The Road to Lost Innocence

I want to preface this review by explaining that most of the books and products that I review are ones that I choose (with the exception of those on the FIRST blog tours, which are not of my personal choosing).  That being said, I normally only pick books that sound good to me, or sound like something that is worthy of sharing with my readers. 

When the opportunity presented itself to review The Road to Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam, I had to pause.  The description of this book didn't sound comfortable - rather, it sounded like a tough read.  It made me shudder, just thinking about it.  But, I felt like God tapped me on the shoulder and gently reminded me that sometimes He wants us to step outside our comfort zones.  And this is a topic that needs to be brought to light, so that we are aware of what is going on in this world, and we can do all in our power (even if all we can do is pray) to stop it.

So, let me introduce you to Somaly Mam...

Born in Cambodia, Somaly Mam’s family struggled through poverty and limited opportunities during her childhood. Because of this, Somaly was sold into a life of sexual slavery many times by a man who posed as her grandfather. At a very young age, she was forced to work in a brothel with many other young girls and they were all treated horrifically through torture, manipulation, and scare tactics. Her past has fueled her passion and all her efforts to help young children and women who have become victims of human trafficking. This work has also brought Somaly enormous international recognition including being honored as a CNN Hero and being showcased on various TV specials including shows on CBC, CBS, NBC and MSNBC.

In 2006, Somaly Mam was honored as Glamour Magazine’s Woman of the Year for her courageous work in fighting sexual slavery. This same year, Somaly was also chosen as one of eight female heroines who were chosen to serve as a flag bearers for the Torino2006 Winter Games. This same year, Somaly was also profiled as a CNN Hero in recognition of her brave fight to save so many young, innocent victims from this horrible and silent crime.

Written in exquisite, spare, unflinching prose, The Road of Lost Innocence recounts the experiences of her early life and tells the story of her awakening as an activist and her harrowing and brave fight against the powerful and corrupt forces that steal the lives of these girls. She has orchestrated raids on brothels and rescued sex workers, some as young as five and six; she has built shelters, started schools, and founded an organization that has so far saved more than four thousand women and children in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Her memoir will leave you awestruck by her tenacity and courage and will renew your faith in the power of an individual to bring about change.

To learn more about how you can help fight human trafficking, visit the foundation’s website: www.somaly.org.

Somaly says: “I’ve committed my life to fighting this horrible scourge on humanity. Seeing innocent young women and children whose lives have been forever scarred leaves no doubt that they need a champion who is willing to invest all their time and energy towards eradicating the shameful practice of human trafficking. I cannot wage this fight alone and call upon anyone who cares about the innocent victims to donate their time, money and advocacy to this important cause. Each contribution means everything to the victims and know that I will be forever grateful for those who help make such an important difference.”

Heidi says: Wow!  This book was a real eye-opener to me.  I think it's so easy for those of us living here in the states to get caught up in our sheltered existence and not even realize what is going on in other parts of the world (and, scarily enough, right here in parts of the US too, I'm sure).  Somaly Mam is a true hero!  I do not know that I would have the courage or the strength of have suffered through all that she went through (and at such a young age) and come out of it, not only alive, but kicking and fighting! 

I wanted to read this book because I have 2 children adopted from Vietnam and have spent time among the people of Vietnam.  I cannot stand the thought of something like this happening to my sweet Gracie, or to any young girl (or woman) anywhere in the world.  It certainly makes me question where God is when things like this are going on.  It is my prayer that each and every one of you will make yourself aware and find out what you can do to help put a stop to this.  God doesn't want us to turn a deaf ear when our sisters are suffering.  Praise the Lord for Somaly's life and for her overcoming tragedy and working to bring about change.  How can YOU help?