DEGLOVED: Every Scar Has a Story

by Adelaide Perr

When the red Fiat pulled out in front of Adelaide, she squeezed her bike's brakes so hard that she left 50-foot skid marks along the highway. The last thing she remembers is being lifted into the ambulance and someone saying, "Her face is peeled off."

Following an horrific crash between her bicycle and a car, Adelaide Perr spent five days in a medically-induced coma, during which time surgeons picked glass from her face, reconstructed bones and inserted a stomach tube. She spent another six days unable to talk, at times gasping for air, enduring leech treatments to keep her necrotizing lip alive, and fearing a crippling bipolar episode. Without knowing what neurological damage or permanent disfigurement she'd be left with, her boyfriend Kennett proposed to Adelaide daily in the hospital, until she became conscious. Her recovery would extend far beyond the hospital and the visible physical injuries.

DEGLOVED is about perseverance as well as failure, written to give hope to those living with mental illness, and anyone who has had a traumatic event thrust upon them, which threatened to destroy their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2020

About the author

When it comes to suffering, Adelaide believes that too much attention is paid to physical wounds and that we often fail to acknowledge the emotional trauma that lays underneath. Her goal is to help those who are going through a difficult time feel less alone in their struggle and to build empathy and awareness.

Adelaide is the owner of Be the Beast Coaching, which offers coaching to triathletes, cyclists, and runners. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and hound dog, Maybellene but can often be found in Tucson, Arizona in the winter months.

For more information on Adelaide, please visit www.adelaideperr.com

Reviews

[Dana M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was inspired by the author’s vulnerability and openness on several levels - pushing through a lot of pain to share her story, physically, mentally, and emotionally. This book goes beyond the tragic accident on the bike and hits the core of inner pain the author suffers with from bipolar depression. Her drastic journey of physical healing alongside the mental battles and PTSD is one that most people couldn’t handle and recover from. I highly recommend this book for not only cyclists who share interest in the injury issues of drivers and traffic, but for anyone who suffers from depression and anxiety who needs support along their journey.

[Amy Morfas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A story of a local (Boulder, Colorado) cyclist whose life is severely impacted by a crash. You can read my full review at 303cycling.com
https://303cycling.com/adelaide-perrs...

[Lori Yerxa · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEGLOVED: Every scar has s story, by Adelaide Perr, is a true story about her horrific cycling accident, and the process of her recovery.

This inspirational memoir will have you on the edge of your seat as Perr writes about the crash that caused her face to “peel off” and the ups and downs of her wholistic healing while trying to manage her mental health issue of bipolar 2, and the PTSD she suffered after the crash.

She writes in such a way that you feel like you are in the room with her as she struggles with being the victim in this accident, and as she conquers daily goals in the ICU and at home.
Her courage and strength are admirable, as well as the support of friends and family in a time of need.

Remarkably Perr is able to breakthrough her fear, get back on the bike, and eventually compete at a high level. She is able to move past the victim mentality and fight to change unfair laws and advocate for herself in the medical and judicial systems.

This book is for anyone struggling with physical or mental trauma who need to find hope.

[J Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book in a different way. I "met" Adelaide through an attorney that specializes in auto/bike crashes. After speaking with her & learning about her book, I knew I had to read it.

It was an emotional read for me being that I had just survived being hit by a car. My injuries were different however the healing is similar. I found myself nodding in agreement many times while reading her story. She was able to pull emotions that I can't explain but felt & currently feel.

I'm thankful for Adelaide opening up to share her story. This is not just about a singular bike crash, this is about life & working through the traumas we experience. This is about dealing with mental health whether you are an elite athlete, Olympian, weekend warrior, or just enjoy moving.

I have huge respect for people that are willing to open up & expose themselves to the world. By doing this, they are helping many others.

[Andrew Shankles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most engaging, powerful reads I've ever picked up.

Having ridden across multiple continents and having been hit by multiple drivers while commuting and working in the bike industry, this book really put into words some thoughts and emotions that I had never dealt with properly.
Adelaide has managed to put so much of her lived experience in such poetic, concise language that I truly couldn't put the book down until I'd read the whole page-turner in less than a day.

If you or someone you know rides bikes (or used to), this would be the perfect book to pick up a copy and give one as a gift.
By applying the lessons from Adelaide's narrative, I think we can hope in and work toward the day that all roads are shared safely and bikes can continue to bring people together across this country and around the world.

[Steve Mantell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful read. Cyclist/triathlete or not, highly recommend. Very good writing that allows the reader to really follow along Adelaide's crash and continued recovery. The first couple chapters where Adelaide goes into detail about her injuries are intense. Having personally ridden the road where she was hit multiple times makes me recognize how close many cyclists have probably come to having a similar outcome. Kennett is a great partner throughout the entire book. While I originally thought that this story would be about a comeback and a return to happiness, Adelaide makes it clear that each day brings different challenges but she is able to get through them with support from others and learning from her history. Adelaide seems like someone who does not enjoy sharing details about mental health and feelings which makes this even more moving.

[Heather Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard for my to describe how I feel having read this book. Adelaide’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring and maddening all at the same time. I’ve been hit by a car and injured while cycling, thankfully not as seriously as she was. I can relate to the anger as you are trapped in recovery from injuries caused by no fault of your own. I also suffer from major depression and can relate to the struggles she experiences from bipolar as well. I continue to ride on roads but greatly prefer mountain biking which feels safer. I hope many people read this book and take away understanding of the pain of trauma, and most importantly, take away the need to be a safe driver and SEE cyclists - we have as much right to the roads as cars and are much more vulnerable.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that is sticking with me in several ways. Every time I am in a car and about to pull out into traffic, I think of Adelaide and look once or twice more for cyclists. Another way I feel the presence of this book in my life is when I feel down about the pandemic and current state of the world, Adelaide's strategies to help herself through depressive episodes related to her bipolar II disorder come to my mind, such as finding a way to get endorphins. I turn to exercise and sunshine as she does. Her story has inspired me, humbled me, and filled me with an even deeper appreciation of the range of the human emotional experience. This will be a book I reread.

[Patrice La Vigne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many feelings about this book. First off, I loved it. I’m angry because the driver got off with a $1000 fine, 4 points on his license and 200 hours of community service! So unfair in my opinion. But more importantly, Adelaide is a freaking inspiration. She thankfully made a full physical recovery eventually—not without many challenges—but I am more in awe of her mental stamina to get through such a huge trauma and recovery. Her raw and honest vulnerability through the pages is admirable. The book captures not only the irreparable emotional damage she suffers, but the secondary traumas experienced by her partner and her family.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Adelaide’s story brings home how quickly our lives can go from normal to devastating in a second. I was moved by how she described not only her physical injuries but her emotional ones as well. One thing she pointed out was it’s not just the victim who is injured but their family and friends as well. I think we underestimate what people have to deal with in traumatic events. Just because the physical wounds have healed, it can take years for the emotional ones to heal too.

[Darra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Degloved is a compelling story. I was impressed over and over by both the author’s honesty about her bad days and her ability to cope with her physical injuries, bipolar and PTSD. While her memoir is obviously of interest to cyclists and triathletes, she explicitly states that she is reaching for a wider audience, and I believe the book should indeed be read by anyone dealing with mental and/or emotional issues (or those with family and friends in that situation).

[Sue Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEGLOVED is a riveting memoir that has something to teach each of us when it comes to resiliency, innovation, standing up for change and true love.

Adelaide writes from a place of both honesty and transparency and her scar tells a story that is both seen and unseen.

The glimpses into trauma, trust, healing and transformation will inspire you to stand strong, build resiliency and persevere.

[Lizard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eye-opening book, well-written and compelling. Adelaide writes honestly about her accident and its aftermath, and illuminates the many challenges people face after traumatic injuries. Her account of living with bipolar and PTSD opened my mind. And her efforts as a cycling and road safety advocate are admirable and appreciated.

[Don Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of courage and inspiration after cyclist overcomes a horrific accident. Honest, raw,inspirational and heartwarming. After reading book I felt as I know Adelaide. Must read for anyone dealing with PTSD.

[Sean Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the book jumps around I found it easy to read. This book take a peek into the feelings experienced after a serious crash. Raw and honest are two words I would use to describe it.

[Ron Frampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a woman's struggles after a horrible wreck while riding her bike and being hit by a car.