My Daughter Rehtaeh Parsons

Glen Canning
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My Daughter Rehtaeh Parsons

Glen Canning
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My Daughter Rehtaeh Parsons asks all of us to deeply examine the roots of sexual violence, the ways in which it is perpetuated in our society, and how we all need to take action. Glen Canning skillfully shares the grief that is bearing witness to your child being harmed not only by her peers but by the systems that purport to support her.” - Farrah Kahn, gender justice advocate - 20210302

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 10 reviews.

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Review topics: ["book","read","story","assault","suicide"].

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Reviews

Heartbreaking must read for everyone.

"Read this book this weekend while the power was out. I can honestly say this is a must read for everyone. We have a system that is supposed to help people but the systems failed this girl every step of the way. Perhaps this has touched me more than most because I saw myself here in this very book. With stories similar to my own experiences but for me there were at least no cell phones to take pictures with or social media to torture. But my heart aches as much now if not more for this young girl who could just as easily have been me or your daughter. I don’t care if you are a man, woman, young girl or a young boy… this book needs to be read by everyone so you all know what needs to take place and what still needs to be changed. And for the love of all that is good in the world instead of us teaching all of the young girls how to protect themselves how about we teach our boys and men to respect women. I know not all are bad or do things of this horrible nature but most perpetuate the problem by simply not saying anything or using that age old adage of “boys will be boys” “Be the change” was one of her favourite quotes so as long as I live I will tell my story in hopes that this never has to happen to another. We need to stop looking away from the horrible things that happen because they are hard to look at. We must look at the hard things in order to change them. Thank you Glen Canning for this book. It made me sob at some points but it also made me more determined than ever to keep talking about it. Thank you Leah for bringing that beautiful soul into the world even if only for a very short time. ❤️❤️❤️"

Denise (5/5)

Get the tissue box ready

"I really enjoyed this book. I finished it within a few days. Very eye opening sad reality of the additional pressures youth face with our worlds ever growing dependence on social media."

Bookalopolis (5/5)

Content of this tragic and deadly event event

"Powerful ways for all sexes to look at sexual assault and the reactions/actions that follow it"

Barb (5/5)

A moving story into Rehtaeh Parsons, a teenage victim

"This was a powerful book into the torment that cyber bullying and sexual assault affect the victim and family. It was well written and you could feel the pain the author went through as his daughter suffered the results of her torment. A poignant portrayal of a familys experience of the aftermath of the of their childs assault and ultimate suicide."

Tara (5/5)

Heartbreaking Story

"My heart is absolutely aching for this family. (TW – suicide, bullying, alcohol) I picked this book up since it is the Indigo Staff Pick for the month of August. It is a short read, and I figured I could go home and read it in one sitting after my shift (which I proceeded to do). Being only 13 when Rehtaeh passed, I knew briefly of her story from anti-bullying campaigns from school. I was not prepared to be angry, hurt, and completely disturbed after hearing how mistreated Rehtaeh was by her school, community, local police, and over social media. There was nothing that could have prepared me for hearing her story from her father’s perspective, after losing his daughter and feeling like he failed her. The pain that he feels can only be matched by parents’ in similar situations. My heart goes out to every one of them. Glen Canning tells the story of his daughter, Rehtaeh (Rae) Parsons, who attempted to commit suicide in April of 2013. She later passed away on April 7th, 2013 after being considered brain dead as a result of her suicide attempt. She loved her family, science, animals, and had a curiosity for life. Rehtaeh suffered from depression and trauma after a picture was passed around her community of her half naked, with a boy (half naked as well) pressed against her, as she throws up out the window of a house. This picture was taken at a party Rehtaeh attended in 2011 with a new friend of hers from high school. Since it was one of her first times drinking, she did not have a recollection of the night, with no memories until walking up the next morning. For the next year and a half, she was unrelentingly bullied by old friends, classmates, and community members, both in person and online. The picture was spread around as she changed schools, following her wherever she went for a fresh start. Rehtaeh was failed by her school, who refused to do anything about the cyberbullying, saying it was outside of school and therefore, not their problem. She was failed by the police, who made numerous mistakes and neglected the situation until it was too late. She was failed by the mental health system, who only made things worse for her deteriorating mental health. She was failed by her community, who proved that there is a huge problem in our society when it comes to supporting women who have been assaulted. As I said at the beginning, my heart breaks for this family, and for Rehtaeh, who suffered too much for someone 17 years old. My heart goes out to all families who have suffered a loss like this, trauma survivors, and those who are too afraid to come forward because of the repercussions they should not have to face. I am glad that Glen was strong enough to tell his daughter’s story, and hopefully, allow himself and his family to heal as much as possible. This story was heavy, and although I read it in one sitting, I had to take breaks to digest and recoup to continue. I really liked learning that Canning is an activist for sexual assault victims and can use his daughter’s story to help others. For him to touch on his own trauma was strong and speaking on his internalized misogyny pulled the book in a direction of hope that things can change in our society. This book is important for parents, teachers, and teens to read, so everyone can learn on how to stop this situation from happening again. It is hard to express enjoying a book when the topic is so upsetting, but it also hard to dislike a book for the same reason. I have no option but to give this book 5 stars, but it definitely deserves it. As the Indigo Staff Pick for August, I hope it helps get this book in the hands of as many people as possible. #IndigoEmployee Published to buildingyourbookshelf. wordpress. com"

Kenna (5/5)

Difficult but essential

"Years ago, the story of Rehtaeh Parsons sent shockwaves through the country. In ‘My Daughter Rehtaeh Parsons’, Glen Canning shows you the very real impact behind the news stories by going into their lives as a family before and after. You may think you know the story, but this shines a whole new light. My hope/wish is that all teenagers read this book to learn that words and actions have impact and consequences. This is a very difficult read so be mindful of that if you pick this up as it does discuss sexual assault, suicide, substance abuse, etc."

Christine (5/5)

lean into the discomfort of this read, you won’t regret it

"My fiancé was friends with Rae and so we know this story pretty well. . or so we thought we did. Reading this has brought so many new layers and so many additional heartbreaks into the story, but I absolutely do not regret my purchase. I’m glad to have her story to share with our children so we can teach them when they’re ready."

Olivia (5/5)

Great read.

"I’ve been following the Rehtaeh Parsons story since 2013. This book was well written. I never knew Rehtaeh personally but I wish I did. Sending my love to Rehtaeh’s parents Glen & Leah. ♥️ She will always be remembered and will always have a place in my heart."

Chantal (5/5)

Great read.

"I’ve been following the Rehtaeh Parsons story since 2013. This book was well written. I never knew Rehtaeh personally but I wish I did. Sending my love to Rehteh’s parents Glen & Leah. ♥️ She will always be remembered and will always have a place in my heart."

Chantal (5/5)

Heartbreaking

"A Fathers perspective on the life and suicide of his daughter. Absolutely heartbreaking how Rehtaeh was let down repeatedly by the RCMP and mental healthcare facilities."

Tiffany (4/5)

Q&A

  • Published date: May 18, 2021
  • Language: English
  • No. of Pages: 208
  • Publisher: GOOSE LANE EDITIONS
  • ISBN: 9781773101484
  • Dimensions: 5.9" W x 0.4" L x 8.9" H
Glen Canning is now an advocate for victims of sexual assault. He has spoken about Rehtaeh’s experience throughout Canada and the US. Susan McClelland is an award-winning magazine journalist and author. Her writing has appeared in the Walrus, the Guardian, and the Sunday Times Magazine.

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