Rape is not an easy subject to read about, not to mention chd rape. This book Is just shocking and worth reading it.

Rape is a tough topic, both for the general person as well as those who have been raped. It is a taboo topic for many. Something thought of as not polite conversation. But it exists. And if there could possibly be anything worse, it would be child rape. The ultimate physical harmful act that can be done to child. Yet this is even more taboo. Another injurious thing that we tell ourselves won't happen to us. That happens to other people, not me or my family. So it was both surprising and then unsurprising to read Handrahan's acknowledgements in which she talks about no publisher wanting to print a book on such a horrendous topic. "No one would buy the book because it was too disturbing. Publishers said, we cannot make a profit. Sorry." And this is exactly why this topic needs to be talked about. We need to stop imagining ourselves immune or beyond the realities of the world.

"These offences against our children are flourishing, in part, because we refuse to move beyond our collective denial that this criminality, often called child pornography, has reached catastrophic levels in America."

Epidemic lays all the cards on the table. Handrahan's research is overwhelming at times. From people in high positions of our government (ex: Timothy DeFoggi - Acting Director of Cyber Security at the Department of Health and Human Services) to those across the globe in other countries, Handrahan made clear that America has become the hotbed for the brutality (and trading in the brutality) of children.

Near the beginning of the book, Handrahan explains the limitations of the her work and what the expectations the reader should have in regards to thoroughness in research. She explains that due to lack of funding, she only has raw sample data at her disposal. She repeatedly calls for funding for her to continue her research and while I understand she is searching for more detailed facts and the ability to collect and analyze complete data, she mentions her lack of a job and money numerous times in such a short space. I understand the desperation, but turning the section into a job search left a sour taste in my mouth. It felt too distracting from the mission and focus of the book. I also thought it was peculiar that the author is talking about vivid violence, but feels the need to censor swear words that are quoting the accused.

"Perhaps this book will attract the attention of an employer and donor willing to make this possible."

The author mentions that there are a number of things outside of the scope and capability of her time and resources to discuss. It pulls you away from the issue to remind you that the author doesn't have the money to complete the research and details. And that is the feeling you are left with in regards to the writing itself. It has a heavy opinion/personal tone despite trying to seem authoritative. There are sources cited (a plus) but the lack of flow and fleshing out for a reader trying to learn about this issue makes it disorganized (a negative).

I am in absolute agreement with the author that this is a topic that should not be brushed aside because it offends polite conversation. That kind of side-stepping is exactly the reason something like this can occur. However, the author keeps repeating the same thing (the lack of methodological data from local to global governments) in numerous and lengthy paragraphs until it becomes tiresome and, sadly, skimmable.

My biggest qualm with Epidemic is strictly from a credibility and authoritative point of view. Handrahan asks the question: "How is it possible for child pornography to be categorized as the fastest-growing crime and there is little detailed data about this war against our children?" But I still don't know where she gets this assertion that it is the fastest growing crime, especially if, as she states, there is little detailed data about it. She mentions a house bill that states it "may well be the fastest growing crime" (emphasis mine), but with no solid data, how is anyone asserting this? True, she shows increases from other country's and sample data, but she makes the conclusion of it being the fastest growing crime without the data to back that up.

From Handrahan's research, the typical profile of a pedophile is a white male often within a powerful position. However, I found the conspiratorial sense of her constantly assuming that EVERYONE is engaging in child pornography very annoying and disingenuous.

"Question, most particularly, male relatives or friends who exhibit concerning behavior in the form of extreme and inappropriate generosity towards your children. And man who wants to spend an inordinate amount of time with your children should be watched closely."

What it lacks in cohesion, editing, and maintaining tone, it makes up for in the numerous links/sources it refers to. The digital copy even offers direct links. The most stunning and stomach turning parts of the book are the numerous examples of pedophiles in power being caught. The boldness of many of them to use government computers and phones not only puts our countries national security at risk, but makes you boil with anger over the willful lack of monitoring and blocking software to prevent (or catch) child pornography. The examples range from nuclear weapons security employees to judges, police to child day care workers and more. Some rare cases see child rape offenders get heavy sentences such as consecutive life, but the vast majority receive disturbingly short sentences with more than you would believe getting none, days, weeks, or months. In some cases of admitted possession of child pornography, they were not even prosecuted.

I feel like Epidemic has potential to be a great exposé on a very tough and touchy topic. It needs cleaned up and made more reader friendly (both in grammar, as there is a lack of commas, and in flow/tone). What the book goes to show is that the lack of a cohesive database or even just a cohesive (and used) reporting system is desperately needed to keep these most offensive perpetrators from keeping their public jobs, from receiving special treatment, from retaining their licenses, from working in a new capacity with access to children and the vulnerable, from retaining or gaining access to their own children (many child rapists assault their own kids/family), and from escaping the label of sex offender. We must demand better protection.

It opened my eyes to how much sexual abuse is prevalent in the US. Sexual abuse, especially child abuse is never an easy read but I don't regret giving this book a shot.

This was so incredibly researched and documented. I’m aware like most that child pornography exists or I guess I should say child rape. Based on the information in this book I am shocked and amazed at how naive I’ve been to what goes on in the criminal legal system. How just by changing the name of something changes the relevance to sentencing criminal behavior. How the people in control dictate things not just for today but for decades and generations to come. Very well written.

Wow, what an amazing book. Totally worth ☆☆☆☆☆.