Can You Hear Me Now?

First published as only parts of her life, this book brings together the full life story of the woman known as Annie O'Sullivan. Horribly abused at the hand of her father, it is a collection of essays that graphically recount memories of her life as a confused child and young adult as she careened through life without compass, to ultimately, and against all odds, prosper. Culminating in the event that brought a degree of closure to her torture, O'Sullivan brings the reader on an intimate life journey through the eyes of this child’s misunderstanding, will to persevere and desire to seek goodness despite her circumstances.

Terrifying, infuriating and uplifting, this book touches not only survivors; but parents, childcare workers and teachers; reminding us of the true vulnerability of children and our collective responsibility to protect them.

"Annie O’Sullivan has done it! Can You Hear Me Now? is bravely and creatively written to expose the reader to a world full of chaos and madness as she paints her canvas of her painful childhood; a world of darkness and destruction, a world of pain and the reality of growing up abused in a dysfunctional home. Annie shares her soul with us in hopes to open our eyes, and open our ears to the plight of so many abused children today. Compelling, frightening, and completely honest, Annie O’Sullivan demands our attention and we hope she will continue to do just that." —Laurie Ann Smith, author; Child Abuse Prevention Public Speaker, No More Silence Penworks

"The events of her journey—incomprehensible, the evil to which she was habitually subjected—unimaginable. Yet while soberly and heavy-heartedly working my way through her painful recounting, I could not help but come away with a profound sense of astonishment and admiration: In spite of the horrors consistently heaped upon her pure young soul, the strength to survive—even thrive—is irrepressible in this resilient and courageous woman. Read this disturbing yet engaging saga; sensitize yourself to the grim reality around and amongst many of us. You will find yourself affected and changed—forever." —Mary Beth Egeling, author, Messages from My Hands and Love-abouts; proud sponsor, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

"With life's depradations, perpetrated against the vulnerable, the Great Mystery is raising an amazing group of whom I coin 'Warrior Survivors'. As the chief of the Turtle Island Warrior Society, and advocate for Sky, Earth and All In Between, I also stand with these Survivor Warriors in what in all reality is a battle against the crimes of abuse perpetrated by those whom we are supposed to trust. In my journeys, I met such a warrior. Her name is Annie O'Sullivan; an extraordinary human being, with Sacred Fire which burns in her. Annie tells her story eloquently, bringing readers, or listeners, to a place and time beyond one's own realities. She takes us successfully out of the comfort zone, and into a world of such cruel reality as to make it virtually experiential. Yet, through the truth of her ordeals, this Warrior Survivor shines with strength, power and hope - not just for herself - but for all who have been through literal hell on Earth. It is a great honor to know Annie, and I know that through her story, you will come to know - and honor her - too." —Chief David Little Eagle, The Turtle Island Warrior Society

"Annie O’Sullivan has looked evil in the face and lived to tell about it. Through her art, photos, and talented writing, she vividly shares her life of unrelenting sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Other survivors will find hope in her ability to succeed against the odds. Every reader will gain an insight into this epidemic that plagues our society; therefore, having an awareness that may save a child from abuse . . . perhaps their own." —Brinda Carey, Advocate for Child Sexual Abuse Survivors; author, Don't Cry, Daddy's Here

Annie O’Sullivan served in the US Marine Corps and following a hospital stay and two years of disability, she went on to log ten years of counselling. She has since earned two Masters degrees and maintains a rewarding career in land management. Her own successful family has grown to include multiple grandchildren, dogs, cats and several fish - all happy and well.