This gripping memoir paints a very real and human picture of abuse, revealing the lifelong consequences of the blurred lines between love, loyalty, and betrayal.
More importantly, this is an inspiring story of hope.
Ellen Newhouse’s journey to recover her authentic self is filled with universal lessons of struggle, courage, and forgiveness.
“This book is inspirational, empowering, and gave me hope when I had none. To see that she was able to overcome what many are not and fight to change the cycle that she was in was wonderful. She didn't let her abuse define her and that makes her a role model for me and many others. A roller coaster ride of growing up, growing wiser and figuring out your place in the world. Capturing and beautiful even in the tough moments.”
AMY GOETZ
Artist & Healer
“Newhouse writes like a survivor ... courageous, bold, powerful and with passion. Her raw, honest account of not just survival, but triumph over domestic violence, reveals that healing is possible.”
DIXIE COSKIE
Award-winning Author of Unthinkable
A child should have a home, not a house of horrors.
Ellen Newhouse grows up trapped in the darkness created by her cruel yet charming father, mentally ill bookish mother, and their own twisted histories and pain.
This gripping memoir paints a very real and human picture of abuse, revealing the lifelong consequences of the blurred lines between love, loyalty, and betrayal. It’s also a story of hope and forgiveness as Newhouse breaks through the chains of generational abuse to become a healer and guide to others.
Nothing Ever Goes on Here is now a one-woman show directed by Jolene Adams and performed by Ellen Newhouse.
“A stunning story of abusive pain, growth and healing. Ellen Newhouse bears her soul in a beautifully written chronicle of childhood survival. Breaking the chains of co-dependency is never easy, yet her story proves it can be done with grace and honor. The parallels for me were shocking, which made it a hard read at first, yet I could not put it down. The story must be respected on several levels. Surviving abuse is no small feat I assure you. To maintain a level of self esteem, keep one foot in front of the other and move forward under such duress is an admirable quality. Ellen would simply not give up on herself. I would love to meet this woman, give her a big hug and say "Thank You"
DAVID K. SANDS
Ellen Newhouse tells her story that in parts is tough going but her brilliantly written words cajole you into continuing to see what happens next! She reminds me of a little spit-fire youngster with the spirit of a gargantuan adult, benevolent beyond words! Her tough upbringing prepared Ellen, not only to become the healer she is through her magnificent choices of written words, but also to be the curious, compassionate person she is and exudes through her thoughts, confessions, concessions and triumphant spit-fire spirit! What a role model she is for people experiencing tough times! And for those who want to know better how to help those in need who may be suffering in silence - like perhaps their neighbors, family members, co-workers, etc, etc! Ellen manages to convey effectively how outward appearances do not even begin to scratch the surfaces of inner misalignments. We readers can take hope in the fact that healings take their own unexpected pathways, which have the capacity to make us laugh and cry, be hurt, humbled, be happy, victorious and all emotions in between - on the road to all our better health! What a role model indeed! I love the gifts Ellen Newhouse chooses to share with us through her writing and healings! I highly recommend this memoir!
PEGGY LYNN
Ellen Newhouse captures the truth of living amidst dysfunction and abuse with her beautifully painted and poetic words. These words draw the reader in and create a desire for more, even though they describe many unimaginably painful episodes. She has strung together a sparkling beaded necklace, alternating humor with horror, memory with hindsight, love with betrayal, all through deft narrative and storytelling. I found myself cheering for her along the way and marveling at her resilient strength, her courage, and her capacity for love despite everything. What a role model!
Nothing Ever Goes On Here is a memoir, but it’s also a great friend and resource to those also on the path of healing. Since Ellen is quite candid with her thoughts, actions and reactions, it’s definitely a road guide for the traveler as well as a captivating story. It’s a very honest, no-holds-barred recounting of her experience, and I had to remind myself several times that everything in this book was real, that it really happened. At the end of the book is a list of organizations and resources to help victims of domestic violence and abuse. If this book doesn’t renew and continue the conversation on surviving and healing from domestic violence, I don’t know what will.
MICHELLE BRUNO
Director Jolene Adams brilliantly crafted Nothing Ever Goes On Here into a riveting one-woman show which Ellen performed in Seattle, Los Angeles and New York in 2019.