What Is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation happens when one parent tries to turn the child against the other parent after a divorce or separation. It's like when one parent talks bad about the other parent in front of the child, or stops the child from seeing the other parent, or makes the child think the other parent is a bad person. It can be really hurtful for everyone involved, especially the child who may feel confused and torn between both parents.

There is no denying that parental alienation is a deeply personal and emotional topic, and many people have written memoirs and stories about their experiences. However, finding these memoirs and stories can be a challenge, as they are often not widely publicized or easily accessible.

The vexing phenomenon of parental alienation often presents formidable challenges for individuals who are grappling with its deleterious effects, as they struggle to access vital support and resources that are crucial for navigating this highly complex and emotionally taxing situation.

In this list article I tried to find the most relevant, honest books on parental alienation.

What Are Some Outstanding Books on Parental Alienation?

Stolen Memories, by David Shubert (2023)

David Shubert's touching memoir discusses international parental abduction, family court abuse, and International Hague Convention court. It follows the personal story of David Shubert, a father whose children were taken away by their mother and taken to another country. We could read the author's journey into the world of parental alienation and his twenty-year-long fight to reunite with his children are chronicled in the memoir.

The memoir provides insights into the challenges that parents face when dealing with family court abuse. Shubert's unwavering love for his children and his determination to bring them back home is an inspiring story of resilience and perseverance.

Readers of this parental alienation memoir will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional toll and the legal battles that parents may face in trying to reunite with their children.

Surviving Parental Alienation, by Amy J. L. Baker (2014)

Divorce is a common occurrence, with half of all marriages ending. In many cases, parents hope for an amicable separation in which they can successfully raise their children with their ex-partner. Unfortunately, about 20% of divorces are high-conflict, resulting in frequent court visits, accusations of abuse, and disagreements over parenting schedules.

These conflicts can lead to children becoming aligned with one parent against the other, even if the targeted parent did nothing to deserve such hostility. These “targeted” parents suffer the pain of losing time with their children, watching them become distant or cruel, and not knowing if or when their children will return to them. Surviving Parental Alienation is a resource that offers help and hope to these parents who are on a difficult and uncertain journey.

Surviving Parental Alienation provides a source of concrete help for targeted parents who are desperate to find understanding and hope. Too often, stories of parental alienation shared online or through word-of-mouth focus on unending pain and frightening outcomes.

This parental alienation book offers real-life stories and practical information about parents who have successfully reconnected with their lost children, giving targeted parents better insight and understanding of what parental alienation is and how to handle it. The book acknowledges the need for hope and offers a starting point for targeted parents to find the help they need.

Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome, by Amy J. L. Baker (2007)

Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome provides insight into the experience of adult children who have gone through parental alienation. It aims to help parents understand what their children are going through and empower them in unexpected ways. The book is based on a study of many adult children and can provide surprising insights.

Dr. Amy Baker's first book in this topic aims to help parents understand the experience of children who have undergone parental alienation. It provides valuable insights based on a study of adult children, and interview insights present in the book.

The Girls Are Gone, by Michael Brodkorb and Allison Mann (2018)

The Girls Are Gone is a riveting and heartbreaking account of the traumatic events surrounding the sudden disappearance of two adolescent siblings, Samantha and Gianna Rucki.

Authored by journalists Michael Brodkorb and Allison Mann, this true story is situated against the backdrop of a tumultuous divorce between the girls' parents, David Rucki and Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, which triggered a sequence of devastating consequences for the entire family. Against all odds, David Rucki worked tirelessly with law enforcement officials in a desperate search to reunite with his missing daughters, while caring for his three remaining children at home.

Meanwhile, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki abandoned her responsibilities and embarked on an international journey, leaving her children behind. In the public eye, the investigation garnered media attention and ultimately revealed the shocking reality behind Samantha and Gianna's disappearance.

This powerful work of investigative journalism delves into the complex and harrowing experiences of those involved and exposes the dark secrets of the adults who conspired to keep the truth hidden.

Parent Deleted: A Mother's Fight for Her Right to Parent, by Michelle Darné (2017)

Michelle Darné shares her personal story in Parent Deleted. Despite her efforts to create a loving home with her partner and children, Michelle was suddenly cut off from her children and silenced by the law. The book is a powerful and emotional account of her fight for her rights as a non-biological, lesbian mother. Michelle's story serves as a wake-up call to the emergent social justice frontier of the rights of all children to be with their parents, regardless of their biological relationship or sexual orientation.

Parent Deleted is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and hope in the face of adversity. It sheds light on the experiences of non-biological and LGBTQ+ parents, who are often marginalized in the legal system.

Michelle's story is both courageous and disturbing, as it exposes the flaws in our current system and the need for change. Overall, the book is an intimate and infectious tale that is sure to inspire readers to fight for justice and equality for all families.

Final Thoughts about Books on Parental Alienation

Books on parental alienation can serve as powerful resources for anyone impacted by this issue. They provide valuable insights into the experiences of those affected by parental alienation, and offer guidance on coping strategies, legal remedies, and ways to heal and move forward. By reading these books, individuals can feel less alone in their experiences, and gain a better understanding of the dynamics of parental alienation.

However, it is important to note that while books on parental alienation can offer valuable information and support, they should not be seen as a substitute for professional help. For those struggling with parental alienation, seeking the assistance of a therapist or counselor can provide essential support and guidance in navigating this difficult situation.

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