Get Over It

by Brenda Johnson

This is the right read for anyone who has experienced loss and hopes to move on. Brenda Johnson thought her life was predictable until a sunny Saturday when her husband announced he wasn’t happy. Stunned by the message, she picked her heart up off the floor and biked to the farmers market.

When Brenda began to live alone, her life was normal, moving into each day with music from the last. But sadness lingered too long for a reasonable divorce with no hate, theft, or slander. Weary of tears, her mantra became, “Get over it!” The stories of before and after divorce, sprinkled with humor and sorrow, are familiar to anyone who has lived with loss.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2022

About the author

I spent early years on a ranger station on the wild and scenic Selway River in the panhandle of Idaho. Miss Calvert taught me to read in a one-room schoolhouse before my family moved over the mountains to Montana, where I swam new rivers with my brother and sister. The Big Sky draws me home every summer.

I studied Camus and poetry in college and learned to love the written word in all its glorious forms. As a public school reading specialist, I turned students onto the code, the word, and the story. Children—neighbors, my kids and their kids, remain an important part of my life.

I live in Oregon with a fine little dog on a pretty little street with very fine neighbors. I hike, bike, ski, and garden.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Brenda Johnson's poignant memoir, "Get Over It: maybe not all of it," we embark on a journey through the complex terrain of loss, resilience, and rediscovery. This memoir is a heartfelt narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced the twin challenges of heartache and the desire to move forward.

The story begins on a seemingly ordinary autumn Saturday when Brenda's husband drops a bombshell: he's unhappy. Stunned and heartbroken by this revelation, Brenda finds herself metaphorically picking up the shattered pieces of her heart from the floor. In the midst of emotional turmoil, she does something beautifully mundane—she bikes to the farmers market.

As Brenda navigates the unfamiliar terrain of life as a suddenly single woman, she discovers that her days, once shaped by the rhythm of her marriage, have taken on a new, albeit initially disorienting, normalcy. Yet, amidst the grief and confusion, she harbors a quiet hope for a divorce that's free from the bitterness of slander, theft, or hatred.

The phrase "Get over it" becomes a personal mantra, a reminder to herself that life must go on, even when the pain threatens to consume her. It's a mantra that captures the essence of resilience — the ability to rise above adversity and continue moving forward.

But "Get over it" isn't just about letting go of the past; it's also about embracing the beauty that surrounds us. Brenda's memoir reveals the human capacity to find solace in the small joys of life — the music that accompanies her daily routines, the warmth of family history, the simple pleasures of bike rides, and the power of humor and sorrow to shape our experiences.

Brenda's experiences, thoughts, and emotions are universally human, making it easy for readers to connect with her narrative. As we journey alongside Brenda, we are reminded that while loss is an inevitable part of life, so too is the beauty that can be found amidst the heartache.

"Get Over It: maybe not all of it" illustrates resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light. Brenda Johnson's memoir is an exploration of the duality of life — a delicate balance of loss and loveliness.

In the end, this memoir serves as a comfort for anyone who has experienced the rawness of loss and the healing power of embracing life's beauty, even when it seems impossible. Brenda Johnson's story is an authentic and touching reminder that we are all capable of finding solace, joy, and meaning in the midst of life's challenges.

“Brenda Johnson's memoir is a heartfelt journey through the complexities of loss, offering solace and inspiration to anyone seeking to find beauty amid life's challenges."

"A deeply relatable narrative that explores the resilience of the human spirit. 'Get Over It' reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope."

"Brenda Johnson's memoir is the embodiment of the healing power of storytelling. Her journey from heartache to embracing life's beauty is moving and inspiring."

"In 'Get Over It,' Brenda Johnson's accessible writing style captures the universal experience of loss, making it a compelling read for a wide range of readers."

"A memoir that resonates with authenticity, 'Get Over It' invites readers to find strength and inspiration in Brenda's journey of resilience and rediscovery."

"With grace and honesty, Brenda Johnson's memoir illuminates the path from loss to healing. 'Get Over It' is a touching reminder that life's beauty endures, even in the face of adversity."

"A powerful narrative that explores the human capacity for resilience. Brenda Johnson's 'Get Over It' unveils the strength of the human spirit."

"Brenda Johnson's memoir is an intimate exploration of the emotions and experiences that come with loss. Her story reminds us that healing is possible, and beauty can be found in the everyday."

"A compelling read that captures the essence of finding hope amid heartache. 'Get Over It' is a journey of resilience that will touch the hearts of readers."

"Brenda Johnson's 'Get Over It' is a heartfelt memoir that invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of resilience and the pursuit of life's beauty."

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenda's craft of retelling and painting her love landscape that included a husband and two daughters who've all managed to weave a "beyond-marriage" tapestry tickled me, resonated with me and nurtured me with vignettes that make up all of our lives. Her family's values align very closely to mine, so it was easy to nod my head and smile as I turned the pages. Little do we realize while we're living our family chapters how rich, colorful, adventurous, risky, unique, ordinary, extraordinary, memorable and full of humanity they are!! Not until we get to mourn them because we've lost the thread that held them all together are we fully present and able to savor the sweetness of what once was...and then begins the adventure of creating a new work of art if we choose, and it's a good choice to make.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book will resonate with anyone who has had a major life-changing event sneak up on them. I found the author's candid admissions about her feelings and the inability to just let go and move on for many years to be refreshing after so many books that seem to treat any loss, no matter how great or small, as some superficial thing to just let go of and forget. When she does start to become more at peace with how things are, it seems more deeply felt because she rode out the up and down cycles of grief organically before it finally settled on its own instead of trying to force herself into instant acceptance of it all. Also, I found the author's consistent tone of kindness throughout to be very pleasant. This just felt very real and relatable and I commend her for writing in a way that will undoubtedly comfort anyone who reads it.

[Christine Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenda takes us on her journey of crafting a life after her husband forces his life choice upon her. A shared history, children, her love or religious vows could not entice Ed to remain married and with the simple statement, I am not happy, he is gone. And in the aftermath of divorce, Brenda got up each day and lived an adventure that brought new people into her life, allowed her to travel and explore the world around her and to be a good friend to those who needed her. As her daughter stated, "If you were still with dad, you wouldn't have done all this." Johnson beautifully writes of her journey describing people and places with the vocabulary of an artist. Her message is gentle and meaningful, life may not turn out as one plans but it can still be very good.

[Julia Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story. Brenda Johnson writes about the surprise ending to what she thought was a good marriage, and the long, long recovery from that change in her life. She keeps busy, volunteering, bicycling, gardening, teaching, but the ache doesn't go away. Her ex can't seem to help himself, but continues to come around to see her and see if she needs help, even long after he's moved on and re-married. Sometimes she does need help, but these visits don't speed up the healing process. Eventually she finds a kind of peace. This is a beautiful roadmap for learning to heal, while letting grief take its own sweet time.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of grace: This is a story of a woman's bravery - persevering through the heart wrenching pain of a marriage that shatters unexpectedly - because there is no choice. Sadness and grief color the early days. The author slowly, day-by-day rebuilds her world, flowering again, though with setbacks and ever-present tough patches. She paints the picture simply. She never loses her integrity, never loses her spirit, and never loses sight of all that's good in her life: her children, her job, her garden, nature, her workouts. Doesn't let bitterness into the picture. This becomes a tale of victory, and writing this book to share her story is an ultimate medal of honor.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I read a good book in one sitting - but this book made me want to wander through slowly and thoughtfully. Reading the author's beautiful prose felt a bit like taking a long walk with a wise, funny friend; I didn't want it to end. We all have personal losses - some are massive, some small. This book helped me feel less alone with some of mine. The author shares her own joys and sorrows with an honest voice and a sense of perspective that I find myself reaching for again and again. This is a book I will reread for years.

[Kaye Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. An honest and vulnerable story of heartbreaking loss and the struggle to heal and to recreate one's life. This is a beautifully written memoir, which made me cry but also laugh. While Brenda's journey was painful, I was so inspired by her strength and her humor to get through the pain and find joy in nature, friendships, family and her garden. This is a must read for anyone who is trying to recover from a loss.

[LeeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankfully, this book is made up of short, readable anecdotes from the writer's own experiences. Most of them are humorous, though in a mostly self-deprecating way. She uses bike riding as a metaphor throughout, but my favorite involves a dog and a possum.

"A summer evening in Oregon is almost perfect for a bike ride home." (55) Unless you find a dead(?) possum in your yard. Then you might be up all night.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenda has written such a heart-felt and moving series of beautiful short essays. So personal. And somehow visual. Does she paint with words?

But I've set the book aside and won't finish it now, because I know Brenda, not well, and this is a kind of voyeuristic way of getting to know her better. That's not for me.

But I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever experienced a family loss or taught young children, or ridden a bike through a wetland.

[Kay Kruger-hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lively read. In a series of vivid episodes, Johnson finds her footing as a newly and reluctantly single woman as she makes sense of family memories, faces everyday but hilarious challenges (burying that 'possum!, dating at 65!), and comes into her own sense of equilibrium and wellbeing in the world of now.

[Jane Falls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender, hilarious, and ever so approachable, Brenda weaves humor and angst through stories of a painful divorce and finding new footing as a single woman. Grace and honesty permeate each story as her world shifts in ways she doesn't want. Every one of us will find connection to the unexpected, unwanted growth that comes from life's tenderness and grief.

[Ann Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for words that inspire candor, resilience and grit, you’ll find them in “Get Over It” by Brenda Johnson. Poignant, heartfelt moments had me crying, laughing and “being there” with Brenda. After reading this book, I’m betting you’ll find more beauty, compassion and selflessness in your daily interactions!

[Sandra Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This book shows that you can go through anything with perseverance and hope. The character in the book went through so much and still kept going it is inspiring to think of going through all that and continuing.

[Trisha Nobert-chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brenda is a gifted writer. Her storytelling is so delightful to read. This book really has something for everyone. There’s stories about love, laughter, grief and loss. She talks of sadness but also about so many precious memories and experiences in her life that I found truly remarkable. I appreciate how the love of her family lead her to not being bitter towards her former husband. I think spending holidays together and continuing on as friends with her former husband are something that so many people can learn from. I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful autobiography filled with light and wisdom.