Thirty Thieves of Innocence

Ruthie Garrison
Enterprise Printing Company (2007)
ISBN 9781605303567
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (8/08)


This heartfelt story about two women whose innocence is stolen from them really touched a chord deep inside of me.  The only criticism that I have about the book is that I felt that the description did not match the story.  The description is about Ruthie’s birth mother, a woman with the mental ability of a two-year-old who is sexually abused by many members of the community before she becomes pregnant.  While that is in the story and where Ruthie comes from, I felt the main story is about Ruthie herself, who survives a hellish upbringing and overcomes all odds to become who she is today – a beautiful, loving and accomplished woman. 

As a Social Worker a couple of decades ago, I would have loved to have a book like this to share with the troubled girls that I worked with.  Ruthie’s abilities to overcome her situation would give girls in seemingly hopeless situations strength and hope that they too can overcome anything as she does over and over again. 

Ruthie’s troubles at home began when she was physically abused by her adopted mother at a very young age.  The abuse and lack of trust at home made her vulnerable to predators or “thieves” as she calls them and sexual abuse followed.  Through all of this she was still able to maintain an optimistic spirit and the desire to accomplish something with her life.  When she can no longer take the abuse, she becomes a ward of the state and actually does well in the system. 

While Ruthie’s past experiences did not help her make good decisions about men in life, she does overcome great obstacles to go to school, become a good mom herself and eventually become her birth mother’s primary caretaker.  Because of her, her Mom now lives in a safe and loving home.  Ruthie’s final words in the book really resonated with me “Always stand firm in your resolve to rise above your adversities.  Find strength and encouragement from helping others rise above theirs.  Know that the victory is in the fight and no honor goes to the one who gives in or gives up.”  Spoken like a true survivor.  I highly recommend “Thirty Thieves of Innocence” by Ruthie Garrison.

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