A mother’s cruelty. A daughter’s survival. A secret that couldn’t be told.

This book was a tear-jerker! Hard to read at times.I became very angry with the father! How he could just ignore the abuse was beyond my understanding! I am amazed that children who have gone through such abuse can ever go on to live normal lives.I know LOVE can heal a lot of wounds!

This was a very well written book. It was as much about abuse as it was about mental illness. Sad that it was a true story, but it was gripping and powerful, but does cover the darkest aspects of cruelty. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Could not put this book down once I started it. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy. What this child survived is beyond believe and you get angry as hell at a person you wish you could go back in time and give her (and her father) a piece of your mind. This child has so much courage it is amazing.

Oh my goodness. Vanessa is an amazing human being with the strongest spirit I have ever come across. It was difficult to read about her life because the abuse she suffered is sickening. I had to put my kindle down more than once because I was either nauseous, tearing up, or just deeply saddened. However, I do not regret reading Punished. Her story was fascinating and addicting to read. I can't believe just how strong Vanessa is. It made me realize just how weak I am and that humans are capable of unabelievable strengths.
It's nearly impossible to accept that not too long ago, child abuse was virtually ignored. Vanessa's family members, including her father knew the extent of her mother's cruelty, but felt it was not their place to take her away. Of course, cases like this still exist today, but now family and friends have many more resources to help desperate children.
This is a must read book for those who enjoy learning about child abuse, the human psyche, mental illness, and depressing tales. Punished is by no means a light read; prepare yourself to read this book. Have tissues close at hand and a loving friend or family member to go to after reading.

I really loved the book itself. It was one of those books that had you keep reading and couldn't put down. I love these types of books that really catches the readers attention. But the only thing that was wrong with it was the fact that i caught onto some grammer errors that couldn't be helped. It was so noticable that it was just irritating. Other than that it was a fantastic book. Good Job!

I couldn't believe how disturbing this book was to read and yet I kept reading it. The abuse that was detailed in this book is unbelievable. Once I finished this book I was left with the feeling this woman was able to finally stop the abuse cycle that was outlined and will go on to be a good mother to her own children.

How cruel can one person be,OMG I"m glad she came to terms with what happened,I wonder how many other children went through something like that.I don"t believe I would be able to forgive either parent
No one should experience such horror

It is difficult to imagine or understand how a parent could so cruelly abuse a child. Incomprehensible. However, it was shown the strength and resilience of the human spirit and that a beautiful life can blossom from the noxious garden in which it has grown.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story for no other reason but this child had the fight to survive everything that was thrown at her. I could not imagine ever having such hate and distaste for another human let alone a child. Vanessa Steel is a brilliant author.

This book takes you through every emotion heart  breaking, think the spirits were a bit much though made it hard to believe,so that part kind of ruined it for me. but other then that it was an awesome book

The girl in this story is an innocent little girl and shale endures so much hurt and pain at the hands of the people who are supposed to love and protect her. Her mother is a sadistic lunatic and her father is a coward for not doing anything about it.

wow. this was a heartbreaking account of vanessas childhood by an abusive mother that was so hard to read I almost had to put it down...but Im glad i didnt. It was a fasinating read that will make you stop and hug your child.

This was a great novel. At times I would have to pause and reflect as I could not believe someone was telling their story. This novel evoked a lot of emotions. I felt these different emotions as I read this novel. I could not put it down as I was waiting for someone to resuce her from such abuse. It is truly amazing ones' unconditional love for one's mother and father.

The subject matter of this book was VERY DISTURBING. But the reading of it was so that I could not put this book down. It is a horrible story of neglect of 2 parents of their adopted daughter and the surroundings of utter cruelty. I could not believe that the parents got away with this. There were lots of people/friends and family that just ignored and LOOKED THE OTHER WAY! It just turned my stomach.
But in the other thoughts of really reading and understanding CHILD ABUSE I think this book was worth the reading. FOR SURE!

When a child goes through the kind of evil laden, hate-filled, disturbing existence the way 'Nessa' did, yet finds the strength to go on everyday and still have love and and loyalty in her heart, you know she's an amazing person. As a writer she's very capable of bringing your mind to her world, in some of this I can't say it's where I would ever have wanted to allow my mind to travel, but necessary to feel the pain she felt and end the book saying "you are one hell of a survivor, you go girl!" I cried many times, my heart literally hurt for her and I can only say I respect her so much for coming through it all still able to even see her mother much less do anything for the woman. I can't say I could've had that sort of loyalty in my heart. A must read, get your Kleenex!

This was a very good but sad book it was horrible what she endured it made me cry. I dont know how anyone can do this to a child adopted or not I really wish she could have found her real mom, I have a feeling she did but didnt know it. I wish her dad would have opened his eyes and stepped up to take care of her.

This is a tear-jerking, heartbreaking story of a girl who endures a lifetime of abuse from her mother and other family members. This is so much more than I thought it would be, a must-read!! Sad that this happens but amazing that she made it through all of it and decided to share her personal story with the world.

This story was difficult to read and imagine the torturous life of this child without being quite angry inside. It is a miracle that she grew up and still took care of her mother when she was old. I myself would have let her rot in the nursing home.

A riveting story of abuse & deceit. At times I had to put this story down & entertain my thoughts with much more pleasant circumstances. A horrific betrayal of love & trust. A must read to put your own life into perspective & count your blessings if nothing else.

Amazing but extremely hearbreaking story. At times you wanted to cry, other times you wanted to hit someone or something. I love the fact that the spirit world helped her to get through those times. A must read!!!!!!!!!!

This amazing book is a great/ sad story and brings to light how hard some people's lives can really be. Anyone who goes through abuse needs to tell whoever they think can help them. No one deserves the punishment that was forced onto these innocent children.

This book had me up most of the night reading it. I can't believe the abuse she suffered from her adopted mom. Until the very end Vanessa wanted her mothers love and approval and that was sad because this woman in my opinion did not deserve Vanessa's love. Some people should not be parents. However this is a great read.

I had an extremely hard time putting this book down! THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ! For all of those, like me who ejoy books of this kind I suggest this one for sure. It's extremely painful to know there are mothers out there who do this to their children.

I couldn't put my kindle down when I started this book. It was written with so much detail and emotion. As it went on, I could tell this girl was a survivor. At certain points I actually cried - the author's descriptions of her brutal childhood were very haunting. Make sure you have some free time set aside for this one...I finished it in a few hours.

The most heart wrenching book I have ever read.It takes you to a place where you want to save this child, and make sure she is rid of her mother. You develop a real connection. So meaningful, it truly moves you.

Thank you for sharing your story! I started reading and couldn`t put it down. I believe sharing these experiences gives those who have had a loving life incite into those of us who have not. And those who have gone and are going through abuse can see they are not alone learning ways to cope with the aftermath. Congrats to you Nessa!

I bought this and read it on Kindle during a very stressful time in my life (last month) and it was about as good an escape valve as I could have wanted. I hadn't bought it for that reason but it was, nonetheless.

I felt awfully sorry for this person and was glad to learn in the end that she's doing well now.
I wrote her a short note at Facebook telling her how I couldn't put the book down and how happy I was that she managed to find a happy life when she grew up. She hasn't written back - not even a quick "thank you" all these weeks later like most authors do - so I hope she's okay.

At times I had to ask myself if all these were true events. How could a mother be so cruel. Can these claims be verified ? She waited until all the people in the book were deceased to write the book. Just hard to believe that anyone could survive this kind of treatment. My heart breaks for her. Wish someone had stepped in and saved her.

I almost stopped reading this book because of the cruel treatment of the little girl. I guess in some families things like that go on but me coming from a christian loving home I couldn't stand the things she went through. I gave it a 3 because of that.

This was a very difficult book to read. It is very descriptive and for me it was often times too descriptive. It's hard to imagine that anyone could treat another person that way, let alone someone's Mom. I was never able to get halfway through the book. It was too much for me to digest.

It is amazing to me that this "mother" truly got away with the continual savage abuse of her daughter. This woman should have been prosecuted and ended her life in jail. Other people knew about the abuse but still the criminal woman was not arrested. I find the story hard to believe and even more difficult to know that the victim continued to see her "mother" until she died. Incomprehensible.

This is such a heartbreaking book, I don't know why ppl are put on this earth to do such cruel things to innocent beings. U are a strong woman. Working with kids that have been through what u have I will always trying to b the person they can trust....I want them to know that there r ppl in the world that care and love them.

Anyone who doesn't realize that child abuse can be horrific, needs to read this book. It is shocking the depths some families sink to, and memoirs like this show why neighbors, schools and doctors need to report suspected cases and laws need to be enforced. But in spite of all that happened to her, she was able to take in the love that her paternal grandparents had for her and not become an abuser when she became a parent. I suspect she was correct in her theory of why her mother hated her.
The kindle verion of this book was very well written, the grammar was correct and few or no typos.

As I sat and cried turning the pages of this book I was so great full of my own existence. She endured so much but was still able to survive and live happily.
Such a good read, couldn't put it down!

I loved this read, couldn't put it down. This story is well told and very detailed. Really felt the sadness of the author and even made me cry a couple times through out the book. I would definitely recommend this book to others!

This book was difficult to put down as I wanted to know what happened in the end but it wasn't an easy read. It was a very difficult subject matter to read about and I had a hard time with it, so I wouldn't choose another on this topic.

I read this book in a day, I couldn't put it down. It is really well written. I cried many times and it's hard to imagine the horrific childhood she had. I was a little disappointed in the ending. I wanted her to know the truth about her birth parents. Maybe someday she will :)

I was looking for a non fiction account. I found this book compelling and well written. I did however feel the author went over board when it came to her accounts, even if everything did happen exactly as told. It was to much sadness. I put the book down.

I ordered a paper back that said it was in good condition. It came pretty bent up and lopsided. Pages were dog-eared and something had been spilled on the front and back cover of the book. The cover was red so the red had faded onto pages at the front and the back of the book. If I had known the condition was as poor as it was I would have paid more and gotten a cleaner copy. Shipping also took a long time.

The abuse Vanessa endured is horrible by any standards. Although I admit I was drawn into the story, I was left feeling angry. The fact that after enduring horrible abuse you would continue to care for, let alone be involved with your abuser is just unthinkable.

As for her ability to talk to the spirts........if I was hit in the head that much and that often I too would probably be hearing voices too.

I don't think I would recommend the book to anyone.

Although the author has written this book well, it is a very tough read due to the nature of it's contents.
I have to admit I was unable to read further than about a third of the book, the stories of abuse are just too cruel and disturbing.
Very much admire the author however, for being able to survive and, furthermore, telling her story.

I'm only on page 36, but already a question and other comments I have is ruining the story for me.
I don't understand how the father, since he played with her and was in contact with her, couldn't see the whip marks on her body. She was struck with that cane on the legs, too.
Also, the grandparents... how couldn't they possibly see some of the marks that I'm sure didn't go away any time soon?
Hopefully someone can answer these questions.
This is very difficult to read; I'm getting very angry already and I've cried enough after only 36 pages.
I placed the one-star rating only because I couldn't post comments without giving a rating.

Readers beware! The author of this book is offering it as a non-fiction memoir of sorts. However, she claims to be a psychic and the primary character is herself - Vanessa IS the author. If I had known she was a psychic, I would never have bought the book nor would I have read it. I did not know about the author until I read the acknowledgments at the very end! Some full disclosure needed here.

I believe this book is mislabeled. It would fly much better as a work of FICTION. Please don't ask readers to read a book of non-fiction and then fill it up with a lot of fiction: i.e., spirits walking and talking and flying all around,seeing events before they happen, consulting with ghosts on command,etc. It strains credibility and is dishonest!

I gave it two stars only because the writing is pretty good and it is a suspense-filled, moving story. It's just difficult to know what's true and what is not - very irritating.

I could not read the rest of this book. It was just horrible what this mother or rather monster did to this child.I hate thinking
there are such evil in this world. This animal should be behind bars and never get out. .

Fantasti,c gripping tale. Almost didn't seem real it was so dramatic and painful. But, I looked online and it appears the story was an autobiography of Vanessa Steel, the author. It was incredible to read and couldn't put the kindle down until I read the whole story. I can't believe how evil some people can be. It made me cry often.

There are people in the world like Vanessa's evil step mother, and their victims all too often cover up the horror and dread they face each day, fearing an even greater punishment if they tell anyone. And worse, when they do break their silence, they are not believed by the very people who should protect them. I'm glad Vanessa found happiness at last, although she did take care of her insane step mother til the end and even facing death, this crazy evil woman would not give Vanessa the answers she sought. This book is a testament to the will of the human spirit to survive. Most of my reading was done with tear-filled eyes, a very heavy and broken heart, and a sickening feeling. Unfortunately, I found the book to be very similar to my upbringing (mother and grand-father), which has given me a stronger sense to be gentler, more patient, and more attentive to my children -- as this is the absolute worst life that any child could possibly live through. I am speechless in my prayers and wishes for Vanessa who survived her horrible upbringing, but still managed to muster through and never once gave up hope. Bless you and may God forever take great care of you and reserve a special pair of golden wings for you.I love reading true stories but this is one that is so riveting and unbelievable. The tortures that this child went through were horrendous and yet the author was matter of fact about the abuse she suffered and made sure to include how her life has thrived and that she was able to put all that happened aside to raise a healthy family. Highly recommend the read. I also recommend When to Give up on Life and Child by K S Michaels, another fantastic read.

This book is harrowing. What is unbelievable about it is; there is zero indications on a) The immense psychological damage to the adult, that would definitely have happened. b) The necessary intensive and prolonged therapies needed to heal an adult with a childhood as harrowing as this. c) The physical damage done would have needed hospital treatment as the wounds would have resulted in internal bleeding possibly leading to death or massive infection.
The book gave me nightmares which went away when I threw it away and prayed. I believe this author is haunted by spirits that are not from God, even though she says she believes they are from God.

This was an amazing recounting of a traumatic childhood and the strength it took to rise above. The writing is superb and I admire the courage it must have taken to draw out and examine the pain-full events suffered in order to commit them to paper. I hope this experience was cathartic, and subsequently healing to the author, and that she understands what a role-model she has become by having the courage to stand up and own her story. I understand that owning the truth of her life invokes fear and frustration in readers who have never personally experienced spirit and I applaud the author for the courage to live her truth. Bravo!!!!

Although this book was the most disturbing book I've read, it was well written. There was not a dull moment and I couldn't put it down.
However, the spirits thing was probably put in for fluff rather than fact. And I kept getting mad at the characters for not helping her even when they knew the abuse was happening the whole time; later in the book you find out most of the family knew. That infuriated me (obviously not the author's fault). This woman went through a lot and seriously kept getting heartbreak after heartbreak. All in all, this book makes me want to cuddle my child non-stop.

I was often outraged at the horrors Vanessa's mother and maternal grandparents put her through. I wanted to just reach inside the pages and stop what was happening. How can some people be so sick? I hope they realized the evil the had done once they passed on. The spiritual side to the story is amazing to me. I have a little bit of psychic ability but no where near the author's. And it amazes me at this day and age some people are still so closed off to the idea of sixth sense. But awesome book and many blessings to Vanessa Steel

There are several people to this day, who do not believe that child abuse can be severe. For instance, Dave Pelzer "A Child Called It, Vanessa's Book, Punished. Those are just a few.

I myself am a survivor of severe child abuse as I explain in details in my book "Once Innocent Cries Unheard."

I can relate to abuse victims in every way. I know what it's like to starve, be beaten, fight to survive, long for love from my parents. When I was a child sleeping in a corner on the floor of my bedroom, was my bed. My clothes were raunchy. My father was the monster. And yet, I'm not an abuser. But I hope "Once Innocent Cries Unheard," helps in some ways.

Thanks for listening.

Seems like the abuse didn't give Nessa any lasting affects. You would think someone so abused and neglected would have had behavioral problems in school and a hard time connecting with anyone. She probably would have had a very unhealthy view of sex. Also, most kids in this situation quickly grow a tough skin to protect themselves, but this girl never does. Couldn't find myself getting into the story hardly at all.

You have to have a stomach of steel to read this book. The abuse that takes place is disgusting, nauseating, and just plain evil. There some interesting things that happen in this story revolving around auras and the such but I won't say more.

Where do I begin? Throughout this whole book I was teary eyed and felt extremely sad for this little girl Vanessa. I finished this book in two days and it was the most emotional book I have read in my entire life. It is a great book, but be prepared to grab some tissue because what this little girl went through was undescribable. I found myself telling my coworkers and friends about this book and what she went through, by the hands of an evil woman, her mother, who should by now be burning in hell. This book moved me not physically, but emotionally and thoughtfully. If you have not read this book you definitely need to. Vanessa's survival is a true testament that God is love and God is real.

Well written book abt a mother I'll never understand and a little girl who found her way to get away from a terrible situation and be the kind of mother she needed to her own children. Shows how a person can come thru depression and crushing grief to enjoy life again.

This book had such amazing detail that made you feel what little Lisa was going through. I was horrified that the mother did nothing to help her own daughter. This vivid description of all the beatings, rapes, and torment this child endured for years made my heart sink in my chest with sadness. This innocent child was so isolated and controlled by her step father. I am glad she found the strength to leave and gain justice in the end.....

This book was one of the saddest books I've ever read. It was definately worth reading. I cannot imagine ever treating a child like she did. This young lady was so strong to think she could go through all the things she went through and yet forgive her mother as she lay on her death bed. This book is a must read!!!

"At eight years old, she then discovered that the 'mother' who hated her so much had adopted her as a baby and would never love her as her own."
I have not read this book, I was just skimming the description, but this part of the marketing --playing up the fact the 'mother' adopted the girl and could therefore "never love her as her own" is incredibly insulting to adoptive parents and breathtakingly ignorant. Maybe the author as a child thought that the fact that she was adopted was the reason her mother abused her, but it sounds like the woman was severely mentally ill.
Whoever wrote this description should know the difference between a child's impression and reality.