Deflowered Lyric exposes the harsh realities of childhood sexual abuse by focusing on three characters. Lyric is a child whose deflowering was discovered by a trusted adult. Readers learn the fascinating details about how she handles that discovery. Another episode of abuse is hidden, triggering the reader to observe the parallel between that and Lyric's pain. Jada is fearful of hurting her mother and therefore holds her secret sin for too long. Her hush-hush could cost her life. A third character, Judith, as a child immediately tells of her abuse-and loses the person she loves for several years. Readers learn through a series of riveting scenes how much pain sexual abuse can cause, how it thrives on false beliefs, and how it both creates and empowers survivors to begin a personal journey towards healing by breaking their silence. The writer uses poetry to introduce chapters in her story that ironically has its lyrical moments. Childhood sexual abuse is nearly out of control. It may be the best-kept secret in our society. Its victims become adults with their little child's hearts troubled by the pain of their past. J.J. Staples' first novel, Deflowered Lyric should raise our awareness of these harsh realities described in graphic detail and with blunt language. The novel should stimulate parents, family members, friends, and our total society about the need to stay watchful.