A childhood shattered.
A courageous decision to expose the truth.
A lawsuit that changed lives—at a devastating personal cost.
blindsided: a memoir of love, loss, and legal abuse
Sometimes the legal processes to pursue justice are more traumatic than the original sins committed against you.
When David Samarzia informs leaders of Redeemer Lutheran Church that their pastor had molested him in boyhood, he doesn't ask them for a dime, or even an apology for the trouble the abuse caused in his life. He wants one thing only—that they call off a mission trip for kids who would be staying with the predatory minister. That’s all. He fully expects the church to take care of its own problem. But in a bewildering turn of events that makes national headlines, he becomes embroiled in a vicious legal battle that will challenge all he believes in.
Unfolding against the backdrop of Minnesota's beautiful north country, David's story exposes the dark underbelly of our justice system and the lawyers who perpetuate it. With unflinching honesty, he writes of other people's failures ... and his own. Yet Blindsided is no mere tell-all memoir. At its heart is a father-son story of family love, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of evil, even when it costs them everything.
“The church won’t want to set a precedent; they’ll stonewall you as long as possible. When the church is sued,
it shouldn’t act like a gambling casino. It’s absolutely shameful! Why didn’t the church just apologize? Repent? The lawyers are calling the shots.”
Reverend Dr. Robert Preus (d.1995), Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
scholar and past president of Concordia Theological Seminary
To David Samarzia, accurate details have always been important, both as an
accountant and as an author. For decades he’s held onto numerous boxes of
documentation for his memoir — an indication of his determination to have the
truth known and lives changed for the better by what he learned along the way.
netgalley reviews
"This author evoked so many feelings I have never experienced before. If you know anyone who struggles with these issues, I would urge them to read this book. It will change their life. Totally powerful, honest, and helpful. If I could give this one more than 5 stars, I would do it." Mike M
"Wow, what courage to first survive this horror show, to being determined to get through this, while helping as many people as he can as he goes... I felt every feeling, which obviously I cannot, but I found myself putting the book down several times - just to take a breath. I read through this book in a few days. Excellent writing, excellent pace and excellent inspiration." Tina A
"The author is applauded for sharing his story with readers and for his willingness to step up and help stop the abuse from happening to others in his community. It was inspirational, hopeful, and empowering." Cheri S.
"This is an immensely powerful and searingly honest account of sexual abuse and its lifelong effect on the writer's life and the lives of his family. The abuse is shocking, but the failure of the church to address the issue, and the aggressive tactics of its lawyers, is horrifying. I was all too aware of evil men preying on children, but had never before encountered the term 'legal abuse'.
I hope this book will reach a huge audience so that David's wish to protect other children by the stand he took against the church over so many years is not in vain. Irene M.
"In these pages, David Samarzia has shared a deeply personal story that was challenging to write... Here is a reminder of the depths, the depravity, and the wounding power of sin... Sin so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1). Does it ever! It is my prayer that these pages will help all of us to serve the David Samarzias of this world in a more Christ-like manner.”
Reverend John Lehenbauer, pastor,
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
“This book clearly shows the painful legal process and how it can create a secondary victimization. I’m sure it will be very helpful to readers, victims, their families, lawyers, the media, clergy, and therapists.”
Dr. Mic Hunter, specialist in male sexual abuse and author of
Abused Boys: The Neglected Victims of Sexual Abuse and
Honor Betrayed: Sexual Abuse in America’s Militia
“Blindsided is more than a courageous, deeply moving account of surviving childhood sexual assault. That was just the beginning of the journey for Samarzia, who then sets out to stop a serial predator, spare other children, and hold institutions accountable. His inspiring quest for justice turns into a years-long, legal ordeal from hell, illuminating the cruelty of a system that retraumatizes victims and shields perpetrators. It is our good fortune that Samarzia has emerged to tell the tale in this important, timely, and urgently needed book.”
Stephen Mills, author of Chosen: A Memoir of Stolen Boyhood
“David, I am thrilled to hear that you are finding some time to write the book that should be written by you. The pain you have suffered and the trials that you have endured give you knowledge. This knowledge can be useful and advise future generations. You have already made a difference with your advocacy in bringing the truth out regarding child molestation.”
Becky Lourey, MN State Senator, retired
disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on the opinions of the author and presented with the understanding that he does not intend to render any type of medical, psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice.