Book SummaryBelieve Like a Child, by Paige Dearth

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Believe Like a Child

Alessa's childhood was marred by neglect and encounters with sexual abuse.

Alessa's story is marked by alarming accounts of the severe sexual mistreatment and disregard she endured throughout her early years, highlighting the deep and troubling impact of such traumatic experiences.

Alessa endured sexual abuse during her childhood, perpetrated by a relative, specifically her uncle.

Despite her attempts to alert her mother, the abusive actions of Alessa's relative persisted without intervention in her own home.

Alessa was first subjected to abuse when she was just seven years old, at the hands of her Uncle Danny. The mistreatment she suffered intensified with the passage of time. Despite Alessa's attempts to alert her mother to her uncle's heinous actions, her appeals were disregarded and dismissed.

Prioritizing her son's financial requirements, Alessa's mother ignored her daughter's cries for assistance.

Caterina disregarded her daughter's allegations of mistreatment, attributing them to Alessa's imagination. Her mother's denial of the abuse was financially motivated, as the individual she called her nephew contributed $750 each month to support the household expenses. Alessa's mother consistently...

Believe Like a Child Summary Alessa experienced homelessness and resorted to prostitution during her adolescent years.

Alessa fled an abusive home, only to find herself homeless and penniless in Philadelphia.

Alessa, having fled an abusive home, experienced considerable hardships while living without shelter in Philadelphia. Her history of trauma necessitated reliance on the kindness and savvy of others to survive. Alyssa's struggle encompassed more than just the pursuit of refuge; it also involved the harsh reality of being vulnerable to predators.

Alessa's survival hinged on the kindness of strangers, including a young woman.

In her time of need, Alessa encountered individuals like Tasha, who offered her support. Alessa found a glimmer of hope and was guided by this kind gesture, despite the turmoil of her existence without a home. Tasha, recognizing the severity of Alessa's situation, provided help by not only arranging Alessa's locks but also by creating plans to shield her from further damage.

To support herself financially, she found herself performing in nightclubs and participating in sex work.

Alessa turned to sex...

Believe Like a Child Summary Alessa's journey to rebuild her life was supported by Remo and Lucy.

Alessa experienced a considerable turn for the better in her situation after she met Remo, a physical therapist, and started caring for a young girl named Lucy. Alessa's life was transformed when they formed a connection that provided the essential support, love, and opportunities she had previously lacked.

Alessa found a stable and supportive presence in Remo, a physical therapist, who chose to look after Lucy, a little girl.

Alessa ultimately discovered the affection, constancy, and possibilities that had eluded her for so long, courtesy of Remo and Lucy.

Alessa found in their interactions the steadfast support that had been absent from her life for a long time. Remo greatly respected Alessa and Lucy for their astute abilities to manage the difficulties associated with life on the streets. He kindly proposed their move to an apartment with two bedrooms, thus providing a secure living situation. Alessa included a girl in her wedding party with whom she...

Believe Like a Child Summary Alessa's psyche bore the permanent marks of her distressing experiences.

Alessa endured a series of abuses during her formative years, which led to deep-seated emotional scars and difficulties in forming trusting relationships with others.

Alessa's early life was marred by traumatic events that inflicted deep emotional scars, severely hindering her ability to trust others. Alicia's bond with Lucy subtly mirrors her previous struggles, even though the material provided does not delve deeply into this aspect. Tasha commented on the troubling experiences you had gone through. Alessa's past experiences have deeply influenced her mental state, leading to an extensive array of fears.

Alessa bore the weight of shame, guilt, and a profound sense of unworthiness.

Alessa harbors deep-seated emotions of shame, guilt, and diminished self-esteem. Alessa shed tears over the multitude of challenges she encountered, which underscored the intense sorrow that characterized her short life, exposing her fragility and profound melancholy. Alyssa wrestles with inner turmoil, pondering her self-perception and contemplating her possible role in the mistreatment she suffered. Her...

Believe Like a Child Summary Alessa's bond with the abusive family member and the eventual reappearance of this person.

Alessa endures a harrowing series of traumatic events involving a family member, culminating in a dramatic confrontation after a prolonged period.

Alessa's childhood was marred by sexual misconduct, with her uncle being the primary perpetrator.

Alessa's sense of safety and youthful innocence were irrevocably destroyed when she was just seven years old due to mistreatment by her uncle. Alicia's guardian ignored the abuse, potentially swayed by the financial assistance her brother-in-law provided, which could have created a dependency that permitted the mistreatment to persist.

Alessa's uncle subjected her to consistent abuse at her home, a grievous act tacitly permitted by her mother.

Alessa's feeling of safety and purity was shattered beyond repair because of the continuous mistreatment by her uncle, which occurred in a place that was supposed to be her safe haven—her own home. The story reveals the deep...