What could be worse than child abuse?

This is an interesting story because the path for those seeking justice for the abused children was winding and not simple. The most incredible part is not that the man abused children, but that his community almost let him get away with it, deciding to find fault with the abused victims instead. This book is the perfect example of what a twisted world we live in. It shows how human nature can allow turning a blind eye to the ugliest things instead of choosing to bring them into the light for all to see.

18 people found this helpful

Was not expecting the end...

I really like true crime books narrated by Kevin Pierce. This is one of many I've listened to. Lots of detail and so heartbreaking but a good story to listen to.

11 people found this helpful

Important Book for All Parents and Teachers.

What made the experience of listening to Secret Lessons the most enjoyable?

Enjoyable is the wrong word for this story considering the subject matter. Engrossing would be more accurate. It is important for people with children to read, because it does a very good job of explaining what the signs of sexual abuse are. For instance, it is normal for victims not to tell their parents. This is a shocking story with a satisfying ending.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Secret Lessons?

That is a toss up between the verdict from the first grand jury, the second trial, the verdict from the second trial and the final scenes in the park. This is a very well-written book. It details the case against a serial pedophile teacher and how he is finally brought to justice.

Which character – as performed by Kevin Pierce – was your favorite?

Kevin Pierce gave an excellent performance of all the characters. His best characters were Katharine Howse, prosecutor Weber, and the defense attorney. He did the little girl characters amazingly well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book is heartbreaking. The courage that the girls showed in testifying in a hostile town is inspiring. In the end, justice is done (although at the hands of the teacher rather than the law).

Any additional comments?

This book contains graphic descriptions of real crimes. It is sexually explicit (not gratuitous, just explicit). It is a very well done book. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

10 people found this helpful

Dumbstruck and Shame

This is an incredibly well written book. I am dumbstruck by the public's anger towards the young ladies and making the perpetrator a victim all the while trying to remind myself this occurred 30 years ago while in my heart knowing little has changed in Illinois/the Midwest (I am from IN and IL). In the end Van Hooks final demise only stands as further proof of his guilt.

7 people found this helpful

Don Weber for President

Where does Secret Lessons rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top three without hesitation.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

From start to finish the entire story was captivating. The unbelievable notion that this predator would be held in such high esteem is beyond comprehension.

Which scene was your favorite?

I didn't have one particular scene but the way in which these children were represented and the caring adults around them made it feel like a victory for all at the end of the book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any additional comments?

If you want a great story and diligent efforts to prosecute the animal makes this book worth hearing. You will not be disappointed. Excellen!!!!!

5 people found this helpful

Riveting, but Heartbreaking

What did you love best about Secret Lessons?

That the young victims had such a fantastic support system in Pam Klein, Don Weber and many other members of the judicial system.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite characters were all the brave young ladies who stood up to this man.

What about Kevin Pierce’s performance did you like?

He sucked me in right away. Just as if he was "telling" a story instead of reading it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Without giving anything away, the ending was bittersweet. A predictable fate for a "man" such as Robert Van Hook.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

This book was difficult to listen to for obvious reasons. However, this story had to be told. Even today, people don't realize the shame and skepticism that victims face in these situations, often times from their own family members. This man enjoyed the unwavering support of his community, no matter what evidence was presented. Although he was proven guilty, his victims continued to endure the disgrace placed upon them by community members. It truly is heartbreaking.

5 people found this helpful

Read the description first

What happened is extremely tragic. The way that the characters and events are sometimes referred to is very melodramatic. "If he had only realized what this call signified;" "If only they hadn't done _____ that day". To me, not being familiar with the events, had me anticipating some of these people to be killed, or the story to become suspenseful at some point. In reality, it's a true courtroom story- not so much a retelling of what occurred as an accounting of events that took place, though that does occur at points, due to the nature of courtroom trials. I think further background information on the girls (What are their home lives like? Did they have friends? Were they bullied? etc.) would have been helpful to readers looking for a story...not a re-reading of newspapers and courtroom transcripts. If you like courtroom stories, definitely go ahead on this one. If not...read the description first.

The narration for this book was excellent- exactly what you would want to up the intensity and add depth.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

14 people found this helpful

It Makes a Person Wonder!

The frustration and disbelief Don Weber had to feel during this incredible journey was palpable. The blind trust and support of other teachers and Van Hook supporters should be a lesson to all...wolves do come in sheep's clothing.

For these people, the attorney was using Van Hook as a re-election scapegoat, when the man knew that going against the teacher's union was akin to political suicide, he put doing the right thing ahead of his own aspirations in that area. It is hard to believe people can be so blind. I wish Kathryn's mother and/or neighbor would have used a good camera or video camera to record that "stout" and rather vicious teacher outside of Kathryn's house as the children played. That would have landed that teacher in jail for perjury. Personally, I always keep cameras and video handy, even though I have not found myself to be in that type of a situation. It was VERY handy when someone crashed into a family member head on, on the wrong side of the street, and then denied ever being there in the first place. You can't imagine the delight of the attorney for the wronged person as he pulled out the original film and photos showing the defendant, his truck, the car he hit...all dated and timed on analog film. The man perjured himself. I photographed it from every which angle and handed the film canister over. If this was done back during the time period of this saga, those teachers would have been in a pickle.

It is well worth the listen. It will open your eyes to how blind and clannish small town groups can be. It will also make you take along various recording devices. I've even included a tiny but powerful voice-activated recorder to my arsenal in my shooting vest...you just never know when it will help the good guys and get the bad guys.

Kevin Pierce's voice is now becoming so well-known to me he feels like a family member.

Charles Bosworth Jr. has done an excellent job on the last few books of his I've listened to.

3 people found this helpful

Fantastic Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If my friend could stomach a story that makes you want to cry out in the unfairness of it all, then yes!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Secret Lessons?

It's hard to pick one moment that stands out. It's as if the whole book stands out, start to finish. If you like true crime, I highly recommend this book.

What about Kevin Pierce’s performance did you like?

Kevin Pierce is a fantastic voice over artist, I would listen to all of his books.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me do both, a few times.

3 people found this helpful

Heart of Evil

Good telling of an ugly story. We all know people like the misguided lot that came out in vigorous support of this monster, even if we don't understand what motivates them.
Unlike many of the people involved in this case, I found the conclusion of events to be a satisfactory one.
Weber's repetition of key ideas becomes tedious. Still, it's a worthwhile listen.
Kevin Pierce, as always, turns in a strong performance.

3 people found this helpful