What do you think?
Rate this book
Still Emily
Emily Owen was a multi talented teenager with the world at her feet. Highly intelligent, athletic and a gifted musician, she was destined to excel in whichever field she chose to pursue. At the age of 16, Emily was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and less than a month later, she was in hospital and fighting for her life. Over the coming years, NF2 would steal her education, her smile, her hearing, her ability to walk. With her life plans in ruins, Emily struggled to find meaning and identity. Good things in her life weren't good any more. Because they were no longer there. With gentle humour and heart-breaking honesty, Emily shares her story. Slowly and painfully, she discovers value in new places, seeing the rainbows in the silence.
152 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2016
181 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Emily Owen
60 books6 followersThere is more than author in the Goodreads database with this name. This entry is for Emily^Owen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 2, 2021
A weak 3 stars. The story of her battle with NF2, which resulted in multiple surgeries, ultimately deafness, and needing to relearn to walk over and over, was interesting. The writing was clunky. So many exclamation marks! Parts of it felt superficial. But I made it through and didn’t really think of quitting.
February 1, 2019
I recently finished reading "Still Emily" by Emily Owen and I have to say it's in my top ten books I've ever read.
Emily was diagnosed at the age of sixteen with NF2 (Neurofibromatosis Type 2) of which I knew nothing about until I read her book. It is a really terrible illness which has robbed her (and her family) of so much. And yet, Emily never gives in to it. She doesn't let it rob her of her faith in God. Neither does she allow it to define who she is. Her faith and her identity as a child of God shine through and she is still the same person she was before her diagnosis.
I think there are two reasons why she is able to overcome such hard struggles. First, because of her faith in God which she was grounded in from a young age, having been brought up in a Christian home. Secondly, she has the love and support of an amazing family.
After her first operation, something went wrong and her parents were told that Emily may not survive what the doctors think was a stroke in her brainstem. Emily writes that her parents "were confronted, unwillingly, with a decision that no one should ever have to face: what would they say if asked to turn off life support? They faced a literal life and death decision. And yet they knew that, at the same time, it was a death to life decision. From death to never-ending life with God who, through seventeen years, I had learned to trust. So, through their heartache, they agreed that if necessary, they would say 'yes'."
I can't imagine having to make that decision for anyone I loved, let alone a child of mine.
Emily did not die that day, but she did need to relearn how to do everything again, even something as basic to us as breathing. Neither was that the only operation she would need. She has had over twenty operations since 1996 to remove tumours not just on her brain but elsewhere on her body too.
In her book, Emily writes how NF2 took away her hopes and dreams for her life and she went through a time of questioning whether God would bother with her now. However, God showed her she was still important to him and he has given her new plans and purpose for her life. Now she is able to write and speak about her experiences and her faith, and all for his glory. I believe that she has probably reached and will continue to reach more people than she would have done had it not been for having to live with NF2.
Emily shares openly and honestly about herself and the challenges she has faced. Her book shows us her courage to overcome them, her faith in God and how he enables her to live victoriously for him.
There are so many more examples I could tell you about but the best thing you can do is read the book for yourself.
"Still Emily" is a book which has blessed and encouraged me in my own journey of faith. I really recommend that you read it too. We all face struggles and difficulties in life, they may not be the same as Emily has faced, but life is undoubtedly hard for each one of us at times. I am sure this book will help you to realise that you are not alone and that God is with you too and it will strengthen your faith in him.
Emily was diagnosed at the age of sixteen with NF2 (Neurofibromatosis Type 2) of which I knew nothing about until I read her book. It is a really terrible illness which has robbed her (and her family) of so much. And yet, Emily never gives in to it. She doesn't let it rob her of her faith in God. Neither does she allow it to define who she is. Her faith and her identity as a child of God shine through and she is still the same person she was before her diagnosis.
I think there are two reasons why she is able to overcome such hard struggles. First, because of her faith in God which she was grounded in from a young age, having been brought up in a Christian home. Secondly, she has the love and support of an amazing family.
After her first operation, something went wrong and her parents were told that Emily may not survive what the doctors think was a stroke in her brainstem. Emily writes that her parents "were confronted, unwillingly, with a decision that no one should ever have to face: what would they say if asked to turn off life support? They faced a literal life and death decision. And yet they knew that, at the same time, it was a death to life decision. From death to never-ending life with God who, through seventeen years, I had learned to trust. So, through their heartache, they agreed that if necessary, they would say 'yes'."
I can't imagine having to make that decision for anyone I loved, let alone a child of mine.
Emily did not die that day, but she did need to relearn how to do everything again, even something as basic to us as breathing. Neither was that the only operation she would need. She has had over twenty operations since 1996 to remove tumours not just on her brain but elsewhere on her body too.
In her book, Emily writes how NF2 took away her hopes and dreams for her life and she went through a time of questioning whether God would bother with her now. However, God showed her she was still important to him and he has given her new plans and purpose for her life. Now she is able to write and speak about her experiences and her faith, and all for his glory. I believe that she has probably reached and will continue to reach more people than she would have done had it not been for having to live with NF2.
Emily shares openly and honestly about herself and the challenges she has faced. Her book shows us her courage to overcome them, her faith in God and how he enables her to live victoriously for him.
There are so many more examples I could tell you about but the best thing you can do is read the book for yourself.
"Still Emily" is a book which has blessed and encouraged me in my own journey of faith. I really recommend that you read it too. We all face struggles and difficulties in life, they may not be the same as Emily has faced, but life is undoubtedly hard for each one of us at times. I am sure this book will help you to realise that you are not alone and that God is with you too and it will strengthen your faith in him.
January 23, 2019
Inspired
I enjoyed reading the story of Emily. I to.suffer a debilitating genetic disease and this book helped me "see the rainbows" in my own life.
I enjoyed reading the story of Emily. I to.suffer a debilitating genetic disease and this book helped me "see the rainbows" in my own life.
May 15, 2023
This is a story of a girl living with brain tumors. There’s no doubt she went through a lot in her life, but the story was told in flat simple sentences that never evolved into any profound thought or insight. I don’t recommend this book. Certainly there are more interesting books if one is looking for a book on reliance on God through difficult situations or a book on strength and endurance through trials.
September 15, 2018
Still Emily is an Absolutely brilliant book. A very easy read once i started i found it very hard to put down. You really felt as though you was walking along with Emily through out her journey. You could feel her frustration, but also her Joy.
Undergoing numerous operations, emily lost her hearing and suffered damage to her sight struggling with balance and much more since being was diagnosed with Neurofibramatosis Type 2 (NF2) when she was 16. There were lots of emotional chapters but i had to keep reading. Runing the race with Emily emotionally.
Some parts that stuck out as powerful and prominent was when Emilys mum refused to post a parcel with out her. The bubble bath tea party. And a real emotional part when the nurse reasurred Emily by using her ring to let Emily know she was not alone any more
I Highly recommend this title.
Undergoing numerous operations, emily lost her hearing and suffered damage to her sight struggling with balance and much more since being was diagnosed with Neurofibramatosis Type 2 (NF2) when she was 16. There were lots of emotional chapters but i had to keep reading. Runing the race with Emily emotionally.
Some parts that stuck out as powerful and prominent was when Emilys mum refused to post a parcel with out her. The bubble bath tea party. And a real emotional part when the nurse reasurred Emily by using her ring to let Emily know she was not alone any more
I Highly recommend this title.
December 9, 2020
Remarkable Emily!
This inspirational story will leave the reader in awe of a remarkable woman who has the strength few of us could ever have. Her faith, family, friends and sheer tenacity helped her face a devastating diagnosis. Your heart will be touched by her search to find the rainbows in her life . Her quest to find joy and meaning should encourage each of us to seek the rainbows through our storms in !ife. I am truly moved by Emily's journey and her triumph over the most difficult of challenges. A must read. You will be blessed.
This inspirational story will leave the reader in awe of a remarkable woman who has the strength few of us could ever have. Her faith, family, friends and sheer tenacity helped her face a devastating diagnosis. Your heart will be touched by her search to find the rainbows in her life . Her quest to find joy and meaning should encourage each of us to seek the rainbows through our storms in !ife. I am truly moved by Emily's journey and her triumph over the most difficult of challenges. A must read. You will be blessed.
November 3, 2022
This was a fast read but ultimately not well written. I felt like it just repeated itself especially near the end. It felt rushed. I can’t imagine what the writer has had to endure living with this condition but the book just fell flat for me.
September 2, 2024
This is a stunning book. It is impossible for anyone who does not suffer from NF2 to know what it is like. Emily's world is hugely limited and painful with the the threat that any day it could get worse and often does. What ops will she need next and where and what will that prevent her doing that she still manages to do now? She is already profoundly deaf and has challenging mobility issues. But she is 'Still Emily' and Emily knows she is loved and treasured not just by her earthly family (where she is special to young and old) and her entourage of friends and fans, but to God. God makes it plain to her that whatever my befall her, she belongs to him, he knows her and rejoices in her. She is Emily.
In our society today we crave for authenticity. In Emily, this is what you get in abundance. In the midst of the darkness of pain, disease and disability, Emily shines with God-given light. Her world has rainbows of hope in the storm.
This is a book everyone should read.
In our society today we crave for authenticity. In Emily, this is what you get in abundance. In the midst of the darkness of pain, disease and disability, Emily shines with God-given light. Her world has rainbows of hope in the storm.
This is a book everyone should read.
April 17, 2023
This memoir of a young life transformed by a devastating illness can teach us how to overcome our own trials and tribulations. As Emily unpacks the swift cruel blows of disease, and painfully slow recoveries, she eschews self-pity. For me, the standout line that sums up Emily’s outlook on life is this, “But I have learned, and am still learning, to celebrate the twenty minutes I can do in life rather than focus on the ten minutes I can’t.”
March 22, 2023
I suffer with the disease Neurofibromatosis Type 2. I loved this book. I could really understand what Emily is going through. I understand the falls, the triumphs, the repetition of surgery. It is just such a great book! Even if you do not have NF2, you will still enjoy this book! Emily truly let’s you into her life, and it is a story that I am glad she shared!
October 13, 2020
An honest inspiring memoir
A beautiful story of a woman dealing with a significant chronic illness and how she gas found the good in life despite of it. Emily, a musician, loses one of her most valued senses, her hearing, but lives each day yo find the music of her life.
A beautiful story of a woman dealing with a significant chronic illness and how she gas found the good in life despite of it. Emily, a musician, loses one of her most valued senses, her hearing, but lives each day yo find the music of her life.
December 1, 2020
Tumors and love
Another amazing woman who so openly shares her anger, fears, joys and love. What a life Emily has lived and continues to live and she doesn't want or need sympathy. You will learn as well as she takes you on her journey. Her faith and family are truly wonderful.
Another amazing woman who so openly shares her anger, fears, joys and love. What a life Emily has lived and continues to live and she doesn't want or need sympathy. You will learn as well as she takes you on her journey. Her faith and family are truly wonderful.
December 4, 2021
Courage and generosity of spirit ring out from every page
Emily writes the compelling story of her life and how she and has coped with the cards she has been dealt whilst still hanging to her true identity. Inspirational.
Emily writes the compelling story of her life and how she and has coped with the cards she has been dealt whilst still hanging to her true identity. Inspirational.
June 9, 2022
A learning experience
This book was awesome! I could not put it down until the last page; then I wanted more. I learned so much from Emily. The book meant a lot to me, because I also am hearing impaired. Emily, you are the bravest person on the planet!
This book was awesome! I could not put it down until the last page; then I wanted more. I learned so much from Emily. The book meant a lot to me, because I also am hearing impaired. Emily, you are the bravest person on the planet!
July 16, 2022
A heart breaking tale but with a heart warming lesson. The one thing I will remember from this book is to always look for rainbows 🌈. No matter how difficult things get there will always be a rainbow.
February 22, 2025
What an incredible, inspirational lady to have gone through so much and still be able to say it's okay, that is maybe for healing in heaven some day.
God bless you Emily and your story. May you continue to inspire others. ✨️
God bless you Emily and your story. May you continue to inspire others. ✨️
July 13, 2020
Heartbreaking story about NF2. More so when you know and love someone who has NF.
February 26, 2022
Why
The lord may of taken many things away from this Author but gave her the gift of writing this book.
The lord may of taken many things away from this Author but gave her the gift of writing this book.
June 7, 2016
Have you heard of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)?
I hadn’t until I met Emily.
Neither had Emily until the day, aged 16, she was diagnosed with it.
A month later she was fighting for her life.
Today she tells us her story. A story of a girl who being highly talented at school, in music and in athletics suddenly has her hopes and dreams for the future come crashing down.
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
In her gentle, unassuming way with a sprinkling of humour, Emily tells her journey. She is honest. She struggles. She feels pain. She feels guilt for the burden she places on her family and for the times her illness has caused plans to change or be cancelled. She feels the loss of her hearing, her smile, and with that also her identity.
Then too, as hopes and dreams are in pieces on the floor, comes the grief, the acceptance, and the adapting...and through it all the struggle to find who she is anymore ~ is she still Emily?
Where is God? What plan can He possibly have for her now?
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
♫ Music lovers everywhere will connect with Emily in this book. Music was a huge part of her life until her hearing loss stole away her enjoyment of it. Yet, the music is still there in her heart, and overflows in her story. It’s the lyrics of certain songs that speak very eloquently of her heart...and touch mine to the core in the process! (I have always found a certain song from ♫ The Phantom of the Opera ♫ very haunting. After reading this book, those lyrics have taken on a whole new meaning. Whenever I hear that song, I’ll be thinking of Emily!) ♫
I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye several times throughout this book, and yet it is a surprisingly very easy read. I was a little concerned as I picked up the book that maybe it would get intense emotionally and also very deep medically and my Fibro-fogged brain would struggle to read it. I need not have worried. Emily has shared the medical facts but kept them brief. She shares enough for you to know what is going on but doesn’t get bogged down in the details. The pace is fast. She shares, then moves on, keeping her readers interested. Her asides keep the tone light-hearted. Her words though convey her emotion and reach a level deep in your heart as you feel the pain and struggle she goes through as she deals with each setback.
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
It won’t just be NF2 sufferers and their families who find encouragement with Emily’s story, but all those who have long term illness to live with too. You may not experience the exact physical problems Emily has to deal with, but there will be a lot you will relate to: the fear of the unknown, the loss of hopes and dreams, the struggle to find who you are amid the illness that has changed your life, the guilt as your families lives change too, along with the questions, Where is God? Why has this happened? What can He do with me now? Also for those of you who have had illness hit you while you are young I’m sure there will be a lot of people saying I know how that feels, and the relieved I’m not the only one!
I loved the letter Emily wrote at the end of the book to NF2. She tells it that despite the shipwreck it has made of her life and the many times she has found herself washed up in a different place, she will always cling to a piece of herself ~ she will still be Emily. And she defiantly tells it she may not be able to enjoy music anymore, but she has a memory bank in her heart and in it is a song she dedicates to God, her parents, sisters, family, friends and medical team...all those who raise her up. ♫ You Raise Me Up ♫ ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkkw8....
As you read, like me you may have a tear in your eye and a lump in your throat, but I guarantee you’ll be counting the blessings you do have in your life, things you had never considered to be a blessing, and when those stormy day come and the tears are in your eyes, you’ll remember to look through the tears and find the rainbows and like Emily discover that yes, God is still there.
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
Emily and I met in our late teens and while we haven’t seen each other since our early twenties we have kept in touch. She has not given me a copy of her book, nor did she ask me to buy it. I bought it because I was interested in reading her story. Neither has she asked me for a review, but this book is definitely worthy of one, so here I am sharing my thoughts for you to read.
I hadn’t until I met Emily.
Neither had Emily until the day, aged 16, she was diagnosed with it.
A month later she was fighting for her life.
Today she tells us her story. A story of a girl who being highly talented at school, in music and in athletics suddenly has her hopes and dreams for the future come crashing down.
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
In her gentle, unassuming way with a sprinkling of humour, Emily tells her journey. She is honest. She struggles. She feels pain. She feels guilt for the burden she places on her family and for the times her illness has caused plans to change or be cancelled. She feels the loss of her hearing, her smile, and with that also her identity.
Then too, as hopes and dreams are in pieces on the floor, comes the grief, the acceptance, and the adapting...and through it all the struggle to find who she is anymore ~ is she still Emily?
Where is God? What plan can He possibly have for her now?
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
♫ Music lovers everywhere will connect with Emily in this book. Music was a huge part of her life until her hearing loss stole away her enjoyment of it. Yet, the music is still there in her heart, and overflows in her story. It’s the lyrics of certain songs that speak very eloquently of her heart...and touch mine to the core in the process! (I have always found a certain song from ♫ The Phantom of the Opera ♫ very haunting. After reading this book, those lyrics have taken on a whole new meaning. Whenever I hear that song, I’ll be thinking of Emily!) ♫
I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye several times throughout this book, and yet it is a surprisingly very easy read. I was a little concerned as I picked up the book that maybe it would get intense emotionally and also very deep medically and my Fibro-fogged brain would struggle to read it. I need not have worried. Emily has shared the medical facts but kept them brief. She shares enough for you to know what is going on but doesn’t get bogged down in the details. The pace is fast. She shares, then moves on, keeping her readers interested. Her asides keep the tone light-hearted. Her words though convey her emotion and reach a level deep in your heart as you feel the pain and struggle she goes through as she deals with each setback.
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
It won’t just be NF2 sufferers and their families who find encouragement with Emily’s story, but all those who have long term illness to live with too. You may not experience the exact physical problems Emily has to deal with, but there will be a lot you will relate to: the fear of the unknown, the loss of hopes and dreams, the struggle to find who you are amid the illness that has changed your life, the guilt as your families lives change too, along with the questions, Where is God? Why has this happened? What can He do with me now? Also for those of you who have had illness hit you while you are young I’m sure there will be a lot of people saying I know how that feels, and the relieved I’m not the only one!
I loved the letter Emily wrote at the end of the book to NF2. She tells it that despite the shipwreck it has made of her life and the many times she has found herself washed up in a different place, she will always cling to a piece of herself ~ she will still be Emily. And she defiantly tells it she may not be able to enjoy music anymore, but she has a memory bank in her heart and in it is a song she dedicates to God, her parents, sisters, family, friends and medical team...all those who raise her up. ♫ You Raise Me Up ♫ ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkkw8....
As you read, like me you may have a tear in your eye and a lump in your throat, but I guarantee you’ll be counting the blessings you do have in your life, things you had never considered to be a blessing, and when those stormy day come and the tears are in your eyes, you’ll remember to look through the tears and find the rainbows and like Emily discover that yes, God is still there.
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸
Emily and I met in our late teens and while we haven’t seen each other since our early twenties we have kept in touch. She has not given me a copy of her book, nor did she ask me to buy it. I bought it because I was interested in reading her story. Neither has she asked me for a review, but this book is definitely worthy of one, so here I am sharing my thoughts for you to read.
June 4, 2021
Inspiring story of courage and strength you don’t know you have until you need it!
I would love to meet Emily to thank her for making herself vulnerable and sharing her life’s journey with us. She reminded us to have faith and ask “why not” instead of why. There were so many words of wisdom that I have taken from her amazingly written memoir. It’s a must read!
I would love to meet Emily to thank her for making herself vulnerable and sharing her life’s journey with us. She reminded us to have faith and ask “why not” instead of why. There were so many words of wisdom that I have taken from her amazingly written memoir. It’s a must read!
April 6, 2024
‘Still Emily’ by Emily Owen will touch you to the very fibres of your being as it did for me. It will draw all kinds of emotions within you. When I read about her flute, a precious symbol belonging to a past- Emily is now ushered in to a world, without the use of her ears. I am flabbergasted!!! A world she’s forced into, by health circumstances beyond her control.
Her story reveals her bravery, courage and resilience to write a book that leaves readers amazed at her faith and praise God for her being alive. It is a very well written book and if you don’t know what NF2 is, read the book! That’s how I got to know. The writer finally addresses NF2, as a person, in a very touching letter that pulled my heartstrings.
This memoir is real, frightening and a candid story of the writer’s past, present and future through being a victim of NF2! It is also the story of her having the last laugh over her ‘adversary’. She uses the strength from her faith in God to never surrender to what NF2 wants the most to take from her: her faith.
Readers will feel the very lows of Emily Owen’s suffering through the ravages from NF2 and see her come out of it, stronger in her will, like Job, by never blaming or turning her back on God. Her love for God is stronger than NF2 and this gives her the victory to see rainbows in her silent state. She is enabled to see, feel , receive and experience love uniquely in everything around her.
This 5 star wonderful book is a great source of encouragement and a light in darkness!
Her story reveals her bravery, courage and resilience to write a book that leaves readers amazed at her faith and praise God for her being alive. It is a very well written book and if you don’t know what NF2 is, read the book! That’s how I got to know. The writer finally addresses NF2, as a person, in a very touching letter that pulled my heartstrings.
This memoir is real, frightening and a candid story of the writer’s past, present and future through being a victim of NF2! It is also the story of her having the last laugh over her ‘adversary’. She uses the strength from her faith in God to never surrender to what NF2 wants the most to take from her: her faith.
Readers will feel the very lows of Emily Owen’s suffering through the ravages from NF2 and see her come out of it, stronger in her will, like Job, by never blaming or turning her back on God. Her love for God is stronger than NF2 and this gives her the victory to see rainbows in her silent state. She is enabled to see, feel , receive and experience love uniquely in everything around her.
This 5 star wonderful book is a great source of encouragement and a light in darkness!
June 15, 2020
Utterly compelling. An authentic story well told. I am so glad I read this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews