Surviving a Shark Attack (on Land): Overcoming Betrayal and Dealing with Revenge

I didn't give it a 5 because I didn't agree with some of her viewpoints but she is a good writer and it reminded me that I'm better than the person who betrayed me and I definitely don't want to be like them.

I love this book! I listen to Dr. Laura as much as I can on Sirius/XM but this is the first book of hers I have read. She writes as if she is sitting down and talking to you one-on-one.I have just gone through an intense divorce. The betrayal of him bedding someone else wasn't what hurt the most, it was his sabotage of my two businesses that were farm-based. Only two and a half months after I had retired from the military (and I had invested a decade of livestock breeding and the last five years of my military income into these businesses so I'd have employment in an uncertain economy) he left for work, and later that day sent me an email (yes, an email!) stating he was divorcing me. He stopped paying the mortgage, knowing there was no way I could save the place and my investments with the 25% retirement amount of what I had been paid as active duty. This led to a year of his lies, deception, and manipulation of the courts, my friends and former co-workers trying to get them on "his side". With him being passive-aggressive, you can imagine the roller-coaster of the 6-1/2 year marriage that took place as I was preparing for my retirement. There was a saboteur from within the marriage and business. The worst kind of betrayal. And I had a plethora of emotions wondering what, if anything, would be a salve. I bought this book as soon as I saw it available. I'm glad I did!Dr. Laura explains, through several examples of her own experiences, and a few of her callers to her show, that everyone has these emotions. It was comforting to know I'm really not alone in this, and unfortunately, there are evil (not just "mean") people who will do evil things to satisfy whatever they are lacking in, and good people are going to be targeted and hurt. I agree with her in that I really hope there indeed is Dante's ninth circle of hell (reserved for betrayal). We all know in our heart of hearts that there really isn't Karma... but it does make us feel better to hope the offender will eventually get their come-uppins.. Through the examples she offers, it is evident there unfortunately is not a lot we can do about what these evil people do to us. But we do have control over how we react. Revenge can be quite creative (and there are some examples of how some people handled theirs), but for most of us, shaking it off and having faith that only better things await us after such pain is the best "answer" to a question that really has none. I admit, that answer in itself is somewhat anticlimactic, especially since we turn to Dr. Laura for an insightful, if not cosmic revelation fix to our problem. Yes, it's a bummer when even she admits there really isn't a "fix" or answer to some situations such as betrayal. There is only survival after it. There are just going to be evil people, and evil people prey on good people. It's not "OK", but it's just the way things are, and you have to move on to better things. That part, and how you do it, is up to you.I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who has been through any kind of betrayal, from divorce to a back-stabbing "friend". Dr. Laura's words may not give you the magic answer to how to get back at those who have wronged you, but she will help soothe that nagging hurt, and set right in your head that you're not alone.

Been dealing with a lot of betrayal the last few years, At work and with family. I found this at just the right time. Thank you for recommending releasing the betrayal, but not forgiving, with out the proper efforts from the betrayer. It really helped.

Straight to the point, clear, concise and immensely helpful! After going through what was probably the most difficult betrayal I’ve ever experienced, from my 14 year old daughter, her father, new stepmother and a court mediator, I was in the depths of rage and despair, spending every moment wishing horrible things upon them all..... ignoring my three other children and life in general. Being desperate to pull myself out of this deep rut, I purchased this book and read it in its entirety in two weeks. I could hardly put it down as each chapter, each page, each word was a little more hope, clarity, understanding and encouragement to “beat” this betrayal, learn from it and help my other children learn and move forward as well. While the situation and betrayal hasn’t changed a bit, in fact it continues to get worse, I am able to handle it much better, it no lingers control me! Dr Laura through her own examples of betrayal, sheds light on every single aspect.... ones I hadn’t even thought of and enables you the power to stand up and say no more! You do not have to let others, no matter how deep the hurt and how close the relationship, to ruin your life for their sport or gain. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made to have to not allow my daughter close enough to hurt again and keep my distance. However, I will tell you that there is a peace I’ve never experienced before, even my other children have commented on it. Not only am I helping myself but setting an example to my children, that hopefully they will learn this valuable lesson at a younger age and not allow others to have such power over their lives..... betrayal is going to happen in one form or another, why not learn how to grow from it! Buy this book!

I wish I had read this sooner. I have listened to her on and off for years, sometimes her lack of patience and obnoxiousness with her callers causes me to just change channels, but overall I agree with her stance on virtually all of her positions, and I appreciate that her voice is to support people doing the right thing, and resisting the huge push towards selfishness--especially where kids are concerned. I am proudly a stay-at-home mom and am glad for the supportive position Dr. Laura takes on that. .I went through something years ago that this book would have helped and I kick myself for not having done my research and figured out how to solve what was going on, better. I would just say simply, if you are going through anything that involves you being betrayed by someone, whether it's a divorce or a job situation or a family mess or whatever-- this book is helpful, gives great pointers and advice on how to proceed when your world is being yanked out from under you. I found the advice extremely comforting and reassuring, and I think it will stop you from doing something stupid to retaliate. And remind you where your real, true priorities are (under the reactionary feelings). It's a fantastic read and very well written.

Nice stories.Good book for young minds with low or minimal social experiences.

Given that betrayal is a shocking, lonely, but not uncommon experience, it's sad there is little written or public discussion of it. This book provides comfort by way of insight and practical advice for those trying to recover and understand what just happened and why.

Enjoy most of all Dr. Laura's reading material.

Bought it for friend and she loves reading it.

this is a very insightful read.

Very informative .....as all of Dr. Laura's books !!!