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Uncontrollable
At 36-years-old, Casey Scott appears to have it all: a booming career as a civil rights litigator, a loving husband, and two sweet young children. But she also has epilepsy, and her worsening seizures threaten to destroy the life she toiled to build.
When her doctor says she is likely to die if her seizures are not controlled, Casey is at a crossroads: will she choose her career and lifelong aspirations, or her family and health?
The decisions she makes affect her marriage, children, and future in ways she could never expect.
Told by Casey and her husband, Uncontrollable is an emotional roller coaster that examines both what happens when the life we may be forced to live is not the life we planned to live, and the compromises we make to survive in the face of adversity.
When her doctor says she is likely to die if her seizures are not controlled, Casey is at a crossroads: will she choose her career and lifelong aspirations, or her family and health?
The decisions she makes affect her marriage, children, and future in ways she could never expect.
Told by Casey and her husband, Uncontrollable is an emotional roller coaster that examines both what happens when the life we may be forced to live is not the life we planned to live, and the compromises we make to survive in the face of adversity.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2023
14 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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June 12, 2023
Thank you to the author Sara Staggs and publishers Black Rose Writing, and TLC Book Tours for an advance copy of this book!
In UNCONTROLLABLE, Casey is a young woman with a dashing husband, beautiful house, loving children, burgeoning career. She has no space for anything else. No time for illness. And I was convinced for a while that nothing could convince her to carve out that space, because epilepsy was carving it right out of her body. Would she make room in her life for epilepsy and give it what it demands?
I swallowed my jealousy at [my husband's] ability to just throw on sneakers and raise his heart rate without a second thought. The last time I tried to run, I had a sudden seizure, ended up in the emergency room with a broken wrist and a cement burn down the left side of my face. The burn and wrist had healed. My bitterness had not. p9
This book seems to have two plots that spin out simultaneously, one that follows Casey's seizure disorder and one that follows her professional and familial success, and then the two unite at the end. Sometimes conflict works that way in life, also. The story (or the conflict, is there a difference?) is a tree with one strong set of roots, two twisty trunks, and a single regal crown at the top. Although the shape of this story is counterintuitive from a narrative stant point, it feels so natural and authentic. Once everything started to click into place, I saw it working just as it had to.
The author of this book, Sara Staggs, lives with epilepsy, and was a civil rights litigator. She's traveled the roads her main character, Casey, needs to walk in this book.
I love how carefully Staggs writes about the medical experiences of this epileptic character, Casey. Several themes repeat themselves throughout this book that feel so real to me as disabled chronically ill reader, such as the "time is never on my side" theme:
Hold, brain, please. I pleaded with my brain, again and again. Just let this powerful aura without tipping over the edge. Hold, hold, hold.... No matter how many times my brain failed me, I never learned. I never wanted to learn. p39
Staggs also spends a lot of ink on the theme of mental health stigma, which often through ignorance extends toward individuals with neurological disorders like folks with epilepsy. I think this kind of writing is smart, showing non-stigmatizing language and behavior through likeable character. Importantly, she also writes Casey's process of overcoming her own internalized stigma and ableism.
Epilepsy kept you in an invisible cage: the more frequent the seizures, the smaller the cage. Seizures took away your ability to exercise, the desire to socialize, to advance in your career. Siezure freedom. The words made me hopeful and depressed at the same time. p91
I never thought of Casey as someone who had epilepsy...,but that did not mean others would not....You mean she has fits? my father asked, frowning....Shame, the poor girl, said my mother. She's shook her head sadly... I thought she was a student, but she can't be, can she? pp21-2
For me this gripping story reads like a novelized memoir with multiple plots and a female protagonist tough and real enough to pull them all together under one great ending. The confident tone that exudes Casey's chapters gives the pace a nice kiss of gasoline.
To learn more about Sara Stagg: http://www.sarastaggswrites.com
To learn more about epilepsy:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...
Rating: ✨️✨️✨️✨️.25 / 5 stars
Recommend? Yes, definitely!
Finished: June 5
Format: Advance paperback
Read this of you like:
🩻 Medical thrillers
💉 Medical memoirs
📜 Legal procedurals
👨👨👧👦 Family drama
In UNCONTROLLABLE, Casey is a young woman with a dashing husband, beautiful house, loving children, burgeoning career. She has no space for anything else. No time for illness. And I was convinced for a while that nothing could convince her to carve out that space, because epilepsy was carving it right out of her body. Would she make room in her life for epilepsy and give it what it demands?
I swallowed my jealousy at [my husband's] ability to just throw on sneakers and raise his heart rate without a second thought. The last time I tried to run, I had a sudden seizure, ended up in the emergency room with a broken wrist and a cement burn down the left side of my face. The burn and wrist had healed. My bitterness had not. p9
This book seems to have two plots that spin out simultaneously, one that follows Casey's seizure disorder and one that follows her professional and familial success, and then the two unite at the end. Sometimes conflict works that way in life, also. The story (or the conflict, is there a difference?) is a tree with one strong set of roots, two twisty trunks, and a single regal crown at the top. Although the shape of this story is counterintuitive from a narrative stant point, it feels so natural and authentic. Once everything started to click into place, I saw it working just as it had to.
The author of this book, Sara Staggs, lives with epilepsy, and was a civil rights litigator. She's traveled the roads her main character, Casey, needs to walk in this book.
I love how carefully Staggs writes about the medical experiences of this epileptic character, Casey. Several themes repeat themselves throughout this book that feel so real to me as disabled chronically ill reader, such as the "time is never on my side" theme:
Hold, brain, please. I pleaded with my brain, again and again. Just let this powerful aura without tipping over the edge. Hold, hold, hold.... No matter how many times my brain failed me, I never learned. I never wanted to learn. p39
Staggs also spends a lot of ink on the theme of mental health stigma, which often through ignorance extends toward individuals with neurological disorders like folks with epilepsy. I think this kind of writing is smart, showing non-stigmatizing language and behavior through likeable character. Importantly, she also writes Casey's process of overcoming her own internalized stigma and ableism.
Epilepsy kept you in an invisible cage: the more frequent the seizures, the smaller the cage. Seizures took away your ability to exercise, the desire to socialize, to advance in your career. Siezure freedom. The words made me hopeful and depressed at the same time. p91
I never thought of Casey as someone who had epilepsy...,but that did not mean others would not....You mean she has fits? my father asked, frowning....Shame, the poor girl, said my mother. She's shook her head sadly... I thought she was a student, but she can't be, can she? pp21-2
For me this gripping story reads like a novelized memoir with multiple plots and a female protagonist tough and real enough to pull them all together under one great ending. The confident tone that exudes Casey's chapters gives the pace a nice kiss of gasoline.
To learn more about Sara Stagg: http://www.sarastaggswrites.com
To learn more about epilepsy:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...
Rating: ✨️✨️✨️✨️.25 / 5 stars
Recommend? Yes, definitely!
Finished: June 5
Format: Advance paperback
Read this of you like:
🩻 Medical thrillers
💉 Medical memoirs
📜 Legal procedurals
👨👨👧👦 Family drama
December 9, 2023
5/5 stars
"Epilepsy kept you in an invisible cage: the more frequent the seizures, the smaller the cage."
Uncontrollable is a phenomenal and hardhitting debut, that strikes at the core of what it means to live with a chronic illness. For readers with epilepsy, Casey's story really has the potential to be that truly important book they see themselves and their experienced mirrorred in: those stories are what made me start to review own-voice literature in the first place.
Even if you don't share a diagnosis with the protagonist. Casey's tale is one that will resonate with people living with disabilities or illnesses. Sara Staggs brilliantly and eloquently describes that experience of being "in the growing stage of life"; having kids, building a career etc, and your body just not keeping up with your ambitions.
Luckily, Uncontrollable isn't a downer of a book. It's a story of resilence, connection, (self-)compassion, love and more, somehow all beautifully balanced into a complicated narrative.
I highly recommend this book, but be prepared for an emotional hard-hitter.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Epilepsy kept you in an invisible cage: the more frequent the seizures, the smaller the cage."
Uncontrollable is a phenomenal and hardhitting debut, that strikes at the core of what it means to live with a chronic illness. For readers with epilepsy, Casey's story really has the potential to be that truly important book they see themselves and their experienced mirrorred in: those stories are what made me start to review own-voice literature in the first place.
Even if you don't share a diagnosis with the protagonist. Casey's tale is one that will resonate with people living with disabilities or illnesses. Sara Staggs brilliantly and eloquently describes that experience of being "in the growing stage of life"; having kids, building a career etc, and your body just not keeping up with your ambitions.
Luckily, Uncontrollable isn't a downer of a book. It's a story of resilence, connection, (self-)compassion, love and more, somehow all beautifully balanced into a complicated narrative.
I highly recommend this book, but be prepared for an emotional hard-hitter.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 25, 2023
Uncontrollable struck me right through the heart. Sara Staggs nails how it feels to have a chronic disease. How it seeps into your everyday life and the people around you. The ever-changing flow of being okay one second, and not the next. New fears popping up, that take your breath away. You still have to charge through and put on a brave face. The unknowns, your future, how all of this affects your family, and the friends who stick around. Staggs had me in tears and the undeniable truth that she gets it. Very few people actually get it...
Casey has been epileptic for as long as she can remember. The constant battle of trying to quiet her brain and to just make it through. She is no ordinary person, she is a litigator that has a ton of stress, works unbelievable hours, and pushes her limits at every turn. Her husband, Jonah, is her person. He encourages, supports, and tells her when she is doing too much. Lately her seizures have been increasing, she does not want to take a break from her work or her horrific boss. She knows she can push through; she always has. When she visits her new doctor, he strikes fear Casey she has never experienced before. She is willing to travel to Ohio to have a complete workup to see if surgery is even available to her and what that means. Jonah stays at home caring for their two children, trying not to add more stress to Casey, and it causes the perfect storm.
This is an unbelievable read that hit me right in the feels. I experienced every emotion, anger, sadness, laughter, and pure fury. I have personally experienced the highs and lows of having a chronic disease. It follows behind you, a shadowy figure waiting to pounce. You never know what is around the next corner. You always push yourself beyond your limits. To prove that you can do it, you need do it, even if it leaves your body screaming. Thank you to Sara Staggs, Black Rose Writing, and Mckinney Media Group for my gifted copy of this stunning story.
Casey has been epileptic for as long as she can remember. The constant battle of trying to quiet her brain and to just make it through. She is no ordinary person, she is a litigator that has a ton of stress, works unbelievable hours, and pushes her limits at every turn. Her husband, Jonah, is her person. He encourages, supports, and tells her when she is doing too much. Lately her seizures have been increasing, she does not want to take a break from her work or her horrific boss. She knows she can push through; she always has. When she visits her new doctor, he strikes fear Casey she has never experienced before. She is willing to travel to Ohio to have a complete workup to see if surgery is even available to her and what that means. Jonah stays at home caring for their two children, trying not to add more stress to Casey, and it causes the perfect storm.
This is an unbelievable read that hit me right in the feels. I experienced every emotion, anger, sadness, laughter, and pure fury. I have personally experienced the highs and lows of having a chronic disease. It follows behind you, a shadowy figure waiting to pounce. You never know what is around the next corner. You always push yourself beyond your limits. To prove that you can do it, you need do it, even if it leaves your body screaming. Thank you to Sara Staggs, Black Rose Writing, and Mckinney Media Group for my gifted copy of this stunning story.
May 13, 2023
Thank you Black Rose Writing for sending us a copy to read and review.
Uncontrollable is a well written story about how a major illness can create havoc for the sufferer and how its repercussions ripple through a marriage and a professional sphere.
The intensity and the compassion go hand in hand in this tumultuous journey.
Casey was an Ivy League law graduate with a promising career, supportive husband and doting mother.
Casey is an Epileptic and her seizures unpredictable and scary.
A medical procedure and consultation with a leading Doctor in another state may just be answer.
Jonah is advertising guru and is line for a promotion.
Family work life balance has to take precedence as the seizures control the practical narrative and agenda.
His dedication and support is unwavering on the home front, while at the office cracks are forming and wreaking havoc.
A support network may not be as beneficial as he hoped.
Told from both perspectives this was a raw, compelling and emotional rollercoaster of a read.
How adversity and challenges can throw life plans into turmoil and how the couple deal with it.
In addition to the medical dramas we were treated to professional dilemmas and how they affected the situation peripherally.
Uncontrollable is a well written story about how a major illness can create havoc for the sufferer and how its repercussions ripple through a marriage and a professional sphere.
The intensity and the compassion go hand in hand in this tumultuous journey.
Casey was an Ivy League law graduate with a promising career, supportive husband and doting mother.
Casey is an Epileptic and her seizures unpredictable and scary.
A medical procedure and consultation with a leading Doctor in another state may just be answer.
Jonah is advertising guru and is line for a promotion.
Family work life balance has to take precedence as the seizures control the practical narrative and agenda.
His dedication and support is unwavering on the home front, while at the office cracks are forming and wreaking havoc.
A support network may not be as beneficial as he hoped.
Told from both perspectives this was a raw, compelling and emotional rollercoaster of a read.
How adversity and challenges can throw life plans into turmoil and how the couple deal with it.
In addition to the medical dramas we were treated to professional dilemmas and how they affected the situation peripherally.
December 31, 2024
Uncontrollable by Sara Staggs
Reviewed by: Sara Hailstone
Content Warning (Language and Epilepsy Trauma)
Sara Staggs novel, “Uncontrollable,” shows us that there are aspects of our lives that are indeed uncontrollable and in our efforts of pushing and reaching, we are presented with the blunt front of our mortality to re-route us to what essentially matters, our health and our family.
Casey Scott, a 36-year-old Stanford graduate of law is rising in her career to potentially become a partner with her firm in the depths of a legal case defending female inmates who have been sexually abused within the system that will put the young litigator on the map. She is married to Jonah, also a young professional climbing through the ranks of his own profession with an international ad firm. With a family of two young children, Casey and Jonah are thrown head-first into the chaos of Casey’s medical crises, an onslaught of epileptic seizures that result in the pursuit of health intervention. Casey must undergo a procedure monitoring her brain waves that knocks her out of work and reveals that rising stress triggers her condition.
Sara Staggs writes fiction and creative non-fiction. She has been published in BrainAblaze Blog and the Huffington Post. She has won the Globe Soup 2021 Summer Fiction Contest. Uncontrollable is Staggs debut novel. Staggs professes personal ties to her writing, having practiced in civil rights litigations and being open to living with epilepsy. She resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children. These personal ties form the bedrock foundation of her writing:
“I write about things that matter to me. I find that if I can relate in a personal way to the storyline, I am much more invested in the piece, so there is usually a little part of my life somehow embedded in my work - maybe it's the location, maybe it's the subject or part of the subject, maybe it's a piece of a character. I also love starting with a "What if...?" with regard to the subject. So, writing from life and giving it a "What if...?" twist inspire me to sit and type.” -Goodreads
I direct you to her personal blog to learn more about her and to reach out to her if needed:
https://www.sarastaggswrites.com/blog...
Uncontrollable is told from flipping narrative points of view between Casey and Jonah. This perpetual shifting allows the reader to enter into the realness of their hardship that is not sugar-coated. The story is delivered raw and relatable.
Throughout turmoil there is a holding fast, by both Casey and Jonah. First, there is a holding fast to the passion that roots the characters in their careers. There is a holding fast to marriage despite the struggles the couple undergo when suffering in isolation.
Thank you to Coffee and Thorn for the complimentary copy in request for an honest review!
Reviewed by: Sara Hailstone
Content Warning (Language and Epilepsy Trauma)
Sara Staggs novel, “Uncontrollable,” shows us that there are aspects of our lives that are indeed uncontrollable and in our efforts of pushing and reaching, we are presented with the blunt front of our mortality to re-route us to what essentially matters, our health and our family.
Casey Scott, a 36-year-old Stanford graduate of law is rising in her career to potentially become a partner with her firm in the depths of a legal case defending female inmates who have been sexually abused within the system that will put the young litigator on the map. She is married to Jonah, also a young professional climbing through the ranks of his own profession with an international ad firm. With a family of two young children, Casey and Jonah are thrown head-first into the chaos of Casey’s medical crises, an onslaught of epileptic seizures that result in the pursuit of health intervention. Casey must undergo a procedure monitoring her brain waves that knocks her out of work and reveals that rising stress triggers her condition.
Sara Staggs writes fiction and creative non-fiction. She has been published in BrainAblaze Blog and the Huffington Post. She has won the Globe Soup 2021 Summer Fiction Contest. Uncontrollable is Staggs debut novel. Staggs professes personal ties to her writing, having practiced in civil rights litigations and being open to living with epilepsy. She resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children. These personal ties form the bedrock foundation of her writing:
“I write about things that matter to me. I find that if I can relate in a personal way to the storyline, I am much more invested in the piece, so there is usually a little part of my life somehow embedded in my work - maybe it's the location, maybe it's the subject or part of the subject, maybe it's a piece of a character. I also love starting with a "What if...?" with regard to the subject. So, writing from life and giving it a "What if...?" twist inspire me to sit and type.” -Goodreads
I direct you to her personal blog to learn more about her and to reach out to her if needed:
https://www.sarastaggswrites.com/blog...
Uncontrollable is told from flipping narrative points of view between Casey and Jonah. This perpetual shifting allows the reader to enter into the realness of their hardship that is not sugar-coated. The story is delivered raw and relatable.
Throughout turmoil there is a holding fast, by both Casey and Jonah. First, there is a holding fast to the passion that roots the characters in their careers. There is a holding fast to marriage despite the struggles the couple undergo when suffering in isolation.
Thank you to Coffee and Thorn for the complimentary copy in request for an honest review!
June 5, 2023
SUDEP. Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy. That’s what Casey Scott is facing. She’s 36, happily married with two young children, at the height of her career as a trial lawyer, about to make partner as she tries a case that will make her nationally famous. Stay on this path and she will have accomplished everything you dreamed of. Stay on this path and she might die. Casey chooses a very new procedure that may help her uncontrolled seizures. She has to be away from her family for weeks and that puts great stress on her family. Her husband Jason is dealing with work pressures that he can’t share with Casey for fear that it will add to the stresses that seem to bring on seizures. When Casey return home, she immediately begins to prepare for the trial. Ambitious and driven, both Casey and Jason must learn how to communicate, prioritize work and personal responsibilities and find time for each other and their children.
Uncontrollable is hard to put down and hard to forget. There are broad themes: the fragility of life, living with illness, the difficulty of being a sole caregiver, etc. However, the real focus of this disturbing story is Casey herself. We watch her fall apart and recover emotionally and physically over and over again. We see her attempt a laser focus on her work and her family. We see her finally realize that she can’t do it all and we breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you, Sara Staggs, for this beautifully written, complicated novel.
Thank you to NetGalley, Black Rose Writing and Sara Staggs for this ARC.
Uncontrollable is hard to put down and hard to forget. There are broad themes: the fragility of life, living with illness, the difficulty of being a sole caregiver, etc. However, the real focus of this disturbing story is Casey herself. We watch her fall apart and recover emotionally and physically over and over again. We see her attempt a laser focus on her work and her family. We see her finally realize that she can’t do it all and we breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you, Sara Staggs, for this beautifully written, complicated novel.
Thank you to NetGalley, Black Rose Writing and Sara Staggs for this ARC.
February 19, 2023
The description sounds so exciting! Can't wait for it to release!
July 27, 2023
Beautifully written with Resilience Love, and Understanding
I loved this book by Sara Staggs. The book is fictional but the way the author has told this story partly based on her own true experiences it so easily could have been a true story.
When you begin this book, you get to meet and become part of the characters' lives. The story begins when you meet Casey and her husband who are happily married and have two young children. Casey Scott's is living with a severe form of Epilepsy but Casey practices law and specialises in litigation as a trial lawyer and and Jonah works in marketing and is on track to becoming the Director of marketing. Sadly, Casey’s next high-pressured job means her Epilepsy gets worse as the stress builds up and both Casey and Jonah are referred to a specialist who then drops a bombshell on both by informing Casey, she could have SUDEP. Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy.
Casey finds any chance she may have could be life changing and Casey and Johan are told Casey needs to go into hospital to have extensive tests and if the tests are successful, she will be a candidate for brain surgery which will either lesson the seizures or even stop them, but it will save her life. Casey is warned like any surgery there is always a risk of serious complications that would result in life changing decisions for both Casey and Johan forever as well.
This is devastating news and after they discuss everything Casey is prepared to follow through as the alternative is not an option. Follow the story as they both face the journey together and separately and how they each handle the news in their own way, Casey with the life-threatening illness and Jonah as Casey husband and sole care giver.
Casey is very fragile in some ways and falls apart wondering will she and Jonah grow old together, never seeing her children grow up and missing the mild stones in their lives and the dreams and hopes they have as a family. Casey then must navigate through harrowing tests and extensive surgery worrying that if it fails, she will die early and may never carry on with her dream to own her own practice of law and litigation.
Jonah also falls apart due to pressure and stress at work trying to juggle and keep them separate from his homelife, also whilst still caring for the needs of his two children whilst their mother is far away in hospital fighting for her life. Suddenly so stressed himself he realises he has not been able to share his problems with Casey in a long time and naturally Casey's health is taking its toll on him as well, as he watches Casey slipping away from the loving caring wife she once was to the women he now sees and does not recognise as she falls apart when she comes home due to not working and staying home.
Sara has mastered the characters and their life changing story that you will not want to put the book down as you read how both Casey and Johan fall apart, as they deal separately with these life changing issues and how they both recover emotionally and physically.
This is a beautifully written novel by Sara Staggs on an illness that many people shy away from instead of understanding and realising that a person can live a normal life, take medication and function like anybody else who may have debilitating illness. Understanding, Supporting Listening, and talking to the person goes a long way.
The story was told by both Casey, and her husband, Jonah which really allowed you to get to know each of their character. It is Beautifully written, and I highly recommend this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book by Sara Staggs. The book is fictional but the way the author has told this story partly based on her own true experiences it so easily could have been a true story.
When you begin this book, you get to meet and become part of the characters' lives. The story begins when you meet Casey and her husband who are happily married and have two young children. Casey Scott's is living with a severe form of Epilepsy but Casey practices law and specialises in litigation as a trial lawyer and and Jonah works in marketing and is on track to becoming the Director of marketing. Sadly, Casey’s next high-pressured job means her Epilepsy gets worse as the stress builds up and both Casey and Jonah are referred to a specialist who then drops a bombshell on both by informing Casey, she could have SUDEP. Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy.
Casey finds any chance she may have could be life changing and Casey and Johan are told Casey needs to go into hospital to have extensive tests and if the tests are successful, she will be a candidate for brain surgery which will either lesson the seizures or even stop them, but it will save her life. Casey is warned like any surgery there is always a risk of serious complications that would result in life changing decisions for both Casey and Johan forever as well.
This is devastating news and after they discuss everything Casey is prepared to follow through as the alternative is not an option. Follow the story as they both face the journey together and separately and how they each handle the news in their own way, Casey with the life-threatening illness and Jonah as Casey husband and sole care giver.
Casey is very fragile in some ways and falls apart wondering will she and Jonah grow old together, never seeing her children grow up and missing the mild stones in their lives and the dreams and hopes they have as a family. Casey then must navigate through harrowing tests and extensive surgery worrying that if it fails, she will die early and may never carry on with her dream to own her own practice of law and litigation.
Jonah also falls apart due to pressure and stress at work trying to juggle and keep them separate from his homelife, also whilst still caring for the needs of his two children whilst their mother is far away in hospital fighting for her life. Suddenly so stressed himself he realises he has not been able to share his problems with Casey in a long time and naturally Casey's health is taking its toll on him as well, as he watches Casey slipping away from the loving caring wife she once was to the women he now sees and does not recognise as she falls apart when she comes home due to not working and staying home.
Sara has mastered the characters and their life changing story that you will not want to put the book down as you read how both Casey and Johan fall apart, as they deal separately with these life changing issues and how they both recover emotionally and physically.
This is a beautifully written novel by Sara Staggs on an illness that many people shy away from instead of understanding and realising that a person can live a normal life, take medication and function like anybody else who may have debilitating illness. Understanding, Supporting Listening, and talking to the person goes a long way.
The story was told by both Casey, and her husband, Jonah which really allowed you to get to know each of their character. It is Beautifully written, and I highly recommend this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2023
I found this debut novel from Sara Staggs an emotionally intense read, not just because of the convincing authenticity of her portrayal of her main characters, but because her evocative depictions of some of the challenges they faced offered what felt like truly ‘fly on the wall’ insights into what it must be like to live with epilepsy, with an ever-present awareness of the threat of seizures. By switching the narrative between Casey’s and Jonah’s perspectives, she captured the different challenges each of them faced as the frequency, and seriousness, of Casey’s seizures increased, with only a risky surgical procedure, targeting certain areas of her brain, appearing to offer any hope that she might be able to balance her own health and the needs of her family, with being able to continue doing the job she loved and was so good at. Even when people love each other dearly, at times of crisis it’s all too easy for them to stop ‘seeing’ and properly listening to each other and, consequently, fail to communicate their fears and anxieties truthfully. At times both Casey and Jonah unwittingly hurt each other as they failed to take into account, or even recognise, how much of an impact all the uncertainties was having on their partner. The author’s powerfully empathic prose captured a rawness to their emotional pain which, at times, felt almost unbearable to be exposed to as I accompanied them on the emotional rollercoaster they were facing, desperately trying to hold onto hope, whilst fearing what the future might hold. Equally painful was her portrayal of how their two very young children reacted to their separation from their mother when Casey has to spend some weeks in hospital for a series of tests to assess her suitability for the surgery being proposed. She brilliantly captured how Jonah was faced with trying to juggle their needs with his own fears about what was happening for Casey, plus coping with an employer who was totally unsympathetic to his home situation.
Before reading Uncontrollable I had only a very general understanding about epilepsy so I truly appreciate the insights Sara’s novel has given me into the challenges faced by all who are affected by it, as well as what I learnt from her descriptions of current treatments and ongoing research. I think that her novel very successfully achieves her aim of examining “… what happens when the life we may be forced to live is not the life we planned to live, and the compromises we make to survive in the face of adversity” because although Casey and Jonah’s story is unique to them, many of the dilemmas they face, the compromises and adjustments they need to make in order to live their best lives, will surely resonate with anyone who has had to make similar adjustments to their dreams and aspirations.
Thank you Sara for sending me an ARC of your moving and unforgettable story; it has been a pleasure to read and review it and I hope it will be as successful as I think it deserves to be following its release on 25th May.
Before reading Uncontrollable I had only a very general understanding about epilepsy so I truly appreciate the insights Sara’s novel has given me into the challenges faced by all who are affected by it, as well as what I learnt from her descriptions of current treatments and ongoing research. I think that her novel very successfully achieves her aim of examining “… what happens when the life we may be forced to live is not the life we planned to live, and the compromises we make to survive in the face of adversity” because although Casey and Jonah’s story is unique to them, many of the dilemmas they face, the compromises and adjustments they need to make in order to live their best lives, will surely resonate with anyone who has had to make similar adjustments to their dreams and aspirations.
Thank you Sara for sending me an ARC of your moving and unforgettable story; it has been a pleasure to read and review it and I hope it will be as successful as I think it deserves to be following its release on 25th May.
April 24, 2023
Don't let the cover image and title of Sara Staggs' novel, fool you. This is not a romance featuring a bare-chested man and a bodice-ripped woman, it's a riveting and emotional account of what it's really like to live with epilepsy.
I imagine that many, if not most, people have no direct experience of epilepsy, and what information they do have is probably from movies or books. I would be one of those people. The one time I was around someone with epilepsy who had a seizure, I was a kid. The person suddenly began staring at nothing. I didn't know what was going on but did know enough to call for grownups to come, and then I was shunted out of the room and that was the sum total of my experience.
Current data indicates that 56% of adults who have epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures. Some of that high percentage is because lack of social support, low levels of income and education, unemployment, location and lifestyle may affect people's epilepsy and ability to control seizures. But there are also people, like the author's Casey Scott, a successful attorney with excellent medical coverage, for whom the causes of their epilepsy are unknown. Also like Casey Scott, there are some whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by medicines and who are at risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
One factor in reducing that risk is identifying and avoiding seizure triggers. In Casey Scott's case, that trigger appears to be stress.
Casey Scott is not just a successful attorney, she's the lead litigator in a high profile civil rights case that will change the law, will crown her career and throw open the doors of opportunity for her. She's also learned she will likely die if she her seizures keep happening. Will she back away from her life's dreams or will she forge on, risking her marriage and leaving her two children motherless? Casey wants it all, but real life isn't like that.
Uncontrollable is not just about epilepsy, it's a look at the details of being faced with a life-threatening condition, of trying to hold on to one's old life when that life is already gone. It's about the dynamics of the individuals in a marriage in crisis, and about the compromises that feel like defeat but that in fact may lead to victory.
I imagine that many, if not most, people have no direct experience of epilepsy, and what information they do have is probably from movies or books. I would be one of those people. The one time I was around someone with epilepsy who had a seizure, I was a kid. The person suddenly began staring at nothing. I didn't know what was going on but did know enough to call for grownups to come, and then I was shunted out of the room and that was the sum total of my experience.
Current data indicates that 56% of adults who have epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures. Some of that high percentage is because lack of social support, low levels of income and education, unemployment, location and lifestyle may affect people's epilepsy and ability to control seizures. But there are also people, like the author's Casey Scott, a successful attorney with excellent medical coverage, for whom the causes of their epilepsy are unknown. Also like Casey Scott, there are some whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by medicines and who are at risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
One factor in reducing that risk is identifying and avoiding seizure triggers. In Casey Scott's case, that trigger appears to be stress.
Casey Scott is not just a successful attorney, she's the lead litigator in a high profile civil rights case that will change the law, will crown her career and throw open the doors of opportunity for her. She's also learned she will likely die if she her seizures keep happening. Will she back away from her life's dreams or will she forge on, risking her marriage and leaving her two children motherless? Casey wants it all, but real life isn't like that.
Uncontrollable is not just about epilepsy, it's a look at the details of being faced with a life-threatening condition, of trying to hold on to one's old life when that life is already gone. It's about the dynamics of the individuals in a marriage in crisis, and about the compromises that feel like defeat but that in fact may lead to victory.
May 27, 2023
Unveiling the Unpredictable: A Profound Journey
Uncontrollable is a thought-provoking novel that explores the intricate terrain of living with epilepsy. Set against the backdrop of the legal profession, the story revolves around Casey Scott, a lawyer grappling with the daily challenges posed by her condition. Author Sara Staggs adeptly weaves a narrative that delves deep into Casey's inner world, offering readers an unflinching portrayal of the physical, emotional, and psychological toll epilepsy takes on her life and relationships.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its ability to immerse readers in Casey's perspective, allowing them to get close, as much as literature can deliver, to the struggles and triumphs she encounters. Staggs employs vivid and evocative language, deftly capturing the physical sensations, mental hurdles, and emotional turmoil accompanying epilepsy. One could argue the authenticity with which Casey's experiences are portrayed could foster genuine and empathetic connections between readers and the protagonist.
Furthermore, the novel shines a spotlight on the ripple effects of epilepsy, extending beyond the individual to the lives of loved ones. Staggs skillfully explores the dynamics between Casey and her family, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the strains and challenges they face in navigating her condition. By shedding light on the multifaceted impact epilepsy has on relationships, the author engenders a profound appreciation for the complexities faced by both the person with epilepsy and their support network.
Uncontrollable stands as a compelling work that explores a complex topic with sensitivity and nuance. Staggs demonstrates her prowess as a storyteller, employing vivid prose and engaging characters to immerse readers in the emotional landscape of living with this condition. A great read.
Uncontrollable is a thought-provoking novel that explores the intricate terrain of living with epilepsy. Set against the backdrop of the legal profession, the story revolves around Casey Scott, a lawyer grappling with the daily challenges posed by her condition. Author Sara Staggs adeptly weaves a narrative that delves deep into Casey's inner world, offering readers an unflinching portrayal of the physical, emotional, and psychological toll epilepsy takes on her life and relationships.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its ability to immerse readers in Casey's perspective, allowing them to get close, as much as literature can deliver, to the struggles and triumphs she encounters. Staggs employs vivid and evocative language, deftly capturing the physical sensations, mental hurdles, and emotional turmoil accompanying epilepsy. One could argue the authenticity with which Casey's experiences are portrayed could foster genuine and empathetic connections between readers and the protagonist.
Furthermore, the novel shines a spotlight on the ripple effects of epilepsy, extending beyond the individual to the lives of loved ones. Staggs skillfully explores the dynamics between Casey and her family, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the strains and challenges they face in navigating her condition. By shedding light on the multifaceted impact epilepsy has on relationships, the author engenders a profound appreciation for the complexities faced by both the person with epilepsy and their support network.
Uncontrollable stands as a compelling work that explores a complex topic with sensitivity and nuance. Staggs demonstrates her prowess as a storyteller, employing vivid prose and engaging characters to immerse readers in the emotional landscape of living with this condition. A great read.
July 2, 2023
My maternal uncle has epilepsy, and I know how tough it becomes for the family to control the situation. Patients can have seizures at any time, and you can imagine what that means. This eye-opening novel that delves into the complexities of living with epilepsy captures these notions accurately. The raw emotions and authentic portrayal of Casey Scott are legit. Staggs has crafted a narrative that not only explores the physical and medical aspects of epilepsy but also delves deep into the emotional and psychological impact it has on Casey's life and relationships.
What sets this book apart is Staggs' ability to immerse readers in the dual perspectives in the book, alternating between Casey and her husband Jonah, adding depth and richness to the story. It allows us to witness the ripple effects of epilepsy on their lives and their unwavering commitment to supporting each other through the ups and downs. Staggs navigates the intricacies of their relationship with great sensitivity, highlighting the strains and challenges they face while showcasing their resilience and love. The novel uses vivid and powerful words to bring Casey's journey to life. When you read it, you'll feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing everything they go through. This will help you understand and care more about people with epilepsy. It's like watching a play, where the scenes play out in your mind as you read each word.
Uncontrollable is not just a story about epilepsy; it's a powerful exploration of human resilience, love, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life despite overwhelming obstacles. Staggs' personal experience with epilepsy shines through in the authenticity and depth of the narrative, making it a truly compelling and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an emotional and enlightening journey that will leave a lasting impact.
What sets this book apart is Staggs' ability to immerse readers in the dual perspectives in the book, alternating between Casey and her husband Jonah, adding depth and richness to the story. It allows us to witness the ripple effects of epilepsy on their lives and their unwavering commitment to supporting each other through the ups and downs. Staggs navigates the intricacies of their relationship with great sensitivity, highlighting the strains and challenges they face while showcasing their resilience and love. The novel uses vivid and powerful words to bring Casey's journey to life. When you read it, you'll feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing everything they go through. This will help you understand and care more about people with epilepsy. It's like watching a play, where the scenes play out in your mind as you read each word.
Uncontrollable is not just a story about epilepsy; it's a powerful exploration of human resilience, love, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life despite overwhelming obstacles. Staggs' personal experience with epilepsy shines through in the authenticity and depth of the narrative, making it a truly compelling and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an emotional and enlightening journey that will leave a lasting impact.
June 5, 2023
Uncontrollable tells the story of a couple with two young children wrestling with issues centered around chronic illness, career tracks, and trust. The wife, Casey, a successful litigator, has been an epileptic since childhood and her seizures are becoming more frequent and severe. The husband, Jonah, works in advertising and is struggling to convince his employers of his worth while also remaining dedicated to his family. Facing a dire prognosis, Casey embarks on a search for more effective treatment, even at personal and professional cost.
For as many good qualities as this book has, I find myself struggling to say anything more insightful than listing them. Professionally written and free of errors? Check. Sympathetic and fleshed out characters? Check. Compelling, fairly well-paced plot? Check. I liked how Casey and Jonah were flawed but decent people, neither immune to selfishness but ultimately devoted to each other and their children. I was convinced by them and their relationship.
My only noteworthy criticism is not really fair to the novel, and that is that I found one of the sub-plots more gripping than the main one. Casey's law firm is representing a group of female ex-convicts who were sexually assaulted by a prison guard. The scenes between Casey and one of the clients, Kathy, are few and far between, but to me they were the strongest in the book. The contrast between the educated lawyer and the hardened, working-class former prisoner was rife with potential, made all the more potent because of the need for both women to trust each other. Still, Uncontrollable is more than adequate as a family and medical drama, and the fact that it holds the seeds of a powerful legal thriller should not be held against it.
For as many good qualities as this book has, I find myself struggling to say anything more insightful than listing them. Professionally written and free of errors? Check. Sympathetic and fleshed out characters? Check. Compelling, fairly well-paced plot? Check. I liked how Casey and Jonah were flawed but decent people, neither immune to selfishness but ultimately devoted to each other and their children. I was convinced by them and their relationship.
My only noteworthy criticism is not really fair to the novel, and that is that I found one of the sub-plots more gripping than the main one. Casey's law firm is representing a group of female ex-convicts who were sexually assaulted by a prison guard. The scenes between Casey and one of the clients, Kathy, are few and far between, but to me they were the strongest in the book. The contrast between the educated lawyer and the hardened, working-class former prisoner was rife with potential, made all the more potent because of the need for both women to trust each other. Still, Uncontrollable is more than adequate as a family and medical drama, and the fact that it holds the seeds of a powerful legal thriller should not be held against it.
June 7, 2023
A poignant and heart wrenching story of living with epilepsy.
Casey Scott really wants to have it all. A loving family and a rewarding career. She also suffers from epilepsy. At home she's married to Jonah and has two young children. At work she's a hard driven litigator hoping to make Partner at her law firm. When the escalating stress of her job causes an increase in the number of and severity of her seizures she's forced to make a decision, prioritize the job or her family and health.
Jonah's a successful ad man who has an opportunity at the promotion he's always wanted. But taking it would mean more time away from his family. Not wanting to add more stress to Casey's life he keeps things from her with nothing but good intentions.
Then life happens and things get complicated.
This is a beautifully told story told from the perspectives of Casey and Jonah. It's an inside view of what living with epilepsy is like both for the person with the condition and for those closest to them. The strains on the relationships and the toll it takes when trying to balance work and family. The evocative story telling puts you there in the middle of it all giving you a front row seat to the events as they unfold. Both of the main characters are likeable, flawed and very real. Using her real life experience as a guide the author does a masterful job of navigating the intricacies of these life altering events and it gave me all the feels in the process.
If this book wasn't on your radar before hopefully now it will be. This is the author's debut novel and it shines.
Thank you to the author and Claire McKinney Public Relations, LLC for the gifted copy for me to read, review and enjoy.
Casey Scott really wants to have it all. A loving family and a rewarding career. She also suffers from epilepsy. At home she's married to Jonah and has two young children. At work she's a hard driven litigator hoping to make Partner at her law firm. When the escalating stress of her job causes an increase in the number of and severity of her seizures she's forced to make a decision, prioritize the job or her family and health.
Jonah's a successful ad man who has an opportunity at the promotion he's always wanted. But taking it would mean more time away from his family. Not wanting to add more stress to Casey's life he keeps things from her with nothing but good intentions.
Then life happens and things get complicated.
This is a beautifully told story told from the perspectives of Casey and Jonah. It's an inside view of what living with epilepsy is like both for the person with the condition and for those closest to them. The strains on the relationships and the toll it takes when trying to balance work and family. The evocative story telling puts you there in the middle of it all giving you a front row seat to the events as they unfold. Both of the main characters are likeable, flawed and very real. Using her real life experience as a guide the author does a masterful job of navigating the intricacies of these life altering events and it gave me all the feels in the process.
If this book wasn't on your radar before hopefully now it will be. This is the author's debut novel and it shines.
Thank you to the author and Claire McKinney Public Relations, LLC for the gifted copy for me to read, review and enjoy.
May 29, 2023
What an Emotional Roller Coaster!
Uncontrollable by Sara Staggs is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that explores the challenges faced by Casey Scott, a successful civil rights litigator, as she battles epilepsy. At first glance, Casey seems to have it all—a thriving career, a loving husband, and two adorable children. However, her worsening seizures threaten to unravel the life she has worked hard to build. Casey is faced with an impossible decision: should she prioritize her career and aspirations or her family and health?
Staggs skillfully portrays Casey's internal struggle, deftly conveying the weight of the decisions she must make. As readers witness the ripple effects of her choices on her marriage, children, and future, they are compelled to reflect on their own lives and the compromises they have made in the face of adversity. The raw emotions in the narrative make it impossible to remain unaffected, drawing readers deeper into Casey's world.
The alternating perspectives of Casey and her husband provide a well-rounded view of the impact of epilepsy on their lives and relationship. Staggs skillfully weaves together their voices, allowing readers to witness their journeys and the collective strength they find in supporting each other. This dual perspective adds complexity to the narrative, offering a multifaceted exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience. With its engaging storyline and thought-provoking exploration of life's unexpected challenges, Uncontrollable is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and emotionally resonant novel.
Uncontrollable by Sara Staggs is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that explores the challenges faced by Casey Scott, a successful civil rights litigator, as she battles epilepsy. At first glance, Casey seems to have it all—a thriving career, a loving husband, and two adorable children. However, her worsening seizures threaten to unravel the life she has worked hard to build. Casey is faced with an impossible decision: should she prioritize her career and aspirations or her family and health?
Staggs skillfully portrays Casey's internal struggle, deftly conveying the weight of the decisions she must make. As readers witness the ripple effects of her choices on her marriage, children, and future, they are compelled to reflect on their own lives and the compromises they have made in the face of adversity. The raw emotions in the narrative make it impossible to remain unaffected, drawing readers deeper into Casey's world.
The alternating perspectives of Casey and her husband provide a well-rounded view of the impact of epilepsy on their lives and relationship. Staggs skillfully weaves together their voices, allowing readers to witness their journeys and the collective strength they find in supporting each other. This dual perspective adds complexity to the narrative, offering a multifaceted exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience. With its engaging storyline and thought-provoking exploration of life's unexpected challenges, Uncontrollable is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and emotionally resonant novel.
June 3, 2023
“𝓔𝓹𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓹𝓼𝔂 𝓴𝓮𝓹𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓲𝓼𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓰𝓮: 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓲𝔃𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓼, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓰𝓮. 𝓢𝓮𝓲𝔃𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓪𝓫𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓮𝓻𝓬𝓲𝓼𝓮, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓸𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓲𝔃𝓮, 𝓽𝓸 𝓪𝓭𝓿𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓻.”
✂️ P L O T L I N E
36 year old Casey Scott seems to have the perfect life— the perfect career, a loving husband, and two sweet kids. Unfortunately, she also has epilepsy and her uncontrollable seizures are getting worse. When her doctor tells her that she is likely to die if she doesn’t change her stressful lifestyle, she has to make a decision that will impact her entire life.
Will she choose her career and goals of making it as a partner, or her family and health?
💭 ⓂⓎ ⓉⒽⓄⓊⒼⒽⓉⓈ
I learned so much about epilepsy while reading this book and found such a great respect for people who are closely connected to this brain disorder. This book was not only a learning experience, but one that will resonate with anyone who has had difficult times in their marriage and family life. The characters in this book show such resilience and perseverance. They were real and authentic and far from perfect. You can tell that Sara Staggs truly poured her heart and soul into this book. It is a very heavy and emotional read, so make sure to have some tissues by your side when you dive in.
📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
💫Mental health rep 💚
💫Epilepsy awareness 💜
💫Emotional reflective reads 😢 💭
💫Dual POV ✌🏽
💫Courtroom setting👩🏻⚖️
⚠️ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: depression and suicidal thoughts⚠️
💚𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💕Q U O T E: “𝒲𝑜𝓇𝓀 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓎𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓂."
✂️ P L O T L I N E
36 year old Casey Scott seems to have the perfect life— the perfect career, a loving husband, and two sweet kids. Unfortunately, she also has epilepsy and her uncontrollable seizures are getting worse. When her doctor tells her that she is likely to die if she doesn’t change her stressful lifestyle, she has to make a decision that will impact her entire life.
Will she choose her career and goals of making it as a partner, or her family and health?
💭 ⓂⓎ ⓉⒽⓄⓊⒼⒽⓉⓈ
I learned so much about epilepsy while reading this book and found such a great respect for people who are closely connected to this brain disorder. This book was not only a learning experience, but one that will resonate with anyone who has had difficult times in their marriage and family life. The characters in this book show such resilience and perseverance. They were real and authentic and far from perfect. You can tell that Sara Staggs truly poured her heart and soul into this book. It is a very heavy and emotional read, so make sure to have some tissues by your side when you dive in.
📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
💫Mental health rep 💚
💫Epilepsy awareness 💜
💫Emotional reflective reads 😢 💭
💫Dual POV ✌🏽
💫Courtroom setting👩🏻⚖️
⚠️ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: depression and suicidal thoughts⚠️
💚𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💕Q U O T E: “𝒲𝑜𝓇𝓀 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓎𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓂."
April 20, 2023
Casey White is a woman who should have it all. A loving marriage with a supportive husband, Jonah, two great kids and a profession she not only loves but excels at. Who cares if her boss is difficult? Casey can handle him and he knows he needs her. With hard work, cooperation and balance, her and Jonah have their careers and family life down. What they are having trouble handling is the growing frequency of seizures due to Casey’s epilepsy. Casey and Jonah each have their own difficulties when it comes to epilepsy and the reader gets each perspective in alternating chapters which works great with the story.
While epilepsy and the many, various difficulties of trying to live with, control and cure it are the antagonist in the story, the medical procedures and terms never get overwhelming. You are given enough information to understand the deep levels of this couples emotions, without losing the narrative and passion of the story. While some may think this is a book about epilepsy, I feel it’s as much or more a book about a family doing their best and learning how to navigate the many avenues of life’s challenges. You’ll root for all of the characters, even when you don’t like the paths they are choosing. I especially loved the details this author used in giving glimpses into the perspectives of the kids in the family.
I found this to be a fabulous work of fiction and highly recommend it!!
I received an advanced copy of this book to review.
While epilepsy and the many, various difficulties of trying to live with, control and cure it are the antagonist in the story, the medical procedures and terms never get overwhelming. You are given enough information to understand the deep levels of this couples emotions, without losing the narrative and passion of the story. While some may think this is a book about epilepsy, I feel it’s as much or more a book about a family doing their best and learning how to navigate the many avenues of life’s challenges. You’ll root for all of the characters, even when you don’t like the paths they are choosing. I especially loved the details this author used in giving glimpses into the perspectives of the kids in the family.
I found this to be a fabulous work of fiction and highly recommend it!!
I received an advanced copy of this book to review.
June 13, 2023
WOW! What an intimate look into the life of someone who is living with epilepsy. If you are looking for a story of how a chronic illness can affect every single part of your life this is it. It felt raw, emotional, and SO REAL.
We almost go on two separate, but concurrent, story lines in these pages. One following Casey’s medical journey with epilepsy and what she has to do to find the answers she is so desperately seeking. And two, how epilepsy has affected ALL aspects of her personal life. Her stressful job, that she has worked SO hard at and is just starting to get the recognition she deserves. Her marriage. Her kids. If you live with a chronic illness, I know this will resonate deeply with you.
I loved the addition of her husband’s POV. Seeing the feelings and thoughts of the partner added such a deep level to this story. I felt all the feelings for him as well as he tries to manage the homefront while Casey is away, be present with his family, worry about his wife’s health, as well as continue to give work the time it needs. I feel like so many significant others of those who struggle with chronic illness will also feel seen in these pages.
Overall, this is a very well written story that had me feeling all the feelings. If you are looking for an intimate look into the life of someone with epilepsy, how chronic illness affects every part of your life, want an well written, emotional read, this is your book.
We almost go on two separate, but concurrent, story lines in these pages. One following Casey’s medical journey with epilepsy and what she has to do to find the answers she is so desperately seeking. And two, how epilepsy has affected ALL aspects of her personal life. Her stressful job, that she has worked SO hard at and is just starting to get the recognition she deserves. Her marriage. Her kids. If you live with a chronic illness, I know this will resonate deeply with you.
I loved the addition of her husband’s POV. Seeing the feelings and thoughts of the partner added such a deep level to this story. I felt all the feelings for him as well as he tries to manage the homefront while Casey is away, be present with his family, worry about his wife’s health, as well as continue to give work the time it needs. I feel like so many significant others of those who struggle with chronic illness will also feel seen in these pages.
Overall, this is a very well written story that had me feeling all the feelings. If you are looking for an intimate look into the life of someone with epilepsy, how chronic illness affects every part of your life, want an well written, emotional read, this is your book.
June 20, 2023
As someone with epilepsy who underwent a brain surgery to treat intractable seizures, I was fascinated by the medical details of the protagonist's story. Casey also has intractable seizures and chose to treat it with brain surgery. Author Sara Staggs did a great job describing the grueling pre-tests, and the protagonist's frustrations with the challenge of finding care (she had to fly half away across the country for surgery) and getting her multiple providers to communicate with each other. My own medical journey was very different, but I think anybody who has to undergo a serious medical procedure will be able to relate to Casey's challenges.
Sara Staggs also does an excellent job laying out the more universal challenges that come with balancing family and professional responsibilities, and getting through rough patches in a marriage/long term partnership. The book flips back and forth between two characters' POV - Casey and her husband Jonah-and I found myself rooting/feeling sympathy for both of them, even when they were sometimes at odds with each other.
Readers will gain an insider's perspective on what it's like to manage epilepsy. Where I've managed the condition most of my life, I'm partial to a good story that elevates awareness about this misunderstood often stigmatized condition. That said, the book delves into so many other issues relating to basic human nature/connection, I think readers without my bias would also appreciate the story.
Sara Staggs also does an excellent job laying out the more universal challenges that come with balancing family and professional responsibilities, and getting through rough patches in a marriage/long term partnership. The book flips back and forth between two characters' POV - Casey and her husband Jonah-and I found myself rooting/feeling sympathy for both of them, even when they were sometimes at odds with each other.
Readers will gain an insider's perspective on what it's like to manage epilepsy. Where I've managed the condition most of my life, I'm partial to a good story that elevates awareness about this misunderstood often stigmatized condition. That said, the book delves into so many other issues relating to basic human nature/connection, I think readers without my bias would also appreciate the story.
April 16, 2023
Remarkable ... UNCONTROLLABLE follows the odyssey of one woman as she navigates an ever-worsening catastrophic medical condition during a major civil rights trial where she is lead counsel. The drama unfolds through her voice and that of her very frightened, but adoring husband. It is, therefore, a gripping if harrowing family story. But this narrative is also an emotionally intense portrait of a resourceful woman whose courage—and conscience—will be horrendously tested by her own brain and the harsh inequities of the American justice system. While the tone of UNCONTROLLABLE is intimate, the sweep of the protagonist’s personal history coupled with the author’s vast knowledge of the field of neurology is nonetheless palpable ... Ms. Stagg’s control never falters.
A welcome debut of Staggs’s masterful approach to the undercurrent of the electric that she believes runs beneath all human behavior ... Staggs is also a master of smallness. Her deceptively simple sentences are like tiny seizures themselves. The quiet, churning energy underneath is, at once, violent, animal, and electric.
If you were ever a fan of THE GOOD FIGHT or THE GOOD WIFE, UNCONTROLLABLE should be at the top of your TBR pile.
A welcome debut of Staggs’s masterful approach to the undercurrent of the electric that she believes runs beneath all human behavior ... Staggs is also a master of smallness. Her deceptively simple sentences are like tiny seizures themselves. The quiet, churning energy underneath is, at once, violent, animal, and electric.
If you were ever a fan of THE GOOD FIGHT or THE GOOD WIFE, UNCONTROLLABLE should be at the top of your TBR pile.
April 16, 2023
This isn't just a story of a career-driven couple with a loving family, nor a story of epilepsy and navigating a crippling neurological disorder. This is a story of dedication, commitment, and quest to survive with all of the trials and tribulations that life gives you even when you do everything right. The story is told by Casey and Jonah, a loving couple, who initially have their tightest connection when planning for their ambitious careers. But as their lives and careers unfold and complicate--single-minded bosses, young needy children, broken clients who've been wronged by the system, and a persistent seizure disorder--Casey and Jonah find themselves questioning their most important goal in life. Staggs does a beautiful job creating characters who are both likeable, and flawed. She does this while balancing all of the complexities of career, family, bosses, and doctors who don't comprehend the puzzle this family is trying to put together. Both inspiring and heart-wrenching, Staggs debut novel pulls on the readers heart-strings as they learn to adapt to the plans that their life is busy doling out, and come to peace with the life they did not choose, but that they learn to accept.
May 3, 2023
At 36 Casey appears to have it all, a good job and a loving family. But Casey lives with epilepsy and stress is a big trigger. As a litigator, stress is not stranger to her. When things start to progressively get worse, she’s told she needs to make some tough decision – she can’t keep going like she is. The decisions that she make affect every aspect of her life and her future. Told from the perspectives of both Casey and her husband, Jonah, this book explores how we are sometimes forced to live a life that we didn’t expect.
What a wonderful book! I absolutely devoured this book and couldn’t put it down. It was so beautifully written. The author did a fantastic job of writing the complexity that comes with a chronic disease. The story was so believable that at one point I checked to see if this was a memoir – it’s not. I loved how we got both the perspective of Casey and Jonah. It was so nice to read about how Jonah also struggled with Casey’s disease. Chronic diseases are hard and force us to make sacrifices – and this book did a fantastic job of portraying this.
If you are looking for a truly amazing book, then grab a copy of this one May 25th.
Thank you so much to @mckinneymediagroup for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a wonderful book! I absolutely devoured this book and couldn’t put it down. It was so beautifully written. The author did a fantastic job of writing the complexity that comes with a chronic disease. The story was so believable that at one point I checked to see if this was a memoir – it’s not. I loved how we got both the perspective of Casey and Jonah. It was so nice to read about how Jonah also struggled with Casey’s disease. Chronic diseases are hard and force us to make sacrifices – and this book did a fantastic job of portraying this.
If you are looking for a truly amazing book, then grab a copy of this one May 25th.
Thank you so much to @mckinneymediagroup for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2023
I couldn't put this down! I was sucked in immediately and ended up finishing it in a single day. I don't know much about epilepsy but boy this was eye opening. The description of what the main character, Casey, feels before she has a seizure is so other worldly and you feel bad for this woman who just wants her brain to work right. I loved Casey's confidence and drive, but I felt how vulnerable the seizures made her feel and the fear too, never knowing when one would hit and not always being able to stop it. She's a woman that wants it all in life and doesn't want her disability to hold her back, but comes to realize that maybe she needs to modify what it means to "have it all." Casey's husband, Jonah, is an equally compelling character in this book. He's a huge support for his family but when he needs to ask for some support himself, he doesn't know how. This book was an emotional read and you hope the whole time that everything works out for the little family. The author did a great job jumping back and forth between characters, so that you can get inside their heads and get a whole picture of everything going on. And the level of detail for the court case Casey works on, her auras and seizures, were very well done. I would highly recommend reading this.
June 4, 2023
Staggs makes her literary debut in this emotional novel about a woman's journey of living with epilepsy. 36-year-old Casey Scott, a civil rights litigator and mother of two, feels like her life is finally coming together. Her firm has given her a high-profile case involving the Oregon Department of Corrections, while her boss has offered to make her partner if she does well on said case. Unfortunately, it means a much heavier workload and a lot more stress, two things Casey's doctor has warned her about in order to manage her epilepsy. Despite trying multiple medications, Casey's epilepsy is only worsening and her doctor warns that she is in danger of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) if her condition isn't brought under control. Switching between the narratives of Casey and her husband, Jonah, Staggs does a wonderful job of showing the emotional path Casey takes as she tries to balance out having a fulfilling career while being a wife and mother, in spite of her condition. It also shows how much of a toll her epilepsy takes on her relationships with others, both personal and professional-wise. Staggs has also worked as a civil rights litigator and I thought using that as Casey's profession was an interesting way of including her own experiences.
February 13, 2024
What is it like to have your life dictated by a medical condition? In the novel, Uncontrollable, by Sara Staggs, we are immersed into the life of Casey, a wife, mother, and lawyer. Casey suffers from epilepsy and is told at her most recent medical appointment that she slow down and decrease her stress or she may likely lose her life due to a seizure. Casey struggles with this decision. She is a motivated lawyer, who gains something daily by the clients that she serves. Her husband, while supportive, wants nothing more than for Casey to give up on her career to ensure that she survives. What will Casey end up choosing? This book was difficult to put down as I was so engaged in the story. I had never read anything before by Mrs. Staggs, but I will certainly book looking for more books by her. The words and dialogue she used throughout the book really made you connect with the characters and feel the pain that they were feeling. The story was told by both Casey, and her husband, Jonah which really allowed you to get to know each character. I highly recommend this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2023
I knew after a couple of chapters into Uncontrollable it would be an emotional read, and I was right. Whew...
Anytime I read a book that involves children, marriage and life altering decisions it always hits close to home. Casey's situation is different than what I've read before and man...my heart.
"Just stay brave for a few more days," he said before he left.
That sentence had me in tears. The pain she goes through to even have a chance at a normal life is astonishing. As a mother and hard working woman myself, I could relate to a lot of the same fears Casey has. I couldn't imagine going through what she does while trying to find the right balance with life, family and health.
I love that we get to see, not only her perspective, but her husband Jonah's as well. It gives a well rounded picture of the whole situation and made for a better read for me.
Uncontrollable is a debut that comes out May 23, 2023. Put this one on your radar and snag a copy when it releases. I sincerely appreciate the author and Claire McKinney Public Relations, LLC for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Anytime I read a book that involves children, marriage and life altering decisions it always hits close to home. Casey's situation is different than what I've read before and man...my heart.
"Just stay brave for a few more days," he said before he left.
That sentence had me in tears. The pain she goes through to even have a chance at a normal life is astonishing. As a mother and hard working woman myself, I could relate to a lot of the same fears Casey has. I couldn't imagine going through what she does while trying to find the right balance with life, family and health.
I love that we get to see, not only her perspective, but her husband Jonah's as well. It gives a well rounded picture of the whole situation and made for a better read for me.
Uncontrollable is a debut that comes out May 23, 2023. Put this one on your radar and snag a copy when it releases. I sincerely appreciate the author and Claire McKinney Public Relations, LLC for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 26, 2023
In the Amazon description, the author says "It is an emotional rollercoaster", trust me this is an understatement. The book takes so many twists and turns. The Medical drama and the family struggles are so well written that you can not close this book. If that is not enough for you, the book is told from two perspectives, yes you heard it right, two! And this does not reduce the impact or the intensity of drama and the sea of emotions it carries with it.
I loved the characters, they are very well written, if you think about it, they had to be written with near perfection since this book is heavily based on their motivations, interactions, struggles, belief, and trust in each other. The setting perfectly compliments the characters, it is cheerful where it needs to be and is dark where the moments get tense. The world-building and environments are chef's kiss.
Overall, I loved this book and do not regret going in blind. Will recommend this book to everyone, if you love reading drama, emotions, family struggles, and hope, this is the book for you. Lastly, much gratitude to the author for weaving such a beautiful and intricate tale for us readers.
Thank you
Happy Reading
I loved the characters, they are very well written, if you think about it, they had to be written with near perfection since this book is heavily based on their motivations, interactions, struggles, belief, and trust in each other. The setting perfectly compliments the characters, it is cheerful where it needs to be and is dark where the moments get tense. The world-building and environments are chef's kiss.
Overall, I loved this book and do not regret going in blind. Will recommend this book to everyone, if you love reading drama, emotions, family struggles, and hope, this is the book for you. Lastly, much gratitude to the author for weaving such a beautiful and intricate tale for us readers.
Thank you
Happy Reading
June 1, 2023
Casey Scott is a lawyer with epilepsy trying to find her way through her professional life, and the increasing number of seizures she’s experiencing.
Anyone with epilepsy can relate to most of the struggles expressed by the author, and you can definitely see how her condition affects many aspects of her life: her personal relationships, her work, unsupportive coworkers, and even her quirks. Observing Jonah’s point of view also gives us an important insight into supporting a partner with epilepsy, questions one might experience, and difficulties of the condition on loved ones.
Despite the brutal emotional scenes, this book is an empowering work that even people with other medical conditions can relate. Through clever writing, Staggs lets us know how Casey is more than a diagnosis, and that she found the resolve to help her clients in spite of the struggles of epilepsy.
More than a book on the condition, it’s a book about a human being, a family, and a true warrior.
Overall a gripping work and one I’m pleasantly surprised to have read. I can’t wait to see what the author publishes next.
Anyone with epilepsy can relate to most of the struggles expressed by the author, and you can definitely see how her condition affects many aspects of her life: her personal relationships, her work, unsupportive coworkers, and even her quirks. Observing Jonah’s point of view also gives us an important insight into supporting a partner with epilepsy, questions one might experience, and difficulties of the condition on loved ones.
Despite the brutal emotional scenes, this book is an empowering work that even people with other medical conditions can relate. Through clever writing, Staggs lets us know how Casey is more than a diagnosis, and that she found the resolve to help her clients in spite of the struggles of epilepsy.
More than a book on the condition, it’s a book about a human being, a family, and a true warrior.
Overall a gripping work and one I’m pleasantly surprised to have read. I can’t wait to see what the author publishes next.
April 5, 2023
Sara Staggs gives readers an inside look at what a life with epilepsy looks like. She like Casey the main character are lawyers, married, and struggles with epilepsy. The view isn't picture-perfect in fact it has a lot of flaws. As a person who struggles with epilepsy, I could immediately identify with Casey and I got a birds-eye view of how family members struggle watching their loved one have seizures, deal with the side effects of medication, all the testing, and most of all wanting to stop the seizures but being unable to. Epilepsy affects the entire family and Ms. Staggs showed that.
People who battle epilepsy every day and those who love them should read this book! This book is literally meant for the epilepsy community.
Content warning: language and trauma. I will say that in my opinion the language, while not my thing, is perfectly placed. That is my only negative.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
People who battle epilepsy every day and those who love them should read this book! This book is literally meant for the epilepsy community.
Content warning: language and trauma. I will say that in my opinion the language, while not my thing, is perfectly placed. That is my only negative.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 3, 2023
Painful, but beautiful…which is a lot like life.
Casey has seizures from her epilepsy and it’s taking a toll on her life. She’s already stressed and over her head, but she’s not about to tell anyone she’s in too deep. That’s not how she’s wired. That said, the balances in her life and her stresses are about to become too much for her to handle. This is the story of how she has to learn to balance and let go, while potentially getting what she wants.
This book and the author show how having a chronic illness can be a pain, but also something possible to live with. It’s not the hardest thing to handle, but it’s difficult at times. Casey is flawed and human, which makes her an interesting character. I liked how she had to learn to power through in a way she wasn’t used to. There’s a sensitivity to her character, too. I liked the dynamic between her and Jonah as well. The book showed how life isn’t always clean and the messiness is what makes it great.
If you’re looking for a book to challenge you, but also stay with you long after the last page, then this is the book for you.
Casey has seizures from her epilepsy and it’s taking a toll on her life. She’s already stressed and over her head, but she’s not about to tell anyone she’s in too deep. That’s not how she’s wired. That said, the balances in her life and her stresses are about to become too much for her to handle. This is the story of how she has to learn to balance and let go, while potentially getting what she wants.
This book and the author show how having a chronic illness can be a pain, but also something possible to live with. It’s not the hardest thing to handle, but it’s difficult at times. Casey is flawed and human, which makes her an interesting character. I liked how she had to learn to power through in a way she wasn’t used to. There’s a sensitivity to her character, too. I liked the dynamic between her and Jonah as well. The book showed how life isn’t always clean and the messiness is what makes it great.
If you’re looking for a book to challenge you, but also stay with you long after the last page, then this is the book for you.
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