Official Review: IT'S OK TO TELL by Marie Giles

[Kelsey Hatch]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "IT'S OK TO TELL" by Marie Giles.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

As the author perfectly presents, It’s Ok to Tell: Healing Process Diary “started out as diaries to help me get through this turmoil. You can see how I was not able to express so well at the start of the process but was able to develop this ability as time travelled.” This statement not only introduces the book wholesomely but also provides a peek into the author’s growth that she presents in her personal diary.

Please note that since the author is legally required to publish under a different name, I will be referring to her as Marie Giles, her pen name, throughout this review.

In this powerful diary, Marie takes us through her tunnel-filled journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse. As an adult living in Australia in January of 2002, Marie begins her Healing Process Diary by finally revealing the sexual abuse to her loved ones. Upon receiving even more disturbing news, she decides to take action and prosecute her abuser. The two years and three months that follow are full of stress, anger, grief, and guilt as Marie struggles to make her voice heard. She is required to travel back to her hometown in Northern Ireland and try to seek closure for herself and her family members. Marie records her thoughts and the torturous events in her diary, which she keeps chronologically until April of 2004. Fortunately, she also gives us a glimpse into her life in July of 2018, shortly before the book was published.

Marie’s voice throughout It’s Ok to Tell is undeniably raw and straight from the pages of her journals. It was easy to tell when she was upset, frustrated, or angry simply by the language and tone change. For example, she tends to curse a lot more when she is very angry. It was equally noticeable when she was on a “high” from moving forward in the prosecution or simply realized something new in a counseling session. This quality brought the reader right into the diary pages with Marie, experiencing her disappointments and feeling her distress. I was rooting for Marie the whole way, whether I agreed with her or not.

Because of the raw vivacity of the book as an actual diary, there were a handful of grammatical errors. I believe this book was professionally edited and these errors were left in place to add to Marie’s genuine voice, and I truly see their merit. Marie’s voice is preserved to the utmost degree, which adds to the very real quality of this book. Additionally, though a bit choppy due to the diary-style writing, the book flowed smoothly enough to make it a very quick read. Marie even includes copies of actual letters and a few diary pages written during those years, which add a lot of factual information and background to the story.

The part I disliked most was the lack of explanations of some of the characters; their names were simply stated. However, I hesitate to let that mar the overall book because this is simply how an actual diary is written. Marie Giles was writing for herself at the time, and this was necessary for the healing that we, as readers, are lucky to catch a glimpse into. Because of the raw reality of this published diary, as well as its potential impact on other survivors of sexual abuse, I proudly rate It’s Ok to Tell 4 out of 4 stars. I will certainly be reading it again.

Please note that this book is a sensitive description of events and emotions relating to sexual abuse, so it may be triggering for some readers. When you are ready to begin the healing process, this book could be of great help. This book is strictly diary-style with a somewhat choppy narrative, so it may not be for you if you do not like this style of writing.

******
IT'S OK TO TELL
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[kandscreeley]

Wow! I admire the author for publishing this. It's one thing to start a diary knowing no one will ever read it, especially when it comes to something as traumatic as abuse. But for her to actually publish it, well, I'm in awe. I should definitely put this on my list. Thanks.

[Ivana Tomaš]

This is an emotional but very important book, especially for the author himself, where she writes about her life, especially about the dark and not very easy moments. I like the diary format because it gives evern more personal touch. I think this book could have a great impact on other victims of similar abuses in life.
Thank you for an amazing review!

[LeeleeByoma]

Such a brave woman! Books about triumph and healing fill my heart with joy, and this one is no different. Thank you for a beautiful review.

[Cecilia_L]

I applaud the author for her bravery in sharing her story. I'm sure her courage will be helpful to readers with similar experiences. Thanks for your insightful review.

[Magnify3]

I think this book would put me in an emotional place that I would not want to be. However, I am glad thst the author wrote it. Many need to understand that 'It is okey to tell.' Thanks for your review and great job!

[Helene_2008]

I like that the book reads like a diary...such a unique concept. It's unfortunate what she had to go through but I hope her book helps others to come forward. Thank you for the review.

[Kelsey Hatch]

Wow! I admire the author for publishing this. It's one thing to start a diary knowing no one will ever read it, especially when it comes to something as traumatic as abuse. But for her to actually publish it, well, I'm in awe. I should definitely put this on my list. Thanks.

I completely agree. She is so strong and courageous not only for confronting the trauma, but also for sharing her experience with others to help them in healing. I highly recommend this book. Thanks so much for stopping by!

[Kelsey Hatch]

This is an emotional but very important book, especially for the author himself, where she writes about her life, especially about the dark and not very easy moments. I like the diary format because it gives evern more personal touch. I think this book could have a great impact on other victims of similar abuses in life.
Thank you for an amazing review!

The raw quality of this book really made it a winner for me. So often these traumatic incidents are shut away and hidden from the world, but the author openly welcomes readers into her true experiences and emotions. I hope this book becomes more popular so that others can learn and find some comfort. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

[Kelsey Hatch]

Such a brave woman! Books about triumph and healing fill my heart with joy, and this one is no different. Thank you for a beautiful review.

This book is indeed very emotional. It is amazing to share in Marie's triumphs and growth, though there are a lot of hardships and disappointments too. It is very real. Thank you for reading the review!

[Kelsey Hatch]

I applaud the author for her bravery in sharing her story. I'm sure her courage will be helpful to readers with similar experiences. Thanks for your insightful review.

The author does seem like an amazing woman. Her story is so powerful and I hope others can find some comfort and healing by reading her diary. Thank you for commenting!

[Kelsey Hatch]

I think this book would put me in an emotional place that I would not want to be. However, I am glad thst the author wrote it. Many need to understand that 'It is okey to tell.' Thanks for your review and great job!

This book is definitely quite emotional, and I do caution sensitive readers. You really have to be in the right frame of mind to handle the reality and intensity of Marie's situation. I completely agree that many need to hear the message of the title - it is empowering and conveys a sense of safety. Thank you for stopping by!

[Kelsey Hatch]

I like that the book reads like a diary...such a unique concept. It's unfortunate what she had to go through but I hope her book helps others to come forward. Thank you for the review.

It truly is! The diary-style is very immersive and makes the book feel that much more real and impactful. Thank you for reading the review!

[kdstrack]

This sounds like a very emotional read. I'm so glad you included that it was a healing process. This gives readers hope, in spite of the difficulties. I enjoyed your thorough review!

[Dee_218]

Sounds like a very raw and couragious book. I admire your strength to be able yo read through it and eloquently review it. I cannot begin to imagine the authors sufferings. Great review and thank you