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“Not for the faint of heart, Christine Rose’s memoir, One Reason to Live, describes her strength and willingness to build her life back into a state of well-being after multiple traumas including sexual violence, an ending marriage, and some very confusing relationships. Poignant, yet hopeful, this book will evoke many emotions in its readers. Christine’s wonderful travel stories, complete with a cast of adorable pets she takes care of, will have readers laughing, crying, and cheering.”
~Kristi Elizabeth, San Francisco Book Review
One Reason to Live: A Memoir About Surviving Trauma by Christine Rose is a gripping memoir of a survivor of trauma who shares her journey of overcoming immense pain and finding hope and purpose in life. The story chronicles her struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts after experiencing abuse as a child and enduring a series of traumatic events in her adulthood. Much like survivors of abuse, survivors of trauma have a hard time getting back into the groove of living life because, sadly, mental scars are much harder to fight. Through her vivid and honest storytelling, Rose describes the long and arduous process of healing and finding her way back to a fulfilling life. She takes us on a journey through her therapy sessions, her struggle with trauma recovery, and her eventual realization that she needs to make a change to overcome her past.
What makes this memoir particularly compelling is Christine Rose’s ability to convey the raw emotions that come with trauma and the healing process. She does not sugarcoat the difficulties of recovery but instead offers a powerful message of hope and perseverance for anyone who has experienced trauma. The narrative becomes a little too raw at times, the emotions run high, and we are caught up in it. I barely controlled my emotions at times as Christine’s journey became quite painful. The narrative style is simple yet so powerful that it makes sure we feel connected and part of the story, rather than as casual bystanders. One Reason to Live is a prime example of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and support to overcome even the most devastating of circumstances. It is a must-read for anyone who needs inspiration and encouragement in their journey toward healing and self-discovery.
~ Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
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Christine Rose’s One Reason to Live: A Memoir About Surviving Trauma opens with a moment of crisis in the author’s life. She already considers herself a failed author and filmmaker. But failing as an author is far less than what Ms. Rose has experienced in life. She has suffered from multiple traumatic events, including sexual assault and divorce after fifteen years of marriage, and it is more painful because she didn’t make the choice to leave her husband. Her life has been characterized by depression and suicidal thoughts, and having hit rock bottom, she wakes up with a strong desire to reinvent herself. On a scrap of paper, she writes the words: ”Reasons to Live.” After a few days, she remembers her dream of traveling to Europe. She knows what to do to change her life and heal. Follow her on a journey that evolves against the backdrop of new landscapes, new cultures, and the company of animals.
The opening pages of this memoir document a tragic incident involving the author’s husband, Ethan Rose, with poignancy, and the reader’s connection with the author is immediate. Her desperation and sense of despair are captured in descriptions that are vivid and in prose that is clear. Her personality is wonderfully sculpted and as readers follow her journey from page to page, they become acquainted with the darkness that invades her soul. It is a tale of healing, but also one of self-discovery. The author unveils a lot of learning through her therapy sessions but what makes this memoir a winner is the compelling message that when broken individuals make the decision to face their past, they begin to create a life of purpose and significance. One Reason to Live: A Memoir About Surviving Trauma is an irresistible story about surviving trauma and life-changing decisions. It is a moving story that is seasoned with the author’s literary intelligence, and while the pathos rubs off on the readers, they can’t fail to note the many lessons on the connection between choice and healing.
~ Daniel Rhodes, The Book Commentary
After decades of suffering from wrongly diagnosed complex PTSD and accumulating traumas, Christine Rose finally gets the proper medication and a good job. Things are looking up for her until she discovers her marriage is undermined by lies and poor communication, which sends her spiraling down a path of disappointment and regression. Fortunately, she answers a desperate call to cling to life by following her dream to travel to Europe and work remotely. In Europe, she experiences the beauty of unique and distinctive art and culture and meets several adorable pets while pet-sitting for various clients. However, she also has to defend herself against predators as she fights the sinking feeling of loneliness and tries to make friends in her travels. Follow Christine Rose as she embarks on a daring, spontaneous adventure in Europe and fights challenging internal battles in One Reason to Live.
Unlike popular social media posts that mostly bring appealing stories to light and leave the ugly truths in the shadows, One Reason to Live reveals the daunting pressures that shaped the protagonist into the diamond she is today. Through her sincere, poignant, and courageous storytelling, we see her imperfections and deep emotional struggles. Christine Rose appears creative, resilient, and polite despite her troubling past and encounters with sexual predators. Art lovers will enjoy experiencing Michelangelo’s David, the Raphael Rooms, and other European arts through the book’s exciting and vivid descriptions. One Reason to Live is a fantastic read. It educates, entertains, motivates, and tugs at your heartstrings. It fills you with life in all its true colors. I loved it and learned that our world still has a long way to go in eradicating misogyny.
~ Foluso Falaye for Readers’ Favorite
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I really don’t know where to start, there’re so many things to say that it wouldn’t fit in a single text. I really love this book and I admire the way the author opened her heart to all the people who read her writing.
I think that many women will be able to feel identified at some point in the book, who are trapped in situations from which it is difficult to escape, to feel lost. The story is very realistic and personally I felt such a connection and it made me feel accompanied and motivated to face some of my fears.
About the story, I have to say that it was captivating, an experience of many details that shows us how life can be full of difficult moments, sadness and pain in the midst of frustrated sentimental relationships, but that we can also enjoy the small moments of the life. And how a trip to Europe to rediscover yourself can change your life.
I gave this book 5 well-deserved stars, I think it came into my life at the right time. This book inspired me to want to grow, to take control of the crisis I was experiencing at the moment, to let go, and above all to connect with myself that I had not done for a long time.
“One Reason to Live” was a journey for self-discovery, reflection, self-love, liberation and balance, with the total willingness to live and fully enjoy the present. It moved many feelings, memories, pains and experiences. I hope you can give this story a chance.
~ Daniella, Ecuador