Push, Then Breathe: Trauma, Triumph, and the Making of an American Doctor

by Luissa Kiprono

The only limits to what you can do are the ones you impose on yourself.

From fond memories of growing up in her native Romania and the social changes of the communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu to shocking captivity and abuse at the hands of her father in the United States, Dr. Kiprono details her eventual escape to freedom, independence, and success.

Once free of her father, Dr. Kiprono's hard work, determination, and positivity allowed her to overcome circumstances that most people cannot imagine. Dr. Kiprono's message of hope and positivity to all women is that they are worthy, their goals matter, and the only limit on them are the ones they impose on themselves.

As proof of this, Dr. Kiprono fulfilled her life-long dream of becoming a doctor and now specializes in high-risk pregnancies. She now shares the knowledge and wisdom she gained with the world and women--especially women who have felt the weight of evil and isolation. Her memoir and debut work will stun and inspire readers in equal measure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Medical, Audiobook, Mental Health

194 pages, Hardcover

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Bruce Woodbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story Of Trauma and Resilience

Let me start by saying that I won a copy from the Goodreads giveaway. I had entered the giveaway because I originally expected a memoir of a woman's experiences in med school and becoming a doctor ( my bad, didn't pay much attention to the summary). What I got was a story more daunting yet more inspiring than I bargained for.

The process of going through med school and becoming a doctor only appears in the book as a long-term life goal, one that was threatened to be derailed by harrowing trauma and hardship. I don't think I'm giving away secrets here. The author's life was harrowing , but through it all, she learns to cope and succeed. She does not diminish the pain of what happened to her, but presents a hopeful and positive story despite that pain. Some of the details may be emotionally difficult to read, but the book is life-affirming and positive in the end.

The book may not be what I expected, but it was a good story and well worth the read.

[Julia Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won a kindle copy in the Goodreads giveaway! Thank you Dr. Kiprono for sharing your story. Hearing others who have gone through experiences and made it out on the other side is helpful to many. The ending felt rushed, however, I was happy to read the afterward.

[Kristen Cook - A Book Ninja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Push, Then Breathe is an amazing store of survival and overcoming unspeakable odds. Luissa Kiprono's life story is one that many of us cannot imagine. She just did not overcome and merely survive horrific trauma but she made something of herself and helps to make the world a better place.

Possible triggers: Domestic violence, parental abuse, sexual abuse, and fetal loss.

I received an ARC of this audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as an ARC from NetGalley for free in return for an honest review.

First up...this book comes with a trigger warning for sexual assault/PTSD. It isn't graphic in terms of the act itself, but I can imagine the in depth analysis of the authors emotions following this could be fairly triggering to some.

That aside, I absolutely LOVED Luissa's story of overcoming her past. I found myself surprisingly interested in learning more about life in Romania during communism.

Whilst Luissa's particular set of circumstances are (hopefully) rare...the messages that can be taken away from her tenacious ability to never give up can be inspirational for many others. I also adored the afterword and learning how Luissa is helping women everywhere to be empowered and have bodily autonomy.

She writes so eloquently...it's hard to believe this is not written in her mother tongue.

[Krissa Slack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring

This book raised so many emotions in me. Reading all that she has overcome and being able to relate to some of the traumas, and to find out she became a MFM, it's like the universe intended for me to win this book, as a mom who experienced 2 traumatic pregnancies filled with PPROM and a uterine rupture, only to lose both babies during the pregnancies. Dr. Kiprono you are a true inspiration to so many that we can piece ourselves back together and overcome the traumas of our past and heal. Thank you for sharing your story.

[TheDiversePhDReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luissa Kiprono's memoir, "Push, Then Breathe" describes her remarkable journey from cherished childhood memories in Romania under Ceausescu's regime to enduring harrowing captivity and abuse by her father. She was able to escaped that marked the start of her path toward freedom, independence, and success. Steered by a resolved determination, hope and a positive outlook, Dr. Kiprono overcame her unimaginable circumstances. This memoir conveys a message of hope and empowerment to women, emphasizing one’s built-in worth.  It also shows the importance of pursuing one’s goals without self-imposed beliefs or limitations. Achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist, a doctor that specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Kiprono now shares her experiences in a memoir that promises to enthrall and motivate readers.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the author Luissa Kiprono, MD for a digital copy of  #PushThenBreathe in exchange for my honest opinion. 

[George Stenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a free Goodreads book so I had no expectations about it. I thought that it was going to be focused on her tough life in communist Romania. However, the author's time in Romania with her loving family provided the foundation to the horrible experience that she experienced when she came to America to visit her father and soon found out that she couldn't go back.

From early youth she wanted to be a doctor and still held on to her dream in America. The support from her Romanian family helped her break free and pursue her dream again. A profoundly sad memoir but fortunately she finally achieved her dream to be a doctor.

[Huda Alvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir chronicles Dr Luissa Kiprono’s journey through unimaginable abuse at the hands of her father and her eventual path to healing and renewal and making her lifelong dream to be a doctor a reality. Dr Kiprono’s narrative is raw and unflinchingly honest however what sets this book apart is not just its exploration of trauma but its unwavering message of hope and embracing life after trauma. Her resilience is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive. This book is a must-read for anyone navigating their own journey post trauma or just wanting to reclaim a newfound sense of hope and resilience. I highly recommend Push, then Breathe.

[Anna Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook!

This was a tragic story and difficult to listen to at times. Dr. Kiprono's resilience and the foundational love of family gave her enough hope to continue fighting against terrible circumstances when most people would have given up. The audiobook narrator did a great job putting lots of emotion into the reading. It's another one of those stories that seems too terrible to be real, but I have found that the truth is usually harder to imagine than fiction!

[The Well-Read Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the great honor of working with and learning under Dr. Kiprono on a daily basis, and while I knew hints of her story, I had no idea the magnitude of obstacles she has had to overcome until reading her book. And overcome them she has! Her story is heartbreaking, inspirational, and at some points, the firm kick in the behind we can all benefit from. Whether you’re in the midst or on the other side of your own trauma, or simply searching for perspective and inspiration in your daily life, please do yourself a favor and pick up Push, Then Breathe!

[Tamara Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never before have I read a true story that parallels the legend of the Phoenix who rises from it’s own ashes, emerging stronger and more resilient . This is a personal account of triumph over tragedy, from victim to victor . The lessons we can learn from this book are valuable to anyone’s journey through life and particularly inspiring and encouraging for women who have faced abuse, showing there is hope and a road to a new beginning.

[Katie Harder-schauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The things that this woman overcame to reach her goal of becoming a doctor would have crushed many, as they were intended to crush her. Beyond that, I’ll have the rest of my review posted here after it goes live on my blog.

[Lisa Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story of a woman who overcomes multiple obstacles and trauma to finally fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

[E.d. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Push, Then Breathe was a heart wrenching, compelling read. Although this memoir details the horrific abuse the author suffered at the hands of her father, it is still a book that readers will find inspiring. Kiprono structures her narrative for maximum effect. She describes her idyllic childhood but creates suspense by foreshadowing the disaster that is to come when she reunites with her father. Her unstoppable drive to become a doctor reminded me of heroines like Nan Prince from the novel A Country Doctor by Sara Orne Jewett. I read this short, well written book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Readers who are drawn to books like A Child Called It and The Glass Castle will find it rewarding.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group for choosing me.

First and foremost, a HUGE thank you to Dr. Luissa Kiprono for being incredibly courageous and sharing her journey with the world. Dr. Kiprono, you have given a voice to so many people who have had to go through unimaginable trauma. You have given hope to so many people, including me. Your story and everything you had to endure could have been one to end in tragedy. Instead, you made sure it didn't steal away your hope, and you persevered.

I have always believed that books find you when you need them most (even when you don't know you need them). This book is necessary. It is important. It needs to be read and discussed again and again. It is definitely an emotional rollercoaster, but it is worthwhile. It is inspiring in so many ways. The strength it takes to not only endure but overcome all the trauma and pain is incredible. This is a book that has left an impact. It has shown that hope can never truly be lost.

I'll be thinking of Dr. Kiprono and her incredible, unwavering strength for a very long time.

[Anxious Bibliophile Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of triumph over abuse and trauma. Many trigger warnings for kidnapping, rape and incest, but Dr. Kiprono is able to claim her story without focusing on her abuser. Her achievements are her own.

As a woman who recently experienced a nonviable pregnancy and traumatic birth, I can't emphasize enough how grateful I am for the type of work Dr. Luissa Kiprono does. I picked up this audiobook just because I like memoirs, but didn't realize that Dr. Kiprono works with women who are in situations like mine, who don't have access to specialists. If you or anyone you know is experiencing complications in your pregnancy without access to specialists, please look up her telemedicine services.

My hangups with this book come the the title and cover. "Push, then Breathe" is perfect for the type of care she specializes in, but the cover makes it seem more like she was an athlete. She does mention running often, but it didn't come across to me as a big savings force in the book. This isn't a very long book, and I found it compelling, finishing it quickly. I hope the right people can find it because this book is inspirational!