Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a collection of short stories and essays and I wasn’t sure how I’d manage with it or how long it would take to get through this as a fellow Spoonie. The book is a brutally honest depiction of living in a disabled body which I could deeply relate to and also provides a honest depiction of generational trauma and trying to break the cycle. This was a touching and helpful collection for me as a disabled individual who sometimes struggles with it and I’m sure it will help many more who find the book too.

Favourite Quote:
“I am a spoonie. I am sometimes a bad spoonie (I say bad with kindness and because it sounds funny to me, bad spoonie) because even after all these years, I forget that don't have endless spoons. I forget that I don't necessarily have the same number of spoons every day. I forget to save contingency spoons. I forget that something as simple as a change in weather, a strong smell that hits wrong, Or an unexpected bright light can deplete all my spoons in one fell swoop. I forget what happens when I try to reuse a dirty spoon or just go spoonless (it's not pretty). I forget that most people don't even know what the hell Im talking about when say I'm out of spoons today. (You're what?)”

Welcome back for another NetGalley book review, book friends! Today, we’re taking a look at Being (Sick) Enough: Thoughts on Invisible Illness, Childhood Trauma, and Living Well When Surviving Is Hard by Jessica Graham. Many thanks to North Atlantic Books for the digital review copy of this essay collection, which came out on January 14th.

Being (Sick) Enough is no easy read. The essays are unflinching, raw, and honest. Graham doesn’t pull their punches as they talk about the impact of abuse, trauma, and chronic illness. As such, I needed to take frequent breaks between essays to process the heavy content. It’s a book to read slowly, and with care.

As Graham tells the story of their history with trauma and illness, they also weave in the coping strategies they’ve developed over the years. This slight tint of hope admidst the darkness helps remind the reader that even when we struggle, there are ways to lessen the suffering and keep going. Despite that, I found the book’s tone a bit challenging at times. Even when talking about coping strategies, the book feels somewhat bleak, which is a completely fair way to narrate your own experiences. Even so, for me, it was a little tough to sit with at times.

The structure felt a bit off with this one as well. Several of the essays wrapped things up so neatly I fully expected to turn the page and find that we’d reached the end of the book. This left me wondering if a different structure might have served the content better at times, even if just moving some of the essays around a bit.

In all, Being (Sick) Enough will surely resonate with those who’ve navigated similar challenges of abuse, identity, and neurodivergence. However, it’s a book best read slowly to give the content space to breathe, as it can be heavy at times. I would’ve liked a better balance of storytelling and advice-giving, as the title suggests it would have a bit more, yet the tips offered didn’t always feel super well integrated. A book worth reading for anyone who has struggled with chronic illness and family challenges.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be just about chronic illness, but it was also about other childhood traumas the author endured. But I think telling the whole story was important, so I'm glad the author included that. This was a very well written book.

I naively thought this book was simply going to be about how to navigate life when you have chronic illness with helpful tips .
It instead was a book about what the author had to endure growing up through abuse, alcoholism, trauma, and then chronic illness. I was shocked by the first few chapters and how it all unfolded. My heart breaks for her and all she had to endure as a child and adolescent and ways she had to cope. Then to have all the chronic illness into adulthood is so unfair.

I am sure there are many people out there that sadly can relate to this book and I hope it makes it to them so it can be a helpful source.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Jessica Graham shares about the trauma and chronic pain they have faced in their life and ways they cope and adjust with that. As someone who is chronically ill, I thought this book would be helpful to me, but a lot of the things they have faced weren't very relatable to me and honestly felt a little trauma dump-y to me. I know there are others who will relate more and I hope they are able to find this book and feel comfort and belonging through Graham's writing. For me, it just wasn't what I was expecting or needed.

A very interesting read. However maybe (naively) not what I expected. However it was really eye opening and well written.

"Right now it feels like this, it feels like this right now." This is one of several quotes that I believe will stick with me from this honest and enlightening memoir. Graham has a compelling way of storytelling that kept my attention engaged while also introducing new and sometimes complex concepts. I am an amateur meditator and they're connection to meditation and how the practice has changed their life makes me want to prioritize meditation for myself.

I did enjoy how much of the book was about the way Graham has healed and learned how to heal despite their trauma and chronic illnesses, I was not expecting the meditation piece to be such a large part of that book. And in fact, my biggest critique of the book is that I think it tried to tackle too much. Being less than 300 pages and featuring stories from their early childhood all the way to present, as well as introducing many concepts and vocabulary related to their diagnoses, treatments, therapies, and meditation. The content was quite dense at times and I was not prepared for that.

Overall I think this was a worthwhile read and I found it to be very informative. Rating 3.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley, North Atlantic Books and the author Jessica Graham for the opportunity to read an ARC of the book Being (Sick) Enough, and to offer my honest review. Jessica Graham is a certified somatic trauma resolution guide specializing in complex PTSD and post traumatic growth; she is also an actor and filmmaker. The book, written through a series of essays and poetry provides Graham's thoughts on invisible illness, childhood trauma and living well when surviving is hard. Graham grew up in a dysfunctional family and suffered abuse by her mother and alcoholic dad. Both parents had challenging upbringings that they unfortunately brought, consciously or unconsciously to their parenting behavior. Graham advances the thought that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) negatively impact physical and mental well being throughout one's life. To that point, and as a result of her childhood trauma, she started drinking at age 12, with her dad often joining her and her friends; she engaged in unsatisfactory and sometimes abusive sexual relationships for many years, had constant eating disorders, and found that she actually enjoyed the attention being sick brought her. In her late 30s she was diagnosed with ADHD and autism. After years of suffering from complex PTSD , alcoholism, sickness and suicide ideation she committed to working through her issues through a modality of treatments: therapy, medical treatment, meditation, spirituality and began to recognize that self forgiveness and self compassion were essential to her recovery.That recovery is and will be a lifetime process. I found the book to be honest, occasionally humorous and often brutal. I especially related to her feelings about grief. She describes her grief over her dad's death in a way that deeply touched me: "I carry the grief of losing my dad like a beautiful breathing memorial inside my heart. Sometimes that memorial hurts like hell, and sometimes it is the singing of a thousand golden flowers opening to the sun." Wow- that was powerful and relatable for me. The book addresses several very sensitive topics that could serve as triggers for some readers, yet for me it was a well written, although sometimes scattered read. 3.5 stars

This book is nuanced, layered, multi-dimensional and so, so vulnerable!! This collection of essays sees the author sharing their insights into chronic illness (fibromyalgia, among others), chronic pain, intergenerational trauma, cPTSD, late in life diagnoses of autism and ADHD, depression, suicidal ideation, queer identity and love, sex and disability, grief and loss, alcohol addiction, sobriety (and that's just to name a few)!! Great on audio and HIGHLY recommended for anyone looking for help with any of the above issues in their own lives. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. The audiobook is also excellent narrated by the author themselves!

"Being chronically ill comes with knowing way more about your ailments than many medical professionals do." This speaks volume to me as a fellow sufferer of chronic illness. Jessicas break down of the spoons theory was absolutely spot on and her description of migraines was incredible.

It was a hard read at the beginning for me reading about her traumas growing up but they were important to the overall narrative and I am glad I pushed through because there is a wealth of knowledge and understanding in her writing. I felt seen reading this. I liked that Jessica didn't shy away from the not so nice elements of her struggles with mental health. She expressed herself fully and honestly. There is a very down to earth and accessible style to her writing and it gave me a lot to think about and ask my own doctor.

This book gave me a lot to think about, it forced me to look inward at my own thought processes and coping mechanisms. The writing on ADHD has cemented my belief that there is an element of neurodivergence that I need to get investigated for my own mental health.

All in all a great and insightful read and one I would recommend to anyone on a chronic illness or mental illness journey of their own but equally helpful for those of us who care for loved ones with this.

thank you NetGalley, the publishers and the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley, North Atlantic Books, and Jessica Graham for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can appreciate this book as a collection of deeply personal reflections about Jessica Graham's lived experiences. It reads beautifully and poetically, but I struggle with how to shelve it. Although advertised in the health and non-fiction tag, I find myself leaning towards it being more suitably placed in the essays and poetry tags instead.

I liked it. It's worth a read if you're mindful of the trigger warnings and have the spoons to navigate a space where the author gets extremely vulnerable. I can feel the ache through the prose. At times, it made me ache too.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, Jessica.

I wanted to love this book more than I did.
I really did: I was rooting for the author and their queerness, sickness and disabilities! But the writing wasn't engaging enough for me to stick with it (always sad for me to say this!) I think it's hard as a queer, disabled person to not relate to Graham's story: We must revisit our past traumas in order to understand our current stressors and ways that our bodies react. Graham's story is relatable because as a famous book title says, the body *does* manage to keep the score, which is sad but always always true. Her father's substance abuse plays a huge role in her mental health development and the ways she grows up.
I guess the digital format may have thrown me off too, but I just wish it was more engaging and got to the heart of it faster. But that's just my opinion. Otherwise, it's worth a read if you can slog through the initial parts.

THanks Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

"Being chronically ill comes with knowing way more about your ailments than many medical professionals.... We must do our own research to find relief because of all the medical gaslighting, and the gross limitations of our healthcare system."

Being (Sick) Enough is a look into navigating trauma, illness, and disability in a world built for able-bodied individuals.

To be blunt: I was disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. I related most to the chapters on fibro and adult adhd, having that experience myself. Similarly, I really appreciated Graham's detailing of serving as her father's caregiver because so few books really dive into the emotions and, quite frankly, trauma, that comes with navigating the illness of a parent. Overall though, nothing felt particularly groundbreaking; it didn't stand out to me from other books on similar topics. 2.75 stars from me.

I originally requested to review this title because I had been researching biopsychosocial responses to chronic illness and pain, and a friend recommended the author. While I appreciate Graham's raw telling of her experiences, I found myself wanting more.

ARC REVIEW: Being (Sick) Enough by Jessica Graham ⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you to NetGalley and North Atlantic Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of essays focuses on the life of Jessica Graham as they journeyed through a childhood of trauma, addition, chronic illness, pain and loss. The chapters each follow a different influential part of Graham’s past that they have worked to understand plays a key role in understanding the present.

I struggled to decide how I felt about what I had read, because the contents are emotional and poetic at times. But the way the formatting and writing style of often pulls you out of that emotional state. Newton pairs the storytelling of their past with their strategies to manage navigating their trauma, and it came across a bit disjointed.

Being (Sick) Enough will release on January 14th 2025.

This memoir is a remarkable and profound exploration of personal trauma, characterised by its honesty and rawness. It has the potential to resonate deeply with individuals who have faced similar experiences. The writing is inspirational, and I express sincere gratitude for the opportunity to read it. Sharing one’s mental health journey requires considerable courage; for this reason, I consistently award a five-star rating upon such memoirs. Ultimately, it is not my position to evaluate the experiences of others.

The text addresses numerous sensitive subjects, rendering it both a moving and essential read for a diverse audience. However, I wish to caution prospective readers that certain content may prove difficult to process. Consequently, I recommend approaching this book with thoughtful consideration.

Heart-breaking, insightful and very emotional. This isn't a book that you want to rush through, you have to give it time to appreciate the feelings behind it all.

A slow read due to the emotive topics. It is an autobiography of sorts, looking back at the author's life, particularly at abuse and subsequent PTSD, chronic illness, and neurodiversity.

Overall, I found the book interesting. The only issue was the flow, as it flits throughout time at points in a non-chronological way.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This book began on a heartbreaking note, but one that set the tone for the vulnerability that was to come. It was really fascinating to look at chronic illness and well-being in general through the lens of generational trauma. The book was at times deeply sorrowful, hopeful, informative, and moving - much like the many facets of life that Graham encourages readers to acknowledge and explore. I’ve read a lot of nonfiction on chronic illness but this one definitely stood out within the genre, in large part to how to the author merged introspective vulnerability and factual research.

Being (Sick) Enough by Jessica Graham is a powerful and deeply insightful collection of essays that offers a raw, honest exploration of living with trauma, chronic illness, and the complexities of being human in today’s world. As a queer, neurodivergent trauma-resolution guide, Graham blends personal anecdotes with practical wisdom, providing readers with a compassionate and unflinching look at the realities of navigating pain, addiction, recovery, and grief.

Graham’s writing is smart, funny, and profoundly relatable, offering permission to accept care and the vulnerability that comes with it. They dismantle harmful ableist ideas like “you don’t look sick” and “we’re all a little ADHD,” while sharing their own vulnerable history of childhood trauma, workaholism, and addiction. Through these stories, they offer a refreshing perspective on healing, centering sex and pleasure, and how to avoid falling into the traps of self-blame or toxic positivity.

This memoir is a love letter to the whole self, embracing both the suffering and the joys of life. It’s a wise and fearless exploration of what it means to be fully alive and present, even in the face of pain and difficulty. Being (Sick) Enough is an essential read for anyone navigating the challenges of chronic illness or trauma, offering both solace and inspiration for those seeking a more authentic, mindful approach to healing.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

A raw, honest, and deeply introspective exploration of living with chronic illness and the emotional and psychological toll it takes. Through her personal narrative, Graham weaves together moments of vulnerability, strength, and acceptance, shedding light on the complexities of navigating a world that often doesn't understand what it means to be truly sick. With compassion and grace, she challenges societal expectations of what "enough" means, especially when illness is part of the equation. This book is not just a story of surviving—it’s about learning to thrive, redefine self-worth, and embrace the fullness of life, no matter the circumstances. Being (Sick) Enough is an empowering, thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has struggled with health challenges and the pressure to meet societal standards. It’s a celebration of resilience and self-compassion in the face of ongoing adversity.