Dear V.C. Andrews/Andrew Neiderman,
Oh… But once a girl, was I, who cringed at the idea of reading a book for fun. Then, one day, a well intentioned adult decided to share one of your novels with me.
I was ten…
While, at thirty five, I still fancy myself an occasional “easy read” of one of your stories- I am sure most would agree that ten was a bit young.
That being said, I am glad she shared them…
Reflectively I have to admit that this very deed, of opening my eyes to the world of such books may have been the key thing that saved my life. Before V.C. Andrews books, (most of which is ghost written by Andrew Neiderman) it had never occurred to me that step fathers should not have sex, french kiss, or other similar things with their step children. This was my life, it was simply something that happened. I hated it, it terrified me, but what could I do about it? As far as I knew, every family’s closed doors hid this truth. I had no idea that adults could be complicated, and their odd actions could come off as jealous or abusive because they were simply hurting humans who had no idea how to deal. Before I dove into the your fictional world, I had no idea that there was anything good inside of me or that I could simply change my life and/or circumstances and yield completely different and safe results…
During the time, in my life, when these dawnings and realizations were rising in me- Heaven Casteel was my best friend. I lost myself in a series of books in such a way that I finally understood the possibility of seeing books as an escape. They were my escape.
My lifeline…
In more ways than one, your books changed my life. (another way being that i now adore books and love to read.) Once, many years ago, I was asked “why does such trash have to be written?”
I did take it a little personal…
When people stop making stupid decisions, like abusing or molesting their children- and when parents stop projecting their bitterness and disappointment on their growing children, therefore stunting them- maybe the world can settle down and read books about sunshine, sugar and poetry. In the meantime, i wish that people would stop insulting the possibility that someone might need a tragically twisted story about a young girl.
God knows that I did…
Rainy Day in May... 
Wow, I never thought about the VC Andrews books speaking to someone that way. Thanks for sharing.I fell in love with My Sweet Audrina when I read it. I couldn't get enough of that book.