Chikara: Stronger Than You Look

by Charlotte Ruth Clark

"If I'd have known what was to come, would I ever have left? Wherever you go, I'll go. I'll never leave you. I'd swim the South China Sea for a glimpse of you, run through the mountains of Hokkaido to see you wave goodbye, I'd starve myself for days and nights to feel your arms around me. Wherever I go, I move a step closer to you. Every sunrise is a day closer to seeing you. I won't stop fighting until you are beside me again, until your hand is on top of mine, where it should have stayed. Some days I wish I had never left, I should have waited for you, done it all with you. I should have done everything with you, because without you, I have fallen out of love with life." This is the story of a twenty-three-year-old CVS sufferer, Cece, as she travels alone for four months in Asia. An account of adventure, grief, hilarity, natural disasters, severe sickness, midnight escapes, love and much, much kindness. 15% of author royalties will be donated to support Cyclical Vomiting Association UK.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2020

About the author

For over a decade, Charlotte has been battling the chronic condition Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), but she hasn't let it stop her seeking adventure. She is an avid rock climber, paddleboarder, hiker, traveller and during the week, when she is not writing, you can find her in the classroom teaching mathematics. "Chikara" is Charlotte's first book. Written in the form of a journal, she shares the trials and acts of kindness she experienced whilst travelling through Asia as a twenty-three-year-old with the condition. She hopes to create a voice for the CVS Warriors who suffer in silence around the world.

Instagram - @chikarastory

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and honest account of the author's traveling experiences in Asia.
This book is well written; full of humour, emotion, love and personal challenges, laced with exquisite descriptions.
It is an inspiring reminder that we can do anything we put our minds to. I think her Grandmother would have been very proud of her.
A joy to read!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely reminder that even when it feels as though life has dealt us a weak hand, there is always light to be found in dark places, love and humour to be found in adversity and, of course, an abundance of kindness. A nice read.

[Irina Beleca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster it has been to read about this journey! Inspirational, funny, down to earth, beautiful and life affirming book. Thoroughly recommended.