Public Lies

Brenda Youngerman
Outskirts Press (2007)
ISBN 9781432712969
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (5/08)


Brenda Youngerman has really hit the nail on the head with this book. It is a very dramatic and truthful story of what happens when women are caught in domestic violence. This is a book that all women should read who are in a violent relationship.

This story revolves around Vince and Nancy Cooper and their turmoil of a marriage. Vince is controlling and abusive mentally and physically in addition to being a substance abuser. After a great mental struggle, Nancy decides she can’t live this life anymore and takes her children and leaves Vince. What follows is the harrowing tale of what Vince will do to get his wife back so he can have revenge on her. Even with the help of her family, friends and lawyers, she is depicted as a mother who is useless, running the streets and using drugs, all of which are not true. But it shows us how a person who is cunning and manipulative can make people think otherwise.

Having worked in the field of domestic violence for over 20-years, I can say this book says it all. Even if one’s relationship is not at the same point Nancy and Vince’s is, it can happen to all of us. I would recommend reading “Public Lies” at all women’s shelters and crisis centers.  Also all professionals that work in this field would benefit from reading it.

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