Tornado Warning: A Memoir of Teen Dating Violence and Its Effect On A Woman's Life Paperback – February 1, 2011

I really learned a lot from Elin Stebbins Waldal's book. Her narrative made me take a new look at my own life and the lives of others. She has given such a truthful and powerful witness on how romance can lead to hell. Especially important for young people (mostly girls but some boys too) to know the warning signs: meeting someone who your peer group and family doesn't know, becoming involved very quickly before you know much about the person, becoming increasingly isolated from others as the new love interest demands more time and attention, wanting to free oneself but feeling sorry for the other, feeling less sorry as the other becomes more abusive, but still unable to get away(and the control/abuse increases proportionately until the relationship ends, possibly in death). So important that we are aware of the warning signs of destructive relationships and do our best to help one another! I was especially moved by the ending of Elin's book which is beautifully written and which left me with renewed hope and faith in people.

The book provides insight into how anyone could find themselves in an abusive relationship and have a hard time walking away, hoping and believing things have improved.Elin Stebbins Waldal bravely tells the story of how she was a smart, confident, succeeding girl and then found herself in a cycle of abuse with a needy, erratic, sometimes sweet, sometimes violent, boyfriend.Parents with kids that are dating or anyone in a relationship now or in the future will be interested to learn some early warning signs.

Elin writes about teen dating violence from her own firsthand experience. She shares her journey so that others might find healing and understanding. This book helps lend understanding to those parents of teens who might know or suspect that their child is in an abusive relationship. It also could very well be the book you need to begin to understand and heal from any past trauma you might have suffered.Brava, Elin! Thank you for writing this book.

Abuse is so hard to understand and at the same time hard to imagine first hand if you have not directly been in an abusive relationship yet Elin Stebbins Waldal puts you through her experience and it is heart wrenching. Yet this is also story of being saved as well. It is also a story of healing. A very powerful book that reminds us that relationships aren't always what they appear and that as parents we need to teach and to stay connected to our children. It also helps us to understand that even strong people can get caught in terrible situations. I highly recommend this book as a book group read and it would benefit any who work with teens, whether they are teachers, social workers, psychologists or adolescent physicians.

I liked the creative title and the sad fact that we often ignore tornado warnings until damage is done. For the teen audience she told the story from an excellent vantage point. It is a great resource for parents to give their daughters. It was a physically violent depiction which seems to get more attention in society then the emotional damage which stays under the radar and often does more damage to our beautifully precious teenage daughters. Elin did a great job writing this important resource.

An interesting read. There were some parts that you could see coming but I love that there were diary entries and an older Skin's view of her own past life.

I could not put this book down.Elin Stebbins Waldal's memoir "Tornado Warning" is a great read that inspires one to reach for the best in life. The candor and vulnerability in her writing draws you in and takes you with her during this tumultuous time in her life. You will feel for her pain and cheer for her triumphs!While a must read for teens and parents, it is a truly fascinating book anyone would enjoy.

So many books have been written on the subject of dating violence, but many fail to give the reader a clear understanding of why someone would stay in this type of relationship. Elin's memoir is probably one of the clearests examples of how someone g...moreSo many books have been written on the subject of dating violence, but many fail to give the reader a clear understanding of why someone would stay in this type of relationship. Elin's memoir is probably one of the clearests examples of how someone gets sucked into this type of relationship, and why it is so hard emotionally to break away from one.Elin describes it perfectly in her book how the victim is lured into an abusive relationship. The abuser doesn't start hitting you right away. They draw in, and make you feel like you are the most important person in the world which is a big part of why it is difficult to walk away. Who doesn't want to feel like they are best thing in the world!? Once they have that card in place then begines the needy part. They claim that they can't live without you making you feel like you are the only one that can help them.Elin was drawn in like I described, but when it came to choosing herself or this man that abused her she chose herself. So many women and men choose their abuser, but Elin is a survivor! By sharing her story hopefully she can not only help those in similar situations, but also help family and friends understand what to look for if they suspect someone they love are being abused.