Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey Through Hell and Back

Book Description

How does an honor student at one of Los Angeles's finest prep schools–a nice girl from a happy, loving home–trade school uniforms and afternoons at the mall for speedballs in the back of a truck in rural Indiana? How does her devoted mother emerge from the shock of finding that her daughter has not only disappeared but had been living a secret life for more than a year?

Mother and daughter tell their parallel stories in mesmerizing first–person accounts. Claire Fontaine's story is a parent's worst nightmare, a cautionary tale chronicling her daughter Mia's drug–fueled manipulation of everyone around her as she sought refuge in the seedy underworld of felons and heroin addicts, the painful childhood secrets that led up to it, and the healing that followed. Her search for Mia was brutal for both mother and daughter, a dizzying series of dead ends, incredible coincidences and, at times, miracles. Ultimately, Mia was forced into harsh–but–loving boot camp schools on two continents while Claire entered a painful but life–changing program of her own. Mia's story includes the jarring culture shock of the extreme and controversial behavior modification school she was in for nearly two years, which helped her overcome depression and self–hatred to emerge a powerful young woman with self–esteem and courage.

Come Back is an unforgettable story of love and transformation that will resonate with mothers and daughters everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

This book haunts me 6 months after reading it!.......2007-10-16

This is the most profound book I have read in 2007. I think about it often and my book group seems to revisit it every month even though we read it 6 months ago. This is a raw story of healing and torment, not self indulgent or too self absorbed like many other acclaimed memoirs. I loved it and could not put it down

Awful but captivating and well written.......2007-10-07

This is the horrific story you hear about - young girl, seemingly on the right track with caring parents, suddenly displays amazingly self-destructive tendencies.

The difference is that this story is told by both mother and daughter in clear sections that also flow well. Both mother and daughter write their tales well, and you can see the growth happen through the story. The catharsis is not sudden; the recovery is not fast. It is hard work to achieve the well-deserved forward momentum they have at the end of the book.

There is also a small amount of revenge - not nearly enough, but just a little to make you almost smile.

It's a terrible tale that deserves to be told. It is told well. I wish the best to both authors of this book.

(*)>

I fell in love with this book.......2007-09-11

I truly love both Claire and Mia. I really related to Claire as a mother myself of teenagers and I related to Mia from when I was a teenager. Their stories parallel the lives of my Mom and I but to a lesser degree. Wonderful book!

Review.......2007-09-10

I really liked this book. There were a few "boring" parts, but all together I would highly reccomend this book!

save your time.......2007-09-05

This book offers nothing new about mother/daughter relationships or recovery/ rehabilitation ... and the highly mediocre writing style is the icing on the cake.

Beyond the Darkness: My Near Death Journey to the Edge of Hell and Back

Average customer rating:

An informative, great read
A Great Story --Ignore the Critics
I am the author & want to address some reader concerns
To Hell and Back
As I have Said Before "We Are Many"

Beyond the Darkness: My Near Death Journey to the Edge of Hell and Back
Angie Fenimore , and Betty J. Eadie
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster (Trade Division)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0671511777

Customer Reviews:

An informative, great read.......2007-04-18

I think the author did a terrific job with this book. She was brave, came forward and told us exactly what happened to her when she passed over.
That it doesn't correlate with some doesn't give those a license to belittle her experience.

Anyway, bravo Angie, even though we've never met I want to thank you publicly for sharing your knowledge of the divinty of Christ, the Savior of all mankind, for explaining the plan and purpose of our lives, that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and that Jesus will mediate for us if we choose him and accept him as our Savior.

A Great Story --Ignore the Critics.......2007-01-22

Spiritual matters will never be resolved with bickering back and forth on forums. Spiritual matters can only be resolved with the spirit. Our earth is filled with people ranging from spiritually dead to enlightened. This site also seems to have that same range with reviewers--prideful scripture citing, name calling, and cruel accusations.

Ms. Fenimore had this experience. It was real. Whether a vision or literal, does not matter. When Moses spoke to God, was he really talking with a burning bush? We are taught truths by means that enable us to understand, but always, our understanding is dependent on where we stand.

C.S. Lewis described being in a dark shed and observing a shaft of light penetrating a hole in the wooden door. From were he stood, he could see dust and fine particles floating, swimming, and swirling in the air. What he saw was truth, limited by his perspective and from where he stood. But as he positioned himself up near the hole in the door, a view of the beautiful outdoor world of grass and flowers and trees opened unto him. Interestingly, from both positions he viewed the same light (or truth), but observed different results. Some in this world are content to see the dust and argue there is nothing more. But those that want to see greater truth must align themselves spiritually. The choice is ours.

Years ago, my wife saw a talk show where Ms. Fenimore was telling her story. Later that day, my wife told me of Ms. Fenimore's experience. I felt the spirit whisper to me that it was a true experience. I wasn't seeking this revelation. It just came. Then just two weeks ago, my son came home telling me that one of his former friends that had been kicked out of junior high had committed suicide. The rumor turned out to be false, but reminded me of Ms. Fenimore's story heard some ten years earlier. So I googled NDE/suicide and found this book--didn't know it even existed before then.

I have since read BTD and once again felt the holy spirit witness to me. I believe it! Whether it's literal or visionary does not matter. The message is the same, and anyone that will humble themselves and spiritually align themselves can also know it's a true message. Others may be content with the specks of dust (truth) but please don't tell me that's all there is. This book opens up a world that we would not have seen without the courage of Ms. Fennimore and her willingness to share.

I am the author & want to address some reader concerns.......2007-01-03

On rare occasion I will pick up used copies of my paperback to give to my children and grandchildren,(I prefer the paperback cover to the hardcover. I also had the opportunity to fix several publisher typos that appear in the hardcover).

I usually resist reading reviews since you readers can be cruel. I do want to say that what happened to me happened. I did not make it up. I was not hallucinating and I'm sorry if it doesn't fit with your preconceived notions of what may happen to you when you die.

When you drop an apple, it's going to hit the pavement. Not much I can do about that either.

I didn't write what amounts to my personal journal with all of the most painful and shameful events of my life out there for public consumption in order to harm or deceive. Why would I do that? Ask yourself if it might be painful to know that strangers, neighbors, people at the local grocery store, my children's teachers could just buy my 'diary' at Barnes & Noble. Do you think it was an easy thing at the time to reveal to everyone who knew me that I had attempted suicide? I promise the easy road would have been to keep my new and improved anonymous soccer-mom existance.

I took very seriously that I was quoting God. I labored over every word to be certain that what I said was completely accurate. I made the difficult decision to share my story so that when I meet God again at the end of my sojourn, it will be with my gift of having done all I can in this world to influence for good.

Just prior to writing the book, the NDE phenomena was all over every talk show and tv magazine. Dr. Kevorkian was on trial. Curt Cobain (Nirvana vocalist) was found dead, having shot himself. I saw 'Thelma & Louise' on TV (they drive off a cliff at the end as a suitable solution to escape the consequences of some irresponsible behavior)--all of this happened in one week's time.

I was in my car when I heard the news about Cobain on the radio while a van full of teenagers passed me in the next lane. They were hanging out the windows crying, "My hero is dead". The spirit bore witness to me, that there would be kids who would take their precious lives to follow this so-called hero.

I was profoundly affected by the end of 'Thelma and Louise'. I didn't see it coming and my emotions were already thin over Dr. Kevorkian and Curt Cobain having been all over the news. I went upstairs and laid down on my bed and cried. After searching for what I could do and praying for the answer for several days, the thought finally came to write a book. I knelt down next to my bed and asked my Father in Heaven if that was what I should do. The spirit bore witness to me that indeed, this was something I could do. Not that it was my calling, but that I have a view point that would benefit other people. Nobody else was coming forward with an experience like mine and somebody had to do the hard thing. And this is why I wrote the book.

Every single thing, including depression is a matter of choice. This isn't a judgement or critism. It is how we are co-creators with God in this life and the next. We choose to live miraculously or not. What we think about is who we are, in this life and in the next. If you are so certain that I'm wrong try living with thoughts of gratitude, love, joy, appreciation for every little piece of happiness and see what happens in your life.

To Hell and Back.......2006-09-26

I worked for a while on the national suicide hotline and have dealt with many people who have comitted suicide or tried. I have done everything in my own power to help prevent or stop people from doing this - but it seems to be like trying to sweep back the ocean with a broom.

I do not believe in hell but I do believe that people will find what they expect to find on the other side - our belief systems tend to direct our vision of what we find.

No matter - the book is well written and presents an intersting story. Who knows what happened to the author and why. There is something of value from the book's message for the reader. Again, I think each reader will find the values and messages that reflect their own belief systems.

Good Foreword by Betty J. Eadie.

As I have Said Before "We Are Many".......2004-09-03

"Every Man Before He Dies Shall See The Devil". - English Proverb, 1560... Mine wasn't a Near-Death experience. I was awake and very much alive - The trip wasn't much better. I walked around for many years in a struggle - Satanic Warfare can be horrible - with little support system. There are many - ostracized and alone. Many struggling with demons. (Which are not fun creatures to be around - even on a good day ) I paralleled much of what Angie went through. I'm glad that she was able to gain feedback from Betty Eadie. I Like Angie's book. Be wise to not minimize her struggle - Reality is a fragile thing. "You Shall Not, and Need Not, Walk Alone".

Our Brother's Keeper: My Family's Journey through Vietnam to Hell and Back

Average customer rating:

Excellent and unique look into the effects of the Vietnam War
Our Brother'sKeeper: My Family's Journey through Vietnam to
Vietnam: One family's war
Gut-wrenching yet remarkable book

Our Brother's Keeper: My Family's Journey through Vietnam to Hell and Back
Jedwin Smith
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471467596

Book Description

Advance Praise for Our Brother's Keeper

"Beautifully written and extraordinarily poignant, Our Brother's Keeper is a Vietnam book like none other. The ghosts of Vietnam are finally starting to circle home, and this remarkable writer has given them voice with passion and resonance. I love Jedwin Smith's Fatal Treasure; Our Brother's Keeper is even closer to the heart."
— Jeff Long, New York Times bestselling author of The Descent and The Reckoning

"Our experience in Vietnam has been searingly recorded in both fiction and nonfiction, but no book about those years is quite like this one. Jedwin Smith's Our Brother's Keeper tells the story of one family that has lived with death by remembrance, and of a man who found redemption when he wanted revenge. It will break your heart, but change it, too."
— Michael Skube, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in criticism

"I read Our Brother's Keeper in the span of an evening and found it deeply affecting and totally enthralling. This book is a haunting, gut-wrenching, and ultimately redemptive journey through time and the human heart. Magnificent."
—Jack Kerley, author of The Hundredth Man

Customer Reviews:

Excellent and unique look into the effects of the Vietnam War.......2005-08-28

I am a military history buff. I especially love to read books written by people who were there, or in this case a person who was greatly effected by the events described. I picked this book up on a whim from a book store and the writing style dragged me into the story. It is truly unique in that it is written by the brother of a Marine that died in Vietnam and that it really does not focus too much on the war. It does cover the basics of that era, but more focuses on the effects the war had back home, as well as the lasting effects on his family.

I am glad that Mr. Smith finally found a start to his healing and was able to write this book to share with the public.

Our Brother'sKeeper: My Family's Journey through Vietnam to .......2005-06-16

About six weeks ago I was told I HAD to read this book for a book club that I am in. I am a romance/mystery junkie and put off reading what I felt would be a depressing WAR book...How wrong was I? This book, which reads like a great story instead of nonfiction, was riveting and inspiring with as much to say about family and interpersonal relations as it does about the Vietnam war. I laughed at Mr. Smith's memories of a very human warrior as well as cried at the manifestations of sorrow and guilt. I am a 31 year old woman who is as far removed from this war as one can get and yet the book brought home the personal and very unpolitical side of this very confusing part of our history. I was extremely thankful that Mr. Smith could share his experiences with me.

Vietnam: One family's war.......2005-05-13

Jedwin Smith (no relation, but I was once his boss at the Atlanta newspaper where we both worked) has written a spellbinding account of how his brother's death in Vietnam (remember that war?) impacted his family and fueled his own decline into alcohol and depression. Without bitterness or animosity, he relates the unraveling of his family and eventually tells of how he and his siblings came to cope with their brother's death, and to mend their lives and relationships with each other. Part and parcel of the story is his climb from the depths, aided by Vietnam War vets who knew his brother in the field and as always, by the love and strength of his devoted wife, June. Don't think of this as a "war" book. It's not. Rather, this is the story of human relationships, told with insight won the hard way, that will send you to Vietnam War Web sites/books to knock the dust off your memories of that era. Jedwin's a natural-born storyteller and this book will grab you from the first page.

Gut-wrenching yet remarkable book.......2005-04-17

This is the kind of well-written book you'll read in 24 hours but think about for weeks. Its the gut-wrenching story of a family suffering through the loss of a beloved son/brother to the Vietnam War. The author, Jedwin Smith, gives us a rare insight into the long-term effects a family endures and also allows us to go along on his painful and emotional journey toward some sense of healing. Without disclosing elements of the book, be advised there is a reconciliation late in the book that is unique, remarkable and inspirational.
We must never forget the sacrifices veterans made for our country, but this book also reminds us to never forget the sacrifices the families of these veterans made as well.

A Journey to Hell and Back: The Flip Side

Average customer rating:

Flipped Me Out
Looking Forward
Surprised Again

A Journey to Hell and Back: The Flip Side
Charlotte Russell Johnson , and Henry Johnson
Manufacturer: Reaching Beyond, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0974189324

Book Description

A Journey to Hell and Back: The Flip Side is the third text in author Charlotte Russell Johnson's series of motivational books. Ms. Johnson true to form has developed a surprisingly unique book. The two major characters alternate narration of the story. This literary technique serves to mesmerize and hold the reader spellbound. Two separate individuals on parallel descents into hell collide violently, the force of which serves as a catalyst to accelerate their demise. Then just as all visible signs of hope evaporate, in a surprising plot twist surpassing Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, the text evolves into a completely different direction.

The Flip Side expands on Ms. Johnson's previous text, A Journey to Hell and Back, an autobiographical account of the author's life. The Flip Side further explores the author's life, while also giving the parallel and sometimes contrasting account of Ms. Johnson's husband, Henry. The text begins with the lives of two separate individuals in preparation for their first encounter and then chronicles their following union. This book is appealing to a wide and varied audience, including those preparing for marriage, divorce, raising a family, or a part of a family, involved in or getting out of a relationship, recovering from past mistakes, parenting, or in contact with any of these groups. This book humorously pokes fun at life's everyday problems. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson provide unique and sometimes competing perspectives of their life together. The text provides an insightfully honest portrait of the differing perspectives of a married couple. The varying interpretations of major events serve to keep the reader enchanted with the text. After reading this text the reader will wonder how often they have misunderstood the intention of others. The Johnson's invite you to decide what is the actual truth. They say there are two versions of every story and then there's the truth.

Customer Reviews:

Flipped Me Out.......2005-11-09

I was totally amazed that the Flipside could exceed Ms. Johnson original book a Journey to Hell and Back. I loved the way each chapter had two sides to give you a holistic view of their relationship. This book provides a different side of Ms.Johnson. I expected the infomation about Ms. Johnson to be redundant. Fortunately, I was wrong. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had very interesting lives. I recommended this book or those who like romance with realistic adventure.

Looking Forward.......2005-02-07

Ms. Johnson
I really enjoyed your books. I am really looking forward to your next release. God Bless You.

Surprised Again.......2004-03-10

I have read all of Charlotte's books. I have enjoyed each of them. With this book, I found myself wishing she had added one more chapter. Her books are the talk of our town.

Average customer rating:

One Woman's Struggle
An emotional and inspiring autobiography....
BLEESSED!
Awaiting the Movie
Experience the Journey

A Journey to Hell and Back
Charlotte Russell Johnson
Manufacturer: Reaching Beyond, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0974189308

Book Description

A Journey To Hell and Back is a gripping saga of a young woman's journey from adolescence to adulthood at an accelerated pace. This book is an exploration of a troubled teen's journey into the underworld to emerge as an independent, confident, and self-assured woman. Pitfalls, tragedy, and trials that lure a young honor student into the mean streets of Atlanta and finally, New York mark the story. Her journey to hell led her through a fiery furnace that burned 70 % of her body with 2nd and 3rd degree burns, and an over three months hospital stay where God provided personal consolation and healing. After God miraculously saved her from a life in the streets heaped with sin, her zeal for God resulted in her making additional mistakes, including renewing the abusive relationship that had almost cost her life. The story is a modern day version of Dante's Inferno. Each layer of Hell corresponds with a new low in the protagonist's life. Finally, from within the very bowels of Hell, she cries out to the Lord for salvation. This spiritual epiphany becomes a turning point in her life, thrusting her forward from Hell. The tremendous suffering and miraculous ending of this book will offer hope and comfort for anyone suffering from loneliness, heartache, or disappointment. It provides a realistic and human perspective on many social topics such as teenage rebellion and pregnancy, domestic violence, divorce, AIDS, substance abuse, prostitution, and the legal system. It is a necessity for anyone who has been a part or will work with any of these populations.

Customer Reviews:

One Woman's Struggle.......2007-05-14

My sister recently bought me a book. She not being an avid reader and all, it shocked me. She purchased "A Journey To Hell And Back" by Charlotte Russel Johnson. Charlotte is a local author from here in Columbus, GA.

This book really touched me deep into my soul. It's a story of a very hard life started at a very young age. Charlotte told about how she grew up in the projects, left the projects and only to return to the saftey of the projects. She told us how she sold drugs right here on Victory Dr. A street many of us drive everyday. She told how she partied in Phenix City, right across the river where many of us work and/or live.

Charlotte went through so much. She sold herself as a prostitute. She married a man who abused her to no end. She even discusses how she received her 2nd and 3rd degree burns. She tells you the stories of her many trials she had to endure not only here in Columbus, but also in Atlanta and in New York.

Yet through all of this she has prevailed. She showes you how she was able to pull through and become a better person. For anyone who thinks their life is so far gone, or so far down in the dumps and it can't change, take a moment and read this heart touching story of one woman's struggle. And it all happened right here in our own community!!!!!

Thank You Charlotte for sharing your story!!!

An emotional and inspiring autobiography...........2005-03-19

I have read "A Journey To Hell And Back" by Charlotte Russell-Johnson, and found it to be a most inspiring book, and very relevant to many young women of today, who are in need of the kind of guidance and insight offered by this book. I have also had the pleasure of meeting Charlotte Russell Johnson, and from my two encounters with her, I believe her to be as genuine as her personal testimony. Her book is a must-read for every young woman in search of direction for her life. I encourage everyone to read this book. It will keep you engaged from the front page to the back.

BLEESSED!.......2004-04-10

I JUST FINISH READING A JOURNEY TO HELL AND BACK. GOD HAS TRUELY BLESSED HER. IT IS A BLESSING THAT SHE LIVED TO WRITE THIS BOOK, GOD WAS TRUELY WITH HER ON HER JOURNEY TO LIFE. I HAVE THIS COUSIN THAT IS OUT THERE ON DRUGS. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR HER AND I KNOW GOD IS GOING TO DELIVER HER. I JUST HAVE TO BE STILL AND LET GOD HANDLE HER.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU CHARLOTTE AND I PRAY THAT YOU CAN TOUCH A LOT OF LIVES.

Awaiting the Movie.......2004-03-10

I work at a bread store and a customer was telling me how great the first book was by Charlotte and in a few moments after her leaving in walked Charlotte. I have read the first book and am anxious to get the next two!!!! It is excellent and I have sent several of my customers to the book store to buy the books as well!! Thank you Charlotte for sharing the experiences with us. I am hoping you will make the book into a movie.

Experience the Journey.......2004-02-18

There are books tobe read. There are other books that you experince. A Journey to Hell and Back is a journey to be experienced. The book is an inspirational text to be read repeatedly.

The Journey Back from Hell: An Oral History : Conversations With Concentration Camp Survivors

Average customer rating:

The Journey Back from Hell: An Oral History : Conversations With Concentration Camp Survivors
Anton Gill
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey Through Hell and Back (P.S.)

Average customer rating:

wonderful, deep, powerful honesty

Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey Through Hell and Back (P.S.)
Claire Fontaine , and Mia Fontaine
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0061567574
Release Date: 2008-08-05

Customer Reviews:

wonderful, deep, powerful honesty.......2007-05-30

I loved this book. I bought it for all my friends and co-workers who have children or work within the realm of psychology or social work with children. I recommend this to anyonw who has a child who has been sexually abused, a single parent raising a child, or anyone who really wants to know the deep truth of how what we do as parents,and what we say to our children can truely leave a mark forever within them.

Hell Looks Different Now: One Corpsman's Journey Back to Vietnam

Average customer rating:

Hell Looks Different Now

Hell Looks Different Now: One Corpsman's Journey Back to Vietnam
J. McNiff
Manufacturer: Protea Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Hell Looks Different Now.......2005-11-13

I thought this book was well written and provided me with a feeling of how it was to revist some of the places where the author served as a young man. I was surprised at how well paced it was.

Average customer rating:

Goes beyond the camps
WOW

Journey Back from Hell
Anton Gill
Manufacturer: Harpercollins Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0586206507

Customer Reviews:

Goes beyond the camps.......2004-07-06

The thing that sets this book apart from the others is the fact that it goes beyond the horrors of the concentration camps and follows the survivors as they figure out how to live normal lives after the holocaust. The end of the war was the beginning of new challenges, loves, heartbreaks, and, sometimes, horrors. The human will is amazing and glimpses into recoveries such as these are precious.

WOW.......2001-06-07

I found this novel deeply moving. I believe that it is a poignant, stunning, book that should NOT go un-noticed. I can move you to tears!

The Journey Back from Hell - an Oral History...

Average customer rating:

The Journey Back from Hell - an Oral History...
Anton Gill
Manufacturer: Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O5W8NS

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