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Born to Bounce Back: Regain your zest for life after it knocks you down
Most of us would rather take a one-way trip to the moon than divulge our private wounds or expose our deep secrets, but Frances Teagan has chosen to reveal her seven deeply personal episodes of what she names "Instant Pivotal Crises" that visit all of us at one time or another. From broken relationships, illnesses, accidents, deaths, losses, ruined plans, etc., none of us are immune to these visceral events which hit us with such velocity there is no possibility to prepare or protect. We feel bottomless pain and a bruising of the soul. Life will never be the same.
Teagan's own stories not only instill empathy due to the familiarity they instill, but she goes a step further in teaching us how to find the value they provide. Even though feeling at the mercy of misery, we are not. She provides the tools with which we can take our personal power back and go forward not in pieces, but as a better person for the experience. Our stories are our legacy, the footprint we leave on this earth.
Secondly, and of equal importance, Teagan explains the importance of vulnerability (not weakness, but courage) in bringing people together. While judgement tears us apart, it is our stories and willingness to share them that is the Great Equalizer. Empathy replacing judgment; personal responsibility replacing blame. Our stories become our defining times to capture the lessons rather than remain a victim. The way to heal ourselves is to help others heal.
True stories have the power to change lives
The book is a powerful read full of pathos, humour, knowledge and love.
Teagan's own stories not only instill empathy due to the familiarity they instill, but she goes a step further in teaching us how to find the value they provide. Even though feeling at the mercy of misery, we are not. She provides the tools with which we can take our personal power back and go forward not in pieces, but as a better person for the experience. Our stories are our legacy, the footprint we leave on this earth.
Secondly, and of equal importance, Teagan explains the importance of vulnerability (not weakness, but courage) in bringing people together. While judgement tears us apart, it is our stories and willingness to share them that is the Great Equalizer. Empathy replacing judgment; personal responsibility replacing blame. Our stories become our defining times to capture the lessons rather than remain a victim. The way to heal ourselves is to help others heal.
True stories have the power to change lives
The book is a powerful read full of pathos, humour, knowledge and love.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2022
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 8, 2022
Author Frances Teagan recounts her life in this moving memoir, "Born to Bounce Back". Divided into seven parts, Teagan describes impactful events from various points in her life, from growing up during the 1950s and 60s, her two marriages, and the ups and downs of raising her three children. Teagan truly bares her soul and her vulnerability is very admirable, particularly when she touches on more sensitive topics such as depression, domestic abuse, alcoholism, and sexual abuse. Following each episode, Teagan gives advice on life, love and overcoming difficulties. She teaches us the importance of moving forward and not allowing life's negative experiences to hold power over us. As a millennial, I found it especially interesting to read about the author's experience as a teen mom, growing up in a state where abortion was illegal and female birth control was not available yet. It was also interesting to note how the topic of mental health as discussed (or rather not discussed) during those years and the limited access that people had to things like counseling/therapy or medication.
November 29, 2022
Inspiring
‘Born to Bounce Back’ is an emotional yet engaging memoir through Frances Teagan’s life. She describes it in seven episodes, as they mean the most to her through various life experiences such as unstable relationships. The author’s bravery in exposing the deepest of emotions and experiences is something to marvel at and it’s a life lesson in itself. The plot is well set up in a sequence, and it’s easy to picture everything as it unfolds, even though it can be intense. However, it’s not all about negative emotions, she also takes us through some of the joyous moments.
The book is so educational, because it has many life lessons. Anyone reading the book will be lucky to get so much in one. You’ll encounter several ethical dilemmas, in which Teagan narrates how she tried to go through them the right way, and it gives different points of view to the story. The book’s title is vivid in all the chapters, and it’s a reminder of how Teagan faced certain tribulations, and still managed to get her act together. Overall, it’s an inspiring book, and it’s lessons are invaluable.
‘Born to Bounce Back’ is an emotional yet engaging memoir through Frances Teagan’s life. She describes it in seven episodes, as they mean the most to her through various life experiences such as unstable relationships. The author’s bravery in exposing the deepest of emotions and experiences is something to marvel at and it’s a life lesson in itself. The plot is well set up in a sequence, and it’s easy to picture everything as it unfolds, even though it can be intense. However, it’s not all about negative emotions, she also takes us through some of the joyous moments.
The book is so educational, because it has many life lessons. Anyone reading the book will be lucky to get so much in one. You’ll encounter several ethical dilemmas, in which Teagan narrates how she tried to go through them the right way, and it gives different points of view to the story. The book’s title is vivid in all the chapters, and it’s a reminder of how Teagan faced certain tribulations, and still managed to get her act together. Overall, it’s an inspiring book, and it’s lessons are invaluable.
October 11, 2024
I love reading memoirs. I have several on my bookshelves. Bill Clinton’s My Life, Barack Obama’s A Promised Land, Donald Trump’s The Art of the Deal, Jessica Simpson’s Open Book, and Bobby Rydell’s Teen Idol on the Rocks, to name a few. Reading iconic or legendary personality biographies teaches us about different lifestyles, experiences, our understanding of history, and how we make sense of the world. Consequently, reading a famous person’s memoir offers an escape from anonymity and vicarious gratification. In contrast, a memoir written by a typical person offers added relatability based on the author’s memories of an event, emphasizing their emotional vulnerability and authenticity. That is where my reading of the book Born to Bounce Back by Lynn Moore commences.
I became immediately immersed in Moore’s life story as I recognized how relatable, personable, and compassionate her “seven life stories” encompassing a life of diverse purpose as an educator, businesswoman, mother, widow, and a traveling abroad virtuoso connected with my life experiences. It is a beautifully written memoir with many insights, wisdom, and practical advice. This remarkable book about conquering the pain of traumatic life experiences while discovering meaning from each life trajectory resonated with me emotionally. It is a story about the power of human resilience and vulnerability. The narrative guides how to process negative emotions and adapt to stressful situations; essentially, Lynn Moore’s life stories impart enlightenment about our ability to draw upon our inner strength to overcome setbacks and thrive despite challenging circumstances.
There are so many insightful messages within the narrative. One of my favorites, for example, is when Moore writes, “Fear of judgment and shame. It’s part of the human condition. No one wants to be judged, yet we all judge others.” This powerful example of sharp-wittedness and wisdom expresses the importance that we can only flourish in spaces where individuals are seen, heard, respected, and free to express themselves without fearing judgment or dismissal. Additionally, Moore’s willingness to be an open book of vulnerability, empathy, and owning her imperfections allows the reader to understand that there is strength in embracing your authentic self and fostering mental and emotional toughness.
Main takeaway: This is a compelling chronicle about the power of human resilience and is a must-read as her true-to-life stories can potentially change lives and teach readers how to “Bounce Back” from life’s challenges. Achieving peace of mind is fundamentally rooted in love, mutual respect, and understanding, and every familiar life story that exemplifies the willingness to show grace to yourself is extraordinary. I highly recommend its reading.
-John Edwards
I became immediately immersed in Moore’s life story as I recognized how relatable, personable, and compassionate her “seven life stories” encompassing a life of diverse purpose as an educator, businesswoman, mother, widow, and a traveling abroad virtuoso connected with my life experiences. It is a beautifully written memoir with many insights, wisdom, and practical advice. This remarkable book about conquering the pain of traumatic life experiences while discovering meaning from each life trajectory resonated with me emotionally. It is a story about the power of human resilience and vulnerability. The narrative guides how to process negative emotions and adapt to stressful situations; essentially, Lynn Moore’s life stories impart enlightenment about our ability to draw upon our inner strength to overcome setbacks and thrive despite challenging circumstances.
There are so many insightful messages within the narrative. One of my favorites, for example, is when Moore writes, “Fear of judgment and shame. It’s part of the human condition. No one wants to be judged, yet we all judge others.” This powerful example of sharp-wittedness and wisdom expresses the importance that we can only flourish in spaces where individuals are seen, heard, respected, and free to express themselves without fearing judgment or dismissal. Additionally, Moore’s willingness to be an open book of vulnerability, empathy, and owning her imperfections allows the reader to understand that there is strength in embracing your authentic self and fostering mental and emotional toughness.
Main takeaway: This is a compelling chronicle about the power of human resilience and is a must-read as her true-to-life stories can potentially change lives and teach readers how to “Bounce Back” from life’s challenges. Achieving peace of mind is fundamentally rooted in love, mutual respect, and understanding, and every familiar life story that exemplifies the willingness to show grace to yourself is extraordinary. I highly recommend its reading.
-John Edwards
September 16, 2025
Born to Bounce Back sounds is an inspiring and heartfelt guide for anyone who’s been knocked down by life. Frances Teagan’s willingness to share her own painful experiences makes the book feel honest and relatable, while her focus on vulnerability and empathy promises real emotional depth. The idea of turning crises into powerful lessons and even helping others heal through our own stories, makes this read feel uplifting and full of hope. It seems like one of those books that not only comforts you but also gives you the tools to move forward stronger.
August 11, 2024
This book struck a chord with me. While I grew up in the sixties - a decade later than the author, life does not discern and will knock us down in every generation. I left home at an early age, raised a daughter alone and battled many traumas and life changing events. It was a long, lonely journey, and I think this book would have been an inspiration to me back then. Frances laid her story out, bare bones and honest. This book was well-written, and very personal. A courageous novel filled with insight - lessons learned and experiences gained. A must read for anyone who needs support and to be assured they are not alone.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews