Barbie Durbin writes of her own personal journey through the horrors of domestic violence. However, her book does not contain documentation of repeated incidents, which continue until the book is concluded. Instead, she writes using a refreshing and unique method. Barbie writes from the perspective of an author who is meeting, and helping, many victims of domestic violence.

Barbie holds book signings, back-to-back, as well as visiting abuse shelters and women’s prisons. Each time, she meets one particular victim that stands out to her in the crowd. They usually bring up one of the chapters in her book that aided them in leaving, or considering leaving. A conversation normally follows, as Barbie remembers and discusses Brady, her abuser. During one incident, in her book, she is visiting women in a prison. She listens to their individual stories and offers her compassion and understanding.

The factor that most intrigued me with Barbies book, “It Never Stops,” is how she is able to discuss so many truths of domestic violence and its effects, while intertwining her own personal story into all of it. The storyline flows smoothly, and though it is hard reading because of the topic, it is still easy to follow along.

Barbie Durbin discusses factors of abuse that many will not dare to speak out. However, through her tenacity and her courage, she is able to reach out and touch the heart of those who have either endured it or are currently enduring it. She speaks of the cycles of abuse, the truth of Battered Wife Syndrome, the endless threats, the realities of why so many do not leave their abuser, the suicidal thoughts the victim feels when at their most desperate moments, the self-blame, and the injustices of the legal system.

Barbie is a writer that is able to include such a broad range of truths pertaining to domestic violence in her book, while speaking compassionately to the heart of each reader as an individual. Her book is one that I recommend to all those whom I personally meet. It is not a book of personal tragedies, but rather an offering of support from one who is a companion along a journey so dark and tragic that it leaves most feeling utterly alone. Through her writings, Barbie dispels these fears.

She offers her story as a gift of compassion to other victims of abuse, as well as the gift of knowing that they are not alone. However, perhaps her greatest gift through her book, “It Never Stops,” is the manner in which she bravely encourages countless others, through bold truths and undying compassion, to leave their abuser and take back not only their life, but also their voice.