Book Review: Nobody's Girl by Barbara Amaya

Nobody’s Girl is a story that is hard to hear, but is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about sex trafficking. It is an excellent book for raising awareness of the dangers of runaways and pimp tactics.

Abused as a child and ignored by a mother who refused to believe her, Barbara’s pain is so deep that she leaves home at the young age of 12.  I could not put the book down as I journeyed with Barbara through the horrors she experienced as a child growing up on the streets and falling into the hands of a pimp.  Unfortunately, Barbara is able to educate us on the numerous manipulation and violent tactics pimps use to control their victims because she endured them all. 
 
But Barbara’s story didn’t end there.  She does find a way out and this book does a great job of showing how difficult it is for someone even after they've been "rescued" or have walked away from The Life.  Several quotes from the book had me in tears as she clearly describes her struggles to live a normal life.

“I never learned how to do basic things like cleaning a house or doing laundry.  I don't remember celebrating any birthdays or holidays.”

“Reuniting with my family during Christmastime was like sitting with strangers in a bus station - or being stuck in an elevator - with people you never saw before, standing in uncomfortable silence and counting down the stops until it's your turn to get off.  The trouble was that I didn't know when my stop was.”

"No one asked me where I had been or what I had been doing for the last several years, not once."

"I had gone from being a child of twelve to a women in her twenties and had missed all those years in between, all the learning and experiences that make a person a person."

Through her own words, we see how incredibly difficult it is to put the pieces of your life back together, to move beyond the pain and trauma, and to learn to trust again. But Barbara has done that.  Her story is ultimately one of hope, courage and strength. And she now uses her story to educate others.  The back of the book contains excellent resources for teachers and counselors, law enforcement, medical personnel, and for the average person who wants to make a difference. 

 

Thank you Barbara for your willingness to share your story so that others may learn and be moved to action.  You are no longer a victim, but a victor!  You are more than a survivor.  You are an overcomer.  You are incredible.

 

These previous post were inspired by a talk Barbara Amaya gave:

Barbara's Story - A poem

An Unwavering Promise - An Open Letter to a Survivor