A compelling and emotional read that reflects how the author overcame public and personal betrayal and humiliation because of he actions of her husband.
Marisa Burke was a longtime news anchor at WNEP-TV in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The book explores the devastating fallout after her then-husband, Mark Kandel, a well-respected educator with a doctorate degree, was arrested for a series of predatory crimes involve teenaged boys. Burke provides a raw look at the impossible position she and her daughters were put in as well as how these charges affected her professional life.
Marisa’s account focuses on her resilience and reclamation after these devastating revelations and how she tried to protect her daughters from the fallout. The crimes of her husband are not discussed in any depth, but suffice to say that he definitely went way over any lines of decency. Not only did he try to engage these boys in illicit acts, he bought them gifts, exchanged photographs, and served them alcohol. Meanwhile, he was draining marital accounts, lost his job and lied about having another, and siphoned off family resources to use for his proclivities.
It was an emotional read and one can’t help but think that the punishment (federal prison) did not fit the crime. Not only were the lives of Mark’s family totally impacted, but also the lives of those teen boys he pursued. The author blames herself for missing or ignoring many red flags that her husband displayed, but also questions how she could have known his sexuality issues when the dated and married because of how he portrayed himself. So he was also a con man with some serious skills. Marisa was able to overcome her trauma over the years but it was difficult and painful.
I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book and the narrator, Nikki Zakocs, did an excellent job handling the topics with sensitivity and appropriate dramatic flair. The production definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre and tags: non fiction, husband sex offender, marriage and family, local news on air talent
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