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A Girl Behind Dark Glasses
From a darkened world, bound by four walls, a young woman called Jessica tells the tale of her battle against the M.E Monster. The severest form of a neuro immune disease called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis went to war with her at just 15 years old. From beneath her dark glasses, Jessica glimpses a world far different from the one she remembers as a teenage school girl. This true story follows her path as she ends up living in hospital for years with tubes keeping her alive. This harrowing story follows the highs and lows of the disease and being hospitalised, captured through her voice activated technology diary called `Bug' that enables her to fulfil her dream of one day becoming an author. It provides a raw, real-time honesty to the story that would be impossible to capture in hindsight.
246 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2018
20 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Taylor-Bearman
3 books43 followersJessica Taylor-Bearman was born in March 1991 in Kent, where she attended Rochester Grammar School for Girls.
At the age of 15, she became acutely unwell with an illness called Myalgic Encephalomyletis (M.E). She was continously hospitalised from 2006-2010, suffering with the most severe form of the condition. This included her being bedridden, unable to move, speak, eat and more.
She wrote in her mind, and when finally able to speak again, she began to write through her audio diary 'Bug'.
Despite still being severely unwell in hospital, Jessica continued to develop ideas, from creating a new method of painting, to starting a charity for other youngsters in her position.All her pieces have been exhibited since then.
Since she left hospital, Jessica's journey with severe ME has continued. She fulfilled her dream of becoming an author, she writes a blog, which you can see by visiting her website www.jaytay.co.uk.
Jessica has also featured in a film called Unrest. She advocates for voiceless people.
Her debut memoir is A Girl Behind Dark Glasses.
www.jaytay.co.uk
At the age of 15, she became acutely unwell with an illness called Myalgic Encephalomyletis (M.E). She was continously hospitalised from 2006-2010, suffering with the most severe form of the condition. This included her being bedridden, unable to move, speak, eat and more.
She wrote in her mind, and when finally able to speak again, she began to write through her audio diary 'Bug'.
Despite still being severely unwell in hospital, Jessica continued to develop ideas, from creating a new method of painting, to starting a charity for other youngsters in her position.All her pieces have been exhibited since then.
Since she left hospital, Jessica's journey with severe ME has continued. She fulfilled her dream of becoming an author, she writes a blog, which you can see by visiting her website www.jaytay.co.uk.
Jessica has also featured in a film called Unrest. She advocates for voiceless people.
Her debut memoir is A Girl Behind Dark Glasses.
www.jaytay.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 1, 2018
Before going any further with this review I must first say that I know Jessica's family and so my reaction to this book has something of a personal element. However, I like to think that I am a fairly objective reader so I hope I will be reviewing this in the same way as any other book.
Jessica suffers from M.E. and this book covers the first four, most severe years of the course of the disease from the age of 15. Yes, I did say first four years. She had the most severe form of the disease and was entirely bed bound for the whole of this period and beyond. There is a short glimpse of her life before M.E. which was as active then as it could possibly be with sport, school and friends and all the elements that any other 15 year old girl would expect from her life. Then, when M.E. hit everything changed.
The thing that comes through most strongly throughout the book is the sheer cluelessness of the medical profession in the face of this disease. That manifested itself as anger, arrogance, bullying and a lack of compassion that is almost unbelieveable. I often had to put the book down for 10 minutes just to quell the rising anger with the situation she found herself in. She doesn't name staff, even though she would be forgiven for doing so, but Psycho Woman, Scarecrow and Boss Man should read this and hang their heads in shame. It was almost as if Jessica was being punished for having an illness that was beyond the ability of medical professionals to understand.
I don't want you to think that it is a 'misery memoir', because at its centre is a sparky, funny, angry and philosophical young woman determined to survive against the odds. Jessica is, in that overused phrase, an inspiration, someone who took a horrible hand that life dealt her and used it to become a fundraiser for other youngsters in similar situations with the Share A Star charity that she founded. Part of the focus of the Share A Star charity is the family of the youngsters who are ill and Jessica spends a lot of time looking at the effects of the illness on her own family.
I really cannot recommend this book highly enough and if you want to get your own copy go to www.jaytay.co.uk It is a book that needs to be read by medical professionals as it gives a much needed patient's eye view of an illness necessitating a long term hospital stay.
Jessica suffers from M.E. and this book covers the first four, most severe years of the course of the disease from the age of 15. Yes, I did say first four years. She had the most severe form of the disease and was entirely bed bound for the whole of this period and beyond. There is a short glimpse of her life before M.E. which was as active then as it could possibly be with sport, school and friends and all the elements that any other 15 year old girl would expect from her life. Then, when M.E. hit everything changed.
The thing that comes through most strongly throughout the book is the sheer cluelessness of the medical profession in the face of this disease. That manifested itself as anger, arrogance, bullying and a lack of compassion that is almost unbelieveable. I often had to put the book down for 10 minutes just to quell the rising anger with the situation she found herself in. She doesn't name staff, even though she would be forgiven for doing so, but Psycho Woman, Scarecrow and Boss Man should read this and hang their heads in shame. It was almost as if Jessica was being punished for having an illness that was beyond the ability of medical professionals to understand.
I don't want you to think that it is a 'misery memoir', because at its centre is a sparky, funny, angry and philosophical young woman determined to survive against the odds. Jessica is, in that overused phrase, an inspiration, someone who took a horrible hand that life dealt her and used it to become a fundraiser for other youngsters in similar situations with the Share A Star charity that she founded. Part of the focus of the Share A Star charity is the family of the youngsters who are ill and Jessica spends a lot of time looking at the effects of the illness on her own family.
I really cannot recommend this book highly enough and if you want to get your own copy go to www.jaytay.co.uk It is a book that needs to be read by medical professionals as it gives a much needed patient's eye view of an illness necessitating a long term hospital stay.
July 27, 2018
I would like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read A Girl Behind Dark Glasses in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
The book is written by Jessica -her journey,life and battle with M.E (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and how she survives through the severest form of M.E. It’s a true story about her hospital stays, going on years and how she was fed through a feeding tube. We are introduced to ‘Bug’ who is a fictional person that she writes to in form of a diary.. Her love of literature and her ambition to become an author comes through.
I first came across Jessica in the film Unrest and when I found this book I wanted to learn more about her. I found this book really interesting and inspirational. Jessica wears her heart on her sleeve and the way she grabs life and how determined she is. In some parts of the book I could empathise with her as I too suffer with this horrid illness. Reading the and seeing how mature and determined Jessica is has made me look at how I deal with my M.E and how I need to have more of an attitude like Jessica.
Be proud Jessica, continue to fight.
The book is written by Jessica -her journey,life and battle with M.E (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and how she survives through the severest form of M.E. It’s a true story about her hospital stays, going on years and how she was fed through a feeding tube. We are introduced to ‘Bug’ who is a fictional person that she writes to in form of a diary.. Her love of literature and her ambition to become an author comes through.
I first came across Jessica in the film Unrest and when I found this book I wanted to learn more about her. I found this book really interesting and inspirational. Jessica wears her heart on her sleeve and the way she grabs life and how determined she is. In some parts of the book I could empathise with her as I too suffer with this horrid illness. Reading the and seeing how mature and determined Jessica is has made me look at how I deal with my M.E and how I need to have more of an attitude like Jessica.
Be proud Jessica, continue to fight.
December 11, 2018
“the windows to my soul were hidden behind dark glasses in a body that didn’t work”
——————
I implore all of my close friends and family to read this book (and also anyone who believes ME is only simply a matter of feeling a bit tired), not only because it provides a valuable insight into the world of ME at its most severe, but also because it’s such an inspiring story interspersed with many humorous moments, despite Jessica’s extreme suffering. She is my hero! 💙⭐️
This book also highlights how utterly terrible healthcare provision is for ME sufferers, especially for the very severe. Even so-called specialist ME wards can be extremely damaging due to a failure to properly understand the disease.
——————
I implore all of my close friends and family to read this book (and also anyone who believes ME is only simply a matter of feeling a bit tired), not only because it provides a valuable insight into the world of ME at its most severe, but also because it’s such an inspiring story interspersed with many humorous moments, despite Jessica’s extreme suffering. She is my hero! 💙⭐️
This book also highlights how utterly terrible healthcare provision is for ME sufferers, especially for the very severe. Even so-called specialist ME wards can be extremely damaging due to a failure to properly understand the disease.
Read
December 2, 2025This is a tough one to review just because it's so full of emotion -- as am I, honestly. I picked up this book because I saw the author in the documentary Unrest (which I highly, highly recommend), and because I suffer from ME/CFS myself, though not as severely.
I'm used to doctors not taking ME/CFS patients seriously, but this was still an eye opener. The way the doctors acted, going from dismissive to outright abusive, was horrific. And this wasn't all that long ago. This is likely what others will experience today, which is why books like this are so important. Some parts of this book were almost like a horror novel.
It's hard to put words to why this was such a good and powerful read. All I can say is I absolutely recommend it.
I'm used to doctors not taking ME/CFS patients seriously, but this was still an eye opener. The way the doctors acted, going from dismissive to outright abusive, was horrific. And this wasn't all that long ago. This is likely what others will experience today, which is why books like this are so important. Some parts of this book were almost like a horror novel.
It's hard to put words to why this was such a good and powerful read. All I can say is I absolutely recommend it.
July 11, 2018
Review of the book A girl behind dark glasses
I have bought this book as an ebook. I started to read it and I could not put it down. I read it through in one shot. The book grips the reader from the start. One can experience what Jessica is going through to the point that it hurts just to read it but I could not put it down. Jessica describes what happened to her in the 4 years of her life which she had to spend in hospitals with painful honesty. She allows you in her personal life and although her very painful experiences shock you, her indomitable spirit shines through. She develops her own techniques to deal with the unbearable pain poor treatment and abuse she had to deal with. One can really experience the heartbreak and sacrifices of her close and supportive family and some friends who have to deal with such a sick child where her ill illness is not understood by medical professionals and where her treatment at times is wrong and is making her worse.
Jessica’s incredible courage and determination to try and get better shines through. She is not a victim she is a survivor and a very brave ME warrior. She manages to stay positive even with all the odds against her. This book can be as influential as a book as Unrest was as a movie for the ME Community. Thank you Jessica. Not only have you realised your dream to write a book but you have written an amazing powerful and well written book which should be valued not only in the ME community but for everyone that appreciates reading a good well written book. Please buy it give it as gifts to other people. You will not be sorry. I am looking forward to the next book
I have bought this book as an ebook. I started to read it and I could not put it down. I read it through in one shot. The book grips the reader from the start. One can experience what Jessica is going through to the point that it hurts just to read it but I could not put it down. Jessica describes what happened to her in the 4 years of her life which she had to spend in hospitals with painful honesty. She allows you in her personal life and although her very painful experiences shock you, her indomitable spirit shines through. She develops her own techniques to deal with the unbearable pain poor treatment and abuse she had to deal with. One can really experience the heartbreak and sacrifices of her close and supportive family and some friends who have to deal with such a sick child where her ill illness is not understood by medical professionals and where her treatment at times is wrong and is making her worse.
Jessica’s incredible courage and determination to try and get better shines through. She is not a victim she is a survivor and a very brave ME warrior. She manages to stay positive even with all the odds against her. This book can be as influential as a book as Unrest was as a movie for the ME Community. Thank you Jessica. Not only have you realised your dream to write a book but you have written an amazing powerful and well written book which should be valued not only in the ME community but for everyone that appreciates reading a good well written book. Please buy it give it as gifts to other people. You will not be sorry. I am looking forward to the next book
July 9, 2018
‘A Girl Behind Dark Glasses’ is the story of Jessica, who unexpectedly becomes ill in her early teens, and ended up suffering with M.E. Sadly, she is still largely afflicted by the illness, and this is her story of her many years of dealing with it. I am embarrassed to admit that I was in the group of people who thought M.E. Was pretty much a ‘made up’ illness and could not really understand what it was all about, so I am pleased to have read Jessica’s experience to finally understand that this is actually a horrendous neurological condition that is completely debilitating. Jessica appears so upbeat at times despite her troubles, and although it would be easy to dwell on all the years she has wasted in hospital, she recounts her experiences with positivity and strength. An eye-opening read which I would recommend.
July 18, 2018
As someone who has relatively mild M.E., I just had to read this book!
Jessica is diagnosed with the severest form of M.E. shortly before her 15th birthday and spends four years in hospital (2006-2010) bedridden, unable to speak and eat, but also has to prove to medics she really is ill, while also being mistreated. Sadly, this is something that happens a lot within the M.E. community, with a lot of us having to prove our symptoms to doctors.
The book is upsetting, but Jessica has a great writing style and injects humour in all the right places. It's a must-read by sufferers, non-sufferers and medics alike. I can't wait for the next book!
Jessica is diagnosed with the severest form of M.E. shortly before her 15th birthday and spends four years in hospital (2006-2010) bedridden, unable to speak and eat, but also has to prove to medics she really is ill, while also being mistreated. Sadly, this is something that happens a lot within the M.E. community, with a lot of us having to prove our symptoms to doctors.
The book is upsetting, but Jessica has a great writing style and injects humour in all the right places. It's a must-read by sufferers, non-sufferers and medics alike. I can't wait for the next book!
September 10, 2018
The fact your raising awareness for M.E. is fantastic. I have just recently been diagnosed, thankfully mine is mind currently and I'm able to carry on with my life just at a slower pace although i am noticing some deterieration - So a massive thank you from me its taken over 10 years for a diagnosis for me. The extreme fatigue and chronic pain being the main issues I have. Sharing your story will have a massive effect on how other people see themselves, know to stand up for themselves if they can and over all if all else false hope will carry you through 💜
But I think the overall the NHS need to take a big hard look at themselves and their staff and make a drastic change. Yes I know not every hospital is the same or person and there are funding issue blah blah blah but that doesn't mean the patients have to suffer. Being kind and caring cost absolutely nothing and should come naturally to those that are employed to take care of us.
I know I don't know you or you family but I bet you make your Gran so unbelivealbly proud....... and you did, you made both of your dream come true.
Keep on keeping on 💜💜💜
But I think the overall the NHS need to take a big hard look at themselves and their staff and make a drastic change. Yes I know not every hospital is the same or person and there are funding issue blah blah blah but that doesn't mean the patients have to suffer. Being kind and caring cost absolutely nothing and should come naturally to those that are employed to take care of us.
I know I don't know you or you family but I bet you make your Gran so unbelivealbly proud....... and you did, you made both of your dream come true.
Keep on keeping on 💜💜💜
July 29, 2018
Powerful story about how the medical community doesn't believe women, children, and their bodies. Taylor-Bearman faces trauma of the body due to a little understood disease and multiple hospitals that view her more as an experiment than a person. She braves the disease, world, and life through the lens of closed eyes protected by glasses and an imagination to keep her sane. Warning, this memoir is not something to read if you are looking for a smile. It is dark and honest. If you have chronic pain or an invisible illness, you will find yourself in these words.
August 15, 2018
I’m laying here blown away right now by the amazing skill of this author to convey a journey that was so heart-wrenching in such an entrancing way! Once you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down. I have never read a first person account of an author’s real life story written in this way. It immediately draws your mind right into the author’s world and makes every moment of the story just as real as it actually is, something that is so hard to portray when writing about chronic illness. Well done Jessica!
April 6, 2021
Heartbreaking. Honest. Hopeful.
July 7, 2018
A harrowing story of a young girl’s struggle with severe ME. Not only is she battling a serious illness but she is battling to be taken seriously as well. No one should have to go through what she went through. As a teenager she was forced to grow up too quickly. I highly recommend this book which is impossible to put down.
August 14, 2018
Being a teenager is difficult. It's a lot more difficult when you're suddenly saddled with a debilitating illness.
For those of you who've seen Jennifer Brea's award-winning documentary "Unrest," "A Girl Behind Dark Glasses" is the story of Jess, the English ME sufferer featured in the film. It chronicles her earlier active childhood, her descent into serious illness, and her attempts to pull herself out.
Like most stories about ME and its brethren, this is not the triumphant narrative most "illness" books promote. Jessica is not cured by the end of the book, and she's still not cured today. Her triumph consists of escaping from abusive care situations and finally returning home to the care of her family.
Jessica's writing style is simple and straightforward, and while the story is harrowing, much of her actual writing is the kind of hopeful fare you would expect from a teenage girl. She had wanted to be a writer before she got ill, and the thought of writing about her experiences was the thing that pulled her through some of the worst things that happened to her. Unable to write herself in a normal way, some of the sections are journal entries she painstakingly dictated to her parents, using the code they had devised since she was too ill to speak normally.
The story focuses on the initial onset of the illness and then the four years Jessica spent in various hospitals, where she was dismissed and mistreated by doctors, and sexually abused by a male nurse (why do they have male nurses helping teenage girls dress and care for themselves, anyway?). The story of Jessica's sexual abuse is particularly horrifying, as she is literally trapped, unable to get out of bed or even tell her story to others around her, and when she finally does communicate what is happening, she is--surprise, surprise!--blamed for the abuse and the trouble her allegations cause.
Consequently, although the writing style is simple, the story is not an easy read, and sensitive readers may find themselves tearing up in places--and rightly so. An honest and brave narrative of a tragic situation, that still manages to find hope despite the lack of a stereotypical "happy ending."
For those of you who've seen Jennifer Brea's award-winning documentary "Unrest," "A Girl Behind Dark Glasses" is the story of Jess, the English ME sufferer featured in the film. It chronicles her earlier active childhood, her descent into serious illness, and her attempts to pull herself out.
Like most stories about ME and its brethren, this is not the triumphant narrative most "illness" books promote. Jessica is not cured by the end of the book, and she's still not cured today. Her triumph consists of escaping from abusive care situations and finally returning home to the care of her family.
Jessica's writing style is simple and straightforward, and while the story is harrowing, much of her actual writing is the kind of hopeful fare you would expect from a teenage girl. She had wanted to be a writer before she got ill, and the thought of writing about her experiences was the thing that pulled her through some of the worst things that happened to her. Unable to write herself in a normal way, some of the sections are journal entries she painstakingly dictated to her parents, using the code they had devised since she was too ill to speak normally.
The story focuses on the initial onset of the illness and then the four years Jessica spent in various hospitals, where she was dismissed and mistreated by doctors, and sexually abused by a male nurse (why do they have male nurses helping teenage girls dress and care for themselves, anyway?). The story of Jessica's sexual abuse is particularly horrifying, as she is literally trapped, unable to get out of bed or even tell her story to others around her, and when she finally does communicate what is happening, she is--surprise, surprise!--blamed for the abuse and the trouble her allegations cause.
Consequently, although the writing style is simple, the story is not an easy read, and sensitive readers may find themselves tearing up in places--and rightly so. An honest and brave narrative of a tragic situation, that still manages to find hope despite the lack of a stereotypical "happy ending."
October 17, 2018
A big thank you to Hashtag Press & Netgalley for sending me this book for an honest review!
This book broke my heart. If I'm completely honest I was mostly ignorant of the specifics of M.E before reading this although my Mum suffers from fibromyalgia so I do know something about chronic fatigue in general. This memoir of Jessica Taylor-Bearman's life is an inspirational tale of her life pretty much bed-ridden and in constant pain with the debilitating symptoms of M.E. I implore you to read this book.
The way in which Jessica was treated in various different care-settings is at times sickening, disgusting and made me so angry I wanted to shout and throw my Kindle across the room. However, Jessica shows her true strength lies in making something amazing out of a terrible situation. Whatever you do, buy this book and read it! It will teach you many things and perhaps make you think differently about other people and the things they might be going through.
This book broke my heart. If I'm completely honest I was mostly ignorant of the specifics of M.E before reading this although my Mum suffers from fibromyalgia so I do know something about chronic fatigue in general. This memoir of Jessica Taylor-Bearman's life is an inspirational tale of her life pretty much bed-ridden and in constant pain with the debilitating symptoms of M.E. I implore you to read this book.
The way in which Jessica was treated in various different care-settings is at times sickening, disgusting and made me so angry I wanted to shout and throw my Kindle across the room. However, Jessica shows her true strength lies in making something amazing out of a terrible situation. Whatever you do, buy this book and read it! It will teach you many things and perhaps make you think differently about other people and the things they might be going through.
July 9, 2018
As a person with ME, I just had to read. My illness isn’t prgressed so far, but I’ve learnt not to push myself. It’s already getting worse. But only steadily.
Reading Jessica’s story is heartbreaking. She’s a fighhter and an inspiration.
Reading Jessica’s story is heartbreaking. She’s a fighhter and an inspiration.
September 11, 2018
A wonderful book that gives you insight into ME, a disease that people thought was imaginary.. Beautiful and brutally honest.
Strongly recommended if a little sad.
Strongly recommended if a little sad.
July 8, 2018
Every medical professional on the planet should read this book.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is scandalously mistreated, world over. The multi-systemic neuro-immune disease does not discriminate between gender, age or race, and in some cases can kill directly, as well as frequently by proxy. It has been around for centuries, with several documented outbreaks within the last hundred years.
As an ME sufferer of twenty-four years, this candid, harrowing, heartbreaking novel shook me to the core. Not just because of the trauma I've endured, but because it showed me what a lucky escape I've had, comparatively, since I also took ill as a child and could have easily been subjected to the same level of neglect and abuse as Jessica was, at the hands of so-called 'experts'.
Most autobiographical works featuring medical conditions are usually only read by those with a vested interest; generally people suffering or close to a sufferer.
This book goes above and beyond 'the norm' and should be read by EVERYONE unaware of the incalculable viciousness that is ME. The reader is colourfully and often humorously introduced to the most magnificent of souls, whose very craft of writing, after such interrupted education and very severe illness at the hands of a heinous disease, is a sheer wonderment to behold.
Jessica was born to be a writer, and I've no doubt this is the beginning of a new journey for her, in becoming not just a voice for those without one, but a shining beacon for us all.
Education is the way forward, and what better way to education the ignorant and arrogant, than to introduce them to the people behind the disease, fighting every second to become well once more.
Jessica is a fighter like few I've ever known, and her passion for life is both infectious and admirable. Her bravery is simply extraordinary. Every impacting word is pure gold.
Pulitzer Prize, me thinks.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is scandalously mistreated, world over. The multi-systemic neuro-immune disease does not discriminate between gender, age or race, and in some cases can kill directly, as well as frequently by proxy. It has been around for centuries, with several documented outbreaks within the last hundred years.
As an ME sufferer of twenty-four years, this candid, harrowing, heartbreaking novel shook me to the core. Not just because of the trauma I've endured, but because it showed me what a lucky escape I've had, comparatively, since I also took ill as a child and could have easily been subjected to the same level of neglect and abuse as Jessica was, at the hands of so-called 'experts'.
Most autobiographical works featuring medical conditions are usually only read by those with a vested interest; generally people suffering or close to a sufferer.
This book goes above and beyond 'the norm' and should be read by EVERYONE unaware of the incalculable viciousness that is ME. The reader is colourfully and often humorously introduced to the most magnificent of souls, whose very craft of writing, after such interrupted education and very severe illness at the hands of a heinous disease, is a sheer wonderment to behold.
Jessica was born to be a writer, and I've no doubt this is the beginning of a new journey for her, in becoming not just a voice for those without one, but a shining beacon for us all.
Education is the way forward, and what better way to education the ignorant and arrogant, than to introduce them to the people behind the disease, fighting every second to become well once more.
Jessica is a fighter like few I've ever known, and her passion for life is both infectious and admirable. Her bravery is simply extraordinary. Every impacting word is pure gold.
Pulitzer Prize, me thinks.
July 9, 2018
This is a great book and well worth reading. It covers several years in a young girl’s life, when she is not only dealing with severe illness and disability, but the lack of knowledge, understanding and compassion she encounters from parts of the medical establishment. If you have seen the excellent documentary film “Unrest”, you will have already met Jessica as she is featured in the film; this book covers Jessica’s life from just before she became ill, with ME - myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, until her discharge from hospital 4 years later. ME is an often misunderstood illness, that it is just fatigue and tiredness; this book will help to challenge that myth and it is an real insight into very severe ME. However, it is not a guide to the disease itself, but a very personal story which will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers; it’s essentially an extraordinary story of an incredible young woman and her family. Jessica’s story is shocking and sad, but it is a real testament to Jessica’s character that it is also filled with love, hope, courage and amazingly humour. Jessica had always dreamt of one day writing a book, and this may not have been the story she imagined herself telling, but she is a natural storyteller and her writing style is easy to read. I hope we hear more from Jessica Taylor-Bearman.
August 2, 2018
I would like to thank Hashtag Press and Netgalley for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted by the cover, we see Jessica wearing black glasses, and the summary.
This autobiography particularly moved me. She tells us about Jessica's life fighting a neuro-immune disease called Myalgia Encephalomyelitis that she has had since she was fifteen years old. Before that, she was a teenager like any other. But she had to live in the hospital for years with tubes keeping her alive.
A poignant, captivating moving story written through the tech enabled journal dubbed: "bug" Jessica's dream was to be author and well she managed this one. I hope she will release another book, her pen is addictive and her book deserves to be known around the world. There are never enough books like that.
I was immediately attracted by the cover, we see Jessica wearing black glasses, and the summary.
This autobiography particularly moved me. She tells us about Jessica's life fighting a neuro-immune disease called Myalgia Encephalomyelitis that she has had since she was fifteen years old. Before that, she was a teenager like any other. But she had to live in the hospital for years with tubes keeping her alive.
A poignant, captivating moving story written through the tech enabled journal dubbed: "bug" Jessica's dream was to be author and well she managed this one. I hope she will release another book, her pen is addictive and her book deserves to be known around the world. There are never enough books like that.
July 28, 2019
The book details Jessica’s early years of becoming ill at 15 years old with severe M.E, & shows just how serious the disease is! Jessica’s positivity is so apparent all the way through, even when facing some truly horrendous circumstances & situations, that no one should ever have to deal with.
I definitely had to pace myself reading it, though the chapters aren’t long, I found it was quite an emotional read mainly as I have M.E myself. I cried numerous times & even found myself physically aching {the curse of a highly sensitive person} when reading about some of the procedures Jessica had to endure.
Thank you so much Jessica for sharing your story & being a shining light in the M.E Community.
I definitely had to pace myself reading it, though the chapters aren’t long, I found it was quite an emotional read mainly as I have M.E myself. I cried numerous times & even found myself physically aching {the curse of a highly sensitive person} when reading about some of the procedures Jessica had to endure.
Thank you so much Jessica for sharing your story & being a shining light in the M.E Community.
August 1, 2018
A well written story about a young brave girl’s struggle with a nightmare of an illness (severe M.E.) that –even in this day and age– is so misunderstood by many. Even the so-called “health professionals” are at a total loss, not yet 100% fully equiped to handle this medical crisis. The thought alone is quite frightening. But despite all the hardships Jessica endures in her young life, by telling her own story, she manages to show the readers the tremendous strenght that she has within her to want to survive this crazy illness –and that giving up is not at all an option. It’s definitely a must read.
September 22, 2018
I've heard of ME before, but I didn't really know what it was, thankfully never had any friends or acquaintances who suffer from it. What an awful illness! This first-hand account was both fascinating and terrible, impossible for me to imagine. What a trooper Jessica is.
July 16, 2018
Review to follow, but this is a must read.
May 20, 2020
First of all, can I just say thank you to Jessica for writing such a personal, eye-opening account of what she has been through. This couldn't have been easy to relive. Awareness and understanding for M.E. is minimal, and whenever I see someone going above and beyond to share their story and help raise awareness, it gives me hope that one day people with this debilitating illness won't be treated so dismissively.
As someone with M.E., I could relate with some of the feelings, both physical and emotional, that Jessica described in this book. But I don't think you need to know what it feels like beforehand to experience this while reading A Girl Behind Dark Glasses . It is such a powerful book and not one detail has been left out. You truly feel what Jessica was feeling. You go on the journey with her.
It's a painfully honest book. I was gripped from the very first page. One thing I loved about this book was how Jessica spoke about her life before her diagnosis. M.E. is wrongly labeled as a condition of the mind, brought on from traumatic childhoods or something psychologically damaging. But when Jessica wrote about her wonderful life and caring, loving family, it struck off any possibility that her M.E. was caused by something psychological.
I also think Jessica including other problems and situations that arose over her four-year long hospital stay which this book covers, was good too. It shows that on top of the M.E. we have other issues to face. And despite the fact that the M.E. has halted our lives from progressing forward at a normal rate, or even at all, the world outside still continues on.
I already follow Jessica's blog, The World Of One Room , but after reading this book, I'll be reading her blog posts with a new perspective because I feel like I know the person behind them on a different level now.
I'm very excited for her next book, set to be released next year! I was already happy about the news of a second book even before I read this one, but now that I have read it, I'm even more eager for the upcoming release!!
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your journey with the world and giving a voice to the voiceless!
As someone with M.E., I could relate with some of the feelings, both physical and emotional, that Jessica described in this book. But I don't think you need to know what it feels like beforehand to experience this while reading A Girl Behind Dark Glasses . It is such a powerful book and not one detail has been left out. You truly feel what Jessica was feeling. You go on the journey with her.
It's a painfully honest book. I was gripped from the very first page. One thing I loved about this book was how Jessica spoke about her life before her diagnosis. M.E. is wrongly labeled as a condition of the mind, brought on from traumatic childhoods or something psychologically damaging. But when Jessica wrote about her wonderful life and caring, loving family, it struck off any possibility that her M.E. was caused by something psychological.
I also think Jessica including other problems and situations that arose over her four-year long hospital stay which this book covers, was good too. It shows that on top of the M.E. we have other issues to face. And despite the fact that the M.E. has halted our lives from progressing forward at a normal rate, or even at all, the world outside still continues on.
I already follow Jessica's blog, The World Of One Room , but after reading this book, I'll be reading her blog posts with a new perspective because I feel like I know the person behind them on a different level now.
I'm very excited for her next book, set to be released next year! I was already happy about the news of a second book even before I read this one, but now that I have read it, I'm even more eager for the upcoming release!!
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your journey with the world and giving a voice to the voiceless!
May 28, 2019
To anyone out there who is Ignorant or a Skeptic to M.E or similar chronic conditions (especially health/medical professionals) Please read this book you might just save someone's life.
This is an honest and wonderfully written book on Jessica's experience of M.E. Jessica was diagnosed with M.E from a young age and was hospilisated for several years. Her passion to overcome this horrid condition and to help others is beautiful.
I am disgusted at how those so called health & medical proffesionals have treated you. I honestly wonder how they sleep at night. I do hope something is severely done about 'Sunshine Ward' & 'The Promise Land Ward'. My Late Mother and I have experienced similar experiences; and it honestly sickens me that many people at their most vulnerable are treated like this by people we are 'supposed' to trust.
My heart lifted when I read that you spent time in the 'Narnia' hospital and they were able to help you to an extent. Jessica you have done such fantastic work sharing your story and to raise awareness. My heart goes out to you and your family. If you feel able, I would love to hear more about your life in another book.
#thegirlbehinddarkglasses
@TheWorldOfOneRoom #jessicataylorbearman #m.e #cfs #chronicillness #chronicpain #neurlogicalconditions #bookreview #ienjoyreading #bookworm #escapism #upcomingauthors
This is an honest and wonderfully written book on Jessica's experience of M.E. Jessica was diagnosed with M.E from a young age and was hospilisated for several years. Her passion to overcome this horrid condition and to help others is beautiful.
I am disgusted at how those so called health & medical proffesionals have treated you. I honestly wonder how they sleep at night. I do hope something is severely done about 'Sunshine Ward' & 'The Promise Land Ward'. My Late Mother and I have experienced similar experiences; and it honestly sickens me that many people at their most vulnerable are treated like this by people we are 'supposed' to trust.
My heart lifted when I read that you spent time in the 'Narnia' hospital and they were able to help you to an extent. Jessica you have done such fantastic work sharing your story and to raise awareness. My heart goes out to you and your family. If you feel able, I would love to hear more about your life in another book.
#thegirlbehinddarkglasses
@TheWorldOfOneRoom #jessicataylorbearman #m.e #cfs #chronicillness #chronicpain #neurlogicalconditions #bookreview #ienjoyreading #bookworm #escapism #upcomingauthors
January 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a member of the chronic illness community, I can somewhat relate to Jessica. This rollercoaster ride of a story is one that should prove to people (especially medical professionals) that ME is a real illness. When teenagers are typically having fun and hanging out with friends, Jessica shows her strength and bravery in battling the worst 4 years that ME forced on her. I feel like the book got somewhat repetitive but overall it's an eye-opener.
As a member of the chronic illness community, I can somewhat relate to Jessica. This rollercoaster ride of a story is one that should prove to people (especially medical professionals) that ME is a real illness. When teenagers are typically having fun and hanging out with friends, Jessica shows her strength and bravery in battling the worst 4 years that ME forced on her. I feel like the book got somewhat repetitive but overall it's an eye-opener.
September 12, 2019
Jessica Taylor-Bearman’s courage and creativity astound me. She lives with a more severe form of ME/CFS than myself yet has found ways to continue to hope, imagine, make art, encourage others, and be a voice for the voiceless. A Girl behind Dark Glasses is inspiring in the best of ways.
December 1, 2020
R
Review held pending book group discussion
Review held pending book group discussion
June 21, 2019
The first thing to say is: read it. Whoever you are – just read it. A fourteen year old girl, intelligent and happy is one day struck down by a very severe autoimmune illness and spends the next three years in hospital, close to death – but battling with every breath to choose life in all its fulness.
Her experience in hospital will shock you to the core, and her response will inspire and move you. It’s a stunning and unique story, and yet it really needs to be widely read because it exposes a larger problem in society of how we treat very ill young people if they have a mysterious illness.
It’s told in a gripping, fresh way, and I could not stop turning the pages. It’s the kind of book that makes you ‘shush’ other people around you. If you like memoir, you’re interested in M.E. or you’re in any way connected with caring for people’s health, this is a must read – if in doubt, read it. Highly recommended for all.
Her experience in hospital will shock you to the core, and her response will inspire and move you. It’s a stunning and unique story, and yet it really needs to be widely read because it exposes a larger problem in society of how we treat very ill young people if they have a mysterious illness.
It’s told in a gripping, fresh way, and I could not stop turning the pages. It’s the kind of book that makes you ‘shush’ other people around you. If you like memoir, you’re interested in M.E. or you’re in any way connected with caring for people’s health, this is a must read – if in doubt, read it. Highly recommended for all.
December 23, 2018
Jessica has severe ME and this is her story about living with it, being hospitalised for years and the struggles that come with being severely ill and being considered a patient not a human. As someone who has severe chronic illnesses that are not always well stood by the medical professionals, and require a lot of time in hospital struggling to communicate this really resonated with me. It would be a good book for medical students to read!
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