Without Any Warning: Casualties of a Caribbean Vacation

by Stefanie Schaffer

Without Any Warning is a first-hand account of the accident that changed Stefanie Schaffer’s life—both physically and emotionally. What had seemed an ideal vacation became a nightmare, for her and her whole family. Trouble followed her home though, and Stefanie found herself in the midst of a daunting and unyielding legal battle, while also in the midst of her fight for physical recovery. In the aftermath, her family’s relentless support and persistence helped Stefanie wade through the anxiety and depression she endured as a result of the permanent physical damage done to her body. As Schaffer regains control of her life, her story serves as an inspiration for everyone, demonstrating that no situation can keep you low, weak, and helpless if you have inner strength. Her struggles cause us to pause and review the things in our lives that we take for granted—and perhaps learn to appreciate and cherish what we have been given. To make the best of what we have and lead a fulfilled life, all we need is resilience, willpower, and a touch of stubbornness too.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2022

Reviews

[lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

easiest five stars ever. this memoir was a special one. stefanie schaffer is an alumni of the same college that I am. though I never got to meet her during my years studying there, her story is still important and inspiring to read about. stefanie was a speaker at my graduation ceremony. I remember sitting through my graduation ceremony tired from the night before, overheated and claustrophobic from basically being piled into the event space like sardines. when she started talking with such confidence, wisdom and courage, I immediately felt drawn in. after her speech, I really was intrigued to learn more about not only her story, but about who she is. this memoir made me laugh and cry and feel many emotions and I’m so happy I read it. highly highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Damia Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful and tragic re-telling of Stef Schaffer’s boating accident in the Bahamas. She re-tells of the gruesome medicals procedures, the coming home, finally dealing with her mental health. I highly recommend this to any one looking for a raw memoir.

[Honi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a remarkable story of triumph for this young VT woman.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Written by a Vermont native (where I also live) , Stefanie tells her remarkable story. Get ready to cry, get ready to laugh, and more than anything... Be prepared to be inspired!

Without Any Warning: Casualties of a Caribbean Vacation

[cynthia Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful courage

As an attorney I wanted so badly to see this courageous woman to get justice however she received an even larger gift. The gift of self love and peace . Where so many would flounder she called upon an inner resolve and fortitude that puts every comp!ain't I've ever had to shame. She is my forever hero.

[debra fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book on so many levels!!!

Where do I begin? Amazing book on so very many levels!

Stephanie Shaffer takes you from the depth of her despair to the pinnacle of her hope, up and down, just as I imagine she lived it. The pacing, the flow, the energy, and overall, her amazing positivity, and self sense of the world is a place worth being, makes this probably the best memoir I’ve read, and I read a lot and mostly memoirs!

I am blown away by her ability to be aware of her own feelings, and at the same time, compassionate with those around her; going through things most of us will never have to even imagine, she does not indulge in bitterness or even envy. Getting to know her through this memoir and enjoying her candor, her humor, and her willingness to share what had to be the bottom of the bottom of her life, it’s clear why there are so many friends and family members who are present for her always! I don’t think anyone could read this book and not want her in their circle of friends.

As a therapist, I am particularly warmed by her ability, not only to benefit from therapy, but to recognize the role that played in her recovery in such a beautiful way. As a dance therapist and a yogi, I am struck by her insights about how what happens to her body impacts her sense of personhood, her discussion of her evolving relationship with her body is just brilliant.
Her ability without even consciously trying, to walk you through the stages of healing trauma is beautiful. And simply her writing— her ability to describe and bring the reader in… This is just unbelievable in it excellence. Masterful! And she reminds us of, in her words, “Our basic human ability to heal.”

[gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily a 5 star read.
Stefanie writes a book that captures the painful and heartbreaking reality of suddenly having your life changed instantly, as well as the beauty. I have never felt so seen in a book as she is able to describe how a spinal cord injury affects your life, and in her case, amputation; in a way, I probably never will be able to myself. This book takes you through a roller-coaster of emotions as if you are beside her throughout her entire journey. I don’t think I could ever adequately describe how beautiful this book is, as my words could never do it justice. I recommend this book no matter your age or whether or not you are disabled because I believe everyone can find some part of her story to relate to or, at the very least, learn from. 
I can genuinely say that “Without any Warning” is one of the top 5 books I have ever read. I could not recommend this book more. 

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in a life changing accident as well, much less severe physically (a brain injury that left me with painful scars near my forehead) but hearing how she processed her trauma was so similar to what I went through. I was so surprised and almost comforted? to hear that what I'm going through is being experienced by someone else. Trauma and injuries kind of isolate you from the world and it can feel so lonely to go through it by yourself and I teared up so many times while reading this

[Roxane Mares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing

Stephanie's Unfortunate accident makes me angry at those
responsible. Her story is heartbreaking and life changing, yet she didn't give up, despite her obstacles. One cannot imagine her struggles at such a young age, but with the help and support of her family, doctors and therapists, she pushed forward to healing inside and out. Everyone should to read her story of courage and determination.

[LDavis · Rating 1 out of 5]

casualty of foreign countries.

I’ve been to many islands, boating from US to Abacos, Aruba, Bahamas, and there comes a time to use common sense to get these excursions on poorly maintained boats with incompetent pilots. It’s not all glam glam. This woman and her family suffered horrifically. No doubt.

[Scott Garren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Internet has done a job on my attention span to the point where reading a whole book is hard. Not this one though! I could not stop and finished it in two days. Searingly honest, hopeful, and uplifting it had me in tears often.

[William Alexander Cleaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put down.

I found this to be a heartbreaking, almost incredible story. A story I could not put down. Stefanie is indeed a very strong woman. (SPOILER:) - It's unbelievable how the culprits were able to avoid prosecution.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and Captivating Read

A great book about a young woman who beats the odds and overcomes heart wrenching trauma and circumstances. Stefanie is an engaging writer speaking from her personal experience. A must read.

[Joanne Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing true story

I couldn’t put this book down. The story is heartbreaking, but Steph is a fighter and so resilient. I hope she will write another memoir so readers can see what happens next for her. She deserves having all her wishes come true.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Inspiring. Sad. I save 5 stars for outstanding.

[candis horowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a courageous young woman. A story of true grit and determination.

[Cathy Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the get go and didn't let go until I finished reading it. Inspiring story about a resilient young woman overcoming multiple health crises after being injured in an accident.

[Betty Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, quick read. Incredible strength Stefanie has. May she continue her path of healing.

[Vickie L. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

This is an amazing well written book. Such a horrific accident but this author is able to relay all she has endured in a well written account. To imagine all she has endured is heartbreaking. I highly recommend this book.