What They Couldn’t Take: A Memoir of Survival From Familial Sex Trafficking was the SECOND PLACE non-fiction winner of the 2023 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Adira James.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
My book is called What They Couldn’t Take: A Memoir of Survival From Familial Sex Trafficking, and it was published in 2022.
What’s the book’s first line?
The book’s first line is – “This memoir is a mosaic of my childhood.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
In my book, I shed light on familial sex trafficking, a form of human trafficking that little has been written about. Through vivid flashbacks, and the situations that are seared in my memory the most, I share the abuse that was inflicted on me by my parents, other family members, and men I was sold to for sex. I also write about techniques I used to survive, and effort to bring hope to those who are suffering. Additionally, I instruct readers on what to look for to uncover trafficking situations, and offer advice on how to help those who may be trapped in the industry of child sex trafficking.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
What inspired me to write this book is the hope to bring awareness to this very important issue.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The most distinctive thing about me is my resilience.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The most important reason to read my book is to learn and understand what familial trafficking is, how it happens, what effect it has on children and survivors, and how to help combat it.
This is the first book I’ve written. In fact it’s my first published piece.