I live in the same town as your brother Chiefy, at least when he is not on his ship. He spoke to me off and on about his childhood and it was just so sad,then I read the book and there were parts when I couldn't help but cry and there were parts that just disgusted me. It's so hard to believe that a human being can be that sick in the head and to think he got away with it just revolts me. Chiefy told me he has passed away though, so I'm sure now he is paying for what he did. I certainly hope so because no human being deserves to go through what all of you did. I'm surprised and glad that you all kept your sanity and are normal people today. You all deserve alot of credit. You're a good writer. I can't wait to read your next book. Mimi M Lakeside,CA
K.S. Thomas' "Vina" is a serious, heartbreaking account of childhood abuse. Told in the dry, shell-shocked voice of someone who has lived through the very worst a child might endure, "Vina" is a clarion call for increased vigilance against abusive parents and better social services system to allow children to heal once removed from their abusive families and find a welcoming hearth as soon as possible...The book's design is good...clearly sets this in a specific genre of business and self-help books...The text is readable and consistent...It was obviously a difficult story to get down on paper and it is equally difficult to read. Though it may be time for Americans to sit up and take notice of these issues, few may be able to read so brutal and frank an account from someone who has actually lived throught it.
Writer's Digest
11th Annual International Self-Published Book Contest 2004
"I like so many others read the book in March of 2004 and was unable to put it down. It is a book that I keep on my desk at home and refer to often. I have highlighted many words as they are what I have been trying to put into words for years. There was no sexual abuse,starvation or foster care in my childhood. I instead only suffered physical and emotional abuse untill my teenage years. Like Kim, I blocked those events from my memory. I am 48 and only remember my life clearly from April of 1974, when the person I thought was my "Mamma" died. I have two sons and an exhusband that don't understand why I keep telling everyone "I want to go home." I met Kim in the spring of 2004 and I consider her my best friend I will ever have. We don't talk or see each other often but I know she is the only person to date that truly understands what I feel inside. Kim has the strength and courage to pusue what I have only dreamed about. My heart is always with her and those that are still hiding secrets of their past. With kim's determination and support from her books I believe we can all "Go Home" someday. We can make peace with the fact that we are not to blame for the actions of those we trusted with our future. We are victims and we can speak out to prevent the child abuse cycle. Thank-you Kim for letting the world see abuse thru, "The Eyes Of A Child."
Barb, Michigan
"An absolute great piece of work! It takes a very brave woman to tell her story. She is no doubt a remarkable woman I'm sure. Unfortunately, for me there are a few stories that she has shared that I myself remember as a child. The courage it would take to unbury my past would require an incredible strength I do not possess. Thank-you for sharing your story with myself and others. I have passed the title of this book along and I know of two friends who have started reading it. Great work."
Wendy, Louisiana
"I work with your bother Chiefy. He told me about your book so I ordered it. and read it. (quick read). Anyway I was very touched by your story... It is amazing to me how so many people in your lives turn a blind eye and allowed these horrible atrocities to occur. It is comforting to learn that you have all found each other. It is also disturbing to learn that you are unable to get access to the court documents that decided your childhood fate. I just wanted to send you and email to let you know that your book inspired me."
Tiffany H. LT. JAGC USNR Staff Judge Advocate Sept. 2004
"Thank-you for writing this book. I could not find myself putting it down,not even for two minutes. I felt compelled to continue till I was done. I read and I could not possibly fathom how a single person could possibly abuse children the way you and your siblings were abused. You have also touched my life, I did not even realize terrible things like this go on in the world. I guess I have lived such a sheltered life from abuse that I didn't think someone could be so cruel to anyone."
Sarah, of Michigan
"At 1st glance VINA: In The Eyes of A Child is a heart wrenching example of human tragedy and the almost impossible recovery of one little girl. Yet between the lines you see the total breakdown of a family as a whole. each family member individually, the community. the system and the very safeguards we think are in place.How this little girl survived is a miracle. How everyone around her failed or chose not to recognize the evidence is almost impossible to comprehend. Ms. Thomas shows us that recover is possible. She gives hope to victims of abuse. I thank God for Ms. Thomas' adoptive family in which she found what she had deserved all along. This book will make you hug your children a little tighter, watch them more carefully and react a little quicker."
Cindy H., of Alabama
"WELL worth the price... It is my opinion that this book should be read by young and old alike. Although most people have never experienced anything like the author did, I'm sure that they know of someone who might have.This book can provide other victims with the strength to persevere; perhaps even preventing thoughts of suicide. This is a well written story, one in which I found myself hoping that somehow Vina would safely survive. The book captivated me and increased my awareness of the tragedies that accompany child abuse."
Beth, of Ohio
"WOW! Proud to Know author of VINA... When i started to read this book I couldn't stop. I really like this book and think it would inspire anyone who reads it. It made me feel so sorry for the author. To think that someone could get away with treating their own children like that,makes me sick to my stomach. The overall quality of the book was great. It was easy to read and it kept you interested in what came next. I'm happy that the author was able to overcome such a tragic childhood and still be able to write about her story. I would most definitely recommend this books to others."
Tonie, of Michigan
"A true and detailed story about a woman who was abused severely as a child but overcame her horrific childhood ten-fold. If you love strong women, she's a definite role model. The story "A Child Called It' can't hold a candle to this. Her strength truly inspired me and hope it will do the same for other abuse survivors."
Shelly Samson R.N, of New York
"I found the book to be a story of great tradegy and yet great triumph. The book was easy to read and i felt the story flowed nicely. I experienced a range of emotions...rage and disbelief. On a different note, I identified with the author's "spiritual gifts...I applaud the courage that it must've taken her to share her story."
Cass, of Kentucky
"Ms. Thomas expresses her heart-wrenching story in a way that makes it difficult for most to even imagine. Her writing style makes it very hard to put the book down. The story she writes of her ordeals in her childhood, make you wonder what the outcome of her life has been. You HAVE to read this book."
Susan, of Texas
"RIVETING story... Well told and hard to put down. It always seemed that the children were wrongly found to be at fault......Many knowledgeable people slipped up. Teachers, the church members and medical professionals. I'm glad she found most of her siblings."
Joyce, of Ontario
"I couldn't put it down! In the world that we live in it is hard to believe that one person could go through that and be able to write about it... My heart gos out to this woman and her siblings that survived this emotional rollercoaster. 5 ***** for sure!!!"
Clare, of Michigan
"MADE ME CRY... I bought this book the day after i heard about it and i could not stop reading untill i had finished it.To go through all the mental, physical and emotional abuse only to lose the siblings you were so close to had to be horrifying. I am happy that she has chosen to help people in similar circumstances. I think she is an angel put on this earth to help people."
