The Color of Pain: Boys who are sexually abused and the men they become
Young boys who are sexually abused are not likely to talk about it as adults, much less to report it. Such abuse may involve ordeals of extreme brutality meant to injure the body and destroy the psyche. Gregory R. Reid knows this firsthand. He is a survivor who has written a book about the harrowing experiences he lived through in hopes that others like him will reach out for and receive healing. The book, "The Color of Pain: Boys Who are Sexually Abused and the Men They Become"will evoke strong emotions from readers -- who will prefer to believe they are reading fiction instead of someone's memoir. Some passages in Reid's book are repulsive. They are supposed to be that way. Society recoils at the thought of children being attacked in any way. . .  A book like Reid's creates the opportunity for other victims to come forward and seek help. Over the years, El Paso officials have dealt with reports of child molestation by clergy, medical professionals, teachers and even a group of prominent citizens. "The Color of Pain" makes it clear that while time moves on for most other people, victims of abuse who don't receive help tend to stay frozen in the past. Reid, who became a youth minister, provides signs of sexual abuse, where predators are likely to hang out as they hunt for victims and other important information. One of the chapters is titled "A Predator's Toolkit." During the past 14 years, Reid has conducted more than 250 training sessions for criminal justice workers, police officers, probation departments and other professionals. He has written 11 books. While the book is profoundly disturbing, many people will be glad that someone had the courage to reveal everything so that others can learn and benefit from the information. --El Paso Times/Diana Washington Valdez