74 Books Like The Kiss

If you haven’t read this book yet, you absolutely must. I can hardly articulate the brilliance of its narrative. The profound bond of sisterhood depicted here has touched me deeply. The portrayal of female relationships is nothing short of exquisite, capturing the relentless urge to fight for one’s loved ones in a way I’ve never seen before.

I was completely absorbed in the roller coaster of emotions experienced by each character, feeling every high and low alongside them. This novel taught me invaluable lessons and that the pursuit of dreams should never be diminished by circumstance. Its beautiful storytelling and unforgettable message make it a truly remarkable read.

The younger the victim, the more egregious the act seems. This true story is a riveting read. Dixon repressed childhood incest memories until, ironically, she became a nurse helping others with similar pasts. The book is an insightful look at how hidden pain manifests itself in our current lives regardless of what walls the mind has erected to protect us. Woven into the memoir is helpful advice for survivors, counselors, lawyers, and others working with abuse victims. I was mesmerized.

This hugely entertaining and thought-provoking novel tackles sexual harassment and cyberbullying in a fast-paced revenge tale. Three women in the early stages of successful careers seek to avenge a friend who fell victim to a celebrity’s advances only to be harassed a second time by multitudes of strangers online. We see fault and questionable behavior from the victim, the perpetrators, and the friends. As the book's description says, it's a fine line between justice and revenge. And, I might add, that line differs for every individual.

The Courage to Heal was another of the first books I turned to when I began reading about childhood sexual abuse.

I felt confused back then and ambivalent about believing that I had been abused that I didn’t borrow the book from a library or buy it. Instead I went to the local bookstore and read it crouched in an aisle. It’s a great survey of the world of people who were sexually abused as children, with many case studies, background research, and resources for community support. 

This seven-story collection serves as a great introduction to Chekov, period. I was first introduced to his work in a Russian literature course – and ended up writing my final paper on his “The Kiss”, a work that has always stayed with me. I’ve always taken an interest in a theory known as “the looking-glass self,” coined by sociologist Charles Cooley – which hypothesizes that your behavior is based on how you perceive others see you. So, if you were ridiculed in elementary school, you’ll always revert to how you felt back then when you see former schoolmates. On the other hand, if you were idolized in high school, you’ll still feel like prom queen or king at your 40th class reunion. This behavior was artfully displayed in “The Kiss,” a sad tale about a wallflower of a Russian soldier who develops a sense of confidence if not bravado… show more.

I love this book because every chapter is about a survivor, with a large black and white photo of them. Seeing real faces put to their stories was so helpful and encouraging, showing me I am not alone.

In between the survivor stories, the author reveals both her own survivor story AND her wisdom as a therapist working with survivors. Thank you to Dr. Samuelson for all the survival strategies she affirmed and understood. I don't know a lot of therapists who have disclosed they're survivors–this one does, and with great clarity.

This memoir addresses a rarely discussed form of trauma: sibling sexual abuse.

With honesty and vulnerability, Epstein recounts the delayed unraveling of repressed memories, the emotional aftermath, and her journey toward healing. The book also raises awareness of the widespread but often overlooked impact of this form of abuse. The author and I both dissociated from our trauma in order to survive.

Post #metoo there’s a lot more awareness around sexual abuse and assault, but still few books to help readers to understand why it impacts them the way it does. 

In The Courage to Be Me, cartooning psychologist Nina Burrowes presents what we know from the science of sexual trauma, and tells the stories of a group who support each other around their experiences. 

Having several different stories, all illustrated by different comic artists, emphasises the diverse forms that assault and abuse can take, and the ways in which they hit us all differently. Despite the tough topics covered, this is an uplifting book which helps the reader to see their experiences reflected, and to learn some skills for how to look after themselves around what happened with the kindness they deserve.

I love this book because I have worked in ministry to women for over 30 years, and I’ve never read anything remotely like it. I picked it up and literally did not get out of my chair until I finished it, even with heavily underlining many parts. 

Although I have never been a victim of physical or sexual abuse, the author wrote this from the perspective of one traumatized by another woman whom she thought was a good friend and trusted spiritual advisor. What is especially helpful is that Williford’s unusual story is interwoven with her long-time therapist’s peer-reviewed insights and principles. I recommend this to anyone who has been victimized, as well as those who want to walk alongside survivors in their journey to healing. 

This book tells the heartbreaking story of the life Jessica faced at a time when the adults around her should have kept her safe.

Her life experiences of abuse are horrendous. The physical and sexual abuse she suffered in her childhood and teenage years and the many missed opportunities for professionals and other adults to protect her is appalling. I can identify personally with some of what she shares and am wounded to my core by what happened to her, and by the light sentence given to the perpetrator who at the time of abusing Jessica was on the sex offenders register!

Jessica’s story brings the spotlight on how our society continues to let children down. I met Jessica recently at a Literary Event and she is an incredibly courageous young woman who is using her experience to support other survivors bringing a fresh voice to the cause.