The Ugliest Word - by Annie Margis (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

There really is a monster in the hallway. Be careful. Your bedroom door will open, throwing light on your face. You'll feign sleep. The door will close behind your father, and darkness will descend.

What if the person you love most in the world loves you too much, in a way you know is wrong? How do you navigate childhood? What kind of person do you become?

The Ugliest Word tells the story of a little girl named Lark whose father is molesting her, as she navigates childhood, and the woman she becomes. An aspiring writer and artist, Lark's spunk and creativity buoy her as the abuse progresses.

Lacking other confidantes, Lark befriends Glassman, a mysterious character who collects glass bottles from the alley and leaves special gifts at a loose board in Lark's fence.

As a grown woman, Lark learns to cope with her past abuse by talking on an international phone conference line for incest victims. Her healing is disrupted when she receives word that her father is dying.

Maybe he'll apologize. A death-bed confession. Maybe she'll forgive him.

But maybe she won't.The Ugliest Word is for anyone who has survived childhood incest, and for everyone who loves a survivor, is friends with or works with one.

Review Quotes

"If anyone still needs motivation to end the silence, shame and devastation of child sexual abuse, this compelling and engaging story, woven artfully by Annie Margis, provides all the reasons. Lark, the book's main character, is Everychild - innocent, lovable, excited by life and hopeful for the future. Her exploitation by those she trusted to keep her safe must fuel everyone's work to prevent child sexual abuse and stop the hurt before it starts."

Jetta Bernier, Director, Enough Abuse Campaign

"Annie has a way with words that is truly captivating and keeps you drawn into her story. I couldn't put the book down and I couldn't look away despite the heartbreaking and gut wrenching reality of it all. It was painfully honest, raw, and vulnerable. It's a must read because I think everyone needs to be made aware of the horrors that happen and secrets that are protected behind closed doors in order to create change and prevent this from happening. I admire her for speaking out on such a taboo topic in hopes to raise awareness and break the silence."

Whytli Rogers, Certified Life Coach & Podcast Host of In the Wake with Whytli

This story hits home for me! I could see myself as Lark. I felt the love, the fear, the confusion, the loneliness and pain of this young girl. How she deals with the deception and abuse in a final hoorah is the ultimate satisfaction!

Deborah E. Peters, Author of My Grandfather was a Sexual Predator, NYC