A True Story of Child Abuse (Shannon's NH Diaries Book 1)

This poor boy went through so much! If your into a heart break story about a poor little boy that no one could help then read this! I'm so glad the women that wrote this never stopped fighting for this very abused little boy why it took so long is just a dam shame to not only the state where it happened but to America as well! This story has inspired me to speak up for any abused child any where!

2 stars only shared comment s on the store as to why content enlightening but authors writing and opinions lack severely not a good read, and more ashamed of the author for not really fighting for that child. To let it go on a year with only phone calls I find unacceptable.

This book was very heart wrenching. To think that this was a child being abused and more than one person didn't report it is sad. But overall a good read and ending is great that "Kevin" gets away from his mother.

Most of the way through the book I kept thinking >> Why does this woman keep looking, listening, and basically living to hear the sounds coming from Kevin's apt., because it seemed tome that why obsess on something continually - as she had done / for so long, its such a waste of time. As it was mentioned later in the book, she seemed like the TV - sitcom lady from the 70's show called Bewitched >> whose name was Gladys Cravits. She had her face and her ears plastered to the windows, the walls and listening for anything, so she could complain about SOMETHING. Her life was so boring. That is what I tought while progressing through the story line. Most of the book was only -- her opinion, and that's what bothered me about the story line. As I summed up the ending, I felt that her was timehad been "well spent in her attempts to find a safe source of help for little Kevin"... Of course, these are only my opinions, and not to be judged by others. It is much easier for a person to jump to conclusions when they have first hand knowledge of abuse, either about themselves, or a personal close aquaintance. I DID throughly enjoy the detailed plot of a childs strength and tenasity. Namaste' >>> Peace and Prosperity

Always :: SgtMac usmc

I loved this book! Can't wait for the second part to come out. I felt so bad for the little boy and I think it's great that the author got involved and did what she could do to get help for the little boy. You can feel the stress along with the author and the little boy. Very Well written... Thanks!!!

Very difficult book to set down. Heartbreaking situation for "Kevin" and "Shannon". I could not image the pain, and helplessness, and frustration she must of felt. I know this is more common then most realize. There has to be a better way to help these children.........

IT IS VERY, VERY SAD THAT CHILDREN ARE NOT BEING HELPED. YET WHEN REPORTED NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY ANY OF THE AGENCIES. THEY SAY THEY ARE UNDERSTAFFED THIS REALLY AWFUL SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I HAVE WORKED AT A HOSPITAL NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT COULD BE TAKING SO LONG. MAYBE IF THEY TRULY WORKED THINGS WOULD GET DONE

I know this is an actual case and my heart goes out to Kevin, but this book I would not recommend. It sounds more like guessing than actual facts. I spoke to people who have been through much worse, very sad, people know but do nothing, perhaps they are scared, perhaps they are in shock, but someone must do something. This book would not be catharic, though things worked out for Kevin judging from the book, but I want a refund. I no longer want this item in my kindle collection.

This women that leaved next door to this little boy really done nothing to help him. Just a little bit of love or even look after him, for an afternoon, instead of sticky beaky out the window an listen through the walls. When this was going on why not didn`t she ring the police or the child people to let them see an hear for themselves.
I feel this women only has her own intersest in this story.
I would not recommend this book.

So sad what people do to children, makes me sick. This book was an eye opener to me for how cruel parents can be to their children. Good book but a tear jerker! If you like true stories this really is a book for you.

I'm glad you got this as published, I was sickened to read what was being done to him,and that everything you tried didn't help.I couldn't imagine that!I commend you for your work,and I'm starting on your next book

The book did not come in order, page by page. It was impossible to read. Would like my money back. Will not order another book for my Kindle again.
I have no phone # or chance to call/write if there is a problem so I might be able to correct right away.

Rowena James

Very hard to really follow lost interest at times able to just skip over parts understand that true story and very hard to really relate to but know that it hard to be involved with reporting abuse and getting results to have and out come.

This book is about a women and her husband at night she hears abuse. Parts of the book will make you cry some parts will worry you. The mom Ann is abusing her son Kevin her husband Joe is completely oblivious to what is happening to Kevin or is he.

I am in awe that the only thing this woman did was keep a diary of a little boys abuse. She and all the people around her who stood around and did nothing because they didn't want to become to involved are just as guilty as the mother. She was a coward and instead of trying to help the child she hid because she was afraid of what might happen to her. I cannot believe she sat and listened to a young child being abused and never stepped in. It seems to me she was more concerned with the abuse interrupting her sleep and concentration on her work than anything else. I cant believe she was trying to justify the actions because he was a "badly behaved" child. Maybe he was acting out because he was being beaten by his mother multiple times a day and week and was tying to reach out for help the only way he knew how. She should be ashamed of herself.

What his boy went threw was not right people should have cared enough to get him help aBucket List. You'll be surprised at the responses. Put a ? if you have done it. You get to learn random things about people.
Been Married
Been divorced
Fell in love ?
Gone on a blind date
Skipped school ?
Watched someone give birth
Watched someone die?
Been to Canada
Ridden in an ambulance?
Been to Hawaii
Been to Europe
Been to Las Vegas
Been to Washington D.C
Been to Nashville
Visited Florida ?
Visited Mexico
Visited the Dominican Republic
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Flown in a helicopter
Been on a cruise
Served on a jury
Been in a movie
Danced in the rain ?
Bought a house
Been to Los Angeles
Been to New York city
Played in a band
Sang karaoke ?
Laughed so much you cried ?
Laughed so hard you peed?
Caught a snowflake on your tongue ?
Had children
Had pet(s) ?
Been sledding on big hill ?
Been downhill skiing
Been water skiing
Been snowmobiling
Been parasailing
Rode on a motorcycle
Bought a new car
Traveled to all 50 states
Jumped out of a plane
Been to a drive-in movie
Rode an elephant
How about a camel
Rode a Horse ?
Been on TV?
Been in the newspaper ?
Stayed in the Hospital ?
Donated blood
Gotten a piercing ?
Gotten a tattoo
Driven a stick shift vehicle
Been scuba diving snorkeling
Lived on your own
Rode in the back of police car
Got a speeding ticket
Broken a bone ?
Gotten stitches
Traveled Alone
Hold your finger down and select copy... Then go into status and hold down finger and select paste.ay

I think it's good someone, like this author, is finally trying to do something about abuse on children who are not able to defend themselves. I have helped in my younger years, and since I can't anymore because of health problems, so I hope that YOU will decide to help.

For the most part I was able to stay interested in this book, however I felt there was a lot of repetition. I know this to be true as it is with every abused child. It becomes normal and often routine with the same pattern. I am glad to know there is someone advocating for the children when sadly the advocate should be parents and clearly they are not.

Not sure where to begin. The author comes off as a nosey neighbor who spends a lot of time peeking out of her peep hole and peering from behind curtains. She describes the 'abuse' in such detail but also vaguely if that makes any sense. There were several times she could have gotten help for this child, like when he was home alone and leaning over the 3rd floor balcony. Instead she chose to do very little and get for material for her 'book'. If the 'abuse' she describes were taking place, the child would have had bruises if not broken bones. Being that by her own statement the child rarely wore more than underpants, any bruises would be on display for all to see. I find this 'book' too be embellished if not mostly fabricated. I wish I would have read the reviews before purchasing.

Read both books in this set and both were horrible. Child abuse is a real problem in our world but this author seemed far more concerned with her lack of sleep than about what may have been going on. As an abuse survivor I do know that unbelievable things happen behind closed doors, but I stopped taking this author seriously as soon as she said she didn't like Kevin and felt like he was instigating the abuse. If any of this is true, which I don't believe it was, there would be compassion and genuine caring, not victims blaming and self righteousness. Glad I didn't pay for this.

I understand that the author was trying to help this little boy, but it seems like she practically gave up her own life to be consumed by the neighbors. I felt at times that it was very intrusive. I pictured her with a cup against the wall listening in. Almost like a stalker. Yes, get involved, but don't go too far. I feel like she crossed the line. She did not have to spend that much time devoted to the people next door. I'm glad Kevin is okay if he in fact was abused. But, that was never really proven. This is truly something that authorities should ultimately handle. Report it...and live your life. Thanks for sharing your story, though. It was interesting.

Basically this is a diary of one person's observations, and thoughts. She talks about the other people, and their lives more than the child actually being abused. The police, CPS, and other organizations are contacted, but nothing is ever done. Nothing happens to save the child, and the story stops open-ended. This is more a story of one woman's obsession with spying on her neighbors and wanting there to be something going on, but nothing is ever proven. I was constantly yearning for vengence, that never came.

What could I write that hasn't already been said....Yes, I see Mrs. Gravitz from "Bewitched." She is constantly watching the neighbors and every noise is a nuisance to her. It seems everyone, including the writer is selfish and only concerned about themselves. While the writer is telling the daily journal entries, KEVIN is still being beaten; and it angers me.
Writing another book.....why is she trying to capitalize on this even more? Disgusting!!!!

I actually appreciated the work and detail the author put into her diaries in hope to save a little boy, that she only interacted with on few occasions. I just wish she was a mother, so the details, stories, and conclusion may have differed. As an abuse victim as a child from another state, I know how hard it is for CPS or DHHS to actually step in, demand change, or remove the child. I was an eleven year old adult responsible for myself,my two sisters and my infant brother. My mother disappeared for days to weeks off with her "johns" and on drug induced binges. She come home and sleep in a near comatose state for days. My teachers reported everything and did everything to help me as far as watching my brother so I could attend school. My mother broke my nose three times, and failed numerous drug tests and even with that it took three years for us to be removed and five for her rights to be terminated. As adult, and mother I would have done what the author did and more. I would have offered to watch "Kevin",videotapped the noises, and sure as hell knocked on the door or opened it since it wasn't locked in order to become a witness.The author was trapped and afraid. She used the resources available but state guidelines differ and need a true undoubtable direct witness in order to do anything. Out of vengence to initiate family drama CPS has been called on me twice alleging drug abuse and a hostile environment. I was visited the next da drug tested, spoken to, my child was spoken to, my home was searched and the case was closed.I wish there were ways social workers could prioritze their allegation calls. In my state a five year old was murdered a year ago by his mother and her Boyfriend, while they all lived in a trail or with out water or lights. And the adults abused meth. She won custody after her divorce. Her exhusband had reported them and they didn't get there in time. I'm about half way done my BA in social work specializing in children's services in order to expedite children's needs and not allow them to fall between the cracks. I was drawn to this piece because I could only wish for something as this to be handed to me during an investigation.Starting book two.

I really feel for the boy in the story but I struggle to read it due to the author. She enjoys adding little snide remarks that she no doubt thinks are funny. E.g. Judging the mum for dying her hair and mocking her for not being able to afford the laundromat. I can't afford a laundromat, doesn't mean I'm abusing a kid. She constantly explains how the sound keeps her awake. She acts noble but buys several fans to drown them out and never calls police. I don't care how many times they haven't acted, I would call the police EVERYTIME I heard abuse. It's likely she's belittling it to police as they think its only happening on the rare occurrence when she calls.

I really hope Kevin gets a happy ending and what the parents are doing is very wrong and sick. But Shannon Bowen is not the right person to tell this story. She makes it clear she needs another book published soon and I suspect this is the result. No wonder she did so little. She needed the information. Disgusted!

I can only give this book one star. The author is exasperating in her Gladys Cravitz style of describing the events. As a bystander,she had more power than anyone else and she was more of a little mouse and a voyeur than anything else. If she knew this was going on, she should have knocked on the door and asked Kevin if he wanted to come next door with he until mommy calmed down. Can you imagine how scary and upsetting this would be for a little kid to know that your neighbor knows your mommy hurts you and there's a neighbor so close that could provide you some safety and yet she doesn't ? She just writes it down in her diary. Makes me nauseous to even think about it!

Many accusations without proof. If she was so worried about the boy why not be friend him so you know he has a safe place of refuge. Or you can take pictures of the marks from the abuse. I couldn't finish the book it went no where. It did remind me how glad I am I don't live in an apartment building. And just for the record a rear view mirror is not mandatory if you have two side mirrors.

I dont thank this book was verry good all she did was keep repeating her self if i thought a child was being that abused i would get more involved thank she was just a nociey nebior if you thank a childs alone do something about it

This woman is every parent's nightmare. How can any remotely intelligent reader believe her to be anything more than a nosey troublemaker who resents having to live amongst those she so obviosly deems beneath her social status. She starts us off bragging about the fact that this rotten piece of conjecture has sold over 10 thousand copies. I truly hope if that number is accurate, she can take my money and donate it to the kids help phone. It is people like her that tie up resourses and delay help to actual victims. Her very description of a toddler as a "extremely bad" child, leaves one wondering how twisted her point of view truly is. There is zero believability to any of this. A small child repeatedly slammed into walls and then constantly seen in only his underwear without a mark on him? A woman who has made it her job to spy on an entire building of miscreants she is forced to live amonqst. She either has the worst luck ever with neighbors or is just a self righteous newsbag. My kids are grown now, but had I had to endure this woman as my neighbor I would have been scared to let them play for fear she'd hear abuse in ever sound. I'm actually stunned that one of her horrible neighbors didn't punch her in the nose. I truly hope this is the made up nonsense Ibelieve it to be and if not, congrats on profiting on child abuse. To use your own over used word "ick".

This diary sounds a lot like using a bad circumstance for profit. I Learned nothing from this except frustration of not receiving help for tortured child. What was the purpose of this? It was obvious that the child was abused and nothing was ever done about it. Sounds like a little nosiness was a driving force as well as concern. What good did it do for Kevin? This was a disappointing ending. This was awful!

Such a sad story we hear far to often. Children lost in the "system" so sad. I myself have had to deal with calls to DSS and it seems like they can't do anything until sometimes it's to late. We need to be a voice for the children even if it feels like it falls on deaf ears. If one child is helped we have made a difference. Thank you Shannon for being a voice and sharing your story.

TO THINK THAT THERE ARE SO MANY FAMILIES OUT THERE WITH SMALL CHILDREN GOING THREW THINGS WORSE THIS THIS CHILD. THIS REALLY GIVES YOU A PEEK INTO THE CHILD PROTECTIVE AGENCIES . NO CHILD SHOULD EVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE A LIFE SUCH AS THIS CHILD DID.

SO MANY KIDS ARE ABUSED NOW A DAYS IT SEEMS PEOPLE GET OVERWHELMED AND TAKE IT OUT ON THE ONE WHO CAN'T FIGHT BACK.SAD TO SAY SOME KIDS ONLY GET PEACE WHEN THE UGLY PERSONS GO TO FAR. TOO MANY KIDS DIE IN T HIS KIND OF SITUATION.

For this woman, who claimed to be a writer, she certainly doesn't know how to express herself too well! This story was the most redundant, seemingly fictitious, work of garbage! Abuse is no joke, nor should it be taken lightly, but this woman seems to have no clue about being proactive! If this had been me, in her same situation, I wouldn't just be listening through the walls, taking notes, then hoping all would be quiet,with no more "perceived abuses" going on for the rest of the night, so I could then, get the much needed sleep I've been deprived of for over a year! What? I'm sorry, but I'd be pounding on their door, every single time I "thought" I heard a child being abused, I wouldn't care what others thought of me or how noisy I became in the process! Maybe if she had done this instead, this wouldn't have become what appeared to be her amusement!!!!!????

This was awful! Horrible writing, no answers at the end, and I wanted to punch her in the throat after every entry. How do you listen to obvious abuse and try to shrug it off over and over, and turn on extra fans instead of trying to help? I feel like she was only concerned because the noise disturbed her, which made me really hate her. And how did this idiot not know the Handshake King was a drug dealer? Ugh, pathetic!

I cannot believe this book was actually published. This woman spent more time dramatizing about what she thought went on and most of it was made up to make the book a little more interesting. There was nothing substantial and it was extremely boring, she had many opportunities to step in and ask to baby sit but decided to watch out of the peep hole( which was a little creepy) and make a drama out of what she thought she was seeing. If this little lad was being abused she should have stepped up and baby sat or befriended the mother to help but she was more interested in making money out of a book. The last chapter tells you that she will write a book out of what she heard happens to Kevin..... yawn.. thank God I got this book free on kindle... don't waste your time... however, if this little lad is being abused I hope to God someone real steps into help.. not someone who is more interested in making money

Will wait to evaluate this book after I read the second book about this subject. I do have some idea about this book. Although child abuse is real and around more then we. An imagine. Something does need to be done about it.

This was so poorly written I couldn't follow it. It also made me angry that instead of helping the little boy right away she chose to write a blog about it. Too many innocent children are either permanently damaged physically, mentally, emotionally or end up dead because of abuse.

I was interested in this book because I was I child of abuse. I was raised with some form of abuse everyday. Now that I'm in my 60's and my mother is in her 80's, I find it difficult to forget. I have forgiven her but my life will never be free of her physical and emotional abuse. Now that my son abuses my special needs grandson I know what Shannon is talking about. They live in Washington and I have called the Police and DCHS and they did nothing.

If I could give less than 1 star I would. I couldn't wait to finish this & I'm glad I borrowed & didn't buy. The writer was naive and annoying. I question the entire story based on her description of the events. If a child were being thrown against a wall and beaten to the extent she describes, I doubt the child would look unharmed. There would be bruises, scars, broken bones, etc. something to show abuse. No one could survive that type of trauma and not show signs to police or DHHS. I lost interest in this book quickly.

worst book I have ever borrowed. I could not finish it. I only read half of the book and simply could not finish it. if you want to read a good book about child abuse I would recommend any of the books by Dave Pelzer

A good book that revels the real problem of neglect and abuse in this nation . Even when we try to right to wrong and get involved, the authorities are bound by laws and manpower shortage. The main thing is for us to get involved and keep trying.

It's sad that the organization that is suppose to help children turns their back. No child should live like this. Thanks for bringing this issue to the forefront. We need better laws and education for these babies having babies.

this book is so enthralling, I finished it in less than 24 hours, I couldn't put it down. I had to rip myself away from it to even think about sleeping. it did not give me nightmares as I expected it to. this book is chilling, gripping, and convincing for the "don't judge a book by its cover" saying about people.

The book was poorly written.
I think the author spent more time writing this book, looking through the window to see who was coming or going, looking through the peep hole in her door , listening for months through the walls, and waiting for more material for her own gain than seriously spending the time looking for help for Kevin.

Very good book on the lack of help for children who are abused, from state and laocal agecies or from those who decide not to "get involved." This story reminds me of the kitty Genovese story, which had a devastating ending. Thanks to the great efforts and persistence by this author for providing an eye opening experience. May all our children be safe.

This is exactly the type of problems I see happening across the street from my house. Calls are made to authorities and nothing is done. It's shameful. We are left hopeless and helpless to watch a child's life ruined.

I was not really impressed with this book, there was no real evidence to support the authors accusations.She makes some general valid points but on a whole this could be a case of an overly bored housewife.

I found this book to be quite Boring. I have grown up in a home with an abusive father, but this just had me read a few chapters and skip to the end right away. I think it was mostly the lack of knowledge the author has. I was annoyed very much with everything. People are very ignorant and naive.

Was disturbing to read a daily account of abuse. The involvement of the authorities seemed nonexistent. You can tell the book was an adaptation of a blog. Seems a series of notes derived into a diary just as the author explained.

This book doesn't give a ton of info but I guess that's why no one was really able to help this poor child. Not enough info to save him. Unfortunately many children fall through the cracks and so the abuse continues.

This story was excellent. It started off slow but was very good. I'm not too much into reading but this book kept me coming back. It's sad the state didn't do anything but good there was a good neighbor to look out for him. I am looking forward to the next book.