INDEPENDENT BOOK PUBLISHERS EDITORS CHOICE AWARD.Marion Witte was raised in a little house on the prairie, but her childhood was nothing like the idyllic version of childhood made famous by Laura Ingalls.Witte's story has its roots in immigrant grandparents who struggle to make a living on the harsh Midwestern plains. Unbelievable hardship, alcoholism, abuse and abandonment were the norm during her youth. Witte endured punishments that had devastating emotional effects. She was often locked in a dark, dirty cellar with the rats and mice, terrified and too little to turn on the light bulb that hung high above her.As Witte retells the circumstances of her youth, it becomes clear that this book is much more than a compelling story of childhood mistreatment. The crux of her story maintains that once abuse stops, the psychological damage lingers. Even as Witte graduated from college, became a CPA, and had her own family, she knew that there were wounds to be healed. Witte takes the reader on the journey she pursued to heal from the past, and the pitfalls and successes of that process. Her honest and compassionate portrayal draws the reader into an analysis of negative adult behaviors and why we may behave in an emotionally immature manner. This is a book that connects the dots between our childhood experiences, our current adult behavior and the way we parent.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE WHO EVER WAS A CHILD! It is my true wish that EVERYONE read this book, and recognize the power of acknowledgement and forgiveness - not that we have to forget or condone actions of our families - but recognizing we have a choice to take responsibility for our present life. Marion's book is a MUST READ, as a way to understand how families' behaviors overtly and subtlety affect children for the rest of their lives, and how the power of facing the lions and tigers and bears can bring us to a place of acceptance, self-love, and peace.
I doubt there is anyone who doesn't recall some element of an unfortunate event in their childhood, and yet there are so many of us who have experienced the physical and psychological abuse dealt by troubled, yet well-meaning parents, and those memories stay with us and impact us every day. Marion's book is a wonderfully touching revelation of her experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family. It is amazing that she was able to grow into the kind, thoughtful, and loving woman she is now. Reading her book brought to the surface many of my own unfortunate events in earlier years. While painful to look at, it is quite cathartic to face those events now, recognize their impact, and choose to forgive and move on with life.
Marion's book is well written, easy to read, will bring tears to your eyes, and a smile to your face! What a fabulous talent Marion has to be able to touch readers in such a way.
Please read Little Madhouse On the Prairie...TODAY! --Dr. Patricia Carey (Dallas, Texas), September 2010
SUPERB AND CLEAR PORTRAYAL OF HEALING, WELLNESS AND EMPOWERMENT. As an author, I strongly endorse this effort by an amazingly talented new author, Marion Witte. Normally one does not expect such an excellent result from a novice; however, Marion succeeds beyond all expectations with her book. Not only is it well written, but it gives a thorough, intimate portrayal of child abuse and then, in great detail, it offers clear actions for a victim of abuse to take to begin the healing process and empower oneself toward a new life of wellness and uplifting spirituality. I applaud this new author for her superb effort and recommend "Little Madhouse on the Prairie" to all. --Dr. Richard Darling, Author (Palm Desert, CA), August 2010
FRIGHTENINGLY INSIGHTFUL! Frighteningly insightful is the phrase that comes to mind. When examining one's own past, it is helpful to find a well constructed prism through which clarity can be achieved. Little Madhouse, and the story of achievement despite horrendous circumstances, can provide that vehicle as we survivors examine our pasts to achieve our future free from its burdens. --Mr. David Amnbroz, Esquire, LA City College Foundation (Los Angeles, CA), August, 2010
A BOOK WITH INTENTION I had the privilege of reading "Little Madhouse on the Prairie" by Marion Witte. First I must commend Ms. Witte on the time she spent researching her family lineage to lay a base for understanding and compassion. Second, and most amazing, is the time she spent to dig deep and recount her memories and her feelings about her childhood experiences and painstakingly place them on paper. Finally, is the remarkable and creative way she was able to reach understanding and personal healing, with a hopeful message to us all. I feel this book's purpose is to start a movement that is multi-dimensional in the continued healing of the child within at any age. I thank Marion for what must have been a grueling process of recounting her life and abuse for us with such honesty and purity and with the ability to lead us through her journey to a process of healing and hope. Brilliant and well done. It was a true honor to read this story and celebrate her continued evolvement. --Dr. Moira Casey (Ojai, California), July 2010
THE GAME OF TRUE HUMANITY. It is interesting how some children survive these tragedies and go on to forgive, and be able to love again, as Marion has done. Speaking as a lawyer who defends domestic violence victims in civil court, I know how truly hazardous it is for abuse victims. There are numerous laws which can serve to protect victims, but the problem is the personality of an abuser, who is often cunning and controlling. It is inspiring to hear how Marion survived this "madness" despite the toll it took on her. I was also glad to learn about how she grew as a person, to learn compassion and love, both for her abusers and for herself. She is truly victorious in the game of true humanity. --Ms. Michele McCaslin, Family Law Attorney (Los Angeles, CA), July 2010
A VOYAGE OF TRIUMPHANT SELF-HOOD To be of real interest, every character you meet, either in life or in a book, must be vulnerable, resilient and, finally, able to endure and survive. Ms. Witte, in her memoir of childhood abuse, reveals all of these qualities and takes us with her on a voyage of triumphant emerging self-hood. That she felt she had to do it alone is a poignant reminder of her innate strength. Little Madhouse on the Prairie is a provocative read for anyone who is involved in childhood abuse, either as a secret perpetrator or victim. Witte showed that a person does not need to stay in either role forever, and that a little child can lead parents away from the trap of imitating their own abusive parents. As in most of life, forgiveness is the key to survival. As Witte learns to forgive, her chances of recovery grow steadily. Reading this book can teach one much about forgiveness. The worst self-indulgence this world offers is the cruel parental abuse of a trusting and ever-loving child. A good book. Read it and weep for abused children everywhere and try to stop the infection. It is highly contagious. --The Rev. Dr. Addyse Lane Palagyi, The Episcopal Church Diocese of Oregon, September 2010
AN INSIGHTFUL LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE OF RURAL LIFE Life on the farm is not always the serene and happy picture it was on television. "Little Madhouse on the Prairie" is the memoir of Marion Witte, telling her own story of growing up in a small farm house, where she faced abuse from her mother on a regular basis, and which took her years to recover from. Stating how she overcame her own traumatic childhood, and with plenty of wisdom for those now facing the same, "Little Madhouse on the Prairie" is an insightful look at the dark side of rural life. --Midwest Book Reviews, October, 2010
