The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over

by Naseem Rochette

In a pedestrian crosswalk on a quiet tree-lined street, Naseem is hit and then run over three times. Onlookers yell for the driver to stop as she hears her fate in her husband’s screams. Is he watching the mother of his children die?

Miraculously, she survives, yet she is no longer the person she worked so hard to be. Her “cracks”—the changes to her body and mind—initially feel impossible to accept. In learning to embrace this new, unrecognizable self, Naseem decides to celebrate the day she almost lost her life as the day she discovered her true strength—her Unbreakable Day.

In this unique memoir, equal parts heart wrenching and inspiring, Naseem lays bare the reality of personal trauma—and how we each have the power to reimagine our lives and find beauty in being both broken and unbreakable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, True Crime, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiring story of Naseem (Nas) Rochette and how she rebuilds her life after a serious accident. The writing is a bit of a let-down in parts though.

Naseem is happily married to Westcott (Wes), with three kids – Asha, Kalyan & Jasper. She is also doing well in her career in technology, now being employed by Microsoft. She had earlier spent some time helping her brother Zahid with his start-up venture. There is also some background of her family – her parents being Indian Muslim immigrants, who have worked hard to build their lives. One day she returns from work, gets off a train from NY at South Orange, and her husband is a little distance away ready to pick her up. At a pedestrian crosswalk, she is hit by a vehicle. The driver does not stop, and runs over her three times with the wheels over Naseem five times. Onlookers, including Wes, yell for the driver to stop and finally she does. After that, Naseem is rushed to hospital and has eye surgery, other than treatment for her wounds.

It would be several weeks before she can return to work, and she is very circumspect now in travelling as the scars have still not fully healed and there is a fear preying on her mind. After a year, she decides to celebrate the day of her accident as her “Unbreakable Day”. The repercussions of the accident continue with medical treatment, psychological consultations and appearances in court for long. Disappointingly, the driver of the vehicle at the time showed no concern for her life, and even after many months shows no remorse. While this initially makes Naseem very bitter, she still tries to reach out, but to no avail with the driver maintaining that “it was just an accident”. The driver, due to her driving history, had only “forced insurance” and as result all payments had to be made by Naseem’s insurance company, though she was not driving, which they were obviously not happy about.

A lot of the initial sections make for painful reading – her accident, the injuries, the attitude of the driver, the court appearances and her re-integration into normal life. A lot of the writing even in the later parts is very literal and I would have hoped for some more depth. The last chapter on learnings from her experience offers almost no new material. The book is very readable and is well structured and crisp.

This is an inspiring story of a woman who rose after a serious setback, and I certainly recommend the book for that.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher – Girl Friday Productions and the author for a free electronic review copy.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to both Misfit Blue and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over.

Expected publication: April 4th 2023

This is a unique memoir that's equal parts heart-wrenching, and inspiring. Naseem lays bare the reality of personal trauma—and how we each have the power to reimagine our lives and find beauty in both being broken and unbreakable.

The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over has a horrifying beginning, where Nas describes being hit by a car while she was in a crosswalk. Instead of immediately stopping, the driver hit the gas and ran over Nas, as the onlookers (including Nas' husband) SCREAMED at the driver to STOP. Instead of stopping, the driver reversed, running over Nas a second time. THEN she drove forward again, running Nas over a third time, finally stopping her car ... on top of Nas!! That the author survived is an absolute miracle. That she didn't have any broken bones or skull fractures was a double miracle.

The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over then delves into the heart of the book, describing Nas's very lengthy, heart-wrenching recovery, while the driver refuses to show any remorse or accept any guilt. "It was just an accident," she states.

The only thing I disliked about the book was Nas's descriptions of her designer clothing. I didn't feel knowing about her expensive wardrobe contributed to the story.

Bottom line, Naseem's story is a perfect example of finding purpose and meaning in our lives - not in SPITE of what has happened to us, but BECAUSE of it. It's an inspiration to survivors everywhere.

[Star Gater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Biographies & Memoirs | Health, Mind & Body | True Crime
Published: 04/04/23

Thank you NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions, Misfit Blue for accepting my request to read and review The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over.

The author writes her thoughts on the experience that changed her life forever. She was run over. The woman who hit her, never accepted responsibility. This affects the mental/psyche of the author.

Successful in business, mother of three, wife and daughter. She lived a busy affluent life. She happily was a mother. Suddenly, everything that she knew stopped. She was the one needing help. This is as much about her accident as it is about her accepting help from others.

My standard is three stars for these types of memoirs. There are lessons to be learned here.

There is a geek moment in how it was proven she was run over, scientifically -- wow.

I would gift this. This is more of a smart/thinker memoir.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on a true story by the author Naseem Rochette who was hit by a car while standing in a crosswalk she was hit with the same car three times. On lookers yell for the driver to stop, but driver kept going. This is Naseem Rochette, suffering severe trauma memoir. I won this ebook from Goodreads giveaway and Alexis Hall ( the Author)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner

I couldn’t put this book down. Every word was heartfelt, thought provoking and true! I was brought to tears at some parts of her tragedy, but the underlying message is a great message. We are all Unbroken in some ways. I will be celebrating my Unbroken Day this year. Car accident December 15th. Also, it is my birthday. It is so true, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! So glad I read this book and so glad she wrote it.

[Chandler Hedgehog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naseem is a beautiful person with a beautiful story. This book feels like catching up with an old friend, candid and emotional. I’m really glad she decided to share her story with the world.

[Lana Lieb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is truly a miracle Naseem survived this horrific accident. She gives sound advice for anyone dealing with traumatic brain injury and PTSD.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an empowering story! Truly inspiring and shows how one can overcome the most tragic situations.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over
by Naseem Rochette
Pub Date 04 Apr 2023
Girl Friday Productions, Misfit Blue
Biographies & Memoirs | Health, Mind & Body | True Crime



I am reviewing a copy of The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over through Girl Friday Productions, Misfit Blue and Netgalley:




In this book you will be reminded to find beauty and power in your cracks. And it will remind you that breaking doesn't mean broken.



Nasheem was in a pedestrian sidewalk in a quiet tree lined street. In that crosswalk she is hit then ran over three times. As onlookers yell for the driver to stop as she hears her fate in her husband’s screams. Is he is watching the mother of his children die?


Miraculously Nasheem survives, yet she is no longer the person she worked so hard to be. Her “cracks”—the changes to her body and mind—initially feel impossible to accept. In learning to embrace this new, unrecognizable self, Naseem decides to celebrate the day she almost lost her life as the day she discovered her true strength her Unbreakable Day.


The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over is a unique memoir equal parts heart wrenching and inspiring, Naseem lays bare the reality of personal trauma and how we each have the power to reimagine our lives and find beauty in both being broken and unbreakable.


I give The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over five out of five stars!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me question my worldview. My assumption that people were generally good. That people wanted to do good.

I was going to make sure my kids did not long for the pre-accident Mom. A person I wasn’t and couldn’t be. I was going to share my wisdom and experience to help others. I was going to remember how lucky I was to survive. I wasn’t going to waste time wishing I had done things different. I was going to look back and not mind that I was in a crazy horrific accident. and then I tried my hardest to live that way. I did my best to accept, adapt and change course. I was transforming and feeling good. And then the pandemic, or in my case sarcoidosis happened.

A global seemingly never ending unbreakable day. that was when I knew it was time to write down the story you were listening to now. I wanted to play it forward.

I still have to actively keep from fretting about the driver.

I tried to focus on how happy I am to be alive. if I let my mind go too far in the weeds, I will still spin out. Her lack of remorse, accountability, and at the end of the day basic human kind is a crime far worse thanshitting me or driving over me. It’s the lack of saying sorry that keeps the wounds open.

hi Ryan, I remind myself over and over and over that it wasn’t personal. the driver was not out to get me.i’d like to think that everyone lives by the same moral code, but the world is too big and to think this way would be naïve

wallowing in grief brings no relief

About the author: Naseem is a seasoned sales leader, working mother, and passionate speaker on trauma,, transformation and the value of celebrating both victories and struggles. In Naseem's ongoing effort to understand and interpret the world, she has earned a masters in journalism from Columbia university and an MBA from Rutger's University where she is a founding member of the Rutger's design thinking adversery board. She also has a bacherlors in English Literature from the University of Maryland and an Executives Certificate in organizaitonal leadership from Rolands College.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and the title, alone, had me reading it right away. I have to admit: I didn't really like the author at first. In those first few chapters, I was put off by the paragraphs dealing with appearance and how she has to mention that she is at her goal weight of 98 pounds, how she has to mention her Peloton schedule, and how she has to mention her name brand wardrobe with the power high heels (that she mentions three or four times through-out the book.) I really became annoyed when she was super concerned about losing her jewelry before getting X-rays at the hospital. I mean... you were just run over three times, and you want to hold the diamond earrings in your hands while they determine if you have internal bleeding? Really?

But the book gets better. I absolutely love how Naseem has made the anniversary of her trauma more positive by deeming it: Unbreakable Day. I'm going to celebrate Unbreakable Days too, now, since I have a few of those anniversaries, and I always get depressed on those particular days. She's right in that we can put a spin on the bad because we have survived these life-altering moments, so why not cover our scars in gold dust and step out into the light?

I also enjoyed how Naseem wrapped up the book with a synopsis of how to live fully in gratitude. So, I guess I do kind of like her. I just didn't get her - or relate to her - in some of the chapters. And, like she mentions in the book, she's fine with that - just as long as you're genuine with her, she'll be genuine right back.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir starts with a horrific accident. How can someone run over another person so many times??? What was the driver thinking? Unfortunately we never find out. But, for the victim, it was quite the life changing event.

When I first met Naseem in the book, she seemed pretty arrogant, describing her designer shoes, clothes, etc. How powerful and strong and thin, etc.she was. Her high power job, her perfect family, her perfect life. That all changed in a heartbeat, through no fault of her own.

This is a story of her recovery and healing, both physically and mentally. She shares with us the lessons she learned after the accident. How hard it is to depend on others and let them help, how being so obviously honest helps others to also open up, how our families know we love them without having to write them letters telling them. The post accident Naseem seems so much more real and likable.

Anyone who has ever been through a traumatic accident, illness, or situation will be able to really relate to her struggle and lessons she learned. It's a very interesting read and I feel Ms. Rochette was brave in sharing her story, especially letting the world know about her TBI and PTSD. I wish her all the best as she continues to celebrate her " unbreakable " day annually. #GoodreadsGiveaway

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #: 6
Title: The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over
Author: Naseem Rochette
Series: no
Format: 192 pages, Kindle Edition, own
Pub Date: First published January 1, 2023
Started: 1/14/25 Finished: 1/17/25
Awards: Best Indie Book Award (BIBA) Winner - 2023 BOOK OF THE YEAR
Categories: Memoir; A Book by a Disabled Author; PS08 A book under 250 pages; PS10 A book you got for free (giveaway win); PS50 A book that features a character with chronic pain; GR5 A book with a weird or intriguing title; GR2018: An author's debut book; GR2022: A book that uses all five vowels in the title and/or author's name;
Goodreads Rating: 4.01; 137 ratings; 39 reviews
My Rating: *** three out of five stars
* The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over by Naseem Rochette

Naseem was struck by a car and run over multiple times as the car backed over her again after hitting her. The memoir covers her years long struggle of dealing with court systems, insurance companies, hospitals and her trying to get back to her career before her body was ready. She speaks several times of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of "golden mending", the process of repairing broken pottery with gold infused lacquer to highlight the cracks and imperfections of the piece rather than hide them. Frankly, I was not inspired by the book, the writing was too matter of fact to get me emotionally involved.

[Harvey Araton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting how a chance encounter, the willingness to be openly receptive, can alter our perspective and enrich our experience. Perched in the middle seat during a long flight home, locked in on a novel I was determined to finish, I was interrupted by a hand reaching across from the window seat, offering a custom-made bookmark to replace the pitiful newspaper tear piece I'd been using. Thus began the unexpected benefits of a conversation with Naseem Rochette, a fair portion of it devoted to her book, "The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over," and all that it had entailed. The rest of the flight flew by, as did a subsequent devouring of her fascinating memoir. Life, she discovered and candidly shared, is a case study of the unexpected, but the outcome is more about what we make of such events--be they pleasantly casual or nearly tragic. The author collected herself, reassembled the pieces of her broken life and built one even stronger and more sustaining. Her middle-seat acquaintance purchased her book and was inspired to a greater sense of self-awareness while being unequivocally grateful for that chance encounter.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebuilding a life from the effects of being run over, car reverses and runs over Naseem Rochette again. Then forward again. As she lays awake waiting for the numbness, the pain and the reality set in, paramedics help her as her husband has to stand by watching it all happen. So their lives are forever changed although no broken bones : but her injuries are extensive, the scars are massive, her brain is altered. But these altering injuries don’t define the stolen years from Naseem and her family. She learns to accept help and kindness from others and believes in the golden rule. But this time the golden rule fails her and she is at a loss of why someone who would do this horrific thing to someone else would never acknowledge it and without so much as a soft whisper of sorry comes her way. That is what bothers Naseem the most. Her life has been altered but her spirit has come out stronger. She has moved on but will always have PTSD and the growing family years have come and gone. Naseem has created a personal holiday, Unbreakable Day, that their family celebrates every year to honor the strength that they didn’t know they had.

[Kimberly Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

When walking in a crosswalk, one would think that he/she is safe, this was not the case for Naseem, as she is brutally run over by a vehicle. Naseem is living the ideal American family life, a career woman, happily married with 3 children, when she is heinously injured by a vehicle. This story details Naseem’s frustration, with the injury, with the driver of the vehicle, and with the legal system, that hardly penalizes the driver. Unbelievably, she is able to detail the incident to the minute details, of the number of times the wheels ran over her prone body as it was laying on the street. I enjoyed the details, but would have preferred more details about her recovery, and her medical conditions. This book was a quick, memorable read, but I would have liked more details. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lauren Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over! When I put it down I eagerly went back to it to read more. Rarely do I find a book that captivates me so much and I hope the same for you. Nassem’s Rochette’s style of writing is so detailed that it draws you right into her moment while being fully attentive (no mind wandering elsewhere!) to every word on the paper. I have taken her life lessons to heart and put them to work in my own life already. Also, Naseem’s life before her Unbreakable Day and afterwards is so engaging, heartbreaking, uplifting and pedagogical that you may be surprised at your inability to put the book down until you finished reading it!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have PTSD, you may find this book triggering. I was however fascinated by the fact that in the beginning of the book, the way the author described herself and her personality, I really had a strong dislike for this woman. Her fixation on her weight, her drive to be perfect - it was all screaming “I dislike this person a lot” and made continuing to read her story uncomfortable for awhile. As she healed and settled into a more relaxed individual, it made bearing her message more appealing. I think the messages she has are meaningful, but may be hard to process depending on where someone is in their healing journey.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was put off by the beginning.

I am glad you made it. That was beyond horrific. But your bragging about your affluence left a bad taste in my mouth.

What does having a nanny, going on tropical vacations have to do with being run over by a car?

Just too much bragging for me.

I could not get past the first few pages.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though the writing style is refined, I found the substance somewhat lacking, offering few tangible takeaways or profound insights. Ultimately, it didn't quite deliver the impactful punch I anticipated from such a promising title. Another aspect that troubled me was the author's seeming lack of self-awareness. Whenever she casually referred to herself or her belongings as a "powerhouse", it left me cringing. While I do admire her survival story, I couldn't get past how she appeared overly preoccupied with material possessions. Her mention of finding solace in purchasing a luxury SUV further reinforced this perception. Overall, I found her lacking in substance and relatability.

[Michael Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes traumatic experiences produce positive lessons for life. The author tells how an incredibly painful traffic experience changed her life and how she now celebrates the date each year. Some of her lessons resonated strongly with me. If you or someone you know is going through a time of pain with life-changing implications, I recommend that you read this book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing true story.

A great book about strength, family, & perseverance. Naseem takes her story of being run over and surviving and takes the readers on a journey in recovery. She leaves the readers with great wisdom and tangible advice to make our lives better. Received this book in a goodreads book give-a-way

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a memorable quick read that was well written and well meant. The word “inspiring” comes to mind quickly, as the author was such a workaholic powerhouse prior to this accident. Her lessons learned are painful and enlightening, bringing me to tears by the end.

[Robin Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this book was hard to put down. I can’t imagine going through what Naseem went through. I was very impressed with how she handled things and, well, just wow. If you need a book to help you put your troubles in perspective, this is the one.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
An interesting story of the author's traumatic experience of being hit by a car, and hen run over three times. Miraculously, she survives, yet she is no longer the person she worked so hard to be and through therapy learns how to deal with what has happened.

[Linda ruprecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring

What a beautiful and inspirational story. A moving lesson for all of us. A reminder that life will break us all in one way or another. It’s how we mend ourselves that matters.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to a Goodreads Giveaway for this book. I loved it! I didn’t live the horrible experience Naseem had or the way the woman who ran her over(and over..) handled things. But the frankness and honesty with which Naseem shared both her injuries and feelings kept me turning the pages.

[Alyssa J Cori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to hear Naseem speak at an event and finally read her book a year later. I'd already heard her nearly unbelievable story of being run over and this book gave me a deeper look at the lessons she learned and the process of recovery and becoming a different person.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a story. Naseem is a survivor that has many wise thoughts to share as a result of her experience. I really love the concept of Unbreakable Day.