This is a book review for:
I Will Not be Broken
Author: Jerry White
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 0-312-36895-x
Pages: 201
Cover: Hardback
Seldom have I been asked to review a book that packs such a powerful message of healing and hope. I Will Not be Broken by Jerry White does that and more. From the moment you begin to flip through the pages you are drawn into the book. Although it is an inspirational self-help book it is a relatively quick read.
I Will Not Be Broken by Jerry White is about healing from trauma. He takes his story and blends with it other stories of survivors. It’s not a “this bad thing happened woe is me” attitude but instead openly displays a “Yes you can!” mentality. The result will change the way you look at life.
Jerry’s own loss comes during the youthful time of life when we are most carefree. Imagine if you will that you and two other college buddies are going to visit Europe. You have the time of your life. As you backpack through this part of the world you are literally living your dreams.
A wide open field catches the eye of you and your friends. After a brief discussion and with no hesitation you and your college buddies begin to cross the field. The beautiful day is filled with sunshine, birds singing and the laughter of you and your friends. When you step on something firm you don’t think anything about it. Then there is a click, a blinding explosion and searing pain from where your leg used to be. Suddenly, slowly, a sick realization begins to dawn on you and your buddies. You are in a field of landmines and there is no help to be seen for miles in any direction.
To write the book I Will Not Be Broken, Jerry White interviews trauma survivors from all around the world. From a little girl who pointed out “you are one of us” to survivors of cancer and violence, Jerry is able to connect with trauma survivors on more than just a surface level. The result is a relevant book that should be read by survivors and anyone who works in the field of trauma recovery.
Jerry White outlines 5 steps in I Will Not Be Broken that survivors must go through to reach healing. These steps are:
Step 1: Face Facts
Step 2: Choose Life
Step 3: Reach Out
Step 4: Get Moving
Step 5: Give Back
Each of these steps are easier to talk about than to accomplish. As survivors work through and come to terms with each of the steps they will be empowered to find healing.
Trauma recovery is hard work. It takes time and energy. But, as I Will Not Be Broken by Jerry White shows us, it can be done.
