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One Reason to Live: A Memoir About Surviving Trauma
After a series of traumatic events (including the end of a 15-year marriage and multiple sexual assaults), a woman discovers she must face the reality of her life, or end it.
On a scrap of paper, she writes “reasons to live.” It stays blank for days. Then, she remembers her old move to Europe. By pet-sitting in exchange for lodging, she makes this dream a reality, finding solace in exploring new landscapes and spending time with animals.
Against a backdrop of fur-filled adventures and cultural revelations, she battles the demons of C-PTSD and grief as she attempts to rebuild her identity and her life.
One Reason to Live embodies a visceral experience of living with psychiatric injury combined with the power of radical acceptance, sweetened by the healing quality of animal companionship and the joy of embracing self-love.
On a scrap of paper, she writes “reasons to live.” It stays blank for days. Then, she remembers her old move to Europe. By pet-sitting in exchange for lodging, she makes this dream a reality, finding solace in exploring new landscapes and spending time with animals.
Against a backdrop of fur-filled adventures and cultural revelations, she battles the demons of C-PTSD and grief as she attempts to rebuild her identity and her life.
One Reason to Live embodies a visceral experience of living with psychiatric injury combined with the power of radical acceptance, sweetened by the healing quality of animal companionship and the joy of embracing self-love.
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Published May 30, 2023
13 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Christine Rose
45 books103 followersAmazon bestselling author of the critically-acclaimed survival memoir One Reason to Live and the award-winning Rowan of the Wood YA fantasy series. Needs copious amounts of dark chocolate, frothy mochas, and silent solitude.
All her books, including the new memoir One Reason to Live, are available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zuoh8E
Between 2010 and 2014, also wrote romance and horror, mostly Steampunk, under the name O. M. Grey.
Blog: http://christinerose.wordpress.com
http://omgrey.wordpres.com
All her books, including the new memoir One Reason to Live, are available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zuoh8E
Between 2010 and 2014, also wrote romance and horror, mostly Steampunk, under the name O. M. Grey.
Blog: http://christinerose.wordpress.com
http://omgrey.wordpres.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 11, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
One Reason to Live is a ... powerful, raw memoir. I usually don't realy expect memoirs to hit me in the heart like this one did but wow. I found myself relating to a lot of what Christine Rose wrote in this book. So many people don't understand how difficult it can be to continue on when life feels so hopeless.
She perfectly put into words how difficult it can be to manuever life with grief and trauma.
Read this book.
One Reason to Live is a ... powerful, raw memoir. I usually don't realy expect memoirs to hit me in the heart like this one did but wow. I found myself relating to a lot of what Christine Rose wrote in this book. So many people don't understand how difficult it can be to continue on when life feels so hopeless.
She perfectly put into words how difficult it can be to manuever life with grief and trauma.
Read this book.
April 21, 2023
Publishing Date-15 April 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me the Advanced Reviewers Copy(ARC). All the views and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is a memoir which encapsulates the author's journey with psychiatric injury after suffering through several sexual assaults and various other traumas including the breaking up of her fifteen year old marriage.
This book explores the way after losing all her reasons to live, the author saw a light at the end of the tunnel and found a reason to keep holding onto dear life for a little while longer.
This book captures such raw emotions that it is bound to make the reader cry and bawl like a baby as it touches the heartstrings and you feel bad for the author.
This book should be read keeping in mind all the triggers as this book contain mention of rape and sexual assault. It's not an easy book to read and is bound to force the reader to put the book down to process what he/she has just read.
Hat's off to the author as it's difficult to even fathom how difficult must have been for the author to relive her past traumas for the sake of this book. This book reemphasizes the fact, when all the reasons of staying alive are lost, only one reason is enough to keep on going for a little while longer and try to keep one's head above the water.
Being a dog lover myself, I especially loved the relationship between the author and her pets. I also cried a little when Shadow passed away.
Despite being a difficult book to read, this book should be read by everyone as it reinstates the fact that even when our world is crumbling around us, our resilience can help us survive.
While reading this book, it's normal to feel angry at some people and the way they behaved with the author. I, myself felt some of the characters should be killed or put behind bars so that more people could be saved from enduring the plight the author went through.
In all, this book encapsulates the visceral experience of living with psychiatric injury, combined with the power of radical acceptance, sweetened by the healing quality of animal companionship and the joy of embracing self-love.
In the end, I would like to say this book deserves all the love and appreciation it might get in the near future as it must have taken great amount of courage to pen down one's inner thoughts and feelings while suffering through some of the most difficult circumstances, a person could ever go through.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me the Advanced Reviewers Copy(ARC). All the views and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is a memoir which encapsulates the author's journey with psychiatric injury after suffering through several sexual assaults and various other traumas including the breaking up of her fifteen year old marriage.
This book explores the way after losing all her reasons to live, the author saw a light at the end of the tunnel and found a reason to keep holding onto dear life for a little while longer.
This book captures such raw emotions that it is bound to make the reader cry and bawl like a baby as it touches the heartstrings and you feel bad for the author.
This book should be read keeping in mind all the triggers as this book contain mention of rape and sexual assault. It's not an easy book to read and is bound to force the reader to put the book down to process what he/she has just read.
Hat's off to the author as it's difficult to even fathom how difficult must have been for the author to relive her past traumas for the sake of this book. This book reemphasizes the fact, when all the reasons of staying alive are lost, only one reason is enough to keep on going for a little while longer and try to keep one's head above the water.
Being a dog lover myself, I especially loved the relationship between the author and her pets. I also cried a little when Shadow passed away.
Despite being a difficult book to read, this book should be read by everyone as it reinstates the fact that even when our world is crumbling around us, our resilience can help us survive.
While reading this book, it's normal to feel angry at some people and the way they behaved with the author. I, myself felt some of the characters should be killed or put behind bars so that more people could be saved from enduring the plight the author went through.
In all, this book encapsulates the visceral experience of living with psychiatric injury, combined with the power of radical acceptance, sweetened by the healing quality of animal companionship and the joy of embracing self-love.
In the end, I would like to say this book deserves all the love and appreciation it might get in the near future as it must have taken great amount of courage to pen down one's inner thoughts and feelings while suffering through some of the most difficult circumstances, a person could ever go through.
May 3, 2023
"Instead of making a wish, I thanked myself for not giving up."
One Reason to Live by Christine Rose is a powerful memoir that dives deep into the difficult topic of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) due to abuse, sexual violence, and the sudden failing of a marriage. Rose's writing style provides a gritty picture of what it's like to live with C-PTSD. While she does not describe the abuse or assaults graphically, she also does not sugar coat or gloss over the difficult emotional aftermath.
After her marriage falls apart, Rose moves to Europe which she affords by pet sitting at different people's houses. She changes lodgings and even countries frequently -for two years- exploring exquisite and exciting landscapes as she mourns all that she's lost. Much of her time is spent alone except for the company of delightful animals. She makes sure they eat and stay hydrated, clean, and content all while learning to do the same for herself.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Rose has conversations with different animals requesting their advice and support. She asks them questions and answers for them, showing herself compassion and empathy through "their" responses. Rose is so tender towards animals, and it eventually spills over into showing tenderness towards herself. This was beautiful to experience through her writing, and the descriptions of cozy moments with animals made me feel like I was having a cozy moment too.
An important theme in the book is Rose's view about hope. "...my lack of hope wasn’t cynical. I found it much more empowering to accept what is instead of what could possibly, maybe, if-the-stars-align-just-so might be. It’s better to live in reality, the here and now, and choose something better rather than sit around and hope for it." This idea is woven throughout the book and is a powerful reminder that radical acceptance and action can be more empowering than hope. She includes many strategies that helped her survive and grow that may be useful to others.
Rose also shares her experiences during the #MeToo movement and how she felt dismissed and invisible. She reminds readers that considerable evolution still needs to take place in our rape culture before every victim is seen.
Harry Potter fans will enjoy how much happiness the wizarding world brings to Rose. It is mentioned in the memoir 18 times!
While the story arc could have been edited to be more like a novel, Rose's style of authenticity and raw emotion allows the reader to see a bit more behind the scenes. Trauma is messy, and the choice not to polish the story arc any further works, giving the reader a straightforward and honest look into Rose's life.
"One Reason to Live" is inspiring and definitely worth a read, especially for anyone searching for the courage to start again.
One Reason to Live by Christine Rose is a powerful memoir that dives deep into the difficult topic of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) due to abuse, sexual violence, and the sudden failing of a marriage. Rose's writing style provides a gritty picture of what it's like to live with C-PTSD. While she does not describe the abuse or assaults graphically, she also does not sugar coat or gloss over the difficult emotional aftermath.
After her marriage falls apart, Rose moves to Europe which she affords by pet sitting at different people's houses. She changes lodgings and even countries frequently -for two years- exploring exquisite and exciting landscapes as she mourns all that she's lost. Much of her time is spent alone except for the company of delightful animals. She makes sure they eat and stay hydrated, clean, and content all while learning to do the same for herself.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Rose has conversations with different animals requesting their advice and support. She asks them questions and answers for them, showing herself compassion and empathy through "their" responses. Rose is so tender towards animals, and it eventually spills over into showing tenderness towards herself. This was beautiful to experience through her writing, and the descriptions of cozy moments with animals made me feel like I was having a cozy moment too.
An important theme in the book is Rose's view about hope. "...my lack of hope wasn’t cynical. I found it much more empowering to accept what is instead of what could possibly, maybe, if-the-stars-align-just-so might be. It’s better to live in reality, the here and now, and choose something better rather than sit around and hope for it." This idea is woven throughout the book and is a powerful reminder that radical acceptance and action can be more empowering than hope. She includes many strategies that helped her survive and grow that may be useful to others.
Rose also shares her experiences during the #MeToo movement and how she felt dismissed and invisible. She reminds readers that considerable evolution still needs to take place in our rape culture before every victim is seen.
Harry Potter fans will enjoy how much happiness the wizarding world brings to Rose. It is mentioned in the memoir 18 times!
While the story arc could have been edited to be more like a novel, Rose's style of authenticity and raw emotion allows the reader to see a bit more behind the scenes. Trauma is messy, and the choice not to polish the story arc any further works, giving the reader a straightforward and honest look into Rose's life.
"One Reason to Live" is inspiring and definitely worth a read, especially for anyone searching for the courage to start again.
June 13, 2023
Christine Rose's memoir is nothing short of incredible. I am struggling to form the words to express how much I love this book. Of course some sections were hard to read due to the subject matter but they were handled in such a real way and I often found myself shouting "YES!" in agreement with Christine's monologue or audibly cussing out some of the people she encountered. Despite the trauma the author has endured, for me, this was a book of hope. It has been my favourite book of the year so far and one I will definitely be returning to time and time again.
July 3, 2023
This is a wonderful book about survival and growth. It can be frank and upsetting in places, but that is 100% due to the events and their subject matter. I love the scenes where Christine processes by talking aloud to the animals she's pet-sitting and anthropomorphically interprets their responses. This book shows that anyone can live their dream, even if they're starting out from a disadvantaged and traumatic place. An inspiration!
April 9, 2023
Rose has created a beautiful memoir. My favorite genre and she has fit right into the list of books I'd tell friends to pick up. Trauma and healing are intimate parts of one's story and she has woven an impactful book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 27, 2023
What a survivor!
This book was both heart breaking and healing at the same time. So many times the author could’ve given up, but she fought like a true warrior! I have so much respect and admiration for this amazing human!!
This book was both heart breaking and healing at the same time. So many times the author could’ve given up, but she fought like a true warrior! I have so much respect and admiration for this amazing human!!
June 28, 2023
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewe; I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
"One reason to live" written by Christine Rose, is the true story that she lived, her long descent into hell, when she was diagnosed with C-TSD, and her slow reconstruction in order to regain esteem. of herself.
Because, her main weakness is to tolerate all the faults she encounters in men, starting with her husband, whom she thought she knew well! It turns out that after fifteen years of marriage, he suddenly leaves her. She then learns about her addictions, her lies, her hypocrisies and all her cowardice towards her! She then sinks, surviving on the pills.
An alarming observation is imposed on him! FINALLY, she must take care of herself and listen to herself, instead of always excusing the male rudeness of which she is the object... For fear of being "impolite", she adds!
Her slow resilience will be to go into exile far away, in various countries, when she does not even speak the language. This, to allow him, finally, to live for Her, without expecting anything from men.
Regaining possession of her body will be difficult, because she has been abused, raped... humiliated, but it is the price to pay for self-acceptance: it is her reason for living.
Read it! A memoir that exploits the flaws of the human soul, but also its ability to transcend itself, and to heal leitmotifs to which we were not objective.
A change of attitude, a clear vision of oneself, an increased self-esteem, and the awareness of one's own qualities, will bring out a whole new Christine, more lucid and better armed.
I literally adored it, as much to read it, always cheerful and optimistic, full of humor, as the story itself, eccentric and moving, of a CDT-C survivor!
"One reason to live" written by Christine Rose, is the true story that she lived, her long descent into hell, when she was diagnosed with C-TSD, and her slow reconstruction in order to regain esteem. of herself.
Because, her main weakness is to tolerate all the faults she encounters in men, starting with her husband, whom she thought she knew well! It turns out that after fifteen years of marriage, he suddenly leaves her. She then learns about her addictions, her lies, her hypocrisies and all her cowardice towards her! She then sinks, surviving on the pills.
An alarming observation is imposed on him! FINALLY, she must take care of herself and listen to herself, instead of always excusing the male rudeness of which she is the object... For fear of being "impolite", she adds!
Her slow resilience will be to go into exile far away, in various countries, when she does not even speak the language. This, to allow him, finally, to live for Her, without expecting anything from men.
Regaining possession of her body will be difficult, because she has been abused, raped... humiliated, but it is the price to pay for self-acceptance: it is her reason for living.
Read it! A memoir that exploits the flaws of the human soul, but also its ability to transcend itself, and to heal leitmotifs to which we were not objective.
A change of attitude, a clear vision of oneself, an increased self-esteem, and the awareness of one's own qualities, will bring out a whole new Christine, more lucid and better armed.
I literally adored it, as much to read it, always cheerful and optimistic, full of humor, as the story itself, eccentric and moving, of a CDT-C survivor!
April 3, 2023
Of course I gave it 5-Stars! I wrote it!
This book was 7 years in the making, and it's been revised multiple times, of course. Still, for the past year, I've been busy looking for agents and polishing my submission materials, so I hadn't read it since last May until last weekend when reviewing the print layout.
I found myself crying, laughing, and getting angry, but overall I truly enjoyed reliving this joyous (albeit also painful) journey as I rebuilt my life. A lot of nostalgia, of course. A lot of regrets. A lot of anger on behalf of my younger self and the injustices in the world.
It was one of those rare times when I don't second guess myself or try to downplay my accomplishments. I was a little surprised to read that I told it rather well in the end, despite my tendency toward self-deprecation. It's highly personal and raw, but I'm proud of myself for telling this story.
Reading other survivors' stories certainly helped me survive and cope, so it's my greatest wish that those who need rebuild their own lives after surviving trauma will find the solace and inspiration in my story that I found in so many others. We are not alone.
The reviews have started to come in for the ARC copies, and so far, I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Several (as of this writing all) 5-Star Reviews! It's a pleasant surprise each time. Fingers crossed for more!
Read them for yourself at Praise for One Reason to Live on my website
If this sounds like a book you'd like to read, please add it to your "To Read" shelves! You can even pre-order it on Amazon!
Release date: 15 April 2023
This book was 7 years in the making, and it's been revised multiple times, of course. Still, for the past year, I've been busy looking for agents and polishing my submission materials, so I hadn't read it since last May until last weekend when reviewing the print layout.
I found myself crying, laughing, and getting angry, but overall I truly enjoyed reliving this joyous (albeit also painful) journey as I rebuilt my life. A lot of nostalgia, of course. A lot of regrets. A lot of anger on behalf of my younger self and the injustices in the world.
It was one of those rare times when I don't second guess myself or try to downplay my accomplishments. I was a little surprised to read that I told it rather well in the end, despite my tendency toward self-deprecation. It's highly personal and raw, but I'm proud of myself for telling this story.
Reading other survivors' stories certainly helped me survive and cope, so it's my greatest wish that those who need rebuild their own lives after surviving trauma will find the solace and inspiration in my story that I found in so many others. We are not alone.
The reviews have started to come in for the ARC copies, and so far, I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Several (as of this writing all) 5-Star Reviews! It's a pleasant surprise each time. Fingers crossed for more!
Read them for yourself at Praise for One Reason to Live on my website
If this sounds like a book you'd like to read, please add it to your "To Read" shelves! You can even pre-order it on Amazon!
Release date: 15 April 2023
April 5, 2023
I got to read an ARC of this book and I really loved it. I really don't know where to start, there’re so many things to say that it wouldn't fit in a single text. I admire the way the author opened her heart to all the people who read her writing. I think that many women will be able to feel identified at some point in the book, who are trapped in situations from which it is difficult to escape, to feel lost. The story is very realistic and personally I felt such a connection and it made me feel accompanied and motivated to face some of my fears.
About the story, I have to say that it was captivating, an experience of many details that shows us how life can be full of difficult moments, sadness and pain in the midst of frustrated sentimental relationships, but that we can also enjoy the small moments of the life. And how a trip to Europe to rediscover yourself can change your life.
I gave this book 5 well-deserved stars, I think it came into my life at the right time. This book inspired me to want to grow, to take control of the crisis I was experiencing at the moment, to let go, and above all to connect with myself that I had not done for a long time.
"One Reason to Live" was a journey for self-discovery, reflection, self-love, liberation and balance, with the total willingness to live and fully enjoy the present. It moved many feelings, memories, pains and experiences. I hope you can give this story a chance.
About the story, I have to say that it was captivating, an experience of many details that shows us how life can be full of difficult moments, sadness and pain in the midst of frustrated sentimental relationships, but that we can also enjoy the small moments of the life. And how a trip to Europe to rediscover yourself can change your life.
I gave this book 5 well-deserved stars, I think it came into my life at the right time. This book inspired me to want to grow, to take control of the crisis I was experiencing at the moment, to let go, and above all to connect with myself that I had not done for a long time.
"One Reason to Live" was a journey for self-discovery, reflection, self-love, liberation and balance, with the total willingness to live and fully enjoy the present. It moved many feelings, memories, pains and experiences. I hope you can give this story a chance.
May 1, 2023
I had the wonderful experience of reading an eARC copy of Christine Rose's memoir.
There aren't too many people who could go through what Rose went through and still be alive to write a memoir.
Rose was so much stronger than she ever realized. Yes, she was fearful, she took anti anxiety medication, antidepressants. But one thing she did not do, which I give her so much credit for was, she did not stay in her house confined to her bed.
She traveled to an entirely different country, stayed with people she didn't even know, all in the name of pet-sitting. They say animals are good for your soul and healing. Apparently so!
Then by the GRACE OF GOD, (because if anyone knows anything about the VA), she just happened to find the cream of the crop in Amy. Where even Amy points out how truly strong Rose is.
This book was so inspirational to me, but unfortunately I do not have Rose's strength. But we do share the same healthcare and I just wish there were more Amy's out there.
Keep writing Christine, your voice makes a huge difference for others in the same situation.
No, we all don't have Rose's strength, because some of us are older. But, we can use post it notes and cross a milestone off as we cross them.
Thank you so much for sharing your voice and memoir with me. 💜
May God continue to shed light on you!!🙏🏾
There aren't too many people who could go through what Rose went through and still be alive to write a memoir.
Rose was so much stronger than she ever realized. Yes, she was fearful, she took anti anxiety medication, antidepressants. But one thing she did not do, which I give her so much credit for was, she did not stay in her house confined to her bed.
She traveled to an entirely different country, stayed with people she didn't even know, all in the name of pet-sitting. They say animals are good for your soul and healing. Apparently so!
Then by the GRACE OF GOD, (because if anyone knows anything about the VA), she just happened to find the cream of the crop in Amy. Where even Amy points out how truly strong Rose is.
This book was so inspirational to me, but unfortunately I do not have Rose's strength. But we do share the same healthcare and I just wish there were more Amy's out there.
Keep writing Christine, your voice makes a huge difference for others in the same situation.
No, we all don't have Rose's strength, because some of us are older. But, we can use post it notes and cross a milestone off as we cross them.
Thank you so much for sharing your voice and memoir with me. 💜
May God continue to shed light on you!!🙏🏾
May 3, 2023
This memoir held my heart in its hands. I find it stupendous that someone found the courage and valor to not only put much of their life on the page, but a life filled with being a victim of the pathology of sexist culture. Having to deal with the confusion, fallout and personal growth, this author shows us the personal side of what can happen to those traumatized. This socially learned pathology takes place in the form of all sorts of transgressions males/men learn to manipulate and undermine individuals because of their sex/gender. It is not a story to address those societal ills with solutions, but one that shows how an individual can grow and change and rise up from the ashes like the mythical phoenix. Each person who experiences sexual trauma has their own journey and I was honored to read this story.
April 7, 2023
A powerful and inspiring memoir that explores the healing power of travel and animal companionship. The author's journey to Europe is filled with adventure, culture, and new experiences that help her confront the trauma and pain of her past. The writing is raw and honest, and the author's vulnerability is both brave and admirable. This book is a must-read for anyone who has struggled with trauma or grief and is looking for hope and inspiration.
June 11, 2023
"One Reason to Live" is an extraordinary memoir that tackles a sensitive issue with authenticity and rawness. Christine Rose's remarkable storytelling and unwavering honesty make this book a captivating and impactful read. It is a testament to the power of resilience, offering hope to those who may be facing their own struggles. This memoir is not only a deeply personal account but also a valuable resource for fostering understanding and empathy
July 3, 2023
*warning of mental triggers*
This book, in the first half deals with suicide, depression, and abuse. So, proceed with caution..!
Christine Rose shares with us the devastating journey towards her deepest point of life, and from there how she fought them all and gathered the strength to live...
If we cross the first half, we will get to have a nice tour of the different countries through her words and her great recovery...!
This book, in the first half deals with suicide, depression, and abuse. So, proceed with caution..!
Christine Rose shares with us the devastating journey towards her deepest point of life, and from there how she fought them all and gathered the strength to live...
If we cross the first half, we will get to have a nice tour of the different countries through her words and her great recovery...!
April 9, 2023
A beautifully written memoir that explores the complexities of grief, trauma, and healing. The author's journey to Europe is a testament to the power of radical acceptance and self-love. The way she embraces new experiences and forms deep connections with animals is both heartwarming and uplifting. This book is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a reason to keep going.
March 5, 2024
Tbh idk about this book. Yes I liked it and obviously it’s true so I will not discredit the story. However, I was a little conflicted on some of the authors views on things. Some of the information felt a little unnecessary to be thrown in. Yes, I still liked the book and would tell anyone to read it. There’s talk of SA but nothing too graphic if you’re worried about that
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews