RAVE REVIEWS For my book DISMISSED:
“Gisele was caught and infected by a machine that was designed and manufactured with the intention of conditioning the human brain to act like an addict. I commend her for being able to decipher some of the reasons why good people become victims which many of us advocates already knew and most of my colleagues regrettably don't want the public to know. Those facts and her belief in God saved her life.”
“Gisele's memoire is an incredibly rewarding story about Gisele's desire and ability to save her marriage in spite of her long-term addiction to VLTs. Gisele's research on the VLTs is spot-on as it reveals how the VLTs are designed by the manufacturers to "maximize playing time" and the design works wonderfully in that many people play VLTs for so many hours/days/weeks/months/years that they lose everything in the process.”
Kevin Harrigan, PhD
Research Associate Professor
Head of Gambling Research Lab, University of Waterloo, Ontario
“Your story echoed what our daughter went through—the similarities were scary. The narrative of the all-important meeting was gripping, to say the least. You were in a situation fraught with obstacles… alone with many against you. How proud I felt when at last you confronted them head on and didn’t back down!”
Keith Piercey, Newfoundland (father of VLT addict and suicide victim)
'The book is an engagingly written examination of Gisele's monumental struggle with a VLT addiction and her determined efforts to garner the strength and knowledge to eventually break free. Her story highlights the massive harms associated with uncontrolled play such as family turmoil, financial disaster and loss of self-esteem and her frustration with government officials who were not forthcoming.’
Garry Smith (Alberta Gaming Research Institute)
“It has been 16 years since my son’s suicide. ‘What’s normal, Ma?’ The simple question he asked me shortly before his death still haunts me. Gisele’s personal story of her struggles, the same struggles as my son’s and thousands the world over, provides the answers.”
Phyllis Vineberg, Quebec (mother of VLTsuicide victim)
“The advent of EGMs and their addictive qualities have reached new destructive heights. Newspapers report that in Canada, the advertising and promoting spent for gambling is 2 billion dollars per year. That is 2 thousand million dollars, over FIVE million daily to promote gambling. What chance does any truth have against this barrage? As a pharmacist, I have always had a different view of addiction, and felt there was no worse hell than to be addicted. The fact that our governments benefit from player addiction obscures social costs. I would be proud to buy your book and put it in our church library.”
I was not in right frame of mind when I started reading the book so the first couple of chapters were a slow read however it peaked my interest. After getting some well needed rest, I picked up the book again and finished reading it in one sitting. Got me thinking of how Gisele's story reflects my life and anyone's life for that matter. Very informative and thought provoking. DG, Edmonton
“Well thought out and comprehensive. I like the part about Gisele discovering she was a victim, not an addict. This should make many addicts realize what is really going on. Great read! It kept my attention all the way through.” Madelaine Gibeau, British Columbia
Gisele's honest and frank discussions about her journey left me wondering how well do I really know the people I consider closest to me? She takes full responsibility for her actions, failures and successes. By doing so, she not only learns the truth about her addiction but has the courage to visit well hidden parts of her being. The information she shares about her research is incredible, and a true gift to society. I had a difficult time putting the book down. RBG, Alberta
