Facing the Elephants: A Woman’s Journey Through Life, Death, and Finding Spiritual Connection with a Family of Elephants

by Rebecca Black

“Wake up,” she said, slapping my cheek a little. “Who is here with you?”
“No one is here with me right now,” I said.
I don’t remember if I asked why they wanted to know, but the nurse said, “We are prepping the OR right now for surgery. Your abdomen is full of blood.”
“I’m tired and I want to go to sleep.”
The nurse looked at me intently. “You’re not tired. You’re dying.”
She was right. I died that night. Not once, but three times. However, those deaths are not the end of my story. Little did I know then, death can be just the beginning.

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2019

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book at a book club meeting. I wasn't sure I was going to read it but when I realized the author grew up in my hometown, I gave it a try. I'm glad I did.

This is a POWERFUL story. The author has overcome some remarkable challenges. Any of these challenges would be enough to destroy nearly anyone. Black show just how strong she is by overcoming each of her challenges and came out stronger as a result.

Black tells her story in such a way that I never felt sorry for her because she never felt sorry for herself. No one could blame her if she gave up. She is an inspiration for us all.

[Amy Larson Marble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and emotional. The author’s strength and vulnerability saturate each page with such depth of feeling, I found myself holding my breath. Rebecca Black is quite frankly awe-inspiring.

[Kim Orendor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Black is fierce. Her memoir on overcoming physical and sexual childhood abuse and adult medical traumas--including dying THREE times on the operating table--is full of gut punches and triumph.

This is not an easy read, nor should it be. Like life, things are not often easy, and, like life, we as people find inspiration from others. Rebecca's story over rising from the ashes is a testament to the power of authentic relationships and honest communication.

Rebecca recounts her battles to not only deal with her physical and emotional scars, but also her struggle to find medical professionals who are willing to join that fight with her. Thankfully, by advocating for herself, she's able to build a strong medical squad.

Another part of her healing takes place in the local zoo as she volunteers to be part of a crew who help take care of the elephant enclosure. The connection she has and strengthens with this massive and amazing creatures helps her heal and move forward.

[JuLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overcoming the trauma of childhood abuse and countless women's health issues, Rebecca Black shows us just how strong a woman can be when tested. Her perseverance and her connection to a family of elephants act as the catalyst to live her life to the fullest. She is an inspiration to women with the BRCA gene, struggling with women's health issues, and making life-changing decisions.