RDB
David takes the reader on a flyby mission reflecting on moments in his life from sexually abused boy to a coffee encounter in Afghanistan as a senior naval officer which will make you smile. One man's journey from abused boy to compassionate warrior male. David tells the story in a series of flashbacks which weave the present with the past authentically and well - evidencing compassion for himself and the reader. I would recommend anyone who wants to see male survivor post-traumatic growth (PTG) in action to read this book ..... Per ardua ad astra
Rev. Ronald D. Lemmert
As a member of the Catholic Whistleblowers, I have heard countless stories of individuals who have been molested by clergy. Many tragically ended in addiction and/or suicide. Very few, however, were so successful at overcoming the damage to rise to such heights as Lieutenant Commander David Lewis. This is a well written account of his heroic struggle.
Cassandra E
Few adults, let alone children have the courage to speak or write of the shame involved in childhood sexual trauma, particularly when we've been manipulated, groomed and coerced by people who are supposed to love and protect us, those who feign righteousness and proximity to the Divine.
David Lewis' courageous journey inward to examine how life's current smells, sounds, sights trigger past abuse is a must read for those still grappling with the ubiquitous phenomena all CSA survivors experience-that vacillation between terrifying true memories and the mind's need to stifle them, then ask if they really happened. His realistic style of moving in between training, travel, work and simple moments, like drinking coffee, or a fellow soldier smoking a cigarette to explain what triggers and memories of abuse feel, touch, sound, taste like help other survivors to know they are not alone. A lemonade, 1960s blue kitchen counters, turquoise Naugahyde chairs can bring us back to our moment of abuse in a moment. From locked doors in priests private quarters or within his own family home to US Army Jeeps in his work abroad with the Royal Canadian Navy, Lewis opens a window into a soul that still lives in terror from 40 years prior to now, a goal to empower others.
Nancy O'Grady
In his book, Altared Boy, David Lewis attempts and succeeds in no uncertain terms to shine a light on unspeakable, unconscionable and heinous treatment by abusive Catholic priests. Each page delivers a gut-punch. LCdr Lewis uses flashbacks to weave chapters of his life together in an exceptionally readable and compelling way. David's ability to connect past trauma to later life choices and to the soundtrack of his adult life will leave the reader with no doubt about the scope of abuse by priests or the deep trauma that inevitably follows the victims for the rest of their lives. His story-telling is riveting. You are there. You hear it. You see it. You must acknowledge it. You must process it.
