Dear Victor, I have just finished reading your book, "A Private Family Matter" which I immediately bought after seeing you tell your story on the Montel Show. You are truly an inspiration to all of us survivors of domestic violence. I am about the same age as you are so as I read your book it brought memories of my own childhood hell. My alcoholic father was very abusive both mentally as well as physically. I remember the sound of his truck as it drove up our driveway, would wake me up from a deep sleep and my stomach would start hurting because I knew what was coming. Painful memories of my mother cowering in the corner of her bedroom as he kicked her until we would come to her rescue by distracting him with kitchen knives so he would chase us. Mom would than make a run for it with whatever strength she had left over. Memories of our family dog, getting a beating because he was so drunk that he would trip over "Lobo". I can't tell you how many times I had to lay your book down so I could just cry until I got tired.I will be praying for the next time you come to our city to speak for the NNEDV. I will be in the front row waiting to meet you personally. May God continue to bless you and your family as well as use you to give us hope for the future. Sincerely, Isela (San Diego, CA)

Victor, It was so good to see you again in Dallas. I am amazed and proud of you when I hear you speak of your life. You are an amazing man! I am so Thankful that you came and shared your story and your time with us, Mid-Cities SOS, last year. You are such an inspiration to all of us, those that are victims of abuse and those of us that are making an effort to end the cycle. Your book has inspired me to do even more for others. Thanks so much for sharing your story with so many. I am recommending your book to everyone I can. Thanks and Love to you and your family. God Bless You All.

KUDOS TO YOU !!! great courage and personal triumph !!!!! Your life story will help me with my first pre-game speech this upcoming season !!!! Mike Fallon

We have your book in our library (I am the librarian) and I have read it - now I am going to go out and buy a personal copy. I am interesting in giving further thought to your father from an analytical psychological viewpoint - his sadism and other qualities (something you have probably given more thought than you wanted to already). Everyone here at the Center admires you. One thing that shines out in the book is your great sense of humor. I for one would like to see you get to play comedy roles.

Dear Victor, I just finished reading your book, "A Private Family Matter", which I went out and bought as soon as I saw you on the Montel Show. You are indeed a great inspiration to us victims of domestic violence.I am the same age as you and lived through domestic violence in my home.What really stayed with me was witnessing the physical abuse my mother indured in the hands of my father on a daily bases.It would get to the point where my siblings and I would run to the kitchen to arm ourselves with kitchen knives to distract my father so my mother could get up and make a run for it instead of just cowering in the corner of her bedroom and get kicked with my Dad's heavy work boots. Memories surfaced as I read through your book, at times,I would just take a break and cry with pain as if I had just gone through it myself.My Dad would also beat our beloved German Shephard dog, "Lobo", until he would tire out. I will keep your book forever and share it with as many people as I can. May God continue to bless you and your entire family. I too would like to get involved...suggestions are welcomed.

thank you so much for being the bold person you are.and thank you for being strong enough to break the silence.not only for yourself but for a whole new generation that will read your book,but that might also have the courage to break thier silence!!god bless u and mim and eli!! oh yeah mim and i share the same birthday!! thats cool! -reagan

Mr.Rivers I am still reading your book. I have to take breaks. To many nightmares, you know. It has been 17 years since my oldest son and me are free. Thank you for sharing your story.

i recently e-mailed you regarding my sister-- amurder victim--at the hands of her husband--who killed himself. thank you for being there to inspire and offer courage.

Victor, I saw an interview you had on Montel and I heard your life story and I wanted to read your book so bad. Well my boyfriend got me the book for my birthday and I read it immediately. Now my mother is reading it. Anyways I would like to say im sorry for your past but im very proud of how you grew up to have a wonderful wife and beautiful son. And Im sure he looks up to you very highly. Also I thought your book was funny, sad, and very describable but I loved it. Thank you so much for the experience and I'll probably read your book another 5 times ha ha. But I hope life gets a lot better for you and your family. God Bless you all! Sincerely, Casey

mr.rivers i just want to tell you that you are really fine and you are such a great actor.. i like all the movies you done.. i also want to tell you that I LOVE YOU!!!