartbreaking and emotional. It is a story that has moments when I wondered what was going to happen next. The character of Dane Johnson has a secret that he doesn’t want anyone else to know about. Dane is a man who is trying to keep a boy safe. His story and situation is one that is not always told or a lot of attention given to. He is a man who must find the strength to reach out for help. This book has moments where I found myself with tears in my eyes and other times wondering how things were going to end up. This is a story that had a powerful effect on my emotions, and I found myself thinking about it long after I had finished. Don’t miss out on a book about strength and courage. It is a story I would recommend reading.
Heart Breaking!
WOW!
This book grabbed me and did not let go. Had to finish it before I went to bed.
Dane is living such a horrible life/secret until the inevitable happens and his wife Julie totally looses it in the carpool lane while picking up Brady. Obviously, Abby the guidance counselor has to call CPS (child protective services) because Julie was putting Bradys life in danger.
Things spiraled out of control at home then.
Julie blamed Dane for everything. Never thinking that she was the problem.
My heart broke for Dane and Brady knowing what they were going thru by themselves.
Thankfully Abby got them in touch with a lawyer to help them since she knows what it is like to believe you are by yourself in these rough times.
I cried while reading this…the physical abuse is bad enough as that will heal, but the emotional and mental abuse that lives with you forever and even years or decades later you can not out run it.
Just have to remember that there is help out there for anyone willing to take the first step.
There are countless books depicting female victims of domestic violence but men need a voice too. While the subject matter is difficult, Ms Sederholt does an incredible job of telling the story of a father and son who are abused at th hands of a woman poignantly and powerfully.
The book could use another proofread for typos but the small errors do not detract from the story. Have a box of tissues near by, you’ll need them.
An emotional, raw and real read that really touches your soul. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. From the beginning it grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down.
I feel like there are very few books a person will read that will change their lives, or at least their way of thinking. Out of the Shadows is definitely one I consider that makes you sit back and really think. Think about we as a society still are sexist in some aspects, think about how we are so quick to judge someone but never really try to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.
Out of the Shadows really brings to light how quick we are to believe that only women can be victims of domestic abuse, when (and I believe this statistic is correct) 1 in 7 men are reportedly in an abusive relationship…now keep in mind this is what’s only reported because most men are shamed when they do report them being abused.
This book shifts from Dane’s perspective on the abuse he suffers at the hands of his wife and his son’s Brady’s perspective on having to listen and at times hear the abuse his father is going through as well as how he deals with the occasional beatings he takes from his mother as well. My heart broke for the pain Dane suffered but at the same time the amount of love he had for his son because he was willing to stay and suffer just to ensure his son was never the focal point. But poor Brady, for a teenage boy who’s worries should’ve only been school, girls, and baseball.
I’ve read plenty of other books from this author, but Out of the Shadows may just be my favorite one. The emotions the author is able to bring out in readers is just mind blowing!
Out Of The Shadows
What great characters that tell an amazing heartbreaking thought-provoking story
This story truly resonated with me as a victim of domestic violence. I am so glad the author chose to shine a light on such an important topic. As well as show a side of it that doesnt normally get portrayed or heard about but happens so often. I believe this book provides a voice for those Male victims who might otherwise not speak up for fear of being ridiculed. Never disappointed by this author and her abilities and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
When you hear domestic violence you think a woman and child have been abused. You never think it could be a man being abused by his wife/girlfriend. Lets face it, we tend to think men are stronger than woman and that could possible never happen.
Theresa shows in this book that it can happen and it has.
Dane set out to try and better himself to take care of his family, things happen and however he worked his butt off. Julie, she wanted Dane to herself so when their son entered the picture she felt like Dane’s world was just Brady. Julie really needed help and she didn’t want it, so she took her aggression out on them. It was hard to read because it close to home, however it wasn’t my mother it was my step dad. The stereotypes we place in today’s society is sad.
Dane never hurt his wife or son, he did everything to make their life comfortable.
Get tissues ready because I did shed a tear or more.
Theresa writes such touching stories!!
This is a new author for me, and when I read the synopsis and reviews I knew I had to read it. Out Of The Shadows is written from Dane’s point of view. Which is normally not the POV you’re used to, and tells his story of living with an abusive wife who uses their son against him. I really loved this book as you don’t hear about men going through this very often, like you do women. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard at a book before. Theresa absolutely gives you ALL THE EMOTIONS. This story is well written and the characters are amazing. I can’t wait to read ANYTHING Theresa writes!
I recommend everyone to read this story in order to get better acquainted with domestic violence, if they aren’t already. It is a tear jerker and I definitely enjoyed this story.
I cried. A lot while reading this book. And it was such a well written book too. The topic is one that isn’t talked about; you don’t hear about women abusing men. Dane’s wife is more than cruel in many ways. Especially since she uses their son against Dane. This book is a real eye opener. And its pretty amazing. Just wish it was a bit longer.
Theresa Sederholt brings the conversation right to the table, where most avoid it. Domestic violence can happen to Men. However it is seriously under-reported and rarely taken seriously.
The life that Dane Johnson and his Son Brady endure is orchestrated dangerously by his wife. Dane adores his son and just wants to make his wife happy. He has offered her many outs – as they both know she hates being connected to Husband and Son. She is selfish and reckless, highly abusive.
It shows perfectly and devastatingly what can and often does happen in a domestic violence environment. I was in tears most of this book but kept reading because it is a hard but good read. We as a society, need more books that bring this conversation to the table. We need to take these situations more seriously.
Out of the shadows By Theresa Sederholt
Wow, What an emotional read. Dane is in an abusive relationship and you’ll follow him throughout this emotional story. Theresa has an amazing way with words and drawing you in with her writing style. This story was well written and you’ll continue reading even though there can be some emotional situations throughout. I look forward to reading more of this Author’s books.
Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is a well written book everyone should give a chance.
Dane has a horrific secret. Not only is he ashamed, he knows that exposing his secret comes with great risk. Unfortunately, he can’t keep his secret anymore and he may lose the very person he was protecting because of it.
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book but it was such a deep story. This book was very well written given the subject matter. It really shed light on the lack of resources for men who are victims of domestic violence. It’s really easy to forget that women aren’t the only victims and this book did a great job addressing such a difficult subject. I highly recommend this book!
Out of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt
5 out of 5 Stars
Dane Johnson, a man so broken by the secret he is holding that it is tearing him apart. Warning that this book may trigger some people who are sensitive to acts of violence, both mentally and on some base, physically, so If you are more tenderhearted than others, this book may be a bit much for you, so tread carefully.
Having said all of that, this book is beautifully written from Dane’s point of view. While not wanting to give you too much of what happens, this story is so heartbreaking, so emotionally charged, and so devastating that you are both crying and cheering for Dane at the same time. I feel that I am a better person for reading this book. I highly recommend this book for lovers of all book genres.
Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt was a super emotional read. Unlike anything I have leaped into before. My heart felt for Dane and Brady. It was a shock to read the situation from a man’s point of view, definitely something under represented. I was torn between stopping for emotional breaks and also just reading straight in one sitting.
Out Of The Shadows
by Theresa Sederholt
OMG this story wrecked me emotionally. Dane is a 30 something year old man who is keeping a secret in hopes of protecting himself and his 13 year old son. One night changes everything and now everyone is going to know the secret he has been keeping, but that’s not even his biggest worry, he might lose his son. This story gripped me from the start. The author did an exceptional job writing this story and opening my eyes to a new perspective. This book touched my heart and in a way that I don’t have words to express. I am just going to say this is a 5 star read and I highly recommend this story.
Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is a wonderful , tragic story. Her ability to write the emotions of the book in a way that causes you to feel like your are living the story is phenomenal! For those of us who have been in the same type of situation, she 100% gets the feelings, thoughts, and actions right. My favorite part of the story is the lesson that not only one type of person goes through this. It can happen to anyone at anytime. I cannot wait to read more books by Theresa Sederholt.
Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt
5+ of 5 Stars
Firstly if I could give this more stars I would! Wow, just Wow.
“This is a journey into one man’s hell, with the hope that it will help others find the strength to be able to say, I need help”.
Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is a story about Dane Johnson and his teenage son Brady, they both share a secret and that is that they are both victims of domestic violence at the hands of Julie, Dane’s teenage sweetheart and Brady’s mother. Sederholt takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster as we are given a glimpse into Dane and Brady’s life. Told from their point of views it is so well written that I felt I was there with them, I felt what they were feeling. I was there as Brady cowers in his closet with his noise cancelling headphones on and when Dane has a glass or a mug thrown at him from across the room which only misses him because he has got so used to dodging flying objects that his wife has thrown.
This novel is not only a great read but it also has such a powerful message about domestic violence in particular when the victim is the man in the relationship rather than the ‘normal’ scenario in books which focuses on the women as the victim. Everything that happens has such a ring of truth to it that I was overcome with emotions reading this gripping domestic drama. I won’t give away any spoilers but things do come to a dramatic head and Dane and Brady’s secrets have to come out. Along with a selection of other great characters all of whom have their own detailed backstory the plot moves along at a fast pace.
With the help of Brady’s best friend Danni and guidance counsellor Abby who is battling her own demons as a victim of her husbands violence towards her in the past and lawyer Josh, father and son realise they are not alone and that for anything to change they need to ask for help.
A clever twist near the end is how Sederholt suddenly gives us a chapter from Julie’s point of view and suddenly we see the situation not from victims Dane and Brady’s view point but from the women causing the violence.
I literally could not put this book down, full of twists and turns it was an unpredictable read, the drama builds with each chapter and leads to a dramatic outcome. I feel the book is very sympathetically written by the author and that she has done her research into domestic violence.
I hope this book does what the author obviously intended and that is not just to give us a brilliant novel to read but also to raise awareness of domestic violence in all forms. Information is given at the end of the book of organisations who can help those experiencing domestic violence and also alcohol addiction.
I can not recommend this book highly enough.
Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt a fulfilling five-star read. Considering this is such a short read, my emotions feel like I have read a huge saga I can’t believe the author managed to fill so much emotional power in these few pages, it shows us what a talented author we have here. This is a powerful story about secrets, emotions and Dane. Get ready to read this story with tissues and something to comfort you, wine or chocolate and possibly an animal if you have one to hand to snuggle up to as they will help (and if you get desperate the are useful to wipe on). This will leave you with a great sense for other people and what they may face in life, it will open you up and leave you raw, but don’t despair as its so worth reading.