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Anelisse: A True Story of Child Abuse
"Anelisse" is the chilling true story of a young New Jersey girl who struggles to survive emotional, physical, and verbal abuse at the hands of her alcoholic stepfather. Based on author Adriana Bellini's real-life battle with child abuse, Anelisse provides a chilling, detailed look inside the dysfunctional world many abused children come from.
WARNING: Contains graphic violence and strong language.
WARNING: Contains graphic violence and strong language.
180 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2013
397 people are currently reading
1810 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Bellini
1 book26 followersAdriana Bellini is an American author, born and raised in a small town in New Jersey just outside of Philadelphia. She enjoys reading, writing, painting, singing with a band, and rescuing feral cats. A veteran in the nursing field and current student of psychology, Adriana draws from her experiences in her career field and education background to craft her fiction works. Her newly-released best-seller, 'Anelisse,' describes her personal journey through an abusive childhood and offers a look inside the dysfunctional world many abused children come from.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 6, 2026
Reading about any abuse is always difficult to read about, but I think reading about child abuse is the hardest to read. In this story, we follow Anelisse who her stepfather has abused from a young age. This is a heartbreaking true story of a girl who wanted nothing more than to be loved and cared for, but sadly she received neither. A sad story, but one that needed to be written.
November 13, 2013
This book spoke to me in SO many ways. I cried, I smiled, my mouth fell open in shock. While I survived a different element of child abuse, many of her emotional issues, stressers, and ways of dealing with life, sounded incredibly familiar to me.
She seems like someone I could connect with.
She seems like someone I could connect with.
January 23, 2014
OMG, it's stories like this that make me absolute abhor a child abuser--hell, any type of abuser for that matter. What Anelisse a/k/a Lissy had to endure with her twin sister and brother, was an absolute downright pitiful damn shame. Her mother definitely doesn't win the "mother of the year" award in my book because it was due to her own neglect that her children were subjected to physical and mental abuse at the hands of their stepfather.
What the hell is a child supposed to do, and where does one go when they are being subjected to this type of inappropriate behavior? You may go to a grandparent or other relatives, and that's exactly what Lissy did, but thanks to her own mother's lies and cover-up just to say she has a man/husband in her life, she would make out as if Lissy were lying about what was happening to her, and her relatives chocked it up as fatherly discipline. Hmmm, someone stomping you on the ground and misshaping your face to appear like some alien out of a horror film, doesn't strike ME as fatherly discipline. Ed, the stepfather, gives parenthood a terrible name.
As you read, you will feel Lissy's pain and struggles. She had to grow up, literally, overnight to protect her siblings as she felt it was her duty and responsibility to do so. Again, I wanted to kick her mama's ass for real! This is a horrible story, but one I'm so glad Lissy told, and she's finally living a happy life with the help of her very good friends who were and are angels to her.
You will root for Lissy and take great pleasure in the ending! I'm so proud of her for having the courage to speak about such a sensitive subject and not keep it a secret, which is what hurts families in the first place. You can read this book in a few hours, and what you read will leave you jaw-dropping! People like her parents deserve a special place in hell, and I hope they rot there!
What the hell is a child supposed to do, and where does one go when they are being subjected to this type of inappropriate behavior? You may go to a grandparent or other relatives, and that's exactly what Lissy did, but thanks to her own mother's lies and cover-up just to say she has a man/husband in her life, she would make out as if Lissy were lying about what was happening to her, and her relatives chocked it up as fatherly discipline. Hmmm, someone stomping you on the ground and misshaping your face to appear like some alien out of a horror film, doesn't strike ME as fatherly discipline. Ed, the stepfather, gives parenthood a terrible name.
As you read, you will feel Lissy's pain and struggles. She had to grow up, literally, overnight to protect her siblings as she felt it was her duty and responsibility to do so. Again, I wanted to kick her mama's ass for real! This is a horrible story, but one I'm so glad Lissy told, and she's finally living a happy life with the help of her very good friends who were and are angels to her.
You will root for Lissy and take great pleasure in the ending! I'm so proud of her for having the courage to speak about such a sensitive subject and not keep it a secret, which is what hurts families in the first place. You can read this book in a few hours, and what you read will leave you jaw-dropping! People like her parents deserve a special place in hell, and I hope they rot there!
August 17, 2017
This was a fantastic first-hand account about a young woman raised in an abusive household. To watch her life change from good to bad to worse and then pulling out of the downward spiral is heart-wrenching. The writing was simple, but poignant and effective for the subject matter. Reading about her experiences--especially her relationship with her siblings and mother--was eye-opening and though it obviously is a painful and deeply traumatic part of her life, her words are very moving and it's obvious that she has come to grips with it. While hard to read at parts, it still maintains a sense of hope and closure about it.
However, I wish there had been more to the story that spoke of the aftermath when she finally got out of the situation for good. It dealt with it some, but I would have loved to see more of her transformation past that of being simply a survivor. The relationships with her mother and siblings are mentioned in the epilogue, but not enough to give the reader closure.
However, I wish there had been more to the story that spoke of the aftermath when she finally got out of the situation for good. It dealt with it some, but I would have loved to see more of her transformation past that of being simply a survivor. The relationships with her mother and siblings are mentioned in the epilogue, but not enough to give the reader closure.
May 1, 2014
So sad yet beautifully written
I too was very abused as a child and the emotional abuse went on years after I had gotten away. I never could forgive my mother for allowing us to go through that and not protecting us. I admire the author for having the strength to get through her ordeal. I too was the mother and protector of my siblings. we all suffer from mental illness due to the seriousness of the abuse. we all did get away none of us faired as well as the author.
e
Her book is an inspiration to all that are going through or have been through abuse at the hands of the ones that are to love and protect us.
Good bless you. you're an angel!
I too was very abused as a child and the emotional abuse went on years after I had gotten away. I never could forgive my mother for allowing us to go through that and not protecting us. I admire the author for having the strength to get through her ordeal. I too was the mother and protector of my siblings. we all suffer from mental illness due to the seriousness of the abuse. we all did get away none of us faired as well as the author.
e
Her book is an inspiration to all that are going through or have been through abuse at the hands of the ones that are to love and protect us.
Good bless you. you're an angel!
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March 10, 2014
A very heartwarming story about a girl who grew up with an alcoholic stepfather. This story captures victim's hearts, and gives them a sense of hope and understanding. It also allows them to feel as if they are not alone and sheds a light on their future.
It also gives knowledge to society on the reality of abuse, and how many individuals are shy in admitting when a child is being harmed, or putting a stop to it.
The truth of the matter is, with this story; you'll realize ABUSE is REAL, and it doesn't take a whole lot of work to stop an abusive situation.
It also gives knowledge to society on the reality of abuse, and how many individuals are shy in admitting when a child is being harmed, or putting a stop to it.
The truth of the matter is, with this story; you'll realize ABUSE is REAL, and it doesn't take a whole lot of work to stop an abusive situation.
January 24, 2018
Poorly narrated
In the beginning, I found it difficult to determine what age she was, and then maintaining that knowledge. It's written as an adult who has reflected greatly into her past. A child would not talk the way she does or have the understanding relayed in the book. There's a LOT of unnecessary explaining about why she felt this way, her understanding of what happened etc. It's almost as if she's reiterating what her therapists have told her throughout the entire book. It's detached and unemotional. Simply- informative.
In the beginning, I found it difficult to determine what age she was, and then maintaining that knowledge. It's written as an adult who has reflected greatly into her past. A child would not talk the way she does or have the understanding relayed in the book. There's a LOT of unnecessary explaining about why she felt this way, her understanding of what happened etc. It's almost as if she's reiterating what her therapists have told her throughout the entire book. It's detached and unemotional. Simply- informative.
February 17, 2014
Child abuse
Child abuse
I had to give this book five stars for the way this child had to grow up in house with two abusive parents. She not only got out but made her way through life the best way she could. I was raised from age eleven by an abusive stepmother, after my mother had passed away. I also had to get out and leave my two siblings the way she did. I love her writing and would like to have more of her books.
Child abuse
I had to give this book five stars for the way this child had to grow up in house with two abusive parents. She not only got out but made her way through life the best way she could. I was raised from age eleven by an abusive stepmother, after my mother had passed away. I also had to get out and leave my two siblings the way she did. I love her writing and would like to have more of her books.
March 12, 2014
Great book
this book was great I stayed up supper late because I couldn't put it down I had to get to the next page. I definitively recommend it, especially for those going through abuse or have gone through abuse, definitively a must read.
this book was great I stayed up supper late because I couldn't put it down I had to get to the next page. I definitively recommend it, especially for those going through abuse or have gone through abuse, definitively a must read.
February 24, 2015
This is a book that is very easy to read, and easy to understand and follow the story. On the other hand it is a "dark" or unhappy book bacause of the story itself, since it's not a happy story. I think a more happy ending is missing and the reader finishes the book wanting something more or something else. Although I understand the need or the intention of the author to be as more accurate as possible to real life, a little bit of fantasy in the end would give the reader that "everything turned out fine". Everyone loves a good final. Because of all the reasons above I score this book 3/5.
I have received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I am thankful to Adriana Bellini and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read it.
I have received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I am thankful to Adriana Bellini and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read it.
July 22, 2017
Good read for anyone whose suffered abuse and has not dealt with it.
My siblings and I suffered abuse as children, although we didn't realize it was abuse until later in life. It's odd to me that a person can live in an abusive environment but not realize it's abuse until they've experienced life outside of it. That's how it was for me and I always expected the drama to be right around the corner. Never trusting anyone. Not believing that anyone can be trusted. I still grieve for the child I was not allowed to be, and perhaps the person I would have been without the abuse. This book is a great example of how abuse can be overcome. And (hopefully) not passed along.
My siblings and I suffered abuse as children, although we didn't realize it was abuse until later in life. It's odd to me that a person can live in an abusive environment but not realize it's abuse until they've experienced life outside of it. That's how it was for me and I always expected the drama to be right around the corner. Never trusting anyone. Not believing that anyone can be trusted. I still grieve for the child I was not allowed to be, and perhaps the person I would have been without the abuse. This book is a great example of how abuse can be overcome. And (hopefully) not passed along.
April 1, 2014
I hardly ever real true stories. This book I got from Amazon Prime on my kindle for free for the month of March. It's about a 19 year old girl who had an abusive step father and mom. She tells her story of her life from the time her step father married the mom. I think she was about 5 years old when they married or may even be younger. All those years she struggled with abuse.
September 7, 2019
Not even kids realistic.
This book is supposedly any child yet there isn't a chance that any 5 year old thinks and speaks this advanced. It isn't even slightly realistic, couldn't even continue reading it. In addition the grammatical errors were ridiculous, does anyone edit anymore??
This book is supposedly any child yet there isn't a chance that any 5 year old thinks and speaks this advanced. It isn't even slightly realistic, couldn't even continue reading it. In addition the grammatical errors were ridiculous, does anyone edit anymore??
January 14, 2017
Emotional Read!!
This story gives you a in-depth look at what children all around the world goes through and the emotional scars it leaves on them into adulthood. I would recommend this book.
This story gives you a in-depth look at what children all around the world goes through and the emotional scars it leaves on them into adulthood. I would recommend this book.
January 20, 2014
A great book about the struggle of children of abusive parents and their fight to stay alive and move on with their lives.
Read
February 10, 2014Heartbreaking
This true story wasn't only heartbreaking but it was heartwarming to know that you can over come abuse and live a somewhat normal life
This true story wasn't only heartbreaking but it was heartwarming to know that you can over come abuse and live a somewhat normal life
April 14, 2014
This book inspired me to face some truths in my own life. Hard to read at times, but touching and hopeful at other times. I recommend it!
December 28, 2014
Great book
It was a book I couldn't put down! Very heartbreaking what she went through at such a young age. Overall it's written well and keeps your attention from start to finish.
It was a book I couldn't put down! Very heartbreaking what she went through at such a young age. Overall it's written well and keeps your attention from start to finish.
February 21, 2015
A heartbreaking story!
Read
February 17, 2015very good book
January 13, 2018
Self-help auto biography?
Meh- not written by a writer. I am not trying to knock the author’s life story, heaven knows she’s been through enough. This book is probably her own therapy and while the story could have been more- it wasn’t. It reads like a letter to yourself, in attempts to keep yourself focused on the positive. Kudos to the author for being brave, sharing her story, and making it “out.” There was little emotion or the ability to create a connection to the reader throughout- very objective and disconnected. Just my thoughts.
Meh- not written by a writer. I am not trying to knock the author’s life story, heaven knows she’s been through enough. This book is probably her own therapy and while the story could have been more- it wasn’t. It reads like a letter to yourself, in attempts to keep yourself focused on the positive. Kudos to the author for being brave, sharing her story, and making it “out.” There was little emotion or the ability to create a connection to the reader throughout- very objective and disconnected. Just my thoughts.
October 28, 2024
Maybe I just should not read such titles anymore. It is simply too heartbreaking what children have to endure, and this is definitely true for Anelisse and her family. I hated this, the up and down between some good moments and then the horrors of abuse that went on for years.
What I did not like was that there was just too much explaining going on all the time. I'd have liked more about the feelings and thoughts of Anelisse at times. It does not change that this saddening story moved me. 5 out of 5 stars.
What I did not like was that there was just too much explaining going on all the time. I'd have liked more about the feelings and thoughts of Anelisse at times. It does not change that this saddening story moved me. 5 out of 5 stars.
May 13, 2020
Have Kleenex nearby because this is a extremely sad yet very well written book!
I cried as I found myself rooting for this young child, who despite enduring horrific abuse in her home, grew into a brave ,strong, and courageous young lady! What struck me the most was her ability to forgive and care for her mom later when she had a health crisis. That shows what a kind and compassionate person she is despite not receiving the same growing up! God bless her!
I cried as I found myself rooting for this young child, who despite enduring horrific abuse in her home, grew into a brave ,strong, and courageous young lady! What struck me the most was her ability to forgive and care for her mom later when she had a health crisis. That shows what a kind and compassionate person she is despite not receiving the same growing up! God bless her!
November 3, 2016
Good
Intersting book about a young girl who suffers abuse by her step father and mother. She is the oldest of 3 children who becomes their protecter, she eventually gets them out but life does not get easier. I personally would live to give her mother and step father a piece of my mind! I hope and pray for this author finds peace and happiness!
Intersting book about a young girl who suffers abuse by her step father and mother. She is the oldest of 3 children who becomes their protecter, she eventually gets them out but life does not get easier. I personally would live to give her mother and step father a piece of my mind! I hope and pray for this author finds peace and happiness!
February 3, 2018
True story?
The title leads one to believe this book is the author’s story, and it is true. The section about the author states that she draws from her work experience for the book. Many times as I read the book, I hesitated about its authenticity. If I’m wrong, I apologize to the author.
The title leads one to believe this book is the author’s story, and it is true. The section about the author states that she draws from her work experience for the book. Many times as I read the book, I hesitated about its authenticity. If I’m wrong, I apologize to the author.
September 8, 2018
Very good book I could not put it down. I really felt bad for the children.
I could not put ebook down. I really felt sorry for the kids. I wish the grandparents would of believe the kids. I was really glad to know Anelisse got married and tried to make her self a better person.
I could not put ebook down. I really felt sorry for the kids. I wish the grandparents would of believe the kids. I was really glad to know Anelisse got married and tried to make her self a better person.
December 3, 2018
Very good read
Informative well written book on abuse. More help needs to be given to abused children so that the atrocities Ed committed on innocent children can be addressed and stopped. Child abuse is another part of our society that has broken down completely
Informative well written book on abuse. More help needs to be given to abused children so that the atrocities Ed committed on innocent children can be addressed and stopped. Child abuse is another part of our society that has broken down completely
May 10, 2019
Your a warrior. May the rest of your life be full of joy and happiness
Great. Kept me wanting to continue reading. So sad that no one was there to get innocent children of such a horrible situtation.
Great. Kept me wanting to continue reading. So sad that no one was there to get innocent children of such a horrible situtation.
June 10, 2019
Fantastic book I enjoyed this book and cryed at
Fantastic book I enjoyed this book and cryed at the story why do people have kids and not love them I is a book I would tell everyone to read it
Fantastic book I enjoyed this book and cryed at the story why do people have kids and not love them I is a book I would tell everyone to read it
August 4, 2019
Good storyline
This book was very relatable to me. The characters were believable and as you read, one can identify with the pain of the situation. Short read with a deep subject matter.
This book was very relatable to me. The characters were believable and as you read, one can identify with the pain of the situation. Short read with a deep subject matter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews