The Shell of Me: A Survivor's Story of Childhood Sexual Abuse

"Your life has had and still has beautiful things in it, but there are lots of weeds. You pull the weeds out, and for just a little while, everything is beautiful again. Then come the new weeds, and you must pull those out too."

When Pat Castle was a little girl, her beautiful childhood came crashing down in an instant due to the violent act of a man she trusted. Told with raw and unflinching honesty, this gripping memoir bravely recounts how Pat's life was forever altered by the haunting echoes of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA). As the narrative weaves between cherished memories and the shadows of her past, readers come to understand how Pat navigated the aftermath of the abuse she faced-battling anger issues, fractured relationships, infertility, and PTSD.

Amidst the chaos, Pat clings to the one place that always offered solace-the shores of Lake Manitoba. The vast expanse of water becomes a mirror to her journey, with the raging waves reflecting the turbulence within her soul. It is here that she discovers a remarkable resiliency within herself.

Supported by meticulous research on CSA survivors, The Shell of Me is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to survive in the face of unimaginable adversity. Even in the darkest moments, strength and determination prevails.