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Aug 19, 2025
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Description
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 voice: 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 voice: 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.
Product Details
| Publisher | She Writes Press |
| Publish Date | August 19, 2025 |
| Pages | 296 |
| Language | English |
| Type |  Paperback / softback |
| EAN/UPC | 9781647429423 |
| Dimensions | 215.9 X 139.7 X 22.9 mm | 401.4 g |
About the Author
Heidi Yewman is a gun control advocate, author, and documentary filmmaker. She’s best known for her first book, Beyond the Bullet, and her international award-winning film Behind the Bullet, which explores the impact of gun violence on individuals and communities. A graduate of Columbine High School, Heidi served on the board of Brady United Against Gun Violence. As a survivor of childhood abuse, she is driven by a commitment to reducing trauma and gun violence while promoting public safety through education and advocacy. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Reviews
“This memoir’s open, honest, and genuine voice welcomes readers to empathize and share their grief. . . . Dumb Girl proves a powerful, informative read of personal healing and hope . . .”—Chanticleer Book Reviews, 5-star review
“. . . [an] inspiring story.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A motivational memoir of grit and growth. Heidi inspires readers by sharing the emotional tools this so-called Dumb Girl used to survive childhood trauma, slay her past, and face the future with fierce tenacity. Perpetrators, beware.”—Regina Calcaterra, New York Times best-selling author of Etched in Sand
“Yewman’s beautifully written memoir intertwines her journey to stop gun violence with her path to healing from a turbulent childhood marked by verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. Through her mission to stand up against gun violence, she reclaims her power and transforms her pain into empathy and strength.”—Jane Epstein, author of I Feel Real Guilty: A Memoir of Sibling Sexual Abuse
“A compelling and enduring book because of the author’s openness and vulnerability in her narration. I highly recommend it to readers who value powerful memoirs that delve into complex themes of identity, resilience, social justice, and the power of personal transformation.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
“This book chronicles Heidi’s remarkable advocacy for responsible gun laws in America and her efforts to bring awareness to the survivors of gun violence. She is a survivor who knows exactly what it means to face trauma and to prevail. This heart-rending and powerfully evocative book is a woman’s triumph. Heidi never quits!”—Kathy Shorr, author of SHOT: 101 Survivors of Gun Violence in America
“Yewman’s father repeatedly told her, ‘don’t be a dumb girl,’ while her family abused her physically, sexually, and emotionally throughout her childhood. Offering profound and personal insights into violence, she became a leading advocate for gun safety. That she turned her profound smarts to this critical work is a gift to us all. Watch her film and read this book.”—Gretchen Cherington, author of Poetic License
“In this powerful memoir, Heidi Yewman, a survivor of childhood abuse recounts her remarkable journey from pain to purpose. She rises from dysfunction to become a national gun violence prevention leader, confronting fear with resilience, honesty, and purpose. Her compelling memoir is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to turn darkness into light and build hope out of tragedy.”—P. Shavaun Scott, author of The Minds of Mass Killers: Understanding and Interrupting the Pathway to Violence
“Heidi Yewman deftly interlaces childhood memories of abuse with corresponding incidents from her adult life that carved her path to healing. Leading by example, she models both self-inquiry and empathy, demonstrating how authenticity and courage help us grow and do what we each can to make this world better.”—Jude Berman, author of The Die, The Vow, and Shot
“. . . [an] inspiring story.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A motivational memoir of grit and growth. Heidi inspires readers by sharing the emotional tools this so-called Dumb Girl used to survive childhood trauma, slay her past, and face the future with fierce tenacity. Perpetrators, beware.”—Regina Calcaterra, New York Times best-selling author of Etched in Sand
“Yewman’s beautifully written memoir intertwines her journey to stop gun violence with her path to healing from a turbulent childhood marked by verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. Through her mission to stand up against gun violence, she reclaims her power and transforms her pain into empathy and strength.”—Jane Epstein, author of I Feel Real Guilty: A Memoir of Sibling Sexual Abuse
“A compelling and enduring book because of the author’s openness and vulnerability in her narration. I highly recommend it to readers who value powerful memoirs that delve into complex themes of identity, resilience, social justice, and the power of personal transformation.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
“This book chronicles Heidi’s remarkable advocacy for responsible gun laws in America and her efforts to bring awareness to the survivors of gun violence. She is a survivor who knows exactly what it means to face trauma and to prevail. This heart-rending and powerfully evocative book is a woman’s triumph. Heidi never quits!”—Kathy Shorr, author of SHOT: 101 Survivors of Gun Violence in America
“Yewman’s father repeatedly told her, ‘don’t be a dumb girl,’ while her family abused her physically, sexually, and emotionally throughout her childhood. Offering profound and personal insights into violence, she became a leading advocate for gun safety. That she turned her profound smarts to this critical work is a gift to us all. Watch her film and read this book.”—Gretchen Cherington, author of Poetic License
“In this powerful memoir, Heidi Yewman, a survivor of childhood abuse recounts her remarkable journey from pain to purpose. She rises from dysfunction to become a national gun violence prevention leader, confronting fear with resilience, honesty, and purpose. Her compelling memoir is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to turn darkness into light and build hope out of tragedy.”—P. Shavaun Scott, author of The Minds of Mass Killers: Understanding and Interrupting the Pathway to Violence
“Heidi Yewman deftly interlaces childhood memories of abuse with corresponding incidents from her adult life that carved her path to healing. Leading by example, she models both self-inquiry and empathy, demonstrating how authenticity and courage help us grow and do what we each can to make this world better.”—Jude Berman, author of The Die, The Vow, and Shot
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