Aggressive Optimism: A Novel Inspired By True Events

by Jenna Edwards

A unique yet relatable coming of age story fusing the emotional resonance of “GIRL INTERRUPTED” with the empowering essence of “LEGALLY BLONDE”

Nif, a small-town singer with dreams as big as Hollywood, finds her voice soaring to new heights after a breakthrough solo performance captures the attention of a media mogul. However, when a devastating accident shatters her dreams, she's faced with an unexpected journey of resilience.

In the wake of tragedy, Nif leans on her tight-knit family and steadfast friends to piece together her fractured world. Aggressive optimism, her trademark spirit, becomes her driving force as she navigates the labyrinth of challenges that now define her path.

This unique coming-of-age tale, reminiscent of the narrative depth found in "Girl, Interrupted," seamlessly intertwines with the uplifting essence of "Legally Blonde." As Nif discovers an uncharted wellspring of inner strength, her story becomes a beacon of inspiration, not just for herself but for those touched by her indomitable spirit.

Aggressive Optimism is more than a story of dreams deferred—it's a powerful exploration of mental health, the bonds of solidarity, and the unwavering power of perseverance. Join Nif on a journey that transcends tragedy, and witness the emergence of a young woman whose song of resilience echoes far beyond the confines of her small-town roots.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

Growing up in the middle of Minnesota's cornfields, Jenna had some big dreams. She wanted to make people laugh on TV, inspire change, and travel the world. Life wasn't easy, though. Born to teenage parents who split when she was three, Jenna faced poverty and abuse until her mom took a stand, and they escaped.

In her early twenties, Jenna set off for Los Angeles, to make her dreams come true. She even landed a role on the legendary "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" show. Imagine inheriting Buffy's powers! But then, a terrible accident shook her world. She struggled with debilitating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but learned that asking for help is a sign of strength, just like Buffy asking her friends for help.

Now, she’s on a mission to empower others through writing and producing, inspiring them to face their own "big bads." Remember, you have a choice. Will you stand up?

Jenna currently lives in Los Angeles with her loving and supportive husband, Craig. You can find out more at www.jennaedwards.com

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the worst books I've read in a while. The writing itself is decent, I haven't noticed any typos or grammar issues which I was expecting with a book of this level. The main character however, "nif" is very unlikeable. She is cruel to her friends, entitled and very unrelealistic. I think this is the worst representation of PTSD I have ever seen. One second she is fine and the next a flashback is making her saw at her arm with a plastic knife because she saw somebody get hurt months ago. I'm really disappointed. I have anxiety disorder and frequent trauma flashbacks and this is a really harmful way of presenting people with mental health conditions. We don't go from normal to sawing our arm for no reason, especially not whilst being conscious that we're doing it and it's a stupid thing to do.

[M.L. Dunker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very unique book on mental illness told through the lens of a teenage girl. Jennifer— known as Nif— survives a traumatic experience as a car plows through a Farmer’s Market where she is shopping. As one of the injured survivors, she is taken to a nearby hospital, checked out for her physical wounds and sent home. As Nif struggles with PTSD, those around her- family, classmates, friends— all must come to grips with their own biases and misunderstandings of mental illness.
I liked the detached style of writing— it allows the reader to focus on the illness and the coping strategies rather than getting sucked into teenage drama with mental illness used as a plot device. Highly recommend. A short quick read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write this review through tears. I think those tears started around page 20 and didn’t really stop through the end. I had to put the book down and immediately write this review. This author definitely wrote the book from her heart. You can feel it. She handles seriously traumatic events with care, but also with humor (this would make a wonderful movie). She really made me rethink awful moments in my life and see how they have made me a stronger (hopefully better) person today. Though I try to be a positive person, I’m far from being an Aggressively Optimistic one. However, knowing this story was inspired by the author’s real life journey, and going with her on that journey, this book makes me want to be aggressively optimistic and see where living that way can take me.

[Kimba]

Impressed, powerful, needed

I bought this book because the main character has the same name as one of my best friends (Nif) but the story kept me engaged. Jenna Edwards writing is sincere and relatable. Our PTSD might not be from a suicidal moment or accident, but somewhere most of us have some traumatic incident we hold onto. This book makes you have that reality, take a deep breath, and move forward.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very thought provoking book, and a real eye opener for me. I think this book should be required reading for junior high or high school students.
I like how Jenn doesn't mince words and tells it like it is. Very good.

[Marie Twining · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nif is the proverbial lighthouse we all needed to help navigate the stormy seas of adolescence.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book belongs on the list of must reads for all schools! I could not put it down. “Agressive Optimism” makes mental health conditions relatable on a basic level. Jenna sheds light on how we are more alike than we realize and that sharing our stories helps us to connect. This book creates a platform to open conversations around trauma, mental health, and acceptance. It extends compassion toward those who don’t understand, while still protecting one’s own peace. It shines a beautiful light on the courage it takes to ask for help and do the work to heal. It also shows the huge importance to have loving support from friends and family. This book brilliantly covers all the bases. Excellent read. Kudos to Jenna.