News ~ Book signing events ~ Book Reviews

Anniversary Celebration

 

Library showcases local authorsBy Heather Gachhgach@statesville.comTuesday, April 3, 2007
To celebrate the second anniversary of the Iredell County Public Library’s second, library officials and supporters will host a free local authors showcase and book fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 14.

 

This is the first time they have held an event of this nature, but organizers hope it can become an annual event if successful.“Basically, it's a chance for local authors to familiarize the public, who may not know about their works, to make them aware of the books they’ve published,” said Peggy Carter, assistant director of the library. “And also a chance for the authors to speak to each other.”Carter said the afternoon will be very informal. Each author will have a display area to set up their books. Guests can visit with the authors, check out their books, talk about their writings and grab a beverage.The participating authors’ styles and genres vary from children's books and fantasy novels to textbooks, short stories and poetry. Arlene Foster, of the Iredell Friends of the Library, said the group works to support the library. Members are excited about this project, she said. “I would just like for people to not only come out that day, but if they have enjoyed any of the extras that the Friends have offered or sponsored, just come on out and support us that day and thank the local authors that have committed their time,” Foster said.Local author Annette Moore published her first book, “Stained Glass,” in 2006.“I’m excited,” Moore said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the community at large and I hope they’ll be interested in my novel.”

 

Moore is also looking forward to meeting the other authors.
Foster also noted that those who come out will receive a one-year free membership to the Friends, which includes receiving their quarterly newsletter.“We fill in where the county budget ends,” Foster said, explaining that the group does a range of things for the library, such as volunteering and offering financial support for events, new books and equipment.   

The authors...
-Bill Bellingar, “A Little Further Up the Creek”-Phyllis Benton, “Living Nightmares of Abuse”-R. C. and Irene Black, “Deed Abstracts of Iredell County,” (15); “Deed Abstracts of Alexander County;” “Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Iredell County,” (4); “Death Notices from The Landmark, Statesville,” (2); “Newspaper Transcripts from The Landmark, Statesville,” (3); “Marriage and Death Notices,” (5); “Hebron Church Cemeteries;” “Tharpe History;” “Iredell County Cemeteries (7 Volumes)”Jamie P. Cox, “Talking Turkey: And Other Stories of North Carolina's Oddly Named Places,” and “Friends and Neighbors: Conversations Over the Back Fence”-  Hunter Darden, “The Everlasting Snowman;” “Pete's Angel: A Story of Self-Love;” “Milleseconds of Joy!” “The ‘Reel’ Thing: A Story of Hope and Joy;” “Tapestry;” “Horse Sense and Savvy”- Anne Jung Holden, “In Search of a Warm Room” -  Iredell County Genealogical Society, “The Heritage of Iredell County”-  Lily Bea Jenkins, “The Poison Plot: The Adventures of Roderic”-  Annette Moore, “Stained Glass”- Alison Pickrell, “Unto the Least of These”- Ray Pinion, “Firehouse Memories”- Ruth M. Pittard and Addie James, “Ten Little Angels: In English and Spanish”- Mary Ellen Snodgrass, “Encyclopedia of Southern Literature,” and others.- D. Kelley Steele, “Fire in Her Hair: A Story of Friendship;” “Would You Salute? One Child's Story of the Holocaust;” “Mr. Bud's Country Store” - Norm Thabit, “Sticks and Stones,” and “Sticky Stingers” 

 

 

 

STATESVILLE RECORD & LANDMARK 

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2006    COMMUNITY

Meet Local Authors

You can meet three local authors at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Hickory Barnes & Noble.

Phyllis Benton of Statesville in her autobiography entitled "Living Nightmares of Abuse," shares her struggles.

Kathy Erwood of Maiden is the author of "Andy LoStone Adventures in Kill Devil Hill," and a non-fiction book, "Stepping Stones to War."

Debra Sue Johnson of Morganton will speak about her mystery book, "Honeysuckles and Blood," and her religious inspiration book, "Letting Go of the Flesh: A New Christian's Walk with God."

The event is free and open to all.

 

 

Lighthouse Literary Reviews

LIVING NIGHTMARES OF ABUSE

PHYLLIS BENTON

Publish America

January 2006

1-4137-9156-5

Autobiography

Rating: Four lighthouses 

Phyllis “Diane” Farley is born into a family of eight children.  Seemingly living a life not rich with money but love, she is suddenly uprooted when her mother leaves sending all of the children into foster care.  No longer in close touch with her siblings, Diane grows up in a series of foster homes and endures abuse until she can get out on her own.  Once of age, you would think things would be different but she manages to find herself in the three most horrible marriages living an existence of nightmarish abuse.

First of all, I applaud Diane for being able to share her life so candidly.  To put all of her faults and misgivings on paper for the world to critique requires a confidence that only comes with maturity.  I ran the gamut of emotions while reading this book.  I was saddened, angered, elated and even a tad whimsy with Diane’s life adventures.  At times I found it difficult to keep within the time line, often having to go back through the pages to orientate myself with Diane’s age.   

I swear that if this were a fiction novel, no one would believe that all of this could happen to one person.  What they say is true truth is better than fiction.

Reviewed by:  C.C.

http://www.lighthouseliteraryreviews.com/

Living Nightmares of Abuse Book Review

 Book Reviews By WomensSelfesteem.com

Title: Living Nightmares of Abuse
Author: Phyllis Benton
Publisher: Publish America
ISBN: 1413791565
Pages: 178

About the Author: Phyllis Benton was born and raised in McKinley, Maine, a small fishing harbor community. She was one of eight children and was raised in a house with no running water or electricity. Her mother was usually always cooking, cleaning or tending to the children. Her father was always working menial jobs and did what he could to feed his family. Phyllis grew up only knowing what was in her world. Her world was not full of riches; it was in fact very meager. Phyllis’s world took a tremendous turn for the worst when her mother left for an easier life. Phyllis’s father had no choice but to hand his eight children over to the county for foster care. This is where her journey of true survival began. Phyllis went from many foster homes to a marriage that failed and then on to an even more horrific life as a battered wife. Phyllis Benton’s desire to survive as you will reads in her book is amazing and she has proven to be a very strong woman. Her ability to complete and earn a college degree in Office Systems Technology from Mitchell Community College in North Carolina was one of her highest moments in her journey of life. I am honored to have been asked to review Phyllis’s book. It is truly a journey of strength and survival.

About the Book: Living Nightmares of Abuse
"Living Nightmares of Abuse" is a very well written biography. Phyllis shows great ability in her descriptive techniques with every word she uses in writing about her life. This book is one of several types of abuse. Phyllis shares with us through this book her horrors of child abuse, wife battery, and pure fear of being imprisoned and stalked by men in her life that she trusted enough to marry. Living Nightmares of Abuse will make you hate and even want to take action against wife abusers. You will be amazed at the strength that Phyllis finds deep within herself, when she finds herself at the mercy of wife abuse again and again. With no money and no place to go, she continues onward, taking her readers with her through her book, to experience the pain and loneliness that kept her going forward. This book was written in hopes to share a story of survival when one feels up against all odds. Additionally, “Living Nightmares of Abuse” will also bring to you a feeling of joy as Phyllis shares her dream come true when she finally meets a man that not only shows her respect but also teaches her to take life as it comes and to, “not worry about things she cannot change”.

Recommendation: Womensselfesteem.com highly recommends this book to anyone that feels they are trapped in an abusive relationship and will never get out. Thank you Phyllis for sharing your life with womensselfesteem.com!

http://www.womensselfesteem.com/livingnightmaresbookreview.html

Review by Tom Ward

An Excellent Book

The incredible strength of Phyllis Benton will encourage you and Very seldom does one read a book that is so relevant to the world in which we live, but Phyllis Benton’s book, Living Nightmares of Abuse is one such book.  The author takes you on an incredible journey through her life that details the horrors of child abuse, being the victim of domestic abuse, and the fear of being imprisoned by the men in her life that she loved so much.

Phyllis Benton had to be transparent about her life and that in it’s self is never easy, because to be transparent you must relive the past and experience the hurt and pain all over again, things that you wanted to forget but you know that your pain can and will bring healing to others.  Being transparent is the first step to healinghelp you.  If you are suffering from abuse or know of someone who is experiencing abuse of any kind you need to get this book, Living Nightmares of Abuse by Phyllis Benton.

Tom Ward, author

The Enemy Within

Outpost of Hell or Portals to Heaven

www.warriorministries.us

E-mail me for purchasing a signed copy of my book or if you have questions or comments

Review

"Living Nightmares of Abuse" is Diane Benton's memoirs of her childhood, abusive relationships, failed marriages and her quest for solace and happiness.

Having eight children, the family did not have a lot of money, but Diane has plenty of fond memories shared with her siblings. However, as she gets older, her parents divorce, and the hardships begine. Diane's mother finds a new boyfriend, a man who tries to molest Diane and her sisters. Seven of the children were put in foster care. Diane marries at a young age, a marriage that ends rather amicably years later.

Her second marriage is to a truck driver named Eric, an abusive man who physically, emotionally, and verbally torments Diane until she feels she has no more self-worth. She tries to commit suicide, believing she has no other options. After years of Eric's abuse, she finally has the courage to leave him behind as she drives during a snowstorm out of Maine. She meets Henry next, another abuser, from whom she becomes free when he passes away.

After many heartbreaking relationships, Diane finally feels some fulfillment after meeting and marrying David, who she believes is her true love and guardian angel. Her hurtful experiences in life have at long last given way to something truly satisfying.

Diane's story is written with such detail and emotion, the reader feels like he/she is experiencing life right along with her in this heartrending momoir.

Cassandra Zaruba  Author of "Liquid Bones" http://www.cassandrazaruba.com

On line review at: http://www.author-reviews.com/

 

Review of Living Nightmares of Abuse

Hey, it's Allison. Just got finished reading your book--excellent job!!!! Yep, I read it all, from the time I got home around 3:00 till now 9:00--I couldn't put it down (well long enuff for a cigarette now and then ha-ha) you did a really good job. I have learned so much about you and in a way, I have a different kind of respect and admiration for you--not that I didn't respect and admire you before--I think you know what I mean. It's kind of neat to know someone like you personally. I've learned you are a very strong person and deserve every little good thing that comes your way. I know you have been married for awhile now but I feel like  congratulations are in order--hats off to your husband!! I think your book is an inspiration and you can help others in situations like you were in. I loved the beginning of the book. I think that's what got me hooked. You explained everything so vividly--it was like I was right there freezing with you in that cold weather. It was like a movie or something. Very good job!! Can't wait till your next book--keep up the good work and best wishes to you. Thank you for sharing your life. It looks like you've made the best of it and I'm glad you're alive today to share it with others!!!! Thanks again and see ya at work. Oh yeah, Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!

Love, Allison Price

Review by Angie Lewis

Living Nightmares of Abuse is a disturbing account of how Phyllis Benton was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused by three men spanning over two decades of her life beginning in her teens until her final freedom only five years ago.   This tragic story proves, without a doubt, that if a woman does not get help from the outside, she will continue to attract and be attracted to the same type of abusive men and relationships. This story is not for the lighthearted.   Most of Phyllis's story takes place in Bass Harbor, Maine where Phyllis grew up with a father who loved her dearly. The horrors of abuse begin when Phyllis is only twelve years old and her sexually promiscuous mother leaves Phyllis alone in the house quite frequently with her depraved lover.   When Phyllis tells her mother about this disgusting old man touching her, she doesn't believe her and continues to bring her lover into the family home while her husband labors to feed all eight of the children.   The Department of Family Services fianlly steps in when Phyllis's emotionally abusive mother won't take care of her children properly. Phyllis and her seven siblings are separated from each other and placed in foster homes throughout different areas in Maine. Phyllis misses her brothers and sisters dearly.   While living in foster care, Phyllis was attacked by a man that was also living there. Phyllis complained to the foster mother in charge, and she didn't believe her. The foster mother didn't want problems from these children and she sent Phyllis back to Family Services.   For six years, Phyllis is in and out of different foster homes feeling neglected and defeated. The day before Phyllis turned eighteen she moves back home to live with her dad and older brother. Unfortunately, Phyllis's happiness is short lived when she gets married thinking she is in love with the man of her dreams. He tries to love Phyllis the best he can, but he is insecure and jealous, which makes him emotionally abusive towards Phyllis. Thankfully she was able to get out of this destructive relationship.   Violence begins to escalate when Phyllis marries her second husband, a ruthless truck driver who controls and abuses her countless times during their estranged seven years together. This marriage is a living, walking nightmare of abuse. Phyllis can't take the elements of violence and mental abuse any longer and she attemps suicide by overdosing, only to wake up later very ill in the hospital. She wishes she had died.   It is during her third marriage that Phyllis tries to leave her alcoholic abuser many times, but the horrible monster always finds her. He wields his manipulative control to persuade Phyllis that he is a changed man, never to beat her again, and Phyllis believes him. But soon the abuse starts again, even worse than before. The physical abuse wanes when her husband is diagnosed with lung cancer, and dies months later.   Fianlly free from the excruciating years of torment by her abusers, Phyllis meets David. David is different and she knows it. He doesn't try to control Phyllis, he isn't jealous of her friends, and most importantly, he gave Phyllis back what she lost, her self worth.   Phyllis loves David with all her heart and soul. David has given Phyllis hope for finding the peace and contentment that she has never had in her life. David encourages Phyllis to go to college, and today, Phyllis Benton is the proud holder of a college degree in Office Systems Technology.   In 2001, Phyllis married David, whom she calls her guardian angel, and she is now a much happier person today. Phyllis knows that with her guardian angel by her side, she won't ever live in her nightmares of abuse anymore.   I recommend this book to anyone who is in a controlling, and or, abusive relationship of any nature. Phyllis has given victims of domestic violence hope for their future as she courageously recounts her own terror of being under the manipulative control of abusive and violent relationships.   Thank you, Diane for sharing your deepest secrets with the world.   Angie Lewis Journey on the Roads Less Traveled http://www.spiritual.journeybooks.4t.com