“Ruth Glenn’s story combines powerful personal testimony with the deep knowledge, hard facts, and brave advocacy needed to confront the reality of domestic violence. It will change your understanding and inspire you. It’s a portrait of an extraordinary woman, a moving tribute to survivors of domestic violence—particularly children—and an urgent call to address the causes of violence in our society.”—Angelina Jolie, Academy Award-winning actress, Humanitarian, and Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

"Interwoven with stories and statics of the thousands of other women who have suffered and sometimes died at the hands of their abusers, the book sheds light on a profoundly tragic issue while also offering hope...inspiring and courageous.”—Kirkus Reviews

"Ruth Glenn’s Everything I Never Dreamed should be a textbook in every criminal justice and public policy class. Ruth takes on the complexities of domestic violence and makes clear the urgent need to end it. We learn why telling women to leave violent relationships can put them in greater danger and how insidious the effects of psychological abuse can be. Ruth educates us about what interventions make a difference and what failures have been on display. But most of all, Ruth’s book is a heart-stopping journey through life, hers and our own. From growing up in poverty to the terrifying moment when her life might end, Ruth shows us the true meaning of resilience. As a daughter, a mother, a survivor, an activist, Ruth touches a chord in all of us."—Lynn Rosenthall, former White House Advisor on Violence Against Women and President, the Center for Family Safety and Healing

"In this truly riveting book, Ruth M. Glenn takes us through her experience of unspeakable intimate partner violence with unflinching honesty, courage, and compassion. This is a must-read book that will change forever how you understand the dynamics of power and control that abusers inflict on so many women and children. Glenn’s transformation from victim to survivor to national leader in the fight to stop domestic violence inspires us all to do better in any way we can, and to join her in her crucially important mission."—Diane L. Rosenfeld, J.D., LL.M., author of The Bonobo Sisterhood: Revolution Through Female Alliance, Lecturer on Law and Director of the Gender Violence Program, Harvard Law School

“In Everything I Never Dreamed, Ruth’s journey of survival, courage, resilience, and moxie accurately illustrates the challenges, breakthroughs, and lifetime journey of healing survivors face. You will feel moments of joy, sadness, and anger while you read this book. It is my hope that as you read about Ruth’s journey and the state of
our current policies and services, you will be inspired to be part of the solution.” — Katie Ray-Jones, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline

"Glenn skillfully illustrates the history of American responses to domestic violence - trends, myths and policies – by weaving it through her compelling and sometimes shocking personal story. The result is an inspiring individual journey that couples her experiences with her academic study and highest level political advocacy to help reduce societal domestic violence.” —Paul Teske, Dean of School of Public Affairs, CU Denver