Robby’s Rule

A Journey to Redemption

By: Robert Buswell

Narrated by: Greg Chun

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Young Robby’s life has been shadowed by abuse, and as he struggles from boy to man, he is forced to deal with the path he has been thrust upon. After the birth of his own daughters, however, he realizes that the safety of today’s children is more important than the silent safety of his three decades of shame. But when he finally tries to report the crime, he finds his initial efforts prove futile.

Now, Robby’s fight for personal redemption has become larger than himself, and he is determined that other survivors who come forward will not have their moment of courage crushed by an oversight in the law. Through his dedicated and sometimes unconventional methods, Robby navigates the red tape of Virginia’s legal system working against it when necessary in his effort to change it.

"As a television host, victim advocate, and, most importantly, a father, I have spent most of my life working to protect children from predators. I believe Rob Buswell has a powerful message for anyone touched by abuse. I applaud his dedication to making a difference and his journey to discovering he was not alone. Just like Robby and his Rules - you can make a difference, and you are not alone." (John Walsh, longtime host of America's Most Wanted and co-founder of The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)

"Being the then 13-year-old girl whose abduction, rescue, and advocacy work is highlighted in this book, I've learned that life's journeys can prove amazing in the ways that they unknowingly intertwine, as Rob's and mine have. Rob's journey shows us that not only can we survive and overcome horrific abuse, but that we each have the ability to transform our pain into positive power to bring light and to protect others." (Alicia Kozakiewicz, motivational speaker, internet safety expert, abduction survivor, aliciakozak.com)

©2020 Va Gent Books LLC (P)2020 Va Gent Books LLC

Could this be a prequel?

The author has an engaging written voice that powerfully illustrates in a way that draws the reader into the historical accounting that is rife with nostalgia and familiarity of the moment. Teachable moments are utilized and transformed into opportunities for activism, paving the way for future generations to have a sense of security. As a parent who raised their boys in VA, this was a compelling and educational read. As a trauma survivor whose “coach” is still on the loose, this book was an empowering and emboldening journey.

Greg Chun recommended it and Im happy he did.

This isnt a book id normally read, as i generally search by authors that I know/like. Greg posted that he read this and I knew that the audio would rock, and it does. Greg really became Robert in this reading, and even knowing his voice didnt disract from the performance.
I have to give the story itself a mark down because (spoilerish)...
Its never really made clear if the author really spoke about his story at certain times to his wife, before or in addition to speaking with his friend. His wife is almost removed from the story during the entire process of creating his bill. I want to think that he shared some of this with his wife, but if he didnt- thats does impact the way you view his character. Was he so torn about telling his wife that he just didnt? If so did he do this to benefit her in his mind? its not being mentioned makes me think its a given that he spoke to her too but I wish it were clear. Its not a huge detail but again, knowing a solid answer puts you deeper into his state of mind.
Im happy to have found this book, and Its something I could recommend to people who dont normally read or listen to audiobook because its written in such a conversational way, and is really engaging the entire way through.

Incredible story, a must read for everyone!

This book touched my heart! I was not personally sexually abused, but I strongly related to being misdiagnosed, having an IEP, and being written off by teachers within the local FCPS system. Robby's story was tragic, but his triumph and courage in changing his darkness of sexual abuse, familial emotional and psychological abuse, and the lack of support and suppression by the public school into what fueled him to overcome and come into his truest self is a story that ALL can relate to and benefit from. It inspires you to believe you are more than a product of what happened to you, that you no longer have to be pushed by the waves of life, but you can indeed surf the biggest waves of life with grace and dignity, because we are divine in our creation and have worth. It's amazing how he used his darkest moments to shine light onto so many others. I pray that everyone is able to read this true story, process their own grief and transgressions, and that his work in obtaining justice for those who have been wronged prevails.

Resilience and Courage

An exceptional story of triumph, where the narrator guides you the battling personal demons through life.

A Captivating Story

I couldn't stop listening. An amazing account of a man's journey to right the wrongs of his childhood and to protect other kids and families from the injustices of his past. An inspirational journey that will bring tears to your eyes and make you jump out of your seat.

Well written and well told

I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I listened to most of it in one day. Robert Buswell does a great job of invoking young Robby’s perspective while recounting the happenings of his unfortunate childhood. What makes it so compelling is finding out how he grew to transcend the setbacks of his early life to reach the achievements of his adulthood, including the writing of this very autobiography. The story is well told and well written, with what seem like a few little “easter egg” references sprinkled in. A fine read for fans of a compelling human interest story, and maybe even the crime junkie crowd, as well.

I should also mention that this audiobook was very well narrated. The narrator delivers what I consider to be a transparent performance, with nothing awkward to distract from the telling of the story as the author meant it to be. Well done.

Amazing story and journey

An excellent and well written story. When you consider what the author had to go through to get to the point of writing this, it’s truly incredible. His efforts to rise up and help others will be forever appreciated for those with children.

True fighter story

To see a child go through so much adversity internally and externally be able to confront his demon and in turn protect children across his state showed courage and a fighting spirit.

Power and Gripping Story of Redemption

Rob Buswell’s personal account of overcoming the shame of being victimized by an evil child predator as a young boy, to his struggles with school and his father, offer the reader hope through this powerful redemption story.

This is a must read for anyone with children or who battles with overcoming guilt or a checkered past.