Forthcoming May 2023 from Apprentice House Press
"Heartbreakingly painful and inspiring, this memoir goes straight for your heart."
Judy Goldman, author of Child: A Memoir, a 2022 Katie Couric Media Must-Read New Book
"Beautiful storytelling. I’m a better person for having read this book."
Ronni Robinson, author of Out of the Pantry: A Disordered Eating Journey.
“A raw, honest account."
Judy Barron, author of There’s a Boy in Here: Emerging from the Bonds of Autism.
"This is the perfect book for any mother who has searched for answers for a child or a greater understanding of herself.”
Julie Vick, author of Babies Don’t Make Small Talk (So Why Should I?) The Introvert’s Guide to Surviving Parenthood
Preorder now!
Can a woman who never learned to stand up for herself find the courage to speak up for her son?
Karen is a happily married, slightly frazzled mother of two when her eight-year-old son, Matthew, develops a strange eye-rolling tic.
Matthew’s tics quickly multiply. He becomes clumsy and lethargic, a gifted program dropout. Karen tries to get her husband and their pediatrician to acknowledge what’s happening, but they dismiss her concerns. As a people-pleaser, Karen lacks the skills to assert herself and stifles the growing dread in her heart.
For three years, Matthew steadily deteriorates while Karen questions if she possesses the fortitude required of motherhood. Finally, desperation breaks through her fear of conflict, and she demands answers, only to be horrified by the truth.
Matthew has a brain tumor.
A delicate surgery and promise of complete recovery convince Karen her battle is over. But she is wrong. The ensuing years launch her on a journey of perseverance and personal growth she never imagined, teaching Karen just how weak she is--and then exactly how strong.
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