Last week, a tragedy struck close to home when a friend's sister was tragically murdered by her partner. This heartbreaking event has compelled me to address a topic that often remains veiled behind the facades of normalcy and smiles—domestic violence.

Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, affects millions, cutting across age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. This equates to more than 10 million men and women over the course of a year.

The Complexity of Domestic Violence

The suggestion that victims should "just leave" the relationship oversimplifies the profound and complex dynamics involved in domestic violence. It often comes from those fortunate enough never to have experienced such terror. The truth is that escaping an abusive relationship is not just a matter of walking out the door. Factors such as fear, financial dependency, social stigma, isolation, and even love can profoundly impact a victim's ability to leave.

From my own experience in a toxic relationship during high school, I can testify to the confusion and despair it breeds. How can someone who claims to love you also inflict such pain? Abuse is insidious, creeping into the relationship slowly, making it difficult for victims to recognize and respond to the escalating danger.

The Cycle of Abuse

The pattern of domestic violence often follows a cycle. Initially, tension builds, leading to an incident of abuse, which may then be followed by a period of remorse and a deceitful, calm phase, often referred to as the 'honeymoon period.' This cycle makes leaving difficult, as hope for change can be desperately convincing.

Victims stay for myriad reasons: fear of further violence, concern for children, financial dependency, or the hope that their partner will change. Critically, emotional attachment and loyalty should not be underestimated. It is not uncommon for victims to feel responsible for their partner's actions, blaming themselves due to the psychological manipulation by the abuser.

Breaking the Silence

Creating a supportive environment where victims can speak out without fear of judgment or retribution is not just important; it's essential. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it's crucial to seek help. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE (7233) & thehotline.org) offer confidential support and resources.

Domestic violence should never be a private issue. It's a societal problem that demands public attention and collective action. We can make a difference by educating ourselves and others, advocating for stronger protections, and supporting victims. Remember, what appears as a fairytale facade can often be a living nightmare. Let's commit to being allies who lift the veil on these hidden turmoils.

Hey Besties! 🌟

August was a monumental month for me as I dove headfirst into the world of audiobooks, consuming a whopping 21 titles! I've found audiobooks to be a fantastic way to multitask while indulging in my love for stories. Here's a glimpse into my month-long auditory adventure and why I think you might want to listen to some of these books.

Why I Chose Audiobooks

With a busy lifestyle, sitting down with a physical book can be a challenge, so audiobooks have become my go-to. They allow me to enjoy books while gardening, renovating, or even during my thrift store hunts. This month, my selections were largely inspired by Reese's Book Club and trending titles on the Libby app. It's like having a conversation with the characters and authors themselves, making mundane tasks so much more enjoyable.

Top Picks from August

Here’s a list of the books that kept me company, with my top favorites marked with an asterisk (*). Whether you're looking for inspiration, a gripping mystery, or a transformative self-help book, there's something here for everyone:

• A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
• *I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
• The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
• *Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
• Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
• How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
• *Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• *The Scent Keeper by Erica Baumeister
• *The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
• Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
• *Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
• *Grief is a Sneaky Bitch by Lisa Keefauver
• *The Day He Never Came Home by Andrew DeYoung
• One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
• *None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
• *This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
• *Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon
• The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell
• *Campervans, Cooking, And Corpses by Tyler Rhodes
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Why These Books?

The starred books are ones that particularly resonated with me, either due to their compelling narrative and transformative messages or simply because they were a joy to listen to. From the darkly humorous and painfully honest memoir of Jennette McCurdy to the intricate mysteries by Lisa Jewell, these books have added immense value and perspective to my daily routines.

Dive Into Audiobooks

If you're considering diving into audiobooks or looking for your next great listen, consider starting with one of my August favorites. You might find yourself as hooked as I am! Pause, rewind, or fast forward; audiobooks allow you to consume stories your way. Happy listening!

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

As you all know, I've always loved books, which even led me to open my own Little Free Library in our neighborhood. But with life being as hectic as it is, sitting down to read has become a rare luxury. That's when I stumbled upon the magical world of audiobooks on Spotify, and let me tell you, it was love at first listen!

The Spotify Surprise

One day, while exploring Spotify, I discovered they offered audiobooks. I decided to give it a try, and it was a game-changer. Audiobooks allowed me to "read" while doing other things—like gardening or driving. However, I learned that Spotify limits the monthly hours you can listen to with a premium plan. You can buy more time or wait for the monthly reset, but I wanted something a bit more straightforward.

Diving Into Audible

My journey then took me to Audible, thanks to a few free months I snagged with a promotion. Audible's premium plan is fantastic, offering one credit per month to purchase new releases or any book you fancy. While it's a paid service, the variety of books available, including many new releases not immediately available on other platforms, is quite impressive.

Rediscovering Libby

Then, I remembered Libby. Oh, Libby! For those unfamiliar with it, Libby is a free app that links you to your local library, allowing you to check out books digitally. It's just like a physical library; there are a finite number of copies, and you must return them within 21 days. If your desired book is checked out, you can place it on hold and wait your turn. It's a fantastic resource for free reading.

Conclusion: There's an Audiobook Option for Everyone

Whether you're a casual listener or a voracious "reader," there's an option out there for you. From the convenient streaming on Spotify to the extensive library on Audible and the community gem that is Libby, you can keep your literary love thriving without breaking the bank or your schedule.

Happy reading—or should I say listening? Let me know your favorite way to consume books these days! 📚✨