SURVIVORS OF THE MARCUS WESSON MURDERS SPEAK OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME-IN THIS SHATTERING AND INSPIRING TRUE STORY.
When local television reporter Alysia Sofios was assigned to investigate the worst mass murder in the history of Fresno, California, the breaking news lead soon became something much more -- a hope-filled relationship that changed the lives of both the young reporter and the survivors of an unimaginable crime.
FOR DECADES, the family of Marcus Wesson -- his wife, Elizabeth, and seventeen children -- lived sequestered in a social and emotional prison of Wesson's creation. None of the children ever had a childhood; going to school, playing with friends, going on dates -- all were forbidden. Together, they endured his tyrannical reign of physical, sexual, and mental abuse.
Then, in 2004, as a family confrontation erupted into a harrowing standoff, with police and SWAT teams descending on the small blue house on West Hammond Avenue, Marcus Wesson murdered nine of his children. The television reporter who got the first tip about Wesson's arrest, Alysia Sofios, would ultimately cover the case through Wesson's trial. She quickly learned that the surviving female family members -- Elizabeth, Rosie, Kiani, and Gypsy -- had nowhere to go but the streets. Torn between journalistic objectivity and her desire to help them, Sofios risked her job and her life by taking them into her home and helping integrate them into society.
Here, these brave survivors candidly recount their traumatic past and look to a bright future that now holds plans and dreams they never thought possible -- from college to careers to families of their own.
But the connections between Sofios and her newfound family deepened beyond anything anyone could have anticipated -- a bond of mutual caring and healing that was put to the test when Sofios suffered serious injuries in a car accident and found the Wesson women by her side to see her through her recovery.
Powerful, riveting, and truly remarkable, Where Hope Begins is a unique and intimate look at the resilience of the human spirit.
I could not put this book down! This amazing account of the Wesson tragedy is written with care and compassion and is a brilliant reminder that there are still people who will risk more than most to be a light in the darkness. Alysia Sofios does not try to pat herself on the back, or try to shine a light on her unbelievable bravery - her risks and the rewards that came from those risks speak for themselves. When the news of the Wesson tragedy first broke, I like most wondered how anyone could live in a situation like that. What mother wouldn't remove herself and her children from the grasp of that monster? It was obvious to the world that Marcus Wesson had abused and tortured his entire family and I could not understand why they had stayed, and how they could possibly defend him. Alysia Sofios does an excellent job of re-telling the consistant brain washing and abuse that his wife,children and grandchildren endured. I went from being disgusted and sickened by the surviving family memebers to wanting to find them and apologize for not understanding their situation. This is an excellent book - full of heart-breaking, horrid, gut wrenching sadness - only to be left with amazing, wonderful, awe inspiring hope. If there were more people willing to take the risk of caring for others in difficult situations like Alysia Sofios did, we'd be the better for it. I highly recommend this book.
"Where Hope Begins" is the first book by Fresno, California news and feature reporter Alysia Sofios. She masterfully recounts her experiences covering the nationally publicized mass murder perpetrated by Marcus Wesson upon 9 members of his immediate family in Fresno in March 2004. She injects insight, personality, worldly perceptiveness, and soul to this highly publicized tragedy in a way that would not be possible by any other reporter/writer. To say any more would spoil the twist to Alysia's story that helps make the book so uniquely special; (and far superior to the standard True Crime effort).
If you love True Crime stories, you must read this book. (it is way better than most and frankly stands up on many levels with the likes of the wonderful "Fatal Vision") If you could care less about True Crime, but just love a great story with a lot of heart, you must read this book. If you read to be entertained only, you must read this book. If you read to be reaffirmed and enriched by real life exploration of universal themes like: the fight of goodness vs. true unrepentant evil, redemption, religious devotion, unconditional love and generosity... you must read this book. If you are like me and seek all the above when you read, you must read "Where Hope Begins".
I came into it as a junkie for more scuttle on big events, and came away pleasantly surprised by the book's overall excellence and depth. Besides being one hell of a fascinating page turner, it made me think about a lot of really important issues/struggles that we all share. When that happens with me, a book becomes way more than just another way to pass the time. Highest recommendation.
You always hear the cliche, 'I couldn't put it down', when it comes to reading... well, this is the first book I've read that I COULD NOT PUT DOWN. The story of the Wesson family and what they've been through is unbelievable enough, but then add the brilliant writing of this book, the sweet stories of Sofios' relationship with the Wesson's, and you have an absolute gem. It is emotional, fun, extremely sad, gut wrenching, funny, entertaining, and moving all in one, and at different times. It goes back and forth from the family's horrendous experiences, to the inspirational story of how they were rescued by Sofios, and overcame pure hell to work there way into society... and it's done perfectly. It is the most amazing story you can imagine. A family going through the most heinous acts of sexual, physical, emotional, and mental abuse done by their father/husband for decades, being rescued by a brave and courageous news reporter, and how they all grew to be better people together.
Read this book. You will not be disappointed!
