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Dumb Girl: A Journey from Childhood Abuse to Gun Control Advocacy
For fans of Jeannette Walls, Jodi Picoult, and Alice Sebold, a heartening memoir about a girl who survives abuse and molestation to become a powerful advocate against gun violence in America.
The inspiring memoir of a woman who overcomes the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of her early life to blossom into a gun violence prevention activist.
Growing up in a toxic, male-centered household where she’s repeatedly told, “Don’t be a dumb girl,” Heidi’s abused by her dad—starting with a punch in the face at five years old—and left to fend for herself by her alcoholic mom, who neglects to protect her from either her violent father or her brother who molests her. For years, Heidi’s traumatized and without a voice.
Then comes Columbine. Thirteen years after Heidi graduates from Columbine High, this horrific school shooting rocks the nation—and gives her a sudden sense of purpose. Despite her childhood wounds, or perhaps even because of them, she becomes determined to stop gun violence. Gradually, she finds her organizing vigils and protests, joining the Brady Campaign Board to battle the NRA, and eventually writing a book and directing a documentary about the after-effects of gun violence. In doing so, she finds her inner strength and resolve and overcomes her fear of conflict—and learns that when you frame it the right way, even being “dumb” can be a superpower.
The inspiring memoir of a woman who overcomes the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of her early life to blossom into a gun violence prevention activist.
Growing up in a toxic, male-centered household where she’s repeatedly told, “Don’t be a dumb girl,” Heidi’s abused by her dad—starting with a punch in the face at five years old—and left to fend for herself by her alcoholic mom, who neglects to protect her from either her violent father or her brother who molests her. For years, Heidi’s traumatized and without a voice.
Then comes Columbine. Thirteen years after Heidi graduates from Columbine High, this horrific school shooting rocks the nation—and gives her a sudden sense of purpose. Despite her childhood wounds, or perhaps even because of them, she becomes determined to stop gun violence. Gradually, she finds her organizing vigils and protests, joining the Brady Campaign Board to battle the NRA, and eventually writing a book and directing a documentary about the after-effects of gun violence. In doing so, she finds her inner strength and resolve and overcomes her fear of conflict—and learns that when you frame it the right way, even being “dumb” can be a superpower.
- GenresMemoir
Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 19, 2025
Heidi grew up in an abusive household – from physical abuse starting at the age of 5 when she’s punched in the face by her father, to sexual abuse at the hands of her brother, and emotional abuse/neglect from her alcoholic mother, she was always told, “don’t be a dumb girl.” This would traumatize anyone. Heidi also happened to go to Columbine, but not during the time of the shooting, many years before. But she did happen to know one of the victims. Columbine is the catalyst for her becoming a stay at home mom to gun activist.
She then fights for the safety of children. She organizes vigils, organizes protests, writes a book, films a documentary, and becomes a voice for those children that should have never died via gun violence.
Memoirs are not something that I read often, but this was captivating and heartbreaking in so many ways. I was heartbroken for Heidi and all of the years of abuse that she endured. I was and still am heartbroken for all of the children that have lost their life due to the senseless gun violence and those children that will lose their life that way. I shed tears reading this book. What I didn’t know was how much actually has gone on behind the scenes and how much people have been trying to fight to get things to change.
Yewman finds healing through advocacy and she really highlights how strong she really is – it’s awe inspiring. She’s a survivor, and also superwoman. There are times this book is difficult to read, but it is absolutely worth it.
She then fights for the safety of children. She organizes vigils, organizes protests, writes a book, films a documentary, and becomes a voice for those children that should have never died via gun violence.
Memoirs are not something that I read often, but this was captivating and heartbreaking in so many ways. I was heartbroken for Heidi and all of the years of abuse that she endured. I was and still am heartbroken for all of the children that have lost their life due to the senseless gun violence and those children that will lose their life that way. I shed tears reading this book. What I didn’t know was how much actually has gone on behind the scenes and how much people have been trying to fight to get things to change.
Yewman finds healing through advocacy and she really highlights how strong she really is – it’s awe inspiring. She’s a survivor, and also superwoman. There are times this book is difficult to read, but it is absolutely worth it.
August 14, 2025
4.5 rounded to 5 - RTC
August 19, 2025
I love a memoir and I am so grateful to Books Forward for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Dumb Girl by Heidi Yewman.
Heidi Yewman is a gun safety advocate and in this memoir she mixes anxiety/rage/sad experiences during her advocacy work to times in her childhood when she felt a similar way. She does an excellent job of this back and forth between these powerful moments and then these moments in her childhood where she faced terrible abuse.
I was eager to read this because in my line of work, I speak with so many parents who are scared to send their kids to school and so many kids who are scared to go to school because of shootings. I've also worked with many people who are victims of gun violence, whether they themselves have been harmed or they've lost a love one to it. Advocacy is a powerful tool that we all have the ability to do and though sometimes things are really tough and seem hopeless, Advocacy can show people that people do care and do want change.
I find that she does a great job of describing the complicated feelings that sometimes come up in those who have experienced trauma, particularly trauma from the family. I think it's important for people to put that into words so we can all go, "Wait! I felt the same way or I did that!" So that we dont feel so alone or ashamed.
I also wanted to note and express my appreciation to Heidi for focusing on the victims in shooting events, rather than the prepratraitors. Throughout this book there is mention of various mass shooting events that have happened in the U.S. and I noticed that everytime she avoids naming the shooter. I think that is an important step in taking away power and notoriety from these people that do such heinous acts.
It was a really powerful read, in many ways. If you like memoirs like me, please check out Dumb Girl: A Journey from Childhood Abuse to Gun Control Advocacy.
Heidi Yewman is a gun safety advocate and in this memoir she mixes anxiety/rage/sad experiences during her advocacy work to times in her childhood when she felt a similar way. She does an excellent job of this back and forth between these powerful moments and then these moments in her childhood where she faced terrible abuse.
I was eager to read this because in my line of work, I speak with so many parents who are scared to send their kids to school and so many kids who are scared to go to school because of shootings. I've also worked with many people who are victims of gun violence, whether they themselves have been harmed or they've lost a love one to it. Advocacy is a powerful tool that we all have the ability to do and though sometimes things are really tough and seem hopeless, Advocacy can show people that people do care and do want change.
I find that she does a great job of describing the complicated feelings that sometimes come up in those who have experienced trauma, particularly trauma from the family. I think it's important for people to put that into words so we can all go, "Wait! I felt the same way or I did that!" So that we dont feel so alone or ashamed.
I also wanted to note and express my appreciation to Heidi for focusing on the victims in shooting events, rather than the prepratraitors. Throughout this book there is mention of various mass shooting events that have happened in the U.S. and I noticed that everytime she avoids naming the shooter. I think that is an important step in taking away power and notoriety from these people that do such heinous acts.
It was a really powerful read, in many ways. If you like memoirs like me, please check out Dumb Girl: A Journey from Childhood Abuse to Gun Control Advocacy.
August 22, 2025
I just finished reading Dumb Girl by @heidiyewman and it was so good! Heidi's memoir is a dual/multi timeline about her childhood trauma, role as a gun control advocate and other challenging parts of her life such as surviving breast cancer, coming to terms with repressed memories of sexual assault and mental health struggles. I read a lot of memoirs, and what makes this one unique is the way that Heidi alternates between timelines. She does not go exclusively in chronological order, but what is really neat is that she connects her more recent timelines to her childhood through themes. While this meant a bit of skipping around in her childhood, for the most part it was quite easy to follow and it meant that the transitions between stories were very smooth. So much of our lives are cyclical, we might face a challenge in childhood that we then need to readdress as an adult and from page one to the very end of her book Heidi draws on that idea, showing her immense growth and resilience. This book is full of trigger warnings, so read with caution, but it is very well written and interesting. You feel for Heidi at each stage of her life and marvel at how accomplished and successful she is despite the absolute chaos of her very traumatic childhood. As a Canadian, I don't know very much about gun control in the US (I'm just glad that I don't have to know about it!!) and I learned a lot from Heidi and her stories. If you're American, no matter what side of the NRA you stand on, I would absolutely recommend reading it to learn more! I may also look into reading her other book and watching her documentary! Thanks so much to @booksforwardpr for sending me a copy of this amazing book. It is out now, so go grab your copy!
August 20, 2025
SPOILER FREE REVIEW AHEAD!
Wow. This was really powerful. To have gone through all she did and take that pain and turn it into power to help others and passion and empathy- it’s something really extraordinary and inspiring to me. The amount of ruthless vulnerability she shows in this memoir is perhaps not fearless, but more impressively BRAVE in the Face of the trauma she’s encountered. I appreciated that in a never ending conflict over guns she has a strong and unwavering stance in this book and in her life and doesn’t pander because it might make her more popular. You can tell when someone’s living her purpose and Heidi obviously is. I’m absolutely going to have to look up her other work and the documentary she mentions now. As someone who survived trauma - I will admit this book was hard to read, and I think it would be hard no matter whether you have trauma of your own or not. Reading someone’s unflinching account of the pain and suffering they endure, let alone the nature Heidi endured- it’s just hard. I think this is a book that is very necessary today. I think her bravery will help a lot of people that survive similar trauma. I think her perspective on gun control is one a lot of people should fully understand as well. I’m glad I read this book and I’ll be recommending it to others. It was a moving and powerful read.
Wow. This was really powerful. To have gone through all she did and take that pain and turn it into power to help others and passion and empathy- it’s something really extraordinary and inspiring to me. The amount of ruthless vulnerability she shows in this memoir is perhaps not fearless, but more impressively BRAVE in the Face of the trauma she’s encountered. I appreciated that in a never ending conflict over guns she has a strong and unwavering stance in this book and in her life and doesn’t pander because it might make her more popular. You can tell when someone’s living her purpose and Heidi obviously is. I’m absolutely going to have to look up her other work and the documentary she mentions now. As someone who survived trauma - I will admit this book was hard to read, and I think it would be hard no matter whether you have trauma of your own or not. Reading someone’s unflinching account of the pain and suffering they endure, let alone the nature Heidi endured- it’s just hard. I think this is a book that is very necessary today. I think her bravery will help a lot of people that survive similar trauma. I think her perspective on gun control is one a lot of people should fully understand as well. I’m glad I read this book and I’ll be recommending it to others. It was a moving and powerful read.
July 17, 2025
Yewman's memoir intertwines her journey to stop gun violence with her path to healing from a turbulent childhood marked by verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. Growing up, she internalized the family mantra, DBADG—"Don't Be A Dumb Girl"—which ingrained a deep sense of inferiority.
Despite the scars left by her father's anger and her sibling’s sexual abuse, she developed a resilience that became the foundation for her advocacy work. Through her mission to stand up against gun violence, she reclaimed her power and transformed her pain into empathy and strength.
This memoir highlights the contradictions of childhood abuse, moments of connection with her father coexisting with the fear of his volatility. As an adult, she finds healing in her advocacy, rewriting her narrative from one of shame to one of empowerment. In the epilogue, she writes a letter to her nineteen-year-old self, beautifully answering lingering questions and bringing the memoir to a fulfilling close. Reflecting on helping others to reclaim her lost innocence, she breaks free from the silence of her past. Her story is a powerful demonstration of resilience and purpose, showing that while trauma leaves scars, it’s possible to rise above it and create a meaningful life. This is a book that sticks with you.
Despite the scars left by her father's anger and her sibling’s sexual abuse, she developed a resilience that became the foundation for her advocacy work. Through her mission to stand up against gun violence, she reclaimed her power and transformed her pain into empathy and strength.
This memoir highlights the contradictions of childhood abuse, moments of connection with her father coexisting with the fear of his volatility. As an adult, she finds healing in her advocacy, rewriting her narrative from one of shame to one of empowerment. In the epilogue, she writes a letter to her nineteen-year-old self, beautifully answering lingering questions and bringing the memoir to a fulfilling close. Reflecting on helping others to reclaim her lost innocence, she breaks free from the silence of her past. Her story is a powerful demonstration of resilience and purpose, showing that while trauma leaves scars, it’s possible to rise above it and create a meaningful life. This is a book that sticks with you.
April 3, 2025
"Dumb Girl: A Journey from Childhood Abuse to Gun Control Advocacy" is an extraordinary story of bravery and resilience. Although she was tagged as a "dumb girl" throughout her childhood, readers learn that Yewman's tenacity, resourcefulness, and creativity make her the smartest person in the room. Challenged with a childhood marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and determined to overcome the short and longterm sequelae left in the wake of such maltreatment, readers are taken on a journey where stories from Yewman's chosen passion of gun control activism, ignited when her alma mater, Columbine High School, undergoes the famous massacre that takes the life of her beloved coach, inspire stories from her childhood. Connections between Yewman's early life and her adult life demonstrate how a person can do the hard work of healing oneself. This stunning memoir is for anyone who wants to understand how one woman's early life of trauma can blossom into a full life of triumph. I highly recommend this beautiful book.
I'm grateful for the chance to read an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I'm grateful for the chance to read an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
April 4, 2025
Absolutely unforgettable. Heidi Yewman’s memoir is a gut-punch of truth and grace — a story of surviving childhood abuse and finding her voice. I was blown away by how open and vulnerable she is, sharing things most people would keep locked away, and doing it with such clarity and compassion. I didn’t expect to be so moved, but her story pulled me in and stayed with me. I came away with a deeper understanding of what it means to survive—and to advocate for change.
DFS
DFS
August 29, 2025
In Dumb Girl, Heidi Yewman navigates a dysfunctional family life filled with cruelty, confusion, mental and sexual abuse, and brittle self-esteem. With courage and resilience, she reaches a level of achievement both personally and in the vital area of gun control advocacy that is both inspirational and constructive.
August 2, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book..
September 5, 2025
Powerful.
September 10, 2025
Raw, resilient, and deeply moving, Heidi’s journey from childhood trauma to fearless advocacy is a testament to the strength it takes to turn pain into purpose.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews