When All Balls Drop: The Upside of Losing Everything

by Heidi Siefkas

Heidi Siefkas was a happily married, globetrotting professional who seemingly had it all—until a tree limb in New York’s Hudson River Valley struck her down, breaking her neck and leaving her unconscious. Suddenly, life as she knew it stopped. She lost her independence. She lost her career. She watched her marriage disintegrate as she confronted a trail of devastating lies about her husband’s double life.

She had lost all that mattered, but she was a survivor. She fought to restore her health, repair her broken heart, and rebuild herself. Along the way, she gained clarity about her core values, ultimately coming to a deeper understanding of what it means to have it all.

Through down-to-earth, short vignettes, When All Balls Drop shows us how it’s possible to “look up” in spite of pain, deceit, and loss. Heidi’s memoir--rich with hope and humor--inspires anyone who’s had to confront tragedy and reassess their life in the wake of life-altering events.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Inspirational

270 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2014

About the author

Heidi Siefkas is an author, speaker, and adventurer. Originally from small-town Wisconsin, Heidi hangs her hat in Nashville, Tennessee. She has authored four books: When All Balls Drop, With New Eyes, Cubicle to Cuba, and Look Up, which illustrates the power of her mantra, Look Up. You’re invited to check out her TEDx Talks on YouTube. Connect with her at www.heidisiefkas.com.

Psst...I invite you to share photos on social media that show where you are enjoying my books, When All Balls Drop (#whenallballsdrop), With New Eyes (#withneweyes), Cubicle to Cuba (#cubicletocuba), and Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience (#lookupbook).

Reviews

[megHan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi had a life she was very happy with - she traveled around the world with her job, and was happily married to a man that she was deeply in love with. Things were going perfectly, until the day that she found out not everything in her life was as it seemed and, when heading out the door to go for a walk to calm herself and get her mind straight, a branch from a tree fell on top of her. The results: a severe head injury and a broken neck. The next thing she remembers is waking up in a hospital, a couple of days later, with her husband and crying mother at her side.

This is Heidi's story, not only discussing her pain and how terrible it was for her to have to depend on others, but how she was able to get through it all and find a new meaning to life.

I really enjoyed this book and am so glad that I read it. It made me rethink a lot of things that have happened in my past and how I handled them. Seeing the way she braved through heartache and physical pain, and the things she learned from that, was really empowering and I gained a lot of perspective from her story.

"We cannot tear out a single page of our life, but we can throw the whole book in the fire."

[Dusti Dasilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was refreshing. When I first was asked to review it, I admit I was a little hesitant, as this isn’t my type of book. But once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I found so many similarities in this book with my life like my husband is Brazilian, a well known chef here where we live, his mother hates me (not because of my religion but because I’m American we will get to that later ;) I have many Brazilian friends who say they would never marry a Brazilian man, so when I hit that chapter I had to call them. The way its written can be a little confusing at times. I found myself having to reread certain chapters and go back to earlier chapters feeling like I missed something. Don’t get me wrong its an amazing book and I recommend it to anyone, but there are times where I was left scratching my head with a what? look.

Reading Heidi Siefkas’s story made my heart break in some many ways, but I found myself rooting her on throughout the story, wanting to slap RB to hell and back, and wanting to shake some sense into her step father when he made her feel like she was no longer welcomed at their home while trying to recover forcing her to go back to RB’s shit hole. I can say my emotions were on a rollercoaster with one from laughing at her witty insight to crying at her low points. The thought of any woman having to go through what she did and come out on top? Its an amazing story, and gives hope to anyone going through a tough time in their lives.

I say if you haven’t read this book THEN DO SO! I am actually giving it a 5 star review. yes 5 stars. I rarely give these and my author friends can tell you how hard it is to sell me on a book. This one is great all around. So go out, buy it, love it, and then come talk to me and tell me what you think of RB and all his BS!

[Sage Adderley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels a bit twisted to say how much you loved a memoir written by a woman who shares her tragic story of breaking her neck and ending her marriage, but it was truly an inspirational story. Heidi Siefkas writes about a gigantic tree limb that fell on her head resulting in a broken neck and facial injuries. Prior to the accident she had come across evidence of her husband cheating on her for over a year.

This memoir is about Heidi’s recovery in all the ways you can imagine – physical, mental, and spiritual (in a non-religious, eye-opening way.) She calls her dear friends her “clan” which I adore and her sense of humor does not fail her throughout the intense healing journey. I felt all the feels while reading this and love that the phrase, “Here’s to looking up!” now holds a brand new meaning for me.

[Majanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review originally pusbliehd here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...

In short vignettes, Heidi Siefkas tells the story of how she turned from a happily married woman who seemingly had it all to a woman on the edge of despair, in When All Balls Drop. After being struck down by a tree limb in the Hudon River Valley, she broke her neck. She loses everything – her career, her marriage.

But she didn’t give up. She kept on fighting, not just for her physical health, but also her mental health. She rebuilded herself from scratch, becoming a stronger person along the way. This is an inspiring memoir about confronting tragedy and focusing on what’s really important in life, and on becoming a better person.

The vignettes are about a page to two pages each, making this a quick read. I read it in between breaks, whenever I could, and felt myself drawn to read more and more. The author has an engaging writing style and unique voice. While tragic, the novel is also inspiring, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs, or anyone who went through a traumatic experience themselves. You’ll find a kindred spirit in Heidi.

[Oh My Bookness · Rating 4 out of 5]

A inspirational memoir like no other...just when everything is looking bleak, dark, and their is no coming back out of it there is...how to say...a light at the end of the tunnel. Every day someone is facing challenges in the streets, at home, personal and work, or just trying to get out of a tricky situation. I find as a society with all are own problems going on we forget to appreciate those before us, with us, with you.

Heidi had to overcome some physical, mental, and downright personal obstacles. For some it may tear us right down, and the other half can't imagine exposing so much of ourself to the world expressly through a book. It shows the world the good and the bad, the raw and the personal, exposed.

It takes a courageous person to be able step up and put pen to paper and write what the good times into the most devastating times. It takes a strong person to show the struggle and growth and the strong person she will evolve to.

A inspiring story for all to read. A realization that these things do happen on a daily basis, and we, and she needs to be heard and I hope all will hear, all will read, and I,hope we can all learn from it.

[Amanda Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I happily received an autographed copy of When All Balls Drop by Heidi Siefkas after winning a GoodReads Giveaway last week. Mostly the book is about her accident, dealing with her husband’s infidelity, her recovery, and her experiences in those moments. It isn't a philosophical book or a guide on how to recover, but a real story. Human frailties are apparent and the book isn't sugar-coated.

I read it today in one sitting. She’s a fantastic writer and her story read as if you are sitting beside her. There are a lot of raw emotions throughout the book – disappointment, sadness, anger, heartache, and frustration – and I did cry when her father finally calls her on her birthday. It’s evident how much her mother and father love her; they supported and took care of her when she could not take care of herself.

… Going forward I need to make sure I have long-term care and disability insurance and that I’m kind to my parents.

[Else · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be inspirational without all of the self-help rhetoric many books have. The witty vignettes had me reading on to see what would happen next, laughing out loud, and being able to relate to some of her situations, as I had back surgery in 2009. The best part of the book is the energy and attitude she conveys, she is upbeat and positive and chose to let these situations change her perspective and has created her own new path to freedom and enjoying life.
This is a great book and easy read but also a great gift for anyone who if facing some health or other challenges in their life, I have bought several copies for gifts.

[Bethany Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about an amazing story that inspires others to reflect. The author lost everything in a traumatic accident and fought back piece by piece. This is what Eat,Pray,Love was for relationships, but When All Balls Drop deals with three big life factors all simultaneously: health problems, failed marriage, and loss of career.

The author's writing style is very modern, similar to blog posts, making the read easy and hard to put down. After reading, I bought another copy for a girlfriend. Bravo!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author, Heidi on a trip to Italy that I ventured on this past year. When she mentioned her book, "When All Balls Drop: The Upside of Losing Everything", I knew I had to read it. Without any hesitation, I read the whole book, cover to cover on my trip back to NY from Rome.

This is an amazing true story about how she overcame trials and tribulations that "fell" upon her. Heidi's determination, perseverance and sense of humor are demonstrated throughout this beautiful story. If you are looking for an easy read that is uplifting and inspirational this is it!

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this book listed in my university's alumni magazine; however, I don't think I've ever read a memoir by a less likable person. The book, while purportedly about the importance of "looking up" and being present in one's life, seemed more of an opportunity to spew venom about her cheating ex-husband, inattentive doctors, and the bureaucracy of the health care system. Seemingly incapable of escaping her narcissism, I ended up feeling most sorry for the author's parents.

[Noel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down and read it in one sitting. With short segments, you get addicted to know what happens next. The quirky humor and candor immediately endear you to the author. You pull for her through her traumatic accident and marriage.

When All Balls Drop is refreshing and inspiring.

[Sara Roehl Rausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about a successful woman who in the blink of an eye lost everything -- yet somehow kept a positive attitude through it all and is sharing her story. It certainly puts the day to day issues into perspective and how one should enjoy and appreciate life.

Highly recommended!!

[Heidi Marleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. I usually like a memoir of people overcoming adversity and this was interesting with the Wisconsin connection.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw the synopsis for this book I desperately wanted to read it having been in a similar situation. From a clinical standpoint (for lack of a better word) it's well-written but something is missing for me and I can't figure out what that is. I just really found myself disliking the main character (I know she's not really a character but this is a story). I don't know what it is but I was disappointed and feel like I was left wanting something that wasn't delivered.

[Sheila Pritchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sort of interesting but didn't really grab me.

[Sonee Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an incredible story of overcoming the unsurmountable. The book and the message are inspirational but the writing style took some getting used to.

[Purviben K. Trivedi-Ziemba]

OK read on a day when I wanted some light reading.

[Lynda Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine taking the garbage one day and getting struck by a falling tree limb. That's exactly what happens to Heidi Siefkas. The result - she ends up in hospital, unconscious for five days, and with the possibility of being paralyzed or severely handicapped. However, luck is on her side, and she is discharged after nine days, with a broken neck and a full body brace. What follows is an account of the harrowing physical and mental therapy Heidi undergoes on her road to recovery, with the support of her mother, father, and her "clan" of childhood friends and workmates.

With dry humor, Heidi recounts having to deal with unhelpful technicians, less-than-friendly nursing staff, unsympathetic doctors, incompetent doctors' assistants - and a cheating husband. We follow Heidi on her road to both physical and mental recovery, the loss of her job, her divorce proceedings, the creation of Look Up Day, and learning to drive again. However, this is not only a narrative of her accident and recovery, but also a series of short essays on a variety of topics, including the role of trashy television as therapy, marriage and divorce, doctors and nurses, insurance companies, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and the Chardonnay lunch. As the author herself states in an interview with me, "I'm from the Midwest, which is known for being 'what you see is what you get'. My writing is similar: straight forward, not too flowery, with an authentic voice and humor." This is a perfect description of Heidi's writing style. And, with its near-perfect editing, this book is a pleasure to read.

Heidi's accident is a "life change", not just because it changes the life she had, but because it changes the life she chooses to live from then on. It is also referred to as a "psychic slap" or, as the author herself describes it, as "when all balls drop". This is an ultimately uplifting tale of how, when everything goes wrong, the resulting experience might actually be the best thing that ever happens to you.

Truly inspiring.

I received this book in return for an honest review.

Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...

[Juliet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly don't understand all of the glowing reviews for this book. I listened to a podcast with the author Heidi Siefkas as the guest and the conversation intrigued me. As a result, I looked up Heidi and was looking forward to reading this book, hoping it would be inspiring and offer some words of wisdom. Unfortunately, this book fell short of all of my expectations and could have been wittled down to a magazine article. The short chapters kept me reading in the hopes that the following chapter would lead to something more interesting. It never did. There were no pearls of wisdom and I felt Heidi's attempts at humor were unoriginal and anticlimactic. Her predicament was interesting from the patient perspective, but her personal life commentary was very dull and predictable. I regret wasting my time on this book, and would not recommend to anyone.

[Rabid Readers Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this memoir in exchange for my review.


Memoirs are often a difficult animal to review. Things that seem implausible can, in fact happen. The adage, “truth is stranger than fiction” was coined with purpose. Heidi’s run of bad luck defies logic to the point that there’s no doubt it indeed happened. Her struggle reads as unenviable and real and is told without resentment and self-pity that would have been understandable and well earned in light of the tale related. Readers will wonder how Heidi survived the dark cloud that seemed to follow her and then be inspired by the courage she exhibits in her efforts to rebuild her life and spirit.

If you like stories of the human struggle, this is the book for you. Pick it up today.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive, but I liked the message, looking up.

[Fred Fredricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

! Inspirational story of the character of human nature. A young woman beset by major hurdles finds the strength to recover.

[Casey Vance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting that it was a local person from GET

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was awesome ! .Thank you Heidi for changing my outlook on life . Look up , it makes perfect sense !

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Diane Butler]

Loved it Jen!