Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 15 votes)
5 stars
4(27%)
4 stars
6(40%)
3 stars
5(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
15 reviews
July 15,2025
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It is truly so upsetting, and the main reason is that it is indeed true. I have a deep longing to engage in this kind of work and offer assistance to those women who have suffered abuse. Alice, without a doubt, is a hero in my eyes.

She has shown extraordinary courage and determination in dealing with such difficult situations. Her actions have not only brought hope and help to the abused women but have also inspired many others.

I look up to her and wish to follow in her footsteps. I believe that by doing so, I can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Although the work may be challenging and emotionally draining, I am willing to take on this responsibility and do my part to make the world a better place for these women.
July 15,2025
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I've been a dedicated follower of Ms. Vachss' husband, Andrew Vachss, for numerous years. The fact that these two wonderful people met and got married truly fills me with joy.

As an individual who endured emotionally abusive owners, namely my parents, I never had the opportunity to form healthy bonds. Now, at the age of 81, I have finally come to terms with this reality. Andrew Vachss was the very first person to validate my experience, highlighting that emotional abuse can be even more enduring and damaging than physical torture.

My life was severely sabotaged by my mother. She went to great lengths to illegally maintain her tax exemption, even when I was homeless for a staggering 30 years and she provided no support whatsoever. She ensured that I couldn't obtain a job because if I had, she wouldn't have been able to continue her illegal deductions. Sadly, the system seemed to assist her in this unjust behavior.

It wasn't until I was 40 years old that I landed my first job that paid a living wage. The experiences I had in federal court when the government illegally fired me three times from a civil service job closely mirror the experiences of both Andrew and Alice Vachss with the so-called Just Us (justice) system. It is just as rigged and corrupt as the US electoral system.

Both Alice and Andrew Vachss are undoubtedly heroes in my eyes. I am still constantly running from the abuse that has haunted me throughout my life, and I will continue to do so until the day I die. It's the only survival mechanism I know. I am deeply grateful to Andrew and Alice Vachss for providing me with some comfort and inspiration along this difficult journey. Their legacy will undoubtedly last forever. I highly recommend reading their books. They have the unique ability to speak truth to power in a way that only those who have dedicated their lives to fighting the system on behalf of the powerless can.

Respect and love!
July 15,2025
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This book can be essentially divided into two themes.

The main theme, which focuses on Vachss's near Herculean efforts in the war to hold rapists and other perpetrators of sexual crimes accountable, is truly remarkable. Her almost heroic endeavors to reshape how the justice system treats rape victims make for an amazing read. She achieved a great deal and paved the way for much-needed reforms both in the United States and in England. However, politics inevitably played a role in preventing her from attaining all of her goals.

The second story, regarding her in-depth intra-office battles and politics, did not come across as well or nearly as compelling. Those readers who were initially unaware of the role politics plays in prosecuting attorney's offices were quickly brought up to speed at the beginning of the book. Nevertheless, Vachss dwelt on this issue for too long in the book, especially concerning the Lincoln County Oregon DA and CD. By the time the conclusion and verdict of the Acosta trial arrived, I was on the verge of discarding the book, as I had no desire to read any more complaints about the CD and the inept DA, which had been covered exhaustively in previous chapters.

Overall, it offers an excellent perspective into the workings of actual sex crimes units, beyond the highly polished clichés and façade presented on TV shows like SVU.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly an amazing piece of work.

It has the power to transport readers to different worlds and introduce them to a plethora of unique characters and storylines.

The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult to put the book down once you start reading.

Each page is filled with excitement, adventure, and emotion, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

Whether you're a fan of fiction, non-fiction, or any other genre, this book has something for everyone.

It's a must-read for anyone who loves to lose themselves in a good book and experience the magic that only a great story can bring.

So, if you're looking for a new book to add to your collection, look no further than this one.

You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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This book is extremely well written.

The author has demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft a story that engages the reader from the very first page.

The plot is intricately woven, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

The writing style is流畅 and engaging, making it a pleasure to read.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book is sure to delight.

It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates good literature.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

You will not be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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To be fair, I’d probably give this a 3.5 rather than a straight-up 3.

There were certain parts of it that truly intrigued me. It managed to hold my attention and keep me engaged for the most part. However, I have to admit that it did take me a while to get through the entire thing.

One aspect that I really appreciated was how she clearly laid out the actions she took. She walked through the cases from the very beginning all the way to the end. This detailed approach gave me a better understanding of the process and the decisions that were made along the way.

Overall, while it had its flaws, there were also many redeeming qualities that made it an interesting read. I would recommend it to others who are interested in the subject matter.
July 15,2025
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This is a truly inspiring piece of writing that takes a refreshing turn by centering on the potential of prosecuting sex offenders. It also emphasizes the importance of empowering the victims, enabling them to regain a sense of safety and resume their lives.

The article is presented from the perspective of a prosecutor who has dedicated herself to this crucial issue. Her insights and experiences offer a unique and valuable perspective.

It is evident that she is highly committed to seeking justice for the victims and holding the offenders accountable. One can't help but imagine the challenges she faces in her line of work, but her determination shines through.

The thought of being a defendant when she is on the job is indeed a daunting one. Her expertise and tenacity would surely make it a difficult battle for any wrongdoer.

Overall, this article serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and the need to support and empower the victims of sex crimes. It gives hope and inspiration to those who have suffered and shows that there is a path forward towards healing and recovery.
July 15,2025
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Vachss is an outstanding storyteller, and her life is indeed a story that merits being told.

The book successfully delves into personal stories from particular trials, vividly conveying the brutality of these cases. At the same time, it also addresses the institutional issues confronted by sex crimes prosecutors.

Not all of her ideas are unassailable, but by the time she commences suggesting methods to reform the system, the reader has gained a rather good understanding of who Vachss is and the origin of her ideas.

However, I felt that the last two sections of the book had a somewhat sluggish pace. I guess, just like in life, we never obtain the magnificent finale that we anticipate. Sadly, this implies that the pacing of the book becomes a bit disrupted in the last 50 pages or so.

Overall, it was a facile read that sheds light on numerous problems in prosecuting sex crimes. Vachss manages to maintain the interest, whether it pertains to the crimes themselves or the paperwork necessary to combat them.

It provides valuable insights into a complex and often overlooked area of the legal system.
July 15,2025
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I could not put this book down.

I had initially planned to just skim through it, selectively reading the parts that piqued my interest. But the only section I could manage to skim was the very beginning when she was delving into the American judicial system. I got a bit confused there and knew that I wouldn't be able to retain all those details.

However, from that point on, as she discussed her law career, transitioning from being a defendant to a feared prosecutor, I devoured every single word.

The woman is truly a hero.

Writing this book was no easy feat for her. She "wanted so badly to put the words together right so that people can see what I saw and feel what I felt."

She was a sex-crimes prosecutor, and by the end of reading this book, you just wish there were more individuals like her. She is highly principled. In her view, rapists cross a clear line that they can never uncross. Sadly, too often, instead of facing the appropriate consequences, they are given leniency by collaborators within the criminal justice system, including police officers, defence attorneys, judges, court clerks, and prosecutors, all of whom seem to possess a certain degree of empathy for rapists.

This is an old book, having been published in 1994. I believe she has since revised the work. This particular copy was referenced by another author, and I purchased it cheaply, second-hand. Had I known there was a more recent edition available, I probably would have opted for that one instead.

I'm certain that a great deal of what she said back then remains relevant today. This is because, unfortunately, I suspect that things have not changed significantly enough to adequately address the very specific requirements of the vulnerable victims in these types of cases.

July 15,2025
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Sex Crimes by Alice Vachss offers a detailed account of her journey as a sex crime prosecutor.

She innovated and paid close attention to victims and details, challenging the old boys network of nepotistic hiring and statistically-driven prosecutorial practices.

The male-centric focus in law enforcement and the DA office often disempowered women and rape victims until she fought for change.

While she was likely correct in much of what she reported, she probably rubbed many the wrong way, especially being a hard-driving professional woman in the 1970s and 2000s.

She faced not only the glass ceiling but also the patriarchal system of conservative law and resistance to change.

The book, however, is a bit too long. Although I admire her determination and high principles, at times she seems like the mega-B her opponents make her out to be.

If I were a jury member, I might still vote to convict based on her account, but I also find the sex crime prosecutor not the most likable person.

Fortunately, in her job, being popular or likable isn't a requirement; being a bad-ass unrelenting foe is.

Over her career, she was likely the old school hammer of god type of prosecutor, but in a good way, taking predators off the streets.

As an author, I prefer huggable heroes and heroines, so I give this book three stars. It's good, but a bit too long and focused on office storytelling.
July 15,2025
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This plot is actually addictive.

It has a certain charm that keeps pulling you in. The story unfolds in a way that makes you eager to know what will happen next. Each turn and twist adds to the excitement and makes it difficult to put down. The characters are well-developed and their actions and decisions drive the plot forward. You find yourself invested in their fates and rooting for them. The setting is also vividly described, creating a believable world that you can easily immerse yourself in. Whether it's a mystery, a romance, or an adventure, this plot has something for everyone. It hooks you from the beginning and doesn't let go until the very end. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and want more.
July 15,2025
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Alice Vachss was featured on the cover of Parade magazine in the early 1990s. She was regarded as one of the top prosecutors in the USA.

Her unwavering dedication and extensive experience in handling hardcore cases make this story truly compelling.

What's even more significant is that this book should be a must-read for anyone desiring to understand the complex politics and the internal backstabbing that pose obstacles to the criminal justice system.

It also shows how those few individuals who strive to do the right thing are constantly hindered.

I highly recommend this book to all. It offers valuable insights into the inner workings of the legal world and the challenges faced by those committed to justice.

Whether you are a legal professional, a student, or simply someone interested in the topic, this book is sure to provide you with a deeper understanding and a new perspective.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Alice Vachss and the criminal justice system.
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