Walk a Mile

A Mothers Journey into Her Daughter's Secret Life

De: Lynda Harlos

Narrado por: Lynda Harlos

She has dealt with her fair share of issues, having raised four children. Drug addiction, school suspensions, suicide scares, childhood disease, and her oldest daughter being gang raped, which led to a teen pregnancy. Finally, they were all young adults, and it seemed as if the worst was behind them until the oldest daughter came home one day and told them something that made their world stop. For months, it was like someone had pushed the slow-motion button on the remote of their lives as they tried to comprehend what their daughter must have gone through without them knowing anything.

Following in her daughter's footsteps, she discovered it is possible to turn pain into purpose by allowing others to walk a mile with her.

©2023 Lynda Harlos (P)2025 Lynda Harlos

An important perspective on domestic trafficking

Overall, a good read discussing one family's experience with domestic trafficking. Detailed and introspective. The in-depth narrative that described the trafficker's actions, involvement, and techniques are great information for parents, siblings, and friends to know. Although individual approaches undoubtedly vary from predator to predator the book covered his activity in great detail. I did not find the book affecting me as emotionally as some other books, I thought it took a 'low-threat' approach with the storytelling, but this is just my experience. I'm sure others will have a different viewpoint. Glad I was able to have the chance to hear and understand (as much as an outsider can) this perspective.

Wonderful read! Genuine, heartfelt book

I learned that sex trafficking often happens with someone you know, are close to, possibly dating. It isn’t always being kidnapped and force into prostitution like we’ve always been taught it was. There’s a process of grooming, much like with child predators. There’s manipulation, coercion and gaslighting. And it happens within our own communities.

What moved me the most while listening was the author talking about parents being the safe space for their children to go; being the place where they can turn to, no matter what, and feel loved, safe and not judged. As a parent myself, it made me think, “Am I listening to my kids?” “Do they truly know they can tell me anything?”

I would recommend this book for its wonderful storytelling and education. You can picture this author and her daughter and their family throughout every chapter and feel for them. You learn about the process that goes into the abuse and trafficking by perpetrators. Mostly, the raw emotions felt by this mother, who wishes she could go back in time and do things differently, will resonate with any parent who’s trying to support their child’s independence while still trying to protecting them.

Powerful narrative; educational and relatable

"Walk A Mile" by Linda Harlos is a deeply moving narrative that follows the journey she walked through with her daughter through the harsh realities of domestic sex trafficking.
What struck me most was Lynda’s candidness about the "knowing in her gut” that we all sometimes wish to ignore. As a mom myself, I found this particularly impactful, as it resonated with the universal experience of wanting to protect our children while also respecting their independence.
Harlos depicts the insidious nature of grooming, allowing us to witness how such manipulation unfolds in real-time. Even though I'm somewhat familiar with the topic of sex trafficking, experiencing it through Lynda's eyes added an emotional depth that mere statistics and facts simply cannot provide. As a sexual trauma survivor myself, hearing the story through her daughter Kate’s eyes resonated with me on a deeper level. Lynda does an exceptional job with honoring both points of view.
I wholeheartedly recommend "Walk A Mile" to any parent or caregiver. This book does more than just inform; it immerses you in a story. It’s a powerful narrative that has left a lasting impact on me, and I believe it will resonate with anyone who reads it.
In summary, "Walk A Mile" is a must-listen, and I give it five well-deserved stars. Prepare to be moved and enlightened!

A Different Perspective on Trafficking

Such a difficult topic from a deeply personal perspective. So many people see human trafficking through one lens - the person is trafficked throughout the country and by a stranger. That does happen, but it isn't the only typology. This book walks you through how it can happen in your own home. It's hard hitting and will raise your antennae to warning signs you may initially brush off. An educational book that walks through one family's personal survival. Take the time to listen. What you learn can potentially save a life.

Beautifully real

Part memoir, part true crime, primarily this is a story about human trafficking grounded in the humanity. With so many trafficking narratives being dominated by savior complexes, Harlos instead offers a story that’s deeply real. Listeners of faith will enjoy the spiritual journey but these themes are not so heavy that secular-minded like myself will likely find them off-putting. A tender balance of heart, humor, and wisdom.