Can't Forgive

My 20-Year Battle with O.J. Simpson

De: Kim Goldman

Narrado por: Kim Goldman

When Kim Goldman was just 22, her older brother, Ron, was brutally killed by O. J. Simpson. Ron and Kim were very close, and her devastation was compounded by the shocking not guilty verdict that allowed a smirking Simpson to leave as a free man.

It wasn't Kim's first trauma. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she and Ron were raised by their father. Her mother kidnapped her, telling her that her father didn't love her any more. When she was 14, she was almost blinded from severe battery acid burns on her face during an automobile accident, requiring three reconstructive surgeries.

But none of these early traumas compared to the loss of her brother, the painful knowledge that his killer was free, and the fact that she could not even grieve privately. Counseled by friends, strangers, and even Oprah to "find closure", Kim chose a different route. She chose to fight.

©2015 Kim Goldman (P)2015 Tantor

Fantastic

Great book and although a sad story it is engulfed with a tremendous bond between father and daughter and son and daughter.

Goldman fascinates me

Kim is a wonderful person! I wish she knew she was meant to comfort and support those less fortunate! The Goldmans are the true HEROES thru that awful trial! They never gave up and never showed mercy to the killer that based on bias was set free. You go girl!

must read

loved it!!!! This book is a must read. God bless Kim, her dad, and Nicoles family. may the killer get what he deserves

A sister’s journey

I loved this title and getting to know Kim. I was captivated by her voice and drawn into this memoir. I really appreciated her honesty. It was a good reminder to cherish your family! Thank you, Kim!

Relatable

I thought she was very candid and real. Thanks to Kim for sharing her story.

Kim is a good narrator

…makes the book more interesting, listening to it in her voice. She’s been through a lot. I thought she maintained a good balance of information versus personal feelings. May the rest of her days be blessed.

Interesting to learn about her experience

I am glad I listened to this book. I appreciated getting a fuller picture of her experience. As others have said, the title is misleading a bit. I have that uneasy feeling that many do, that there is something about the way that Kim and her dad keep their anger alive which is totally understandable, but which appears unhealthy. It seems unexamined, and I thought this book would be more of a wrestling with what it might mean for her to forgive. (Not that they are obliged to us to grieve in any particular way, of course.) I thought she had a right to explain the story of the "If I Did It" book and I agree with her that we never knew the whole story. I also thought her early experience with her mom explains something of how she has reacted to Ron's death.

She feels Oprah humiliated her. Really?

If I'm to be an armchair psychologist, I think Kim over-identifies with her dad, which is understandable, as he's been a great dad. They seem a little locked in a pattern, but that doesn't change the fact that she seems a very decent lovely person.

I skipped the last 3 chapters because it appeared it was going to be a list of every man she ever dated. I do have sympathy with her dilemma about how to broach the topic with people when she starts to get close to them.

Overall, interesting if you're a bit obsessed without the crime, as I am. Otherwise, nothing compelling.

Very Touching Story

I followed the story and trials from beginning to the present time. The story uncovered nothing new as it pertains to Ron Goldman, but it really drops the kimono on Kim. It’s sad she has been so tormented (but entirely understandable) and how it has impacted her personal relationships in life. She’s trapped — from not having a caring mother in Sharon, her brothers murder, and idolizing her father, Fred. That’s a hell of a lot of emotional baggage to carry around. And, it never goes away, as the anniversary of his death is a constant reminder. I don’t know too many men who could handle her delicate psyche. That’s what makes me sad for her. Constant male rejection. I wish her the absolute best of success going forward. She needs caring, loving companionship. She deserves it!

Soul-baring

I loved hearing about Kim’s life from a child to an adult. She bares her soul; I feel like I know her. Very well-written and I especially liked the fact that Kim herself was the narrator.

Hard to hear

It’s too mean to type — just basic, corny, self-indulging even, all stated considering the absolute tragedy and murder of her brother.