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When I'm Dead

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Violet Hoffman is a planner. She’s had more than enough time—especially on holidays—to think this through. There’s really no point in turning back. Now, armed with a plan, Violet only needs to pull the trigger. She runs through her list of essentials: Motel room, check. Bottle of pills, check. Razor blades, check. Knife, yup. Purpose, check. Voice ready to be heard. Got it. Revenge, coming right up.

Violet is ready. After all, she decides, everyone is born for a reason. For most of her life, she’s been different. Since she was nine years old, she’s carried a secret that made it impossible for her to be normal. For a decade, she’s been torn between loyalties and healing. But now, finally an adult, Violet can let it all out. And it isn’t going to be pretty. But then again, being ‘pretty� and ‘special� really aren’t what they’re cracked up to be.

When I’m Dead is the story of an eighteen-year-old abuse victim alienated by her family. Ignored by a faulty system and shuffled from placement to placement, Violet is finally old enough to be heard. Sometimes, the best messages are given without words. And Violet’s always been a person of action. Where will Violet’s plan and actions take her? Will she finally get her message across? What will they think of her, when she’s dead? Will they even notice?

224 pages, Unknown Binding

First published August 8, 2016

11 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

Erin Lee

284books500followers
Erin Lee is a USA TODAY bestselling multi genre author and therapist chasing a crazy dream one crazy story at a time. She also writes under the name EL George.

She is the author of Crazy Like Me, a novel published in 2015 by Savant Books and Publications, LLC,, Wave to Papa, 2015, by Limitless Publishing, LLC and Nine Lives (2016). She’s also author of Alters, Host, and Merge of the “Lola, Party of Eight Series,� When I’m Dead, 99 Bottles and too many other titles to count.

She penned the award-winning Freak, an LGBTQ awareness novella and Losing Faith, a novella with Black Rose Writing.

Lee has published numerous magazine articles, particularly on the topic of mental illness and works tirelessly to help end stigma around psychological conditions. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and works with at-risk families and as a court appointed special advocate. She often writes about real life people and situations she encounters in this work; which can be more horrific than any horror movie or documentary.

Lee is most well known as author of the DIARY OF A SERIAL KILLER SERIES with Zombie Cupcake Press and From Russia, With Love with Bella Tulip Publishing and many more.

She believes in supporting other authors and experimenting with new genres. Her passion is reaching people through their stories.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Taylor Henderson.
Author30 books65 followers
August 18, 2016
After reading this novel, I was left speechless. Erin Lee weaves a story that is so beautifully haunting and powerful that I was left thinking about the novel for days after reading it. It took me a while to know exactly what I wanted to put into my review. I knew that I wanted to touch on just how important this novel is, but I didn't know how to. The main character, Violet, is a victim of child abuse starting at a very young age. The subject matter is extremely sensitive, yet Lee writes with such a strong voice that brings this heavy topic to light in such an strong way. As an advocate for children, Erin Lee is no stranger to dealing with tough situations like this and it is shown in her writing. I found myself in awe of Violet's strength beginning at such a young age and stretching through out the book, all the way up to the final page. Even as Violet's life changes, she continues to be held back in many ways by her sexual abuse.

I hope that this novel does just as it is intended to and brings the voice of victims out of the dark. I often found myself crying while reading, just at the thought of how messed up the system is and how something of this nature could happen, but it does everyday. No child (or anyone for that matter) should be subjected to such physical and emotional abuse. I rooted for Violet, hoping that she would one day be able to move past her family abuse, but, as shown in the novel, that is often not an easy task. As if the novel doesn't leave you thinking on your own, there are discussion questions at the end of the book which are perfect for a book club or class discussion. Erin Lee's message in When I'm Dead is something that all should hear, and though the subject matter is so tough, she does a great job of not being graphic or going into too much detail.

Before reading this novel, the only other book by Lee that I'd read was Nine Lives, which is basically the reverse of this novel. I am so happy that I read that novel first (in which two girls falsify claims of sexual abuse against their father) because now I see how the system is truly messed up on both sides. If an innocent man can go to jail based on false accusations, and a guilty man can be free after molesting his daughter for years, then you know something is wrong. For any one who enjoyed Nine Lives, I recommend this novel as well. Both are must reads and are what I would describe as "hauntingly powerful". Thank you, Erin Lee, for repeatedly opening my eyes to such problems.
Profile Image for Ebony.
671 reviews23 followers
May 16, 2017
Erin Lee has become the voice for victims...and survivors EVERYWHERE!!!!

This book is worthy of so much more then 5 stars!!! I have never read a book that has touched me and made me feel things that I had a hard time believing were out there....hope, faith, redemption.

Mrs. Lee has taken a HORRIFIC situation and shined a light on it with grace and empathy for every "Violet" out there. She has made a statement with this book. She has let survivors know that it will be ok and better things are coming. Death is not the only solution. She reminds us all that our pasts do not have to define our future. She also tells us that just because you share the same DNA as a group of people does not make them your family. Family is a gift that comes in all different forms. Some people have the misfortune of having to wait a little longer to find or make their true family.

I know that some readers are going to have a hard time getting through this book, because of the subject matter. My advice to you is not to give up on this book. Mrs. Lee has done a FANTASTIC job of being sensitive to the subject matter. She is shining a light on a problem that so many people are more comfortable believing that is just not true or could never touch them. She is giving a voice to so many who have been silenced for so long. Listen to them!!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to EVERYONE!! It will not only help you to understand a very serious problem that so many people suffer from in silence, but will help you see that even the most horrific situations can have a happy ending. It will not happen over night and there is a tremendous amount of work that has to be put into it, but it can happen. Erin Lee has told a story that proves that rainbows do happen after storms!!

Thank you for being a voice Erin!!!
Profile Image for April Wood.
Author4 books62 followers
August 8, 2016
"Beware of picket fences."

Whoa. Hold up a minute while I catch my breath...

When I'm Dead, by Author Erin Lee reads like a memoir. It spans from when Violet Hoffman - a victim of childhood sexual abuse - is nine years old, until adulthood. While she feels very alone, her voice speaks for many victims.

She's torn between living and suicide and wonders if anyone would care if she died - certainly not her mother, who never believed her. Maybe one of her foster mothers would care... but it would be fleeting. What does she have to live for?

I did good with keeping my emotions in check until the epilogue where real children's stories were added - their names changed to protect their innocence. Then, I had to get my tissues.

I found this story to not only be informative, but inspirational. It's a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Victims of sexual abuse may find this novel helpful - they might not feel so alone. Violet Hoffman, while fictitious, is a hero.

Full Review:
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,954 reviews418 followers
July 17, 2017
This is one of them storylines that I normally avoid. Child abuse. I know that it happens in real life all the time so I read fiction as a form of escapism. Having said that I'm glad I read this story. I do believe we all need to face reality now and again.

This is Violet Hoffmans story. She tells us of the raw pain and turmoil she goes through while being abused. She also lets us into her thoughts the years after being abused.

I can't say this is an enjoyable read due to the content. However it is an amazing insight into a young girls thoughts. It's really well written. A must read.
Profile Image for Gwen Sargeant.
213 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2016
I must say I have a new respect for the children, families and therapists of abused innocent children. I was overwhelmed with emotion and left speechless. I am very much impressed with the book and hope it is successful in selling. I really loved the style in which it was written and how it was told. I also loved the little stories at end from various children telling their side of their situation. It takes someone extremely special to handle such delicate situations that leaves the children scarred for life. I strongly recommend this book to anyone that even remotely thinks this may be happening to someone they know or love. It will give you an understanding of the victim or child's view of what they are experiencing, it is sad but eye opening.
Profile Image for Melissa Burcham.
240 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2016
This was a very good book. It is very insightful. It follows the life of a young girl that has experienced child abuse. The emotions and feelings in this book will tug your heart. I feel so bad for any child that has ever experienced child abuse. I am very thankful for Erin Lee writing this book and bringing light to a very sad subject. I hope that every child gets the help and support they need. I urge you to pick up this book. This is the first book I have read by Erin Lee. I look forward to reading much more of her work! Thank you, Erin, for bringing attention to a horrible situation.

I was asked for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
Profile Image for Sharon Mason.
17 reviews3 followers
Read
July 7, 2016
I was lucky enough for the author to send me a preview copy of this book. As she is one of my latest favorite authors I did know before I started that I was going to enjoy it.

I was not let down. Erin has a complete talent for writing stories that hold your imagination and keep you reading all night so that you can find out what happens.

This book takes you through a range of emotions from anger and despair, to pity, and sadness. But leaves you feeling happy and proud of the main character Violet. It is always hard to write a review and not give anything away from the story. So I am just going to say ..........read it. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Gemma Price.
Author19 books32 followers
July 25, 2017
This book broke me. The story of violet resonated so deeply with me I cried through most of it. The book is written from the victims point of view and It is in my opinion, a stark and honest account. It still amazes me with every book I read byMs Lee, how well she captures the subject matter. Although this title confronts a painful and not often talked about subject the author manages to gently take you down this path. Is it a happy book? No. Is it an important one?YES.
It is a very well thought out, well written story that needs to be read.
Another amazing read by an author who takes subjects most of us dare not go near and brings them into the light.
Profile Image for Sara Schoen.
Author84 books150 followers
August 18, 2016
Let me say that Erin Lee is the voice for children, teens, and adults who have lived, been through, and are still going through situations like this. She is the VOICE for SURVIVORS. These situations aren't easy to discuss, hard to hear, and even more aggravating when the children are ignored, left alone to deal with it, and not believed. This book follows Violet through her life as she struggles to come to terms with her final plan to force people to listen to her story, to understand that ignorance is NOT bliss and ignoring these children make it worse. It's sad that this happens and these kids are ignored by those who are supposed to help them. I think it should be mandatory reading for psych classes in high school or college, reading for English classes even! These stories need to be told, heard, and helped. No more ignoring the treatment of kids, and anyone who treats these kids as Violet's mother does doesn't deserve their kid. This is a heartbreaking story with a short happiness to give hope for the future. I will be reading more by this author because these serious issues need to be known. I'll be getting a paperback and it will passed to whoever I can give it to. Great read, highly suggested.
Profile Image for Crystal Solis.
380 reviews22 followers
August 11, 2016
When I'm Dead was a well written story about a victim of sexual child abuse and how her story came to be. Violet started being abused when she was nine years old and dos not know how to tell anyone. Her father threatened to kill her as do many child molestors. Violet was outted by her English teacher when Violet told her secret in a journal that was supposed to be private. Violet was so brave. She gave me goose bumps because she was so strong...even in her weakest moments.
This story really affected me in the most confounding way because it really hit close to home. This story made me really think about all of the children who go through such an ordeal and how many do not make out on the other side. While others make it and grow up to be the strongest people you'll ever meet.
Berlin Lee did amazing job with the story she laid out in this book. She really did speak out loud and clear about what Violet endured. This just makes me want to see what else this author has written.
Profile Image for Karen.
284 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2017
Fantastic in site to the feeling of children of abuse.

Author Erin Lee wrote 'When I'm Dead' from the child's point of view. Violet is a child with a big secret that could tear her family apart. Violet made up a friend in her head named Charlotte to save her when things got bad. When the secret was out Violet was the one that suffered. The system let her down. The staff that was over worked did their best to help but it wasn't enough. Not until Violet went to a group home did she let her hard down to make a friend. But that was short lived. Violet's life was destroyed by her secret she listed everything and everyone in her life, family included. When faced with the choice of her daughter or her husband, Violet's mother chose her father. Violet's thoughts of 'The reason I was born' were very moving. Erin Lee made you stop and think about the system, the children and the families of abuse.
Through the night Violet thinks about what she has lived through. There she sat in a cheap motel with several different ways to end her suffering. But, Violet wakes up the next morning and realized that she would be giving everyone what they wanted but, not what she wanted. She does have something to live for and it's herself. The book When I'm Dead is another example of Erin Lee's fantastic writing of the human psyche.
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,784 reviews34 followers
July 28, 2017
When I'm Dead was a startling look at the world through the eyes of an abuse victim. My heart absolutely ached for everything that Violet endured both physically and mentally. It was very hard to read and watch her suffer for so long, and my emotions took an even darker turn after her secret was exposed and her mother wouldn't believe it.
Violet was such a incredibly strong young woman. The ending of this book was very powerful and eye-opening. I am glad that Violet chose to keep fighting for what was right. She deserved so much more out of life.
The true stories to be found in the back of the book were very powerful. To be able to hear the voices of actual victims really made the reality of these terrible abuses that much more poignant. I hope that this book will continue to bring readers strength and perspective, as well as help to dissolve the stigma that remains.
Profile Image for Chelsi Tauscher.
Author11 books27 followers
July 8, 2017
This book gutted me to the core. Made me rethink choices I have made, and brought a lot of things to light. Erin is extremely talented and knows what she is doing...
Violet is a victim of abuse, from her own parents. The ones that are supposed to protect her, and love her.
Violet like so many other, are threatened to stay quiet.
This story is about how such events can cause an effect to make people think their lives aren't worth it. They can either get passed it, and hope for a better time in their life--or end the suffering.

Violet's story is an amazing one. I will gladly recommend this book to anyone that needs a good read. I stayed up all night until I finished it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Sharon Obelenus Holland.
442 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2017
Listen to the Phoenixes of the world

Yes, I used the term Phoenix. It's the best way to describe the main character in this story. Abuse comes in many forms. I for one have endured physical and mental abuse, so I can somewhat relate to Violet. The hiding what is happening and then the people who should believe, turning away from you, when needed the most. There are many types of evil in the world!! Ignoring them DOES NOT make them to away! Some are VERY good at hiding that evil. Be the person that has their blinders off. Be the one that stops it. Be the voice for those that are afraid to use theirs!
Profile Image for Alma Conchas.
367 reviews12 followers
July 30, 2017
Loved this book!

I loved this book so much, although some parts of it were hard to read thru and try to rationalize because of the story and what was happening. I truly think this book is a must read for everyone because it is a topic that is not talked about but should because this happens a lot of kids without anyone finding out and it shouldn't be happening at all. And I can't wait to read more of this author's books!
Profile Image for Meleaha Howard.
379 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2017
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would! Erin Lee takes a subject that is still taboo in our society and sheds a bright light on ot! This story follows Violet through it all. She touches on Violet's desperate urge to protect her friend, to dealing with CPS and the judicial system. It also goes into her adult life and how it is affected.
2,617 reviews25 followers
July 8, 2017
omg another awesome book you wrote! this was about a young girl who kept a secret for years of abuse. i dont know how she dealt with this for so long to want to take her life! this a must read for sure! thanks for giving me a chance to read this book!
Profile Image for Donna Owens.
Author4 books37 followers
September 18, 2017
Amazingly emotional

This was an emotional and heart breaking at times book
To see through the eye's of a young girl and watch how her life play's out is simply WOW
Erin Lee is a truly amazing and talented author
She just keeps getting better and better
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Profile Image for Shelby W.
523 reviews31 followers
April 14, 2018
Dang it, Erin! Dang it!

Kleenex cannot produce enough boxes to keep up with your written stories. It is going to take a lifetime to piece my heart back together.

Another book with such a deep message that can help so many.

Keep writing, Author Lee. Be the voice and the echo!
11 reviews
May 17, 2024
3.8 stars⭐️easy read about child abuse and foster care system
Profile Image for Rita Delude.
Author79 books151 followers
August 16, 2016
Want to know what's going on behind your neighbors' white, pretty picket fences? Read this novel, and you may find out. Follow the life of Violet from age nine on and learn of her struggle with sexual abuse by her father and the consequences of his and her actions.
If you are a parent, teacher, lawyer, social worker, or just someone who cares about kids, this is a must read. The book smacks you in the face with the ineptness of the juvenile court system, the helplessness of children, and the fact that money can often buy predators a get out of jail free card, but it also leaves you with hope for the future. So don't despair.
The author has written other books about what goes on in the social services/family court system because she works with at-risk families using her master's in psychology as a therapist supporting kids who have been traumatized. This makes her fiction ring very true and fascinating.
I've read her other books: Crazy Like Me, Wave to Papa, Nine Lives, Host, and Alters. This is by far, my favorite and gets five + stars.
Profile Image for Bradon Nave.
Author14 books41 followers
October 9, 2016
It took me a while to write this review. I was gifted a signed copy of this book from my friend, Erin. I love her work and knew I'd love this book. Erin consistently remains true to her style and who she is as an author.

This book hit close to home for me. Erin Lee has a way of evoking strong emotion regardless the topic. I had to set it down a few times but I feel authors like Erin and Books like When I'm Dead are important the literary world. They're not only a break from the relentless sea of mainstream, but they're real and even therapeutic.

This book was genuine, heartfelt, well-written and tear-jerking. I loved it.
Profile Image for M.
37 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2017
Suppose I should say why I am giving 4 stars (other 15 ratings have all been 5).

I didn't really like the ending (she just suddenly jumps into a relationship with Kevin and is suddenly gung ho about having a kid even though she was so against it before? Doesn't quite fit for me. Made it seem like all of a sudden her life was hunky dory and it can't possible be. Also I only give five stars to books that blow me away to the point where I have no desire to pick up a book for a while afterward (unless it's part of a series).
Profile Image for Lisa.
336 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2018
Wow

I don't even know where to begin with my review. This subject is so heartbreaking. In my field of work, I see so many kids that are left to wander alone and I think, wow, you're blessed with beautiful children and you don't give a crap about if they make it to or from the restroom safely. So many kids are unwanted, just an afterthought, and so many are abused, its so sad. This book is an amazing journey through an abused child's life. This author really opens your mind to what kids go through by making you feel everything this child endured.
1 review
August 18, 2016
I won’t lie, I was a bit sceptical about this book. Not entirely sure of what it would contain. But to say I was mildly surprised at the quality would be an understatement. I was in complete awe when I finished. Not only did the author tell Violet’s story and expose the “secrets� of her life but she also liberated many other young people as well. Once you read this book –and though it may not be an easy read for some� there will be no forgetting. And I promise you it is well worth it.
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