Break Free from Gaslighting

Steps for Healing from Manipulation, Mental and Emotional Abuse

By: Annette Smith

Narrated by: Faith Rubalcava

Here's the truth of the matter. If that’s where you are at this moment, you’re not alone. I was in your shoes. I felt those things. I worried about the same exact things. The words "gaslighting" and “emotional abuse” weren’t in my vocabulary back then. I was young and in my first “real” relationship. I didn't have the language or the relationship experience to describe how I was slowly losing trust in my perceptions or how my confidence was eroding one heartbreak at a time. I didn’t recognize the manipulation. His yo-yo treatment was commonplace. He’d go full-on rage when he said I forgot to get pop at the grocery store, standing inches from my face, screaming at me.

I was positive I bought it, but couldn’t find the pop or the receipt to prove otherwise. He would only apologize for getting so angry later, saying he was just worried that I was forgetting so much. It left me confused and hurt. It made me believe it was my fault for not being better. All of his anger and manipulation made me feel like I was crazy. More than that, though, it made me feel completely alone. That’s why I’m writing this book, because I want you to know you’re not alone. More importantly, you’re not crazy. I've walked this path and I’ve felt the wrath of a partner I thought loved me. Trust me, I’ve been there. I've felt the fog of confusion, the sting of self-doubt, and the profound relief of finally seeing the truth. These words are for everyone who has ever lingered in their car, afraid to go inside their home.

For anyone who has ever apologized for something they didn't do, to keep the peace. For every person who has ever thought, "Maybe I am just imagining things, or maybe this is part of being in a relationship. Maybe this is normal." There is nothing normal about any of it. Throughout this book, we'll explore what gaslighting really is, how it’s tied up with mental and emotional abuse, how to recognize it in all its subtle forms, and most importantly, how to break free from its grip.

©2025 Annette Smith (P)2025 Annette Smith

How to be free from gaslighting

Break free from gaslighting was an enlightening learning experience. Before this book, I didn't have a name for what I was experiencing. I didn't know that other people experience the exact same thing. Many chapters hit very close to home. The examples given were very relatable. I learn a lot, and I especially learned some tools on moving forward and growing. Thank you.

Finding Your Truth Again

In a nutshell this audiobook sheds light on the damaging effects of gaslighting while offering clear, supportive guidance on how to recognize manipulation, rebuild self trust, and reclaim your voice.
In Break Free from Gaslighting, Annette Smith takes a compassionate yet empowering approach to a difficult subject. The audiobook explains how gaslighting can subtly distort a person’s sense of reality, often leaving them feeling confused, anxious, and unsure of themselves. Through relatable examples and straightforward explanations, it helps listeners identify red flags and better understand the dynamics of emotionally manipulative relationships.
What makes this listen especially insightful is its focus on rebuilding. It doesn’t just define the problem it offers practical tools to help listeners regain confidence, set boundaries, and trust their own perceptions again. The advice feels grounded and actionable, making it useful for those currently navigating these situations or healing from past experiences.
Narrator Faith Rubalcava delivers the content with a calm, reassuring tone that complements the subject matter well. Her steady pacing allows space for reflection, which is important given the emotional weight of the topic. The narration adds a layer of comfort, helping the listener feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
Because of its relatively short length, some sections may feel like they could go deeper, but the concise format also makes it accessible and easy to revisit when needed. It’s a solid starting point for anyone seeking clarity and encouragement.
Overall, this listen was an insightful and empowering resource that helps you recognize manipulation, restore your sense of self, and move forward with greater confidence and emotional strength.

A great book that offers so much!

This is such a powerful and validating read. It does an excellent job of clearly explaining what gaslighting looks like and how deeply it can impact yourself and your self-worth. This book breaks things down into a compassionate, easy-to-understand way, offering practical steps for healing and rebuilding confidence. I especially appreciated the advice and tone, it feels like a supportive guide rather than just a textbook. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to understand and recover from emotional manipulation

Break From Gaslighting: best self help title

Break Free From Gaslighting is by far one of the best self help titles I have come across in a while. I grew up with a narcisistic father who gaslit me as a young adult into thinking that he wasn't a bad father. "I never made you do THAT." became such a used phrase from him. I didn't recognize any of the patterns, and if I was called out by friends for how he was/is, I would always say, " That is just how he is though,,,,, is it really that bad?" but hearing the audiobook and realizing the patterns and how he spoke to me and how it wasn't ok, it all made swense when my friends would call out the behavior. And now that I am a parent myself, I needed help in pointing out the behavior so I don't become a gaslighter for my kids. If you think you have been gaslit, or if you are, get this audiobook and just sit for the whole book. Take it in and remind yourself that bit isn't your fault that they are like this.

The truth about a Narcissist

This book is worth the listen. I will be listening to part two as well. I have learned, from beginning to end, that a gaslighter is someone who is a narcissist. This book is well written and the narrator keeps you engaged. I would refer this book to anyone going through tough relationships. Empowering and insightful, this book is a necessary tool for anyone's library.