In the Face of Catastrophe: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Became a Blessing

by Jennifer Rose Goldman, Caryn Meg Hirshleifer

The Gift of Presence

When a stroke leaves Jenn comatose and clinging to life just days before her thirty-first birthday, she and her family face an overwhelming and painful journey. As they struggle to grasp what happened, to move forward and heal, they discover an unexpected how to be present in times of uncertainty while holding onto hope and the power of family and community to sustain them through these challenging times.

Structured as diary entries, this poignant memoir shares memories from each family member as they walk together through this profoundly life-changing event, grapple with grief, and learn to look for silver gratitude, intentional time together, and the closeness of family and friends to help them heal. Jenn was already a motivational speaker and professional advocate for wellness and self-care before her stroke, and now she and her family share a very personal and intimate time of their lives in the hope that those who are struggling with similar experiences of loss and change will find connection, solace, and the courage to overcome even the greatest challenges.

Genres: Memoir

194 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Rose Goldman and her mom, Caryn Meg Hirshleifer, have written a powerful, poignant, raw, and memorable memoir, In the Face of Catastrophe: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Became a Blessing.

Jenn was a few days away from her thirty-first birthday when she had a stroke and a significant brain bleed. She spent eleven weeks in the NICU (neurological intensive care unit) and rehab.

Jenn's memoir is written from several points of view:
Caryn, her mom
David, her dad
Amanda, her sister
Misha, her boyfriend

This book packs an incredible punch as the medical hits just kept on coming---during the first several intense days and weeks, as well as once Jenn returned home with 24/7 care. Caryn aptly summed it up, with a dry sense of humor, "Seizure the day."

This is a book about rebirth, renewal, and recovery.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Highly recommend!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, In the Face of Catastrophe, by Jennifer Rose Goldman; Caryn Meg Hirshleifer, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thirty year old Jennifer had a stroke, this book is told from her families perspective while she was in the hospital, and rehab, and when she came home. Jenn takes over after she starts recovering at home. An incredible read, about a young stroke victim.

[Rebecca Koltun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a powerful story about resilience and family and love. I met Jenn in rehab and we currently run a support group together for people with spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. I truly admire Jenn’s and her loved one’s vulnerability in this book. It is very raw and real. I love all the different perspectives in the book as well as the notes from medical charts. It is amazing what Jenn has overcome and she should be so proud of how far she has come. The roads certainly was not easy for her or her family. Looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for her.

[readwithmichele · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK: In the Face of Catastrophe: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Became a Blessing (ARC)
AUTHOR: Jennifer Rose Goldman
PUB DATE: by Greenleaf Book Group
PAGES: 194
RATING: 5
GENRE: Non-fiction/Memoir

A BIG Thank You to @netgalley, @greenleafbookgr, and the author for gifting me an advanced digital excerpt in exchange for my honest review!

FAVORITE QUOTE: “I am also reminded that our power, as humans, lies not in our ability to control what happens but in our ability to respond to the things that happen to us. We have the power to be optimistic, take each day as it comes, and try to be grateful for the other gifts we have in life.”

SYNOPSIS: When a stroke leaves Jenn comatose and clinging to life just days before her 31st birthday, she & her family face an overwhelming and painful journey. As they struggle to grasp what happened, move forward, and heal, they discover an unexpected way to be present in times of uncertainty while holding onto hope and the power of family and community to sustain them through these challenging times. Structured as diary entries, this poignant memoir shares memories from each family member as they walk together through this profoundly life-changing event, grapple with grief, and learn to look for silver gratitude, intentional time together, and the closeness of family and friends to help them heal. Jenn was already a motivational speaker and professional advocate for wellness & self-care before her stroke, and now she and her family share a very personal and intimate time of their lives in the hope that those who are struggling with similar experiences of loss and change will find connection, solace, and the courage to overcome even the greatest challenges.

QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: I had seen another booksta friend read this arc and it intrigued me after seeing her review. This is a poignant story of what happens when you’re faced with the unexpected. I can’t recommend this highly enough. It is so special in that it’s told through the memories of Jenn’s mom, dad, and sister, so their truthful recollections & vulnerability to share what they went through during such a delicate time was so appreciated. I was moved by all the positive affirmations. Don’t sleep on this one!

QOTD: What is your favorite affirmation or mantra?

#NetGalley #GreenleafBookGroup #InTheFaceOfCatastrophe #JenniferRoseGoldman #JenniferGoldman

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer, extraordinary young woman, sensitive, generous, loved by all and living her very best life, is struck down by a totally unforeseen stroke. It is only by the luckiest of circumstances she gains access to medical care quickly enough to have a fighting chance to survive. And survive she does, with top notch doctors and specialists, round the clock nursing assistants, a loving family lifting her up every step of her journey, and of course, her own indomitable spirit.
The story is told in a series of journal entries recorded by her mother, father and sister as well as the thoughts and feelings of Jen herself. The narrative covers the first year of her convalescence with the understanding that the story continues as Jen moves on with her new life.
The family members are strong for Jen but reveal their vulnerabilities in the pages of this book. Especially affecting is Jen’s sister Amanda who has emotional, physical and psychological issues of her own.. The patience and fortitude of this family is remarkable.
Having said all that, I feel like a bad human being for not giving this book 5 star review, but in all honesty. It suffers from lack of editing. I am sure every word recorded is significant to the writers and recreates the amazing journey for those participating. For those drawn to the story by the medical topic, it was heavily weighted toward emotions and became repetitive.. It also included a section on horoscopes that I just couldn’t take seriously.
If you are more interested in the emotional aspects of a life-altering health crisis, you may really enjoy the story. As a caregiver for a family member with some of the same issues, I couldn’t help but wonder at the cost of this care and treatment. Round-the-clock aides, multiple therapy sessions, visits from specialists in every relevant medical field and the unquestioning love and support of family who sacrificed their personal lives without hesitation. It is an uplifting story, to be sure, but it made me feel like I am not up to the job that Team Jen has accomplished and that is not a good feeling to have at the end of a book.

[Kelly Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for giving me a copy to read and review. Having been through my own and my daughter’s traumatic brain injury so much was relevant to our story. Hearing that your child, no matter how old, is severely injured or trying to survive a stroke is a complete shock. We are left numb. Mothers try to heal their family first prior to focusing on their own health.

Reading about Jenn’s recovery as told by family and then through her own words was powerful. Reading about doctor visits and the bluntness of some projections was heartbreaking. I wish Jenn and her family continued healing. Keep moving forward and enjoy all the special times you have in the future.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I did not finish this book as the style wasn't for me - I was expecting a more straight-forward memoir, but instead the story of Goldman's stroke and recovery is told from five perspectives. While I understood the impetus to write it in this way, I found it disjointed and sometimes repetitive (rather than describing the incident once, multiple people share how they were notified, what they heard/saw, etc.).

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely inspirational book on one woman’s journey, and the family and friends supporting her, as she recovers from a stroke. As a mom of a stroke survivor, I identified a lot throughout this and really admired the author’s honest on her experience.

[BOOKLOVER EB · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In the Face of Catastrophe," by Jennifer Rose Goldman and her mother, Caryn Meg Hirshleifer, is an account of Jenn's terrifying health emergency and its aftermath. Shortly before her thirty-first birthday, she collapsed and was rushed to North Shore University Hospital. She had suffered a stroke that left her comatose and near death. Her dad, David, a physician; her mother, Caryn, an attorney and entrepreneur; and her younger sister, Amanda, stood vigil for countless hours, and when Jenn woke up, they cheered her on.

In addition to Jenn, this book is told by alternating narrators, each of whom expresses his or her fear, sadness, and frustration at watching the woman they adore endure so much agony. They feared that, even if Jenn were to survive, she would be permanently impaired, both physically and mentally. Fortunately for Jenn, a large team of medical professionals worked tirelessly to save her, and over the next year, she fought hard to regain as much cognition and mobility as possible.

This moving true story reminds us that each day of good health is a tremendous blessing, and that a gravely ill person facing a grueling uphill battle can accomplish so much more if she has devoted family members and friends by her side. Jennifer and her loved ones are immensely grateful that she survived this terrifying ordeal, and they hope that "In the Face of Catastrophe" will be a source of hope and encouragement for others who face what appear to be insurmountable obstacles.

[Abby Calleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Face Of Catastrophe, written by Jennifer Rose Goldman and Caryn Meg Hirshleifer, is an incredible and truly inspiring testament to the healing power of love! I absolutely loved this amazing book, read it from cover to cover in less than 48 hours. I laughed, I cried, and at times literally held my breath - all the while rooting for Jenn and her family. Their well written re-telling of the shock of the unthinkable and their healing journey through it all are presented in diary entry format which brought me right into the moment with them every step of the way. The depth of this family's strength and their commitment to supporting Jenn and each other through this unimaginable experience is astounding, as is Jenn's sheer determination ability to remain present. I am awed by Jenn's positivity, resilience, and pure grace and by the family's willingness to share their story with such open and raw vulnerability. This book will help so many to persevere through difficult times and serves as a crucial reminder of what life is really all about. In reading Jenn's diary entries and those of her loving family, I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve miracles and will be an extremely insightful and sought after motivational speaker! To the Goldman family - thank you so much for writing this book, for sharing the gift of presence with us, and for the reminder of the incredible healing power of love!

[Nin Mok · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Face Of Catastrophe by Jennifer Rose Goldman, is an adrenaline rushing, heart sinking, gut wrenching story about a young woman who collapses at work suddenly due to a stroke. Jenny enters into a coma from her significant brain bleed. At death���s door, specialists operate on Jenny to try and save her life while her family endures the anxious wait.

They manage to stabilise Jenny and the question shifts from “Will Jenny live?” to “Will she wake up? And if so, will she be functional and resemble herself?”

This book was written by five people who were intimately involved in the situation; Jenny’s parents, partner and younger sister. The different point of views provided incredible insight into the unfolding chaos. Usually when a book is written like this, I develop a preference for a particular writer, however their voices were equally strong. I was not surprised when I learnt that Jenny comes from a highly educated family, her Dad a doctor and her mum a lawyer. It was obvious from the quality of writing.

Jenny wakes up with severe disabilities, from speech to sight. She is unable to move one side of her body. With rehabilitation Jenny’s condition improves bit by bit over time. Will she ever get back to being her former self? The family must navigate that uncertainty over the years ahead. Through it all Jenny’s positivity is unbelievable and inspiring.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of 31-year-old Jenn’s catastrophic stroke and lengthy recovery. The story is told as a series of diary entries from Jenn, her mother, her father, her sister, and her boyfriend, as well as snippets of her medical records. I found the first part of the book very compelling when Jenn is in critical condition and things are changing quickly. The later portion of the book covering more than a year of her recovery was still interesting, but less compelling. There’s a lot of emotional sharing and discussion of spiritual beliefs and practices that I’m sure were very important to the family but were not as interesting to me.

This family went through a series of terrible traumas in a fairly short period of time, and I admired the way they worked together to recover. However, they also seem very privileged in their financial resources and access to good health care, rehabilitation services, and long-term in-home care.

This book is most likely to appeal to fans of memoirs, medical recovery stories, and stories of personal and familial resilience.

Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group for providing me with a free review copy through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard book to read as the daughter of someone who has had a stroke, But I could greatly relate to her story because of it. My dad had his over 30 years ago and has never regained his peripheral vision, still has numbness on his left side and does not drive. He was only about 10 years older than Jenn when he had his stroke and it was also a miracle that he survived. I can only imagine how hard things still are for Jenn, but I have some idea since I’ve watched what my dad has gone through. It takes an incredible will to live after suffering such a devastating event. At times it was really hard to read this story because my own emotions felt under attack. But I’m proud of how hard she has worked to get to where she is. It’s truly a miracle that she has come so far and I know that she will continue to heal. She’s a very strong person and her will to get well is what has gotten her this far and will help her go farther. It’s a very touching and emotional book and if you’ve never known someone who has had a bad stroke, this will be quite eye opening. I hope people draw strength and courage from her story. I know I do.

I was given advanced copy of this book for free, and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[AVS · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Face of Catastrophe by Jennifer Rose Goldman and Caryn Meg Hirshleifer begins just like any larger-than-life story. From the beginning, it seems that a reader will be swimming in a pool of sympathy, with great suffering and the book needs just praises for the pain in return. Instead, the story turns HUMANELY; it becomes real! This is not just the story of a catastrophe; it is also a story of survival. The most interesting part is the way it is narrated; it holds the reader with 'What happens next?' until the end. The way it delves into the psyche of every character is also remarkable. How humans can picture the funeral of a loved one one moment and gather the strength to fight back in another is something we often do not know about ourselves. This book does not romanticise pain; it gives you a hard hit. Sometimes it gets so real that all you wait for in the book is the next medical report! Yes, it does go to that extent.
At the end, It can be said that In the Face of Catastrophe is a beautifully and empathetically written short read.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!!

I saw this ebook in a newsletter, and first, the cover drew my attention; after reading the blurb, I was intrigued to read this story. It is a story of survival after an unexpected injury, family support, and the commitment needed both mentally and physically to recover.

The story starts from the day Jenni suffered a stroke at the young age of 30 while at work. And it continues a year later, detailing what progress and setbacks she has encountered during that time. It is told in the voices of four persons: Jenni and her mom, who recorded the most, and her sister and her dad, who were all there observing and helping Jenni along the way. Although her boyfriend does not record his words, he is there from day one, supporting her and her family.

I found this story enlightening, especially reading each person's point of view and how they felt during each stage. In the Face of Catastrophe was encouraging and thought-provoking, with many little life gems.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Inspirational, Original, Page-turner, Wonderful characters

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense emotional and inspiring book. The discussion of Jenn’s time in the NICU reminded me of the stress and uncertainty when my wife was in the NICU with uncontrolled seizures. What we experienced was not as traumatic or difficult as Jenn and her family, but I can relate to the fear and uncertainty.

Not surprisingly, Jenn and her family struggled to deal with the aftermath of her stroke and the slow recovery (which is still ongoing). However, as Jenn started to experience more obvious improvement, her attitude and optimism increased significantly, which is pretty impressive. In her situation, I don’t think I could have developed and maintained her positivity. Which is not to say that she was always optimistic; she still had (and has) her doubts and struggles.

For a story that deals with such a traumatic experience, there are some pretty humorous moments, including the fraudulent psychic and Jenn using the middle finger to express herself in the hospital when unable to speak.

[Jamie Cha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I like non-fiction. I like inspirational stories.

This book is written from 5 points of view. It's a story with different people telling how the story effects them. When someone gets sick, the family suffers too. It's real and enlightening to see a book about this.

It is an easy book to read. I finished it in less than 2 days. There are dairy entries that are in the book. You know, with time, the emotions and what is written changes.


It's an inspirational book. It's inspirational in ways we don't consider inspiring. Everything is not perfect at the end. Life doesn't work that way. It makes the reader look at their own life. The reader is changed after reading the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this amazing book. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press books for this ARC for review. And thank you, Jenn for sharing your amazing journey with everyone. Imagine being a smart, successful, and independent woman one day and then 3 days before your 31st birthday, you have a massive hemorrhagic stroke due to a unknown malformation in your brain and your family doesn't know if you will live or die. But you do live, only you have partial paralysis in your right side and have to learn to walk and talk again over the course of the next year. This is everything and more that Jennifer Goldman went through in 2021-2022. She weathered it all amazingly and bravely with the support of her family and boyfriend. She and her family have come through this journey with a sense of purpose that many others may not have found.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is told from multiple povs from Jenn's family as she recovers from a brain bleed that led to a stroke. Caryn and David are Jenn's parents. Their entries really show the struggle of keeping your chin up and putting on a good front for all the pain you see your child go through. Amanda is Jenn's sister, her journal entries are weirdly self-centered. Amanda is going through her own struggles and she probably shouldn't be caring for herself let alone her sister. The story as far as the recovery goes comes from a place of privilege because no one under the US health care system would be able to afford the aftercare Jenn received. Caryn and Amanda freak out at one point because an aide quits and they question how they'll move Jenn from her wheelchair to the toilet. Families across the world who are their loved ones primary caregivers do this every day.

[Glynnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 days. The book is in diary format from the perspective of Jenn’s parents and fiancé. It is a very personal and upfront view of what this family experienced when their daughter had a stroke. As a mother, this was probably one of the most difficult things to go through with a child. You get an inside look at everyone’s feelings and thoughts as they had to navigate this tragedy. The resilience and love of this family shine through. You truly feel the emotional roller coaster of each family member and Jenn herself. This is an inspiring story that when the chips are down, you need to keep fighting. Miracles can and do happen! Kudos to Jenn and her family for putting this story out there, filled with the most intimate details. A must read for all!

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Face of Catastrophe explores an entire family's response to a medical crisis that struck one family member- Jenn- with ripple effects amongst the entire family.

Jennifer co-wrote this book with her mother, Caryn. I found Caryn's entries particularly touching, as she described the sadness, the overwhelm but also the gifts of being able to experience a new closeness and intimacy with her daughter. Jennifer's sister Amanda's entries were hardest to read for me as she had her own medical concerns and insecurities.

The ending is not a perfectly wrapped package with a shiny bow. It is positive but also realistic.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jean Mader · Rating 3 out of 5]

“In the Face of Catastrophe” is a moving memoir What started off as a typical morning for the young and vibrant Jenn quickly became a serious medical emergency. Jenn’s story is told by her mother, father, younger sister and partner in diary entries. Their words capture their fear, and devastation as their daughter clings to life, due to a massive brain clot. Her long recovery is also a stressful time for the family. But this is a family whose love and caring shines through, as Jenn begins to improve.

Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

[Madonna Fortin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Seizure the day.” …A book about rebirth, renewal, and recovery.

The Gift of Presence when a violent stroke and a significant brain bleed leaves Jenn comatose and clinging to life just days before her thirty-first birthday. Starting from the day Jenn suffered a stroke while at work, this is a true story of survival after an unexpected injury, a story of family support and the commitment needed both mentally and physically to recover. Spending 11 weeks in the NICU (Neurological Intensive Care Unit) and rehab, Jenn and her family face an overwhelming and painful journey as they struggle to grasp what’s happened. A memorable, multi-perspective memoir Jennifer Rose Goldman and her mom, Caryn Meg Hirshleifer, have written this powerful, poignant, and raw page-turner, structured like a diary comprised of entries:
each person’s point of view and how they felt during and endured each stage, journaled by Caryn, David (dad), Amanda (sister), and eventually Jenn who suffers the stroke while at work. And it continues a year later, detailing what progress and setbacks she has encountered during that time. To move forward and heal, they discover an unexpected how-to-be-present as they grapple with grief and learn gratitude and intentional time together, while holding onto hope through uncertainty and challenging times. Jenn was already a motivational speaker and professional advocate for welllness and self-care before her stroke, and now she and her family share a very personal and intimate time of their lives in the hope that those who are struggling with similar experiences of loss and change will find connection, solace, and the courage to overcome even the greatest of challenges. An enlightening story, what touched me the most was Jenn’s goodbye to the reader, thanking her reader for taking the time to follow her through the process and confusion of sorting memories and relearning basic motor skills and her apology and regret that she now leaves us with loose ends untied as she continues her healing journey without us. In The Face of Catastrophe, easy to read, original, and inspirational, was encouraging and thought provoking, and I’d like to thank NetGalley and Publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing for the #ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the reminder we all need of all you have to be grateful for, of how full your life is. Jenn's story is one of reawakening against all odds, and reading it was like hitting the factory reset button for me on who and what matters most in my life. I also LOVED the way it was written - changing voices between her family members kept me focused. I generally have a hard time reading books quickly, and I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. Everyone should read and share this book!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! I was glued to every word as the authors described in detail the most unimaginable tragedy to befall a family. The book is written from different points of view (family, doctors, etc.) and gave such insight into how different people deal with unbelievable hurdles. I was very emotional reading it, but not from sadness, as you might expect from reading a book about a traumatic brain injury. The writing was beautiful and this family's spirit was awe inspiring. Highly recommend.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most moving books I've read in a long time! I wish that I'd had "In the Face of Catastrophe" when I was teaching high school English. I think students would empathize with Jenn who shares her story of climbing out of the depths of a traumatic brain injury. It's written in an easily understandable, relatable style that anyone could connect with. Jenn focuses on the positive of her very negative situation, which is a much needed skill for teenagers. I highly recommend this book!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very inspiring memoir told from the point of view of 5 different people. What an amazing outlook Jenn has and so lucky to be surrounded by so much love. I have no doubt that she will continue to progress with all her goals and recovery!

The diary entries were well written and easy to read. What a wonderful gift to have done this together!

Thank you to Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen members of my own family suffer from strokes and brain injuries, I was drawn to read this book about a young woman fighting her way back from a traumatic brain injury. I especially liked getting the viewpoints from each member of her family and eventually from Caryn herself. What a miraculous journey! Thanks to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the authors for an advance copy to read and review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonder memoir of a family's journey through the trauma of one of it's members' unexpected stroke through her continued recovery. All members of the family have their voices heard in this book, but it is written primarily by the daughter who experiences the stroke and her mother who documents the days, weeks, months of recovery. This is a must-read for families going through similar medical traumas of their own as well as by anybody who enjoys an uplifting story of the power of the human spirit.

[Kristina Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, inspirational, and jam packed with life lessons! This book hit all of my emotions! It's a beautiful story of a family navigating through and learning from adversity and finding strength in themselves, each other, and their loved ones. They take the incomprehensible and turn it into a gift. The honest perspectives of each family member make it a relatable read for anyone going through a difficult time. I highly highly recommend this book for anyone looking to be inspired.