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Long Dark Shadow: Minor-Attracted People and Their Pursuit of Dignity First Edition

by Allyn Walker (Author)
3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 102 ratings
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Challenging widespread assumptions that persons who are preferentially attracted to minors—often referred to as "pedophiles"—are necessarily also predators and sex offenders, this book takes readers into the lives of non-offending minor-attracted persons (MAPs). There is little research into non-offending MAPs, a group whose experiences offer valuable insights into the prevention of child abuse. Navigating guilt, shame, and fear, this universally maligned group demonstrates remarkable resilience and commitment to living without offending and to supporting and educating others. Using data from interview-based research, A Long, Dark Shadow offers a crucial account of the lived experiences of this hidden population. 
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  1. ISBN-10
    0520306368
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0520306363
  3. Edition
    First Edition
  4. Publisher
    University of California Press
  5. Publication date
    June 22, 2021
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
  8. Print length
    236 pages
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In A Long, Dark Shadow, Allyn Walker broaches this controversial topic to provide readers with a better understanding of this group, including misconceptions, identity formation, disclosure, coping strategies, resilience to sexual offending, experiences with help-seeking, and the need for the public to shift their attitudes toward MAPs if we hope to protect children."
  ― Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books

"This book paints an incredible picture of the strength, stressors, struggles, and tensions experienced by MAPs when working to ensure they do not offend. On this point, alone, the book is vitally important, offering thought-provoking insights that must be worked through in any attempt to ensure the safety of children and the wellbeing of those who are trying to be someone other than who the world thinks they are. Its insights deserve consideration among a wide audience of child protection advocates, criminologists, policymakers, and those interested in the social and legal regulation of sexuality in our society." ― Critical Criminology

"In A Long, Dark Shadow, Allyn Walker tackles an area that has been historically under-researched and incredibly sensitive and complex. Fundamentally, the book explores the challenges that minor-attracted persons (MAPs) experience in their everyday lives from suffering perceived and real stigma from others, a lack of understanding of their needs by healthcare professionals and the constant fear of being ‘outed’ as a MAP, and ramifications from the criminal justice system when they are inevitably confused with convicted sexual offenders. It is this distinction between MAPs and convicted sex offenders which is the focus of Walker’s book in emphasizing that a thorough understanding of the difference is essential for future policy development and further education of the public, practitioners and criminal justice personnel." ― British Journal of Criminology

From the Back Cover

"A Long Dark Shadow tackles an extraordinarily difficult topic—one that is misunderstood by the public, debated by scientific researchers, and contentious in clinical circles. Walker skillfully navigates the complex and delicate web of social, moral, and psychological issues in a narrative woven together with facts, personal accounts, compassion, and evidence-based recommendations. This book will help prevent harm and enhance well-being."—Jill Levenson, Professor of Social Work, Barry University

"A truly unique, important, and compelling contribution to our understanding of an extremely misunderstood and highly stigmatized group. Presented with care, empathy, and compassion."—Leigh Harkins, Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of California Press; First Edition (June 22, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 236 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0520306368
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0520306363
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 102 ratings

Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7 out of 5
102 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

DT
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and groundbreaking work
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a groundbreaking book covering a subject that we are still very much in the dark ages on as a society in truly understanding. Walker makes a very important distinction between those who have unwanted feelings and attractions and those who actually act on them.

More controversial aspects, such as a subset of those who Walker interviewed who admitted to viewing pornography as a coping mechanism are also explored and rationalized from the perspective of the person being interviewed, but never defended.

Some of the reviews here thinking this book is normalizing abuse obviously neither read or understood anything that Walker wrote.

This book would be a great read for any person, young or old who has struggled with these feelings as a first step to finding therapists, support groups and a community that will accept them. I think therapists would also find this book very useful.

My heart aches for MAPs.
I really have to give huge props to the author for taking such a huge personal risk on talking about such a controversial issue. This book will undoubtedly help prevent abuse and hopefully lead more people to treatment.
44 people found this helpful
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Mrs Kory
1.0 out of 5 stars Gave it a chance…
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2023
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I bought this book to try my best to be open and understand the other side. My opinion has not moved an inch. If they are having these feelings, they should get real help. We can’t and should not normalize these feeling EVER. This book is a load of garage and even Amazon didn’t care to take it back after they refunded me for it.
9 people found this helpful
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Brent
5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023
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I went into reading this book wondering am I am MAP but the first chapter made it clear I wasn’t. But I kept reading anyway & it’s sad but also life altering. The fact we know so little of sexuality in general leaves MAPs as an orientation underclass. Excluded from LGBTQ+ due to the stigma being projected onto the movement. There’s no easy answer to an adult wanting a toddler. There’s no possible way to reconcile that, but it would be beneficial for society to step outside of comfort and learn more about MAPs which is much more faceted than it may appear. The author risked everything to open this door.
4 people found this helpful
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Riley R.
4.0 out of 5 stars Science Based
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2024
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This will be long, but if you've read all the negative reviews and you're curious what this book actually says and why it's not terrible then please read.

I'll start at the end. I read the entire book, including the appendices. I haven't gotten through the notes yet. I will.

Appendix B covers the research methods and ethical considerations among other things. I wish I'd started there. I knew the book was research based, but it was hard to get onboard with this material in Chapter 1. It was easier after I read Appendix B.

I want to further preface this by saying the author is a member of the LGBTQIA2S community. I both did know that when I began reading, but didn't really know any details until later in in the book. I was so desperate for info on this topic that I ran with this book-- despite the complaints and read it without much background.

Why is that fact about the author cruicial? Well, Chapter 1 sets the playing field for the book. The author (they/them) submits that MAPs share a sexuality that is as valid as the LGBTQIA2S community. Wow! Right? I just couldn't get completely on board with that at all at first. I still struggle to give the topic that much validity and the only defense of that largely prejudicial attitude is that is a slippery slope. But is it? We're talking about feelings versus actions. Once that line is crossed, all bets are off. Still. I struggle with it.

That's the reason for the 4* instead of 5. It's very well written. I just think the argument for the validity of the sexual orientation went too far. I can get that is a sexuality in the strictest sense. I just don't think giving them a flag is the best move. (My words. The author doesn't mention flags.)

I'll put my interest in this topic at the very end in case that's important to anyone.

The book moves on from Chapter 1 to say that the stigma and shame dumped on all MAPs is harmful and does more to contribute to people crossing the line of feelings and actions than to prevent it. This I completely agree with.

The idea is the more people are forced to hide, the more shame they feel, the less likely they are to reach out for support or assistance and less likely they are to receive it if they do anyway. This is clear in the interviews that this book is based on.

The book goes on to discuss resiliency against person offenses. I found this to be extremely enlightening and helpful for my particular reasons for reading it.

So, brief background on why I picked up this book:

It came to light that a close friend of mine is a MAP. No person offenses. Just is a MAP. (Minor Attracted Person)

I was doing my best to not jump to conclusions or react out of prejudice.

This book gave me a solid jumping off point to learn what I *need* to know to be there as a support for my friend.

I can't control how other people feel or react, but I implore people to not act/react to this subject until you have valid information from the lived experiences of non-offenders.

The details here matter gravely. An attraction does NOT equal actions. That's the most important take away of this book.

I'll end here.

Please read Appendix B first of you decide to read the book. It helps with perspective.
2 people found this helpful
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Seqzz
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
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If you're interested in or need to know more about pedophilia and pedophiles then this is a great book to read.
2 people found this helpful
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Pokekenz
1.0 out of 5 stars HOW are we normalizing this
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
HOW ARE WE NORMALIZING PEDOPHILIA!? I understand someone being born one way. But the child they are sexually attracted to? IS A CHILD. IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO APPROACH THEM. This is taking advantage of children in a sexual manner and it will never be okay. As soon as that child has grown up enough to be of an age to be mature enough about it to contemplate a relationship with their pedophiler, then they are too old to be of interest to said pedophiler. Thus creating a cyclic toxic unfortunate cycle. I say unfortunate because I truly wish everyone to be able to be happy. But sometimes if that happiness comes at the cost of a child’s emotional and mental health then it is not worth it. Children are to be protected. Mentally and sexually and physically protected. Biologically we aren’t adults until our brain develops all the way, which happens in the 20s. Look it up. If you can’t wait for the person you love to grow up enough to love you back then you’re taking advantage of them and lying to them. And yourself.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Max
5.0 out of 5 stars Precisely what is needed.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book should be one of many to adorn the libraries of universities across the world. Ignorance of such a taboo topic is no cure for the Idiocracy that clings to those who condemn it. I think back to when I watched a talk by a woman regarding such a sexual orientation: how society treats MAPs and how counterproductive such thinking is. These individuals in question need more support and understanding.
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Azita
5.0 out of 5 stars An avant-garde work
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a must-read for all , especially for mental health service providers and students in all areas of mental health. This book challenges stereotypes around one of highly stigmatized groups in our society and has been written by an academic, social worker. Highly recommended.
11 people found this helpful
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