The
Overlook Press This 381-page book is written by a M.Ed. who is identified as a writer and editor in family/health/psychology. The book is divided into 14 chapters with a summary of important points and is very easy to read. It closes with chapter notes, a bibliography on false memory issues that includes audio- and videotapes and recent television shows along with popular and professional books and articles. There is no index. Many anecdotes and examples are included. For example, the Christy Griffith case that covered 30 years of alleged abuse is presented in Chapter 12. Christy sued her parents for alleged abuse which included satanic rituals, torture, and murdered babies. The parents went through their property and plain hell before Christy's attorney advised her to dismiss with prejudice if the Griffiths' insurance carriers agreed not to sue her for the expenses they had incurred. As I read this book, the Franklin case in California was reversed on appeal and the PBS-Frontline 4-hour documentary on recovered memories was completed. This brought home the relevance of this book, which is replete with warnings and criteria on how to choose a good therapist. Knowledge on the false memory phenomenon has expanded exponentially — I have read four books on the subject in the past three months. The style of the book is friendly and informal and the author expresses steady support and concern for children and for parents who may be victims of false memories. Each chapter answers the question, "Why would anyone believe anything so painful as being sexually abused"? in a way that is new and helpful to any professional involved. This book is recommended for therapy practitioners as well as for the general reader. Reviewed by LeRoy Schultz, Emeritus Professor, West Virginia University.
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