Right in the Middle but Left Out by Jeffery Trees

Trees shares his life in this memoir. He grew up in a very dysfunctional extended family, including an emotionally abusive father. He takes readers through his life in college, singing as an entertainer, marrying a young woman from a dysfunctional family, being a Methodist minister, seeing abnormalities among pastors and congregations, finding out his wife had been the subject of incest, difficulties, divorce and remarriage.

Much of the book is about his own experiences. He does write in the latter part of this book about those who have been sexually abused as children. I was shocked to find out that one in three women and one in four men have been so abused before they reached the age of eighteen. This latter part of the book is good for spouses of those so abused. Trees shares his confusion and the feelings many spouses would understand.

Unfortunately, this book could benefit from some editing. He writes about his sister, for example, “We were always close as long as I can remember, for she seemed to know exactly what I wanted and would give it to me so I didn't have to talk or express myself for she would do it for me.” (9)

This book is a wake up call to the church. Trees notes that often a church will do nothing when notified of sexual abuse. Church should be a place of healing for this serious issue.

Trees notes that he could be sad for all that has happened to him. He has found hope through Jesus Christ, however, and appreciates so much the people God has used to bless him. This memoir is an encouragement for those experiencing difficult times. Trees also includes resources for those dealing with the effects of sexual abuse.

You can listen to an interview with the author here.

My rating: 3/5/stars.

Jeffery Trees has been an entertainer, professional singer, guitar player, play right, composer, actor, United Methodist minister and a Hospice Chaplain. He is working on his second book. He is now retired and lives with his wife in Indianapolis.

Book Venture Publishing LLC, 148 pp.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Authors Large and Small. My comments are an independent and honest review.