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Author: Louis Panesi

ISBN: 9780979216602

Writing a story about your personal experiences with your Psychiatrist and sharing your family secrets with the world takes a great deal of courage. And that is exactly what Louis Panesi did when he published A Father’s Abuse…A Doctor’s Love: The Powerful Story of a Tortured Boy Who Prevailed With the Help of a Very Special Doctor. 

Panesi was the victim of his father and grandfather’s verbal abuse where subtly his perceptions were controlled and undermined. He was isolated from truth as well as from outside contact which eventually had a profound impact on his future relations with male and female acquaintances.  Moreover, he was manipulated into doing what his abusers wanted that eventually led to his confusion, emotional pain and mental anguish.

Although for the most part verbal abuse, which is a form of battering and bullying, does not leave evidence comparable to the bruises resulting from physical abuse, in Panesi’s case he did nevertheless suffer from a skin problem where his back would bleed profusely. As a result of the bleeding, Panesi sought medical care from different dermatologists who were at a loss as to how to cure his condition. Finally, when nothing else seemed to work, one dermatologist suggested that he see a psychiatrist.  As a result, Panesi sought out the services of Dr. Robert J. Shoemaker who, as we learn, turns out to be his savior.

For a period of several years Panesi visited Dr. Shoemaker and his recounting of his sessions with the good doctor is a fascinating read. In fact, without having any formal training as a writer, Panesi understands more of the importance of economy of language and maintaining a good pace than many an experienced author.

The contents of the book are insightful and thought-provoking without being pedantic or melodramatic. The dialogue between Panesi and Dr. Shoemaker is concise with careful attention to important detail in the analysis of Panesi’s abuse that goes a long way in helping the reader understand the immense ramifications of verbal abuse.

Nothing is held back as Panesi painfully describes the insidious abuse exhibited by his father and grandfather and how he was turned out in the street at the age of nineteen where he became a homeless and lost soul. Panesi describes how he was constantly criticized concerning his abilities and where he was told that he was useless and would never amount to much. It is little wonder that without realizing it, Panesi’s self-esteem was gradually crushed.

On the other hand, in contrast to the callousness and cruelty of his own family members, we learn of the humanity and kindness of Dr. Shoemaker who practiced his profession with conscience and where the health of his patient was his first consideration even if the patient was unable to pay his fees.

The story does have it moments of joy when we are informed that Panesi graduated college and became a pilot with a major airline. Nonetheless, unfortunately some of the mental scars of Panesi’s abuse still linger on although he now has a better understanding of knowing how to cope with them.

 The above review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN:  Norm is a Retired Title Attorney and now is the Editor & Publisher of Bookpleasures. Here are more of  Norm Goldman's Reviews       

To read Norm's Interesting Conversation With Lou Panesi CLICK HERE

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