I ask myself: how am I living still? And how I ask it depends on the day.
All her life, Emily has felt different from other kids. Between therapist visits, sudden uncontrollable bursts of anger, and unexplained episodes of dizziness and loss of coordination, things have always felt not right. For years, her only escape was through the stories she’d craft about herself and the world around her. But it isn’t until a near-fatal accident when she’s twelve years old that Emily and her family discover the truth: a grapefruit sized benign brain tumor at the base of her skull.
In turns candid, angry, and beautiful, Emily Wing Smith’s captivating memoir chronicles her struggles with both mental and physical disabilities during her childhood, the devastating accident that may have saved her life, and the means by which she coped with it all: writing.
I had the honor of reading an advance copy of this, and I could not put it down. I have known Emily for several years, she is one of my favorite people, and I knew some of her struggles with depression, and that she'd had a brain tumor removed as a young child. But I did not know the extent of the things she had suffered, and I sat and cried as I read about my friend and all that she and her family had been through.
With total, simple honesty, Emily recounts her childhood and teenage years, her struggles with mental and even physical problems beyond her control. In many ways, she was just a normal kid who wanted to have friends and enjoy life, but then her recurring problems would rise up and knock her down. But she kept going, and it's amazing. This book is fascinating, heartbreaking, funny, and even suspenseful, and I cannot recommend it enough!
So All Better Now was the only book on my list that was non-fiction, and I don't always like non-fiction books, but this one amazing! I didn't know too much about it going in, aside from the fact that it's about a girl who is a little different who is in a car accident at a young age and discovers she has a brain tumor.
On the cover of the book, there is a picture of Emily at a young age, and despite the sweet pigtails and adorable frilly dress, she looks incredibly forlorn. From that picture, you get a good idea of what will happen in the book.
Emily's entire story is moving. Her entire life growing up is spent with her telling herself that she needs to be sorry for everything, that she takes up too much space. It is so hard to watch a child go through everything. She needs everything so perfect and pristine and if it's not how she thinks it should be, it causes her to break down.
What I love about this book, in regards to Mental Health Month, is that it shows that you don't have to be a teen or adult to suffer from a mental health issue, but kids can as well. Kids pick up on stressors in their environment, they take everything in and internalize it. Yes, with Emily, part of it was the brain tumor, but a lot of the things she suffered with continued after the tumor was removed.
What I also love with this being a memoir is that it shows that there is another side to whatever it is you are going through and you can live with it and through it. Emily went to college; received her Bachelors and Masters; she is happily married; she has written 3 books, this one being one of them; she has friends and relationship with her family. She knows that she will always have to live with "woo-head" and "bad hand," but she doesn't let it define her. Whatever you go through, whatever you live with, it doesn't have to define you.
I got this book pre-pub from Edelweiss. I don't think I knew what I was getting into, I requested it on a whim (childhood, interesting stuff happening to someone else...) and I'm so glad I did.
At first read, I wasn't totally enthralled. It is super interesting how Smith uses narrative and then spliced in pieces from her childhood therapy sessions. She had some "issues" as a kid that were definitely concerning. I kept reading....
...and then young Emily gets into a major car accident. Or rather, she was hit by a car. Once in the hospital, it's discovered she has a brain tumor. Suddenly, so much about her childhood makes more sense--her lack of coordination, slow motor skills, her inability to really use her right hand. I love the way Smith writes (and it should be good--she's been a writer her whole life!) and I appreciate how she injects some humor into her memoir. I gave this a FIVE stars on Goodreads because I cried probably four times. The first being when her mother realizes a) her daughter is late coming home, b) there are sirens in the distance, and c) runs all the way to the scene of the accident to find unrecognizable her daughter being loaded into a stretcher. Me=blubbery mess.
I'm keeping this intentionally vague so I don't spoil anything. I get that that's a weird thing for a memoir, but trust me---you don't want to know anything going in.
This is such an interesting memoir. I'd read and enjoyed Emily Wing Smith's YA novels and I absolutely admire her. It would be so easy for her to be negative, but this book was overwhelmingly positive and even funny.
(It probably helps that awkward and quiet are my people.)
It's also pretty fantastic to see her find her friends. I wish it had gone on a little farther and shared her path to publication and her inspiration, but maybe that means that there will be a sequel? Please say yes.
I wish I had a lot of beautiful words to tell you how much I loved this book, but Emily Wing Smith used up all the good words writing it. This is a YA memoir which is a genre I hope grows because I think young adults will really enjoy more looks like this.
The author discusses her numerous health concerns, but even more importantly her feelings of not fitting in. I think many adolescents (and former adolescents) will relate to these experiences.
I swear, I had my cry-face on for about 70% of this book or so. Detailing a heartbreaking childhood filled with anxiety, loneliness, mental health issues and a massive, undiagnosed brain tumor that wasn't discovered until she was twelve and hit by a car, ALL BETTER NOW is devastating. There's so much empathy and heartache for the author that when she finally does find that sense of inclusion and joy that she's been searching for for so long, you're right there along with her. A beautiful testament to passion and resilience - she's a writer to her core, and I loved the fact that the writing life was so integral to her finding a community.
I rarely read memoirs but I'm so glad I read this one, even if I had to plow through a box of tissues and stay up until all hours. So worth it.
4.5 stars I read this book in one day (well, into the wee hours of the early morning of the next day). I love this author. The Way He Lived is a book a read years ago but has stuck with me. I've also seen Emily present at a few library events/author events so I knew a little of her story. This is an engaging memoir that recounts the author's lonley and difficult childhood. I found myself deeply relating to her story (even thought I didn't get hit by a car or have a brain tumor) because I was a "weird girl" who wanted to grow up to be a writer. Toward the end of the memoir, when things start of fall into place for the author, I wanted a little more reflection from the her about what she thinks changed about her herself that made the positive changes possible. Overall, a compelling read.
Funny yet emotionally affecting memoir by a woman who had always been an anxious, clumsy, rageful child and who turned out to have a grapefruit-sized brain tumor that was affecting her health and behavior. (I'm not giving anything away--this information is on the book jacket.) Lots of insight into why young children can become so frustrated that they attack others. I especially enjoyed the parts about how difficult it was for her to make friends. I think it's assumed that most people develop real friendships in early childhood, but for many of us it takes much longer than that.
I received a copy of this book from Penguin First Reads in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
All Better Now is a memoir that follows the life of a young girl with many physical and mental issues. Ever since she was very young, Emily has suffered with anxiety, constant headaches, poor eyesight, outbursts, and many other issues. When she is hit by a car, the doctors find that she has a tumor located in her brain. While Emily believes that the brain tumor was the real reason for all her issues, she soon learns that there are still obstacles she must learn to overcome.
Each chapter is structured as if the author plucked out an experience or memory from her life. Most of the experiences/memories were significant, whereas some of the experiences/memories seemed random. Clearly, the experiences/memories were not random, as the author took her time to include them in her book, but they could seem quite random to the reader.
This is an interesting read and I enjoyed watching all the obstacles that Emily overcame. However, I felt extremely underwhelmed when reading this story. Yes, this young child suffered with mental and physical challenges. Yes, this young child had quite a few horrific experiences that I wouldn’t wish on anyone, young or old. Yet I never connected with the author on an emotional level and I believe that is what leaves me feeling rather blasé about this book.
If this book interests you in the least bit, I suggest giving it a try. I am definitely in the minority when it comes to a lower rating on this book, as many other readers have enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book from Penguin First to Read in exchange for an honest review.
My first copy wouldn't open due to issues with the picture formatting, and some pictures still wouldn't load, but what I saw were interesting photos, therapist reports, letters, etc.
Emily's story focuses on what was 'wrong' with her, and what would make her 'better.' As a child, she had various behavioral and physical issues, from sudden rages and depression, to headaches and a nearly non-functional right hand--she started therapy young to try to fit in. But despite a desperate desire to please, she couldn't, and it wasn't until she was hit by a car that they discover the source of at least some of her issues--a slow growing brain tumor she may have had since infancy.
Surgery removes the tumor, but her problems continue, and in some cases worsen, and she's forced to redefine "better."
Candid and real, the confessional tone makes you feel like you're sitting next to the author late at night, talking about her childhood, commiserating over the pains we all share. But that's where the strength ends, with young adulthood glossed over abruptly, skipping over into the near present. After the detail of childhood, it feels rushed and missing detail, as if the story might be better ending there, or in adding much more detail. With all the pictures and short chapters, it's a quick read, and more could easily be added. Despite the skimpy end, the book left me thoughtful of how we define 'normal' and 'broken.'
All Better Now is about author Emily Wing Smith’s difficult childhood, struggling with emotional issues, feeling like an outcast, and discovering she has a brain tumor after getting hit by a car. Hoping that the discovery of the tumor will explain the problems she’s had and the removal of it through surgery will make them go away, she finds that life is not quite that simple, however, it is also not worth it to give up on it.
All Better Now is definitely worth reading. Wing Smith has a way with words, writing beautifully about the ups and downs of her life. She also tells her story through psychiatric profiles in between the narratives, which provides a different perspective of her struggles and adds an interesting touch. Most of all, it is very easy to relate to the author and her feelings of rejection, awkwardness, insecurity, and confusion.
Well! This was the first book I finished since probably the middle of summer 2022. I really enjoyed the candid depiction of the author's childhood and all that came with it. Reading the author grow up made me feel like I personally knew her. I also really enjoyed the way she included psychoanalytical depictions of her life as well as the pictures.
My only reason for not giving it 5 stars was that the end of the book felt kind of forced(?) to me. It felt like it became a very pro-mormon religious book??? I don't know that felt kind of off for me but the rest of the book was great to read.
A heart wrenching read as my heart went out to this girl who overcame a childhood and youth of challenges and trauma. Very well written. So happy she has a good life now.
Highly recommend reading this to open mind and heart to those who are lonely, isolated or troubled.
Emily has always been different from other children--extremely smart and a skilled writer, but also physically uncoordinated, anti-social, and prone to fits of rage and anxiety. At 12 she's injured in a car accident and a scan shows she has a brain tumor. How long has it been around--since birth? What problems has the tumor caused or contributed to? Once the tumor is removed, however, Emily's life does not suddenly become bright and happy. Not only do her former issues remain, she struggles with reading and academic challenges. It's only when Emily is able to attend a summer school for aspiring writers in Virginia that she feels comfortable and makes genuine friends. Fortunately, this carries over to her senior year of high school back home and into college, where she finally feels "all better." Except that as an adult, as mentioned in the prologue, Emily still suffers from debilitating migraines and has a "bad hand" that doesn't function properly. Smith's memoir is geared towards middle-schoolers and teens, and is written in short chapters that highlight various parts of her life. While gripping, I would have liked to know more, especially about her parents, who often seem distant and at odds with her (or simply unsure how to cope).
The book All Better Now is a memoir by Emily Wing Smith. Emily was one of the luckiest people in the world, and if certain events wouldn’t have taken place she most likely would not be alive today.
When Emily was crossing the road one day she decided to go before the light changed colors causing her to be struck by a large SUV. The SUV didn’t kill her but she was stuck in the hospital for many weeks. While she was in the hospital they perform an MRI and a CT scan, furthermore finding out that she had a large tumor pressing on her spine.
Overall this book was good, but I found that at times it was hard to follow, and contained lots of information, at times it was needed but sometimes there was to much hiding the true point of the book. It was still very good, and informative during most of the book.
The only thing that I would change from the whole book would be the amount of information, and I would add some more narrative during the time when the doctors found the tumor.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and it past my expectations about how good a non fiction narrative could be.
Emily grew up being different than everyone else. She was aggressive, angry, smart, but socially awkward. She was extra left handed, so much that she avoided using her right hand. She was clumsy and uncoordinated, but creative and artistic (especially loved writing). She constantly had headaches. One day walking home from the mall she is hit by a car. When they do surgery on her head they find she has a grapefruit size tumor in her brain. She wonders if the tumor is the reason she is the way she is and if now that it is removed she will be "All Better." This was a candid book about the hard things Emily has gone through but somehow she has lived her dream of becoming a writer and getting married despite all her hardships.
An excellent book dealing with a young girl (the author) who ended up having a brain tumor, but it wasn't known until she was about 12 years old. The only thing that kept her happy were the stories she wrote. She went to many doctors including therapists and psychiatrists but, not until she had surgery was the situation revealed. It was an amazing and difficult journey for her and her parents and siblings, but she never gave up and today she is a gifted writer. I highly recommend this book; it will show you the courage and stamina of a young girl growing up who was determined to reach her goal. Kudos to the author!
This was a quick read for me-I read it in a day! So much to learn in this book. Another book about not judging someone. This poor girl had a very troubled childhood because unbeknownst to anyone, she had a tumor growing in her head, which caused her to act out and had some uncontrollable habits. When she got in an accident at the age of 12 and suffered severe head injuries, the tumor was discovered. Then she had a new set of problems. An inspirational book overcoming the odds and learning how to discover oneself and learning how to make your trials and adversities into triumphs.
4.5 stars. One of the best memoirs I have ever read. Entirely captivating, heartbreaking, and beautifully written.
It's an enthralling read I was unable to put down, one I would recommend to anyone who ever feels different or like they don't completely fit in. The prose is absolutely breathtaking, and Emily's story is all at once funny, affecting, thoughtful, and entertaining.
It is one of those books where you can't help but connect with the author, no matter how different their problems are from yours. Although a reader may not have suffered from a brain tumor, her ability to capture the essence of childhood and adolescence allows readers to immediately feel an association with the novel.
An incredibly well-written, thought-out memoir with an exceptional girl at its center.
I had the privilege to hear Emily Wing Smith speak at a library conference a couple years ago. I was so impressed by her story and told myself I wanted to read her memoir. I finally got around to doing it, and I’m so glad I did. I have so much empathy and respect for people that have to face such difficult physical and mental health challenges in this life, yet still manage to pursue their dreams. I also appreciated the inclusion of her faith in the telling of her story.
The premise seemed interesting, the writing was fine, but I just didn't relate to the author. She was very "5th book Harry Potter" for 80% of the book. On top of that, many of the chapters just weren't that interesting. I really struggled to get through this.
Excellent!! Serious and also humorous. I loved it! It's an incredible story and while not many people could say they experienced what Emily has, there were so many relatable elements in her story that everyone could identify with.
This memoir covers a young girl's first discovery of life. She is left-handed and is overly emotional. She does a lot of hitting. As a teen she is hit by a car and the Drs. find a large brain tumor. Much more to go.
I really enjoyed this touching memoir about Emily's struggles through childhood being misunderstood and suffering because of an unknown tumor in her brain and then the journey of rediscovery when she and others in her life finally understand. She went through so much and this was a really brutally honest, emotional novel... while still being funny and sweet. I only took off a star because I guess it won't really stick with me forever? Not really sure why! It was very good though.
I am not a fan of memoirs, but this caught my eye at the library. I'm so glad it did. It is a well-written page turner. While many parts are sad, even tragic, they are never maudlin. I loved this book.
wonderful life story, full of love, true friendship, struggle. wonderful viewpoint of a chronically I'll woman thriving when she wasn't necessarily dealt the best hand in life. would recommend to anyone thinking that they can't do it just because they are different
I read about this author in the BYU Magazine, so I thought I'd give her books a try. This one is a memoir of her childhood and her physical and mental challenges she had with a brain tumor that remained un-diagnosed until she was hit by a car and needed a CT scan. This book included some of the doctors' reports and medical summaries from various appointments which gave further insights into what she and her family were dealing with. I always enjoys books that take place near where I grew up, and it was fun to know she is Mormon and a BYU graduate too. It was a quick read with short chapters and I really enjoyed it. Next I'm going to read one of her YA novels.