I Am Free: Healing Stories About Surviving Toxic Relationships With Narcissists And Sociopaths Paperback – April 30, 2016

I Am Free: Healing Stories About Surviving Toxic Relationships With Narcissists And Sociopaths  I discovered this book after reading blogs by Psychologist Bree Bonchay. I was in an out of control relationship, but I stayed way past due, as I thought I was in control. I read her articles and defended my position. I didn't think the data in her blog applied to me directly, but it spoke to me. So I ordered this book because I liked her articles, and BOOM! All of the pieces came clear. I was in need of this info. This book is Chicken Soup for the Toxic Relationship's Surviving Soul, if you will. I've also just sent this book via Amazon to my cousin. It's priced well (3 cups of coffee) and the data is priceless. The format is nice and easy to read. A narcissist or sociopath (or someone with similar traits) could be parents, a "friend", partners, a somebody you had come into contact with, were attached to, who never left you the same, while doing the all damage they could do to you over time. There are five sections in the book for a fair share of understanding, plight, struggle, recognition, encouragement, and to help you know that your gut instinct was correct in terms of what went on. It lets you know that no matter how deep or light the toxic situation is or was, you can also say, "I Am Free" one day or help a friend who needs to go free. I applaud the contributors for baring their souls to us in short stories and poems, and moving me to tears, anger, empathy, and then forgiveness and a certain peace of mind, and knowingness, that comes with breaking free. This book is both Courage and Encouragement for anyone who thinks going free is the answer, and learning via the pain of others to heal ones own pain, and GO FREE! Thank you to Bree Bonchay and to all of the brave men and women for helping us to connect and heal. You are not alone.

NOTE: this book is really for WOMEN who have DATED (or are dating) a narcissist or sociopath. I washoping there were more stories about people breaking free from a narcissistic relative . . . but this was NOTthe case (hence, the 3 star rating). The 'foreword' to the book made it sound like the book contained storiesabout people 'breaking free' from all types of narcissistic relationships. NOPE . . . it pretty much focuses onromantic relationships.

This is the perfect book for anyone who has dealt with a narcissist on any level. Unfortunately, my ex husband was a narcissist. I lived a life of torture for 14+ years and this torture just ended 9 months ago. The stories are those that many of us can relate to that include real people - just like you and I. As you read the book, you realize, that even though this is a horrible way to live life, being trapped in an abusive relationship and feeling there is no way out, this book gives you hope. It shows we are not alone. The author does a FANTASTIC job of keeping the reader consistently interested. There are times the stories will bring you to tears - only because you are actually able to relate to them. Don't pass this book by - you will love it, you will cherish it and you will thank the author for creating it. This is a book that stays next to me on my nightstand and when the days or nights get tough as I heal, I grab this book and re-read some of the stories - just to remember that I'm truly not alone but I AM FREE!!!

If a person has any questions about whether or not they are in a situation that involves 'narcissistic abuse' this book will show you what has happened to many other people. This will allow you to see what happens in one of these situations and tell you is you are facing the same problems! Once you pick this book up, you will not want to set it down until you are done reading the entire book! The way reading this book can open a person's eyes is very helpful to any person who may be in need of freedom from their abuser and will give that person a feeling of belonging to a group of people who are very similar and have experienced the same problems! These people will also allow the reader to realize that there are ways to get help and get out of the situation they are facing!

The partner you thought "wore a cape" actually wore a mask ... and when it fell off you are left in the chaos of healing from a sociopath. No one understands unless they went through it. Bree's collection of stories were a tremendous help for me as their consistency to mine helps me gain order of what I had experienced. In the long process of recovery, I would re-read several excerpts that allowed me to know someone else understood. It helped me to flip the madness into order, and now I can find the growth from my experience with basically a reptile who had no connection, empathy or conscience. I will be submitting my story to Bree in hopes it can help the NEXT one.

I am glad I bought this book; its good to know how and what others went through, what the psychopath did and how the survivor got out. I, too, wish there would be more stories, on the journey to healing and wellness (a future followup book, perhaps?) Every one of these stories has a message for those who are still in relationship, or those who ARE thinking (or the beginnings) of getting out, and for people like me; those who HAVE gotten out and are free. You really don't know what being free means, until you lose it and then gain it back. You will NEVER be the same person, you were before, but YOU ARE FREE and its worth the battle!

We can read multiple books about what to watch out for and what not to get involved with when dating . But sometimes, we just need to read other people's experiences to find common ground and realize that we are not alone or dumb or the one totally at fault. This book is the stories of people who encountered , dated and sometimes married the Narcissist . They also are the ones who got away !! It can be upsetting to bring back memories but it is freeing to see that other people had this happen and were able to get out of the relationship !

I was in a psychologically abuse relationship and spent many months doubting that things were all my fault. This book helped to clarify that it wasn't me. I was the one searching for answers and he had already moved on and in with his new supply.Very good read, with some relatable heart-breaking stories but they do help to cement that the downs were not your fault.

This was an amazing read......It was extremely well written and extremely useful....

I am doing some research on abusive relationships.

Brilliant. Revealing. Healing. Informative.We need much more awareness of Narcissistic Abuse.Allowed me to process my experience. Thankyou Everyone xxx

very good item I would recommend it