Crystal Reviews: "Where Did I Go?" - a memoir by Francene Gillis

 

Greetings from Wisconsin - it's that time of year where it's warm enough to wear a swimsuit a few hours a day at least once a week - as long as the sun is shining...I'm not sure I was really meant to live this far North of the Equator.

Isn't the cover of this memoir gorgeous? It also makes me feel warm - even whilst sitting in Barnes and Noble where it is a chilly 68 degrees. 

The cover is not the only thing to love about this memoir though...but before I get into that, here's a little more about "Where Did i Go?" by Francene Gillis:

In Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Francene Gillis, the author tells her story of the arduous years and months that followed a tragic accident--a slip and fall on black ice on her way to work as a high school English teacher that caused a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), the symptoms of which lasted many years. Francene shares her story of the uphill battle that ensued in the hunt for the right treatments and providers at a time when the simplest task was nearly impossible due to the 'hidden' injury she suffered. Her symptoms were very real, from severe balance issues and brain fog, to speech impairment and more. Along with being a teacher, Francene was also a regular columnist for her local paper, both of which came to a halt following her injury. As she slowly regained the ability to focus for short periods of time, she began writing her story in the hope that she could help those with TBI and other 'hidden' injuries by sharing her research and others' stories of resilience and perseverance.

The book holds seven stories plus hers to help people fighting a battle in relation to health, injury, or loss, and while raw and difficult to read at times it shows how mindset, support, and the right treatment is imperative to recovery. Watch for the arrival of Where Did i Go? coming this June 2025 (Brain Injury Awareness Month). More on the book and people within in the next few months.

And now for my 5 star review:

Francene Gillis weaves a beautiful memoir with "Where Did i Go?" and I enjoyed every page and appreciate her sharing her journey. This is one of those memoirs that not only shares one person's story, but also gives you tips you can use to improve your own story/journey. "Where Did i Go?" was full of wisdom - ideas to help improve my attitude with gratitude, foods to help improve mood, and a list to help create a positive mindset (page 176 if you want to look at that every day for the rest of your life)!

I feel like there is so much wisdom shared in this book and as much as I'd love to pass it on - I'm keeping it close to refer back to. Go get yourself a copy though - you are sure to agree with my 5 star rating!