Guy Giard learned from an early age to be a silent, good boy. But being invisible didn't stop his family, school classmates and even strangers from bullying him throughout his childhood. By adulthood, Guy questioned his sanity, sexuality and decisions. But he channeled his energy into art and studied throughout Canada and Europe. Eventually, he discovered several chosen families, and he began to address his nightmares, repressed memories and PTSD via various therapies. Art, music, humor, journaling, and meditation opened additional doors to healing.
On almost every page, I wondered at Guy's resilience. He shares heavy content in a matter of fact way but also includes emotions. I appreciated his honesty and openness.
The body work that healed him is also helpful for me. One big "ah ha" moment for me occurred when I read about how he realized that his dad who smoked was in his lungs, that his mom who couldn't stop his brothers from arguing was in his voice (or lack thereof), and rape affected his view of sex. We do hold past trauma in our bodies, but these examples are the first concrete examples I've heard others share.
Guy has encouraged me to follow my dreams and continue my healing journey. This book can encourage other readers, too, and offer hope.
Note: this book contains profanity, graphic sexual content, child abuse

The Courage To Love
From Abuse to Happiness, a Healing Memoir (Guy Giard Love's Healing Journey)
by Guy Giard
Pub Date 01 Mar 2023
BooksGoSocial
Biographies & Memoirs | Self-Help


I am reviewing a copy of The Courage to Love through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:


Guy was the silent good boy Intimidated in his family, at school and at work. He avoided attracting attention – but his nightmares caught up with him. Scared by his sexuality, alone, he desperately sought love to give meaning to his life. While his passion for the arts sends him to study in Europe, mysterious and unexpected memories emerged...



This book covers sixty years of incredible adventures spanning three continents, at times humorous, tender and even shocking, Canadian-born artist Guy Giard reveals the secret of how he healed himself from repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, low self-esteem and suicidal ideation. In this page-turner of an autobiography, you’ll be amazed at the extent to which realms as varied as music, art, journaling, humanitarian clowning, and Vipassana meditation restored Mr. Giard’s love and gave him a new purpose in life.



Guy Giard was born in the francophone province of Quebec, Canada, has lived for a number of years in Europe and has traveled to three continents. He’s a Certified Humor Professional (CHP), Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, and holds a Bachelors of Visual Art from Concordia University in Montreal, with advanced study from the Netherlands national art academy. He has received grants from the Canadian Arts Council and from the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec. An author, speaker and life coach, he has been exhibiting his artwork for over four decades, and performing as a musician for over thirty years. Under the name Uku the Clown, he has also provided humanitarian aid around the world in collaboration with Patch Adams, M.D., and gives lectures and workshops focused on healing from abuse and creating an extraordinary life.


I give The Courage to Love three out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Finished ✔️ The Courage To Love by Guy Giard!

5 ⭐️’s
Publish Day: March 1st, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: No
A story that helps abuse survivors identify their emotions better.
Talks about sexual assault, repressed memories, & PTSD
Talks about the pathways to a healing journey
This books topics are definitely triggering so please make sure you check trigger warnings before reading
Talks about empower partners, friends, & caregivers about becoming more empathetic to the feelings of their loved ones.
Definitely motivating
Kind of felt like I was reading individual sessions with a trauma counselor!
Absolutely would recommend

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