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The Impact of Flying on Broken Wings

It has been one month since my book’s release and the response has been absolutely overwhelming. So far I have received hundreds of emails, comments and messages. People reaching out to share their story or simply tell me about the impact my book has had on them. These messages continue to pour in daily. For those who believe child sexual abuse and severe trauma isn’t a problem in our community, I wish they were on this side of my computer reading the many heart breaking accounts I am receiving. Mothers reaching out to me, desperate for help because their children are suffering and many suicidal as a consequence of the sexual abuse suffered. Young girls who have been through similar trauma and have never told a soul as they thought they were the only ones and no one would believe them anyway. Men and women who were abused as children and were held captive by their fear and shame. Shame that was never theirs to begin with. And after they read my story and after so many years, can begin the process of healing because the shame is falling away!!!!
My message is landing and resonating with people. And my book affects each person differently. One woman spoke to me, tears in her eyes and said that the last two chapters and the relationship I have with my girls, inspires her to be a better, more present mother! How cool is that?
 
The book launch was a huge success. The energy in the room was so beautifully uplifting. A day I will never forget. I was so honoured to have it captured by Peter Roberts. His final edits in this five minute video captured the essence brilliantly. Please have a look!
As I have always said, my hope in writing this book was to help set others free. By owning my story and sharing it so candidly, I lose my shame and inspire others to follow suit. But by owning my story and showing others that we are so much more than just our story, that gives people hope and a whole new outlook. And as so many share with me the conclusion they have come to, “If Carrie Bailee can do it, then I can do it!” This makes me happy dance every time I read it!
People are starving for hope. I am so grateful they are receiving that through reading my book. While I empathise implicitly as I know all too well the pain and desperation, what I find most distressing is having to tell people I am not qualified to support them through their trauma. I have read and responded to each and every email I have received. That is getting more difficult as the volume increases. Please know I will do my best to get back to every one of you. I am so humbled and hopeful you all have received my message in the way it was intended.
I will leave you with some of the amazing comments I have been receiving. Also the book reviews have been phenomenal. Please, can I ask if you have read my book, to go onto Goodreads and Booktopia to rate and review. Also if you could with ibook and amazon kindle. Most people get it… but there will always be the odd one. I would just like to have  the positive reviews noted so that people do not have to fear reading my book. I was very careful writing it. I learned yesterday one woman said there wasn’t enough detail. Another said it was “heinously graphic”! But the majority get it. And I am grateful.
Thank you for your support and for your bravery in facing your own trauma. Let’s continue to shed a light on the evil that thrives in darkness.
Book Reviews:
Ms. Bailee is an amazing writer who has crafted the narrative of her brutal and horrific childhood into a memoir of strength, survival and success. She takes the reader along with her from her early childhood to her current life and celebration of all that is joy-filled and wonderful about life. Bailee’s ability to transport the reader between time and place is flawlessly seamless. The foreshadowing, the flashbacks, the realistic dialogue, and even tones of humour, combine to result in this memorable and powerful memoir by first time writer Carrie Bailee. The reader will experience a myriad of emotions as the pages turn, but will conclude with a tremendous feeling of peace, knowing that now, this young woman is indeed, “Flying on Broken Wings”
I was reading this book and about 3/4 finished when my sister arrived to visit from NZ. She was only here for 4 nites and I know she is a speed reader and I wanted to share this book with her but I didn’t want to hand it over until I finished it but I sacrificed finishing it to let her read before she flew back to NZ…. I gave her a quick overview of what the book was about – she is a nurse, she’s seen a lot, she works in a hospital – she is not squeamish….BUT… she said oh, I don’t think I want to read this now Shell…… I said trust me sis you will love this book, please just have a wee read, if you like it keep reading…. she finished your book in 2 days. She loved your book. I love your book. You inspire us both. You are extraordinarily normal. You laugh, you make jokes, you are tough. You are amazing we are in awe of you Carrie. And, you can write. Everyone should read this book.
“WOW … what courage. What unbelievable strength. This book is so well written, this story so beautifully told. The way Carrie has told her story leaves the reader with hope, courage, strength, Carrie takes US on a journey of inspiration and healing. Sometimes in the telling of life traumas, we are left feeling hopeless and in grief. Sometimes there is a frustration and anger. Not this time – Carrie is a victor, more than a survivor and this story should be read by every survivor, every woman. I wasn’t sure what would happen when I read this book … would it trigger some sort of reaction I wasn’t prepared for? No, none of that happened, not at all Grab this book, read it and share it. Thank you Carrie…”
You can’t put this book down! i was afraid to buy it at first, thinking i would get depressed, but when i finally did it was an inspiring read, full of encouragement to find the moments of grace in one’s life. That she is able to write about her topic in such an inviting and comfortable manner brings hope to anyone who is struggling. Well done Carrie!
Just finished reading these beautifully written and inspirational book. I am left crying, but filled with hope and promise. I honour this beautiful woman and her courage.
This book is a must read. The darkness described in the pages is told with a voice brimming with resilience, light and hope. And that is what you are left with. In the same realm as Victor Frankel’s acclaimed book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Flying on Broken Wings sheds light on the incredible power of the human spirit, and inspires.
During the time reading this I immediatly found it extremley hard to put down. Baliee has an ability to write in a way that pulls you to hear her story. And what a story to be told. She has now inspired me to face and heal my Broken wings. Thank you thank you thank you.
Humanity….it’s a word that more of us need to understand. Carrie is inspiring brave and strong. Sharing her plight for the sake of others. That is humanity
A truly inspirational, moving story that reminds us all that there is always hope when there feels like there is none. Carrie’s strength of spirit and determination to not become a ‘victim’ will resonate with all of those who have ever felt trapped by the circumstances of their past.
A Few Personal Messages Received:
From a 14 year old girl;
“Just finished reading your book! Moved me so much to the point of tears. Thank you, thank you, thank you for publishing it because for years I’ve felt alone and disgusting hiding away from the world. I now know that what happened to me from a close member of my family actually wasn’t my fault, despite what I used to believe. Sharing your story like this is such a great way to raise awareness of this really concerning issue that is affecting girls around the world. Thanks heaps, hopefully one day I’ll be as brave as you are!”
“Thanks for sharing your incredible story Carrie, I have just read your book cover to cover, I had knots in my stomach and tears in my eyes most of the time. I couldn’t go to work today just so I could finish your book. You are an inspiration to me in many ways.
I’m now curled up in bed with a “hot drink” reflecting on my own past experiences and what steps I can take to step out be vulnerable, take a risk, in order to heal move forward.”
“Today I bought your book and I couldn’t put it down… I just finished it. I have an abuse history, and so much of your story spoke to me. Thank you for being so willing to share your life. Your courage is inspiring.”
“Your book made me cry. It made me happy. It made me think. Hard. It made me reevaluate. It inspired me to become better (although that will take more time). It made me proud to be an Aussie. I’ve shared it. I’ve rated it. I’ve talked about it. I’ll never forget it and hope no one I’ve shared it with ever will too.
Your bravery in speaking out, your eloquence in your poetry, your determination to survive as a rounded human being living a happy life is to be commended.
Again I thankyou for sharing your story.”
“Thank you, you give me so much hope for my daughter. She will be able to get through her demons and face the world again chest on…. I believe we all have the strength however as you know we need to find what works for each of us to get through to the other side. I will continue to help her however I can to make this happen.. Thank you again for having the strength to tell your story and for giving people like us hope for the future.”
“Your writing is amazing and your story just so so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story and helping me and many others out there view their life differently now.”
“I have just started reading your book and can’t put it down. You are extraordinary, your strength is amazing. The way you write and take the reader with you is incredible. Even though your experiences are so far from my world it’s like I am there with you. That’s good writing girl!”
“This is an Incredible story of hope and courage. I’m so grateful I was recommended to read your story Carrie. The thing that touched me so much was that you have created the life you wanted. Any one would understand completely if you’d chosen a destructive path in life or given up and been a victim but not only did you chose love and happiness but also forgiveness and gratitude. Amazing.”
“Thank you for sharing your life with us, and being a light for others. I am still in the early stages of my healing journey and after twenty years finally am being heard in a court of law. I hope one day to be a light for others, too. You are a hero to my inner child – thank you for your voice.”
“Dear Carrie
I am writing this with tears running down my cheeks. Tears for you and tears for me as well. Thank you from the depths of my soul. Your courage to stand up and be yourself unashamedly, for yourself and for others, is truly remarkable and inspiring. As you said in your blog, courage comes from courage and I wanted to tell you that I have drawn such strength from you… I have been writing a memoir that, until now, i could not bear to publish for fear of hurting those i love. But having seen you stand tall in your own story, knowing you have helped others by showing them they are not alone, I simply must go ahead with it. I will stand up and be me, because you stand up and are you. Truly, your courage has given me wings on my soul.”
 
 

2 Comments

  • Kate Kennedy on November 6, 2014

    Well done 🙂
    Kate Kennedy CEO Hagar Australia 237 Cecil Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia +61 (0) 419 103 006 hagar.org.au
    Facebook | Donate
    Hagar has worked with over 15,000 women and children who have survived trafficking and severe human rights abuses.
    Our mission is to do Whatever it takes for as long as it takes to restore a broken life

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