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Impact: Women Writing After Concussion
In Impact, edited by E. D. Morin and Jane Cawthorne, twenty-one women writers consider the ramifications of concussion on their personal and professional lives. The anthology bears witness to the painstaking work that goes into redefining identity and regaining creative practice after a traumatic event. By sharing their complex, non-linear, and sometimes incomplete healing journeys, these women convey the magnitude of a disability which is often doubted, overlooked, and trivialized, in part because of its invisibility. Showcasing a diversity of women's stories, Impact offers compassion and empathy to all readers and families healing from concussion and other types of trauma.
Contributors: Adèle Barclay, Jane Cawthorne, Tracy Wai de Boer, Stephanie Everett, Mary-Jo Fetterly, Rayanne Haines, Jane Harris, Kyla Jamieson, Alexis Kienlen, Claire Lacey, E. D. Morin, Julia Nunes, Shelley Pacholok, Chiedza Pasipanodya, Judy Rebick, Julie Sedivy, Dianah Smith, Carrie Snyder, Kinnie Starr, Amy Stuart, Anna Swanson
Contributors: Adèle Barclay, Jane Cawthorne, Tracy Wai de Boer, Stephanie Everett, Mary-Jo Fetterly, Rayanne Haines, Jane Harris, Kyla Jamieson, Alexis Kienlen, Claire Lacey, E. D. Morin, Julia Nunes, Shelley Pacholok, Chiedza Pasipanodya, Judy Rebick, Julie Sedivy, Dianah Smith, Carrie Snyder, Kinnie Starr, Amy Stuart, Anna Swanson
- GenresNonfictionEssays
248 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2021
12 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
E.D. Morin
2 books5 followersE. D. Morin is the co-editor of Writing Menopause and Impact: Women Writing After Concussion, both with Jane Cawthorne, and a winner of the Brenda Strathern Writing Prize. Her work has appeared in publications across North America.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 24, 2022
Impact: Women Writing After Concussion is a compilation of stories about women writers' experiences with a concussion. The contributors struggle to find answers to questions about their injury, but the research related to women experiencing this condition is limited.
The book does not focus on providing medical expertise. Instead, the women discuss coming to terms with a new normal by sharing their symptoms and reactions to their diagnosis or lack of an initial diagnosis. In addition, the book provides a forum for them to fill in research gaps by helping to advance discussions about brain injuries since the consequences of this event can be more severe for women. Ultimately, the editors state that the work creates a new body of knowledge to aid research.
I believe seeking out writers to explain these experiences offers not just powerful storytelling but also a very insightful perspective. Writers constantly use their brains to analyze and process information so they can organize, describe, and present facts and stories. As a result, the contributors can better articulate the details of their new normative due to their expertise. Yet, like injured athletes, these women are regaining their skill mastery. Most realize that the injury has altered their writing and writing process, which causes them to try and learn different approaches.
I found that the women could amplify their voices about the situations they must navigate. For example, many women mentioned that they know they're going someplace but suddenly forget where they're going. They experience light sensitivity, feel too ashamed and disappointed to ask for help, and experience disorganized thinking and inaccurate sequencing of events. A few pointed out problems eating and would avoid hearty or rich foods. Many women end up advocating for themselves since people often assume they' "look fine" or "seem okay."
The women adjusted to their experiences by developing strategies to guide them through challenging times. For instance, some women indicated that exercises, such as yoga and swimming, provided them some relief or joy. They added more time to prepare for an event, such as a visit to the grocery store, to avoid moments of confusion or disorientation. Or, they avoided crowded places. In comparison, some severe health events have treatments that lead to a pathway to getting better. Unfortunately, some women with a concussion stated that they found no relief.
I selected this audiobook because one of my family members suffered a concussion. I wanted to understand the symptoms that person was experiencing and share this book as a resource for their recovery. So, I found the book a helpful resource for understanding the situations that result or can arise from a concussion. However, I found that it can improve women's experiences with brain trauma by understanding the variety of symptoms and learning that they are not alone in their struggles.
I would love to see this book turned into a documentary or a podcast to continue the dialogue and emphasize the need for more research.
The book does not focus on providing medical expertise. Instead, the women discuss coming to terms with a new normal by sharing their symptoms and reactions to their diagnosis or lack of an initial diagnosis. In addition, the book provides a forum for them to fill in research gaps by helping to advance discussions about brain injuries since the consequences of this event can be more severe for women. Ultimately, the editors state that the work creates a new body of knowledge to aid research.
I believe seeking out writers to explain these experiences offers not just powerful storytelling but also a very insightful perspective. Writers constantly use their brains to analyze and process information so they can organize, describe, and present facts and stories. As a result, the contributors can better articulate the details of their new normative due to their expertise. Yet, like injured athletes, these women are regaining their skill mastery. Most realize that the injury has altered their writing and writing process, which causes them to try and learn different approaches.
I found that the women could amplify their voices about the situations they must navigate. For example, many women mentioned that they know they're going someplace but suddenly forget where they're going. They experience light sensitivity, feel too ashamed and disappointed to ask for help, and experience disorganized thinking and inaccurate sequencing of events. A few pointed out problems eating and would avoid hearty or rich foods. Many women end up advocating for themselves since people often assume they' "look fine" or "seem okay."
The women adjusted to their experiences by developing strategies to guide them through challenging times. For instance, some women indicated that exercises, such as yoga and swimming, provided them some relief or joy. They added more time to prepare for an event, such as a visit to the grocery store, to avoid moments of confusion or disorientation. Or, they avoided crowded places. In comparison, some severe health events have treatments that lead to a pathway to getting better. Unfortunately, some women with a concussion stated that they found no relief.
I selected this audiobook because one of my family members suffered a concussion. I wanted to understand the symptoms that person was experiencing and share this book as a resource for their recovery. So, I found the book a helpful resource for understanding the situations that result or can arise from a concussion. However, I found that it can improve women's experiences with brain trauma by understanding the variety of symptoms and learning that they are not alone in their struggles.
I would love to see this book turned into a documentary or a podcast to continue the dialogue and emphasize the need for more research.
April 7, 2022
I was prompted to order this book after hearing an interview with the authors on the cbc. This book is a great resource for anyone, like myself, who is watching a loved one struggle with post concussion syndrome. It has really helped me understand what I'm seeing, and why she's not getting back to normal faster. That being said, of course everyone's experience is different, and there are many degrees of concussion. The one common sentiment expressed is the observation that they are no longer the same person they once were. And healing happens, but perhaps not completely for everyone. Thank you to the brave writers.
September 19, 2022
I listened to Impact after it being recommended by my chiropractor. These women have validated the way I've been feeling as I navigate the road of post-concussion. I have not been able to express, explain, or understand what I've been experiencing; nor, how it could go possibly on for so long and have me experience so many changes. Each of these women have described many of my exact feelings. Through their words, I feel not quite so alone.
I highly recommend that anyone on the post-concussion journey listen to this audiobook and family, friends, loved ones and therapists give it a read.
I highly recommend that anyone on the post-concussion journey listen to this audiobook and family, friends, loved ones and therapists give it a read.
November 15, 2022
Read this anthology. What a collection. Fine writing. And so much I did not know.
October 29, 2021
The pieces in this anthology are a triumph: candid glimpses into the confusion and uncertainty that are reality for women with concussion. Taken together, the poetry and prose represent a broad range of experience and outcome, which is probably the point: yes, there are common threads, but each concussed brain has its own trajectory and needs. I admire both the courage of these writers to tell their stories and the skill with which they do so. I will never take my brain for granted again.
September 5, 2021
Disclaimer-
I have an essay in this collection.
I loved this book. It is the book I wish I had had when I was concussed. In this collection, 21 women writers shared their stories of concussion and how it affected their brains and their lives. This collection had amazing, powerful writing. I'm so impressed.
I have an essay in this collection.
I loved this book. It is the book I wish I had had when I was concussed. In this collection, 21 women writers shared their stories of concussion and how it affected their brains and their lives. This collection had amazing, powerful writing. I'm so impressed.
September 20, 2022
Anthologies aren’t typically my thing, but I’ve kept an open mind lately, and this book came across my doorstep as I was a judge for the Alberta Book Publishing Awards a few months back. Impact, Women Writing After Concussion, Edited by E.D. Morin and Jane Cawthorne is a self-explanatory title, but why this book is so critical is because there is very little research done on how women experience concussions, as oppose to men. Lots of money goes into researching and treating men’s concussions, mostly through sports-related funding, but women experience concussions differently and this is an area of medicine that clearly needs more attention, as these stories highlight.
Book Summary
21 female writers tell us the story of their concussions. What’s surprising about many of these stories is the very benign, undramatic way the concussions happened. In fact, many of the women who were later diagnosed with a concussion didn’t think they had hurt themselves seriously, or even hit their head at all. The majority of these recollections are written in clear and concise prose, but there is a series of poems spread throughout the book that also define the experience of working one’s way through a concussion. One piece is a one-woman play that reads like an artistic monologue, with an author’s note at the end. The frustrations and misconceptions around concussion is the common thread that runs throughout; fear of the unknown and the constant misdiagnosis from doctors, physical and cognitive symptoms that make an everyday life grind to a halt, the anxiety of pausing work and social commitments, the guilt of withdrawing from one’s family.
My Thoughts
Although this clearly isn’t the point of the book, I couldn’t help but feel both relief that I have not had a concussion yet (they are cumulative) and anxiety that myself, or those I love may experience one. One story is of a mother who has experienced concussions herself, and then her teenage son has one and his entire personality changes, he becomes angrier, and suicidal thoughts begin to enter his mind -from a bump on the head by a soccer ball! Most of the women featured in this book seem to wholeheartedly agree that concussions change a person mentally. They may not seem different to those on the outside, but they know they are a changed person, with slightly different reactions, emotions, or personality traits that have emerged since their accidents.
Each essay has a wildly different ending; some of the authors emerge hopeful from their ordeal and proud they have survived it, while others openly admit to feeling lost and depressed. Feminist and activist Judy Rebick points to the precariousness of her income (she’s a writer, and therefore her projects are paid out when they are done) and the fact that many people who are homeless are suffering from brain injuries themselves. There is very little buffering her from the dangers of being forced onto the street or to unstable low-cost housin, as many of the treatments required to heal from her concussion aren’t covered by our healthcare system. Although having a modest income as a writer may seem a liability to some, other women used their talent with words to help them heal; Anna Swanson took to swimming each morning outside, afterwards picking up a few pieces of trash and creating new phrases from the packaging to help exercise her creativity in a limited way. As a reader, I oscillated between so many emotions as I read this collection; fear, pity, anxiety, hope, and awe of the strength displayed on these pages.
Many caregivers will relate to the anxiety in these stories. Most often, when we are told we have to slow down and drop a bunch of commitments, we think of all the people we are about to let down (or is this just me?). The idea of not being able to drive, cook and work terrifies me, but I’m lucky to have a partner who can take this on if I’m ill – but what about all those women who are going it alone? Who are responsible for the life of another – who will help them and take over that care? This is a fear that’s reflected in the book, and one many female readers will be able to understand as our gender is overwhelmingly cast in the caregiver role most often.
This may not be a collection that one is excited to read, but it certainly helped me empathize with others who have had concussions, while simultaneously making me grateful for my own brain health. I’d certainly recommend it to anyone who has a person in their life suffering from concussions, or had one themselves.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
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Book Summary
21 female writers tell us the story of their concussions. What’s surprising about many of these stories is the very benign, undramatic way the concussions happened. In fact, many of the women who were later diagnosed with a concussion didn’t think they had hurt themselves seriously, or even hit their head at all. The majority of these recollections are written in clear and concise prose, but there is a series of poems spread throughout the book that also define the experience of working one’s way through a concussion. One piece is a one-woman play that reads like an artistic monologue, with an author’s note at the end. The frustrations and misconceptions around concussion is the common thread that runs throughout; fear of the unknown and the constant misdiagnosis from doctors, physical and cognitive symptoms that make an everyday life grind to a halt, the anxiety of pausing work and social commitments, the guilt of withdrawing from one’s family.
My Thoughts
Although this clearly isn’t the point of the book, I couldn’t help but feel both relief that I have not had a concussion yet (they are cumulative) and anxiety that myself, or those I love may experience one. One story is of a mother who has experienced concussions herself, and then her teenage son has one and his entire personality changes, he becomes angrier, and suicidal thoughts begin to enter his mind -from a bump on the head by a soccer ball! Most of the women featured in this book seem to wholeheartedly agree that concussions change a person mentally. They may not seem different to those on the outside, but they know they are a changed person, with slightly different reactions, emotions, or personality traits that have emerged since their accidents.
Each essay has a wildly different ending; some of the authors emerge hopeful from their ordeal and proud they have survived it, while others openly admit to feeling lost and depressed. Feminist and activist Judy Rebick points to the precariousness of her income (she’s a writer, and therefore her projects are paid out when they are done) and the fact that many people who are homeless are suffering from brain injuries themselves. There is very little buffering her from the dangers of being forced onto the street or to unstable low-cost housin, as many of the treatments required to heal from her concussion aren’t covered by our healthcare system. Although having a modest income as a writer may seem a liability to some, other women used their talent with words to help them heal; Anna Swanson took to swimming each morning outside, afterwards picking up a few pieces of trash and creating new phrases from the packaging to help exercise her creativity in a limited way. As a reader, I oscillated between so many emotions as I read this collection; fear, pity, anxiety, hope, and awe of the strength displayed on these pages.
Many caregivers will relate to the anxiety in these stories. Most often, when we are told we have to slow down and drop a bunch of commitments, we think of all the people we are about to let down (or is this just me?). The idea of not being able to drive, cook and work terrifies me, but I’m lucky to have a partner who can take this on if I’m ill – but what about all those women who are going it alone? Who are responsible for the life of another – who will help them and take over that care? This is a fear that’s reflected in the book, and one many female readers will be able to understand as our gender is overwhelmingly cast in the caregiver role most often.
This may not be a collection that one is excited to read, but it certainly helped me empathize with others who have had concussions, while simultaneously making me grateful for my own brain health. I’d certainly recommend it to anyone who has a person in their life suffering from concussions, or had one themselves.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://ivereadthis.com/subscribe/
Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivereadthisblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivereadthis
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6E...
March 5, 2023
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has suffered from a concussion/TBI and family members/loved ones of those. At times I had to press pause on reading this book, as the stories and experiences were so accurate and on point, that they hit close to home and I became emotional. The stories written in this book are so eloquently described in so many different mediums of writing. Very well done!
August 15, 2023
Helpful, informative, heartbreaking, inspiring. Having given myself another concussion, I found myself unable to write and still struggling. This collection of essays inspired me to realize that there was hope and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry for the cliche. Thank you to all the amazing women for sharing their path. Highly recommend to anyone who has also experienced a concussion and to anyone who wants to learn more!
January 6, 2023
Such a great book - helped me feel less alone on this recovery journey and truly brought the experience of what it is like to have a brain injury. I hope they also do an audiobook, as many people I know have difficulty reading print. But uploading a digital copy and reading on my phone was helpful.
January 24, 2023
A long-overdue anthology about surviving concussions, sharing resources, medical neglect, and the way disability alters daily life. Highly recommend
April 8, 2023
Striking and visceral, this collection is depressing as hell, terrifying, and an implicit call to arms, AGAIN, for medicine to please, please, please, please study women’s health and help us FFS.
February 24, 2025
This collection of personal essays and poetry provided a much needed respite and validation of ongoing concussion-related symptoms. 5 star rating!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews