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Gary M. Krebs
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Monique Faison Ross
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Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival Kindle Edition

by Monique Faison Ross (Author), Gary M. Krebs (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 221 ratings
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This domestic abuse survivor’s memoir shares an “engaging, powerful, and ultimately shocking story" of a bad marriage that ended in attempted murder (Lundy Bancroft, author of The Joyous Recovery).
 
Monique Faison, the daughter of San Diego Charger’s football great Earl Faison, married her high school sweetheart soon after she discovered she was pregnant with his child. Her relationship with Chris had always been shaky, but his verbal abuse only increased—and then gave way to physical attacks. Eventually, Monique took their children and left. That was when the stalking and serious threats began.
 
Nothing stopped him—not protection injunctions, police warnings, or even arrests. One fateful Monday morning, Chris kidnapped Monique in front of her children. After a nightmarish car ride that involved car crashes and rape, Chris beat her on the head with a shovel and abandoned her brutalized body in the woods, presuming she was dead. But playing dead was what saved her life.
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  1. Print length
    246 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    WildBlue Press
  5. Publication date
    July 30, 2019
  6. File size
    2777 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Playing Dead is poignant and compelling, arousing the anger of the reader and their sense of compassion for the victim. It is bold and told with unwavering honesty. It is easy to applaud the courage and intelligence of Monique Faison Ross, especially at the moment when she feigns death to escape the cruelty of her husband. She is wise and she makes decisions to protect herself, something that is rare in people who suffer from a cycle of abuse. The writing is beautiful and the chapters are well-crafted, each chapter ending with a curious note that pushes the reader to turn to the next page. Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival is a gripping real-life story that gives readers chills and has them rooting for the author. A powerful indictment of domestic and spousal violence!" Christian Sia, Readers' Favorite

"Most stories of abuse chart physical and psychological challenges. By going a step further to document social safety programs, ineffective efforts, and many circumstances where the author felt she wouldn't survive, readers receive a thought-provoking probe that goes beyond most to document various levels of survival and recovery--economically, psychologically, physically, legally, and socially.

Her story is one that needs to be widely disseminated. It's a powerful portrait of manipulation, psychological and physical violence, and the options for moving forward and away from a life of terror." Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Monique Faison Ross was born in San Francisco and grew up as an only child in San Diego, California. She considers herself an accidental author. She recently accepted a seat on the Fatality Review Task Force for Connecticut. Her writings have appeared in Lilith Magazine and other publications. Monique is married and lives in Connecticut. She has four children and one grandchild.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B088WGKR55
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ WildBlue Press (July 30, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 30, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2777 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 246 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 221 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Gary M. Krebs

    Gary M. Krebs

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Gary M. Krebs, founder of GMK Writing and Editing, Inc., is a novelist, screenwriter, non-fiction author, writing collaborator, literary agent, and former book publisher and editor. He received his B.F.A. from the Dramatic Writing Program, Tisch School of the Arts (NYU). His web site may be found here:

    https://www.gmkwritingandediting.com/

    See more on the author's page
  2. Monique Faison Ross

    Monique Faison Ross

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    It is not often that a victim of a violent crime lives to tell the tale. Monique became an "accidental author" when a group of friends convinced her that she needed to share the story of her near-fatal experience in which she was forced to "play dead."

    Monique grew up in San Diego, California, United States, the only child raised primarily by her Mom, Barbara, an industrial engineer. Her father, Earl Faison, was a four-time all-star defensive end for the American football team, San Diego Chargers. Connecticut has been her home for the last 22 years. Monique is now remarried, the mother to four grown children, and a new grandmother. She is also a devoted dog owner, environmental enthusiast, avid beachgoer, and lover of cherry blossoms.

    Monique serves on the Connecticut Fatality Review Task Force and is committed to helping others recognize dangerous traits in a romantic partner, that she did not.

    http://wbp.bz/playingdead

    Visit her website at https://www.moniquefaisonross.com

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
221 global ratings
I couldn’t put it down!
5 Stars
I couldn’t put it down!
I just finished reading Playing Dead. I couldn’t put it down. It intrigued me from the very beginning. I knew this story but didn’t know all the details. I loved how it walked you through the life of this couple as they grew through their struggles. I highly recommend this book.
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Top reviews from the United States

Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
Playing Dead by Monique Faison Ross is a riveting true life story of abuse and the determination to survive. The book depicts how psychological abuse can progress steadily to the point of physical abuse. Monique recounts the timeline of her journey in such a compelling manner that I could not put the book down and finished it in a day and a half. The author recounts events with such great detail that you almost feel like you were there watching this nightmare unfold. One can see how it's not as easy as saying, "just run" to a person in that circumstance. As for Monique, there were many factors that prevented her from doing just that at times. The safety and well being of her children were always top priority and she endured what she had to until her children had a safe place to land. Monique reveals her many attributes throughout this narrative; strength, patience, grace and determination. Its a truly inspiring book and will help many people identify the signs of being in a potentially dangerous relationship. Faison Ross also provides links to Domestic Abuse programs at the end of her book for anyone needing assistance. Well done!
4 people found this helpful
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vee rae
4.0 out of 5 stars page turner
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023
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I was enthralled with this story -- it was well-written -- no lags at all. It built up tension from the beginning and was fascinating to me to read about how this very strong and brave woman actually survived this maniac of a husband. Who know how sick her husband was and became more so as time went on. It's great to know she survived and I so admire her strength and smarts as well as her complete dedication to her children. I was also interested about her Jewish faith -- an education for me. So glad she survived and thrived!!
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TinaDim
5.0 out of 5 stars What a page turner!
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2023
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I originally purchased this book without knowing anything about the case because it was only $1 on Kindle and I finished it in one day! Monique's resilience and optimistic attitude was inspiring and unbelievable! The writing style makes you feel like you are part of the story experiencing it in real time and sharing the struggles, fear, but also glorious and happy moments. I have a sociopathic mother who is also a stalker and the author describes perfectly so many of the behaviors of those disordered people, reading the book can help you understand a lot more about cluster b disorders compared to sterile psychology books. One of the best memoirs I have ever read (and I have read MANY), I definitely recommend it!
2 people found this helpful
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Blake Carlton
5.0 out of 5 stars Can’t believe this is a true story! Amazing read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2023
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Wow! What an amazing true story that kept me captivated the entire time. I’m not a huge reader normally, but I could not put this book down. Truly amazing story and absolutely thrilling. I highly recommend reading this for both male and female readers. Not only is it a great read, it can help individuals recognize early signs of domestic abuse and get help.
2 people found this helpful
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Rose
3.0 out of 5 stars Intrigue and value
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2024
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Elementary writing, much more depth/research of characters was needed. I probably wouldn’t recommend this book to true crime fans. Very overpriced. Disappointed by all the reviews that said “page turner”
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Jeannette Estrada
5.0 out of 5 stars To know the difference between a healthy or unhealthy realationship (toxic).
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2019
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The book was recommended to me and it was a great summer read. One of the best I have read in a long while. Keep me at the edge of my seat, I couldn't put it down read it in a day in half. Highly recommend. Scary, but brave and very important to get the word out for the next generation speak about the difference between healthy and an unhealthy relationship.
How important it is to know the difference between healthy and an unhealthy (toxic) relationship. I recommend the book to anyone that is in a relationship whether you are a female or a male. Thank you for sharing such an important part of your life for awareness and helping us understand what an abusive relationship looks like even when we are in denial. I have had several of my friends read this book and that's all we talked about this summer. Some have revealed to me some of their experiences as well.
3 people found this helpful
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neilorie
4.0 out of 5 stars Riveting
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2019
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first person account of an insidious progression of spousal abuse. Unusual in that it didn't appear to begin as physical abuse, but quickly amped up to stalking and near murder once she physically left her husband/abuser.
I was impressed with Monique's courage, determination and will to survive. This is not a criticism but more of a question; why is it that after some women deal with horrific relationships, they end up marrying women? Anyway, very well written and relayed to reader. She is a very strong minded lady, that's for sure. I identified a lot with her story. Not the same experience, but in the same ballpark.
3 people found this helpful
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Gail Hein
5.0 out of 5 stars Resilience
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
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Many women face and have faced spousal abuse and written about it. What makes this book stand out is the absolute resilience of Monique Ross and her determination to take care of her children. After her husband's horrific attack on her, she managed with severe injuries to summon help for herself and to stay alive for those children.
But even more than that, in spite of continuing PTSD, she came out on the other side of it, and has been brave enough to tell the story.
I recommend this book because it highlights how evil can have a charming exterior and the toughness required to defeat it and survive and thrive
Gail H
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Paulina
5.0 out of 5 stars Playing dead by monique faison Ross,
Reviewed in Canada on February 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
A good story, enjoy to the end a memori of terror and survival base on true story read this book and you'll see
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