A victim of child abuse wants his story to inspire hope in others

He was accused of killing his brother and sister. His mother blamed him and then tormented and abused him throughout his entire childhood. This is the story Albany resident Suzie Valentine tells in her book, "My Twisted Life."

Valentine, 35, wanted to write a book about a man she says she met several years ago. When he was child he was told he couldn't tell anyone what was happening to him or he would suffer the consequences of being abused. After becoming an adult he wanted to inspire others.

"A lot of his stories are very touching," Valentine said. "They really tug on the heartstrings."

Valentine finished the book 10 years ago, but because the main character of the book wanted to change his identity before it was published, Valentine had to wait. It was self-published in June by Authorhouse. All the names in the book are real. Most of the last names are left out.

Written in the man's voice, the book opens up during his earliest memory, the drowning of his younger brother. The story carries readers through the death of his sister and how his mother abused him. It ends when he is 18 and away from his childhood home.

Within the 12 chapters there are 25 illustrations all drawn by Valentine.

"He told his stories so well that I was able to illustrate some scenes in his story," she said. "He would look at the drawings and tell me what he liked and didn't like."

This is Valentine's first book of prose, but her poetry has been published before. She moved to Albany a year and a half ago from Alabama, where she was a stay-at-home mom. She is a self-employed sculptor.

"My favorite part about writing this book was the time I got to spend with him," she said. "He was really proud, happy and relieved that he was finally able to tell his story without being beat."

Valentine wants to warn readers that the book has a lot of violence, sex and drugs. It is not suitable for younger readers.

To order a copy of the book go to www.authorhouse.com.