The Brooke Ellison Story: One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey

by Brooke Ellison, Jean Ellison

On her first day of seventh grade, a car struck Brooke Ellison on her way home from school. The accident left her paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a respirator.

Ten years later, with her mother, Jean, by her side, Brooke graduated with honors from Harvard University. This is the story, told in their own words, of the miraculous journey that Brooke and Jean undertook so that Brooke could achieve her goals, against all odds. Written in alternating chapters by Brooke and Jean, The Brooke Ellison Story is filled with optimism, confidence, and inspiration. It is not just about one extrordinary mother-daughter relationship, but about the special bond that exists between mothers and daughters everywhere.

The Brooke Ellison Story is now an A&E original movie directed by Christopher Reeve, starring Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, John Slattery, and Lacey Chabert.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

261 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2004

Reviews

[Jessica]

I saw this made-for-TV-movie first, and then promptly called every Barnes & Noble in the San Diego area to track down a copy of the book.

This is a powerful story. Brooke's accident, her family's reaction to her eventual paralysis, and how they overcome every obstacle that's put in front of them is told with such emotion, you can't help getting drawn in. They're straightforward, they're frank, they're honest, but they never once ask for your pity.

Brooke took her situation and made the best she could out of it. She knew that her life wasn't going to be easy, but she never gave up. What she had to offer was her brains, and that carried her far.

Jean grieved for the part of her daughter's life that was lost, for the chances she herself had to give up, but she never backed down in her staunch support for Brooke. She sacrificed so much, but didn't complain.

These two women are amazing, and the strength that they give each other is evident on every page in this book.

[Nikkie Beard]

After seeing the film over 7 years ago I knew I wanted to read the book, as although the film is based on Brooke and Jeans story (and that of the whole family), movies have a way of twisting the truth even if ever so slightly. I wanted to know the true story of what happened, how they coped and how they dealt with obstacles that were put in front of them.

The Brooke Ellison story (previously published as miracles happen) is told by both Brooke and Jean, you get the story from both sides and see how both refused to let Brooke’s accident get in the way of achieving Brooke’s goals in life, and both Jean and Brooke have this incredible bond which makes you realise that it’s not what you do in life that matters, it’s who is in your life already and who comes into your life when in need that is actually the important part.

[Norma Jean]

Exceptionally well-written book about two strong resilient women who share a story and life to create a remarkable journey through life.

After having a normal first day of the seventh grade at 11-years-old, Brooke Ellison was struck by a car on her way home from school, ending up paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a respirator. This is the story of her and her family’s dealing with the tragedy of that day and how they all survived.

We see that Brooke and Jean formed a bond where, side-by-side, they forged ahead for Brooke to graduate with honors from Harvard University against all odds at the same time as her classmates. Alternating chapters, the mother-daughter duo share their story of what it took to accomplish that feat.

NOTE: Also as a movie starring Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, John Slattery and Lacey Chabert.

[Courtney]

I loved this book so very much!!! It was such a comforting and sweet book to read about overcoming enormous obstacles and succeeding. Brooke and Jean have such a wonderful close relationship especially considering they are together 24/7! This book also displays all of Brooke and Jean’s close relationships with everyone from nurses to physical therapists to all of Brooke’s wonderful friends at Harvard. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you are ever having a moment where you think you cannot do something.

[Melissa Morley]

I loved this book! Brooke Ellison was hit By a car and paralyzed when she was 11. Her life was forever changed. this is the story of how she and her family found their way from injury to Harvard graduation my mom found an excerpt of this book in an issue of readers digest and read it to me. I thought it was amazing amazing and I had to read it it I was not disappointed. It’s a well written, and moving story. that has since been made into a TV movie I’ve seen the movie many times over and highly recommend both as a person with a disability Brooke Will forever be one of my heroes.

[rivka]

Reread: a powerful story told with refreshing honesty.

[Lucinda]

3.75 ⭐️

[Merredith]

This is a true life memoir written by a mother and daughter duo, switching back and forth during the story. The story is about the daughter, who got hit by a car on her way home from the first day of 7th grade when she was only 11 yrs old, and became a quadriplegic. Brooke doesn't want to be left behind, and she goes on to excel with highest honors in school, graduating with her class, and then graduating from Harvard, again with highest honors, all with only being able to move her head. In order to do this, her mother dedicates her life to being with brooke 24/7, attending classes with her, living with her, helping her succeed. Brooke is only one month older than me, and went to college maybe 20 minutes away from me, so this story seemed even more powerful knowing that when i was doing these same things, she was out there excelling and doing the same thing, but better. what amazing people these are!!! I believe the back says that she's now getting, or just got, her phd. A definite read.

[May]

How much courage does it take when your life turns upside down and you can no longer walk?

[Jennifer]

True story of a life of a young adult who was paralyzed after a car accident and her life afterwards.

[Stefanie Silvestri]

It was a real good book. I am a quadriplegic myself so I know what she went through