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Just Jen: Thriving Through Multiple Sclerosis
Winner of the 2017 Margaret and John Savage First Book Award – Non-Fiction!
Jen Powley was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at fifteen. By thirty-five, she had lost the use of her arms and legs.
Just Jen is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Powley’s life at the time of her diagnosis, and the infinite, irrevocable ways it has changed since. Powley’s writing pulls no punches. She is lively, bold and unapologetic, answering questions people are often afraid to ask about living with a progressive disease. And yet, these snapshots from Powley’s life are not tinged with anger or despair. Just Jen is a powerful, uplifting and unforgettable work by an author who has laid her life ― and her body ― bare in order to survive.
Jen Powley was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at fifteen. By thirty-five, she had lost the use of her arms and legs.
Just Jen is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Powley’s life at the time of her diagnosis, and the infinite, irrevocable ways it has changed since. Powley’s writing pulls no punches. She is lively, bold and unapologetic, answering questions people are often afraid to ask about living with a progressive disease. And yet, these snapshots from Powley’s life are not tinged with anger or despair. Just Jen is a powerful, uplifting and unforgettable work by an author who has laid her life ― and her body ― bare in order to survive.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
188 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
3 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 14, 2019
If you're looking for "inspiration porn" about "overcoming disabilities," keep looking. "Just Jen" is frank, funny, sometimes dark, and deeply honest (like Jen herself.) Her work in Halifax has made a huge impact on the community, and this book is an engaging behind-the-scenes look at a woman who has touched so many of us.
December 10, 2022
This is a wonderful memoir! It will broaden your view to the fact that a disability does not stand in the way of having fun and enjoying new experiences.
Jen has really put a human face on Multiple Sclerosis. It is an eye-opening book. Inspiring in so many ways.
Despite being diagnosed with MS when she was fifteen years old, she never gave up on living life fully.
She had a professor give her a book of a man’s search for meaning by Viktor Frankl a Holocaust survivor. The man didn’t ask “why was I sent to the concentration camp?” But instead, asked, “why shouldn't I have been sent?” Without a word, her professor had challenged her to stop asking “why me?” And instead ask, “why not me?”
That is the way I look at things in life, too.
Jan realized that her dreams did not have to die — they just needed to be refrained
At fifteen she was considered young for the diagnosis.
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of twenty and forty.
The disease may cause impaired balance, vision loss, memory problems, alternate sensation and fatigue.
Some kinds of multiple sclerosis are characterized by debilitating episodes followed by a return to normal or near normal functioning, some kinds cause a steady decline, and others are a combination of the two.
What I especially love about Jen’s book is that she doesn’t shy away from showing us her sexual side.
Not eating made her feel in control. Her experience of trying to gain control through food isn’t unique. Studies suggest that eating disorders are more common in people with multiple sclerosis than in the average individual.
I love the way the book is written in small chapters. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop.
I liked what Jen said here: Misha was one of her Jen-sitters for six months before she asked him to be her roommate. She said he was her moral compass. He explained that while Christians can ask for forgiveness and have their sins taken away, Buddhists carry their past actions with them. She said that if she was faced with a moral decision, he told her to choose her actions wisely because she would live with the consequences her whole life.
I find that approach so appropriate instead of doing whatever you want and as long as you confess your sins and ask for forgiveness and then all is wiped clean approach. This holds the individual fully responsible for their decisions.
Heat tolerance is characteristically absent in people with multiple sclerosis.
Throughout her memoir you journey with Jan through her increased difficulties and physical decline, and with increased speech and difficulty swallowing.
I think the more we are exposed to disabled people, the better it helps us to understand and know how to properly relate.
She addresses the suicide issue. The suicide rate among people with multiple sclerosis is 7 ½ times that of the general population.
15% of multiple sclerosis patients deaths can be attributed to suicide.
She stated she does not want to be reduced to a statistic.
Her attitude is: I can’t live by “it would be better if.” She has to deal with what is.
Accepting how things are rather than wanting them to be different has always been her challenge and she learned to operate from the part of her heart that is not full of the impossible.
Her broken body doesn’t reflect the status of my mind.
I think of how difficult it must’ve been for people without the technology. How they would have been unable to communicate, and been imprisoned within their body
Jen is such an inspiration! If you think you’re having a bad day or your life is difficult, pick up this book and let Jen inspire you.
Jen has really put a human face on Multiple Sclerosis. It is an eye-opening book. Inspiring in so many ways.
Despite being diagnosed with MS when she was fifteen years old, she never gave up on living life fully.
She had a professor give her a book of a man’s search for meaning by Viktor Frankl a Holocaust survivor. The man didn’t ask “why was I sent to the concentration camp?” But instead, asked, “why shouldn't I have been sent?” Without a word, her professor had challenged her to stop asking “why me?” And instead ask, “why not me?”
That is the way I look at things in life, too.
Jan realized that her dreams did not have to die — they just needed to be refrained
At fifteen she was considered young for the diagnosis.
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of twenty and forty.
The disease may cause impaired balance, vision loss, memory problems, alternate sensation and fatigue.
Some kinds of multiple sclerosis are characterized by debilitating episodes followed by a return to normal or near normal functioning, some kinds cause a steady decline, and others are a combination of the two.
What I especially love about Jen’s book is that she doesn’t shy away from showing us her sexual side.
Not eating made her feel in control. Her experience of trying to gain control through food isn’t unique. Studies suggest that eating disorders are more common in people with multiple sclerosis than in the average individual.
I love the way the book is written in small chapters. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop.
I liked what Jen said here: Misha was one of her Jen-sitters for six months before she asked him to be her roommate. She said he was her moral compass. He explained that while Christians can ask for forgiveness and have their sins taken away, Buddhists carry their past actions with them. She said that if she was faced with a moral decision, he told her to choose her actions wisely because she would live with the consequences her whole life.
I find that approach so appropriate instead of doing whatever you want and as long as you confess your sins and ask for forgiveness and then all is wiped clean approach. This holds the individual fully responsible for their decisions.
Heat tolerance is characteristically absent in people with multiple sclerosis.
Throughout her memoir you journey with Jan through her increased difficulties and physical decline, and with increased speech and difficulty swallowing.
I think the more we are exposed to disabled people, the better it helps us to understand and know how to properly relate.
She addresses the suicide issue. The suicide rate among people with multiple sclerosis is 7 ½ times that of the general population.
15% of multiple sclerosis patients deaths can be attributed to suicide.
She stated she does not want to be reduced to a statistic.
Her attitude is: I can’t live by “it would be better if.” She has to deal with what is.
Accepting how things are rather than wanting them to be different has always been her challenge and she learned to operate from the part of her heart that is not full of the impossible.
Her broken body doesn’t reflect the status of my mind.
I think of how difficult it must’ve been for people without the technology. How they would have been unable to communicate, and been imprisoned within their body
Jen is such an inspiration! If you think you’re having a bad day or your life is difficult, pick up this book and let Jen inspire you.
February 5, 2017
Working as an MRI technologist, I often scan patients to rule out MS or to track the progression of the disease in known MS sufferers. To date, I have never encountered someone as crippled by MS as Jen Powley is. Nevertheless, it is sad to see young men and women afflicted by it. Somehow, Ms Powley manages to thrive despite (or in spite of) her limitations. She refuses to compromise until she actually has to do something, such as trading in her cane for a wheelchair, making the switch to wearing diapers or getting an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump surgically implanted in order to relax her rigid muscle tone.
Just Jen was written by Ms Powley with the aid of assistants since she has lost the use of her hands and can barely speak. The text is very frank, and she holds nothing back, although she is never angry, simply determined to function as well as a healthy human; writing, mouth painting, helping fellow sufferers and heading up other causes in the Halifax Nova Scotia area: "I avoid reflecting on the person I am. Instead, I work more or add another volunteer duty to my agenda."
Just Jen would have been more satisfying to read if Ms Powley had employed a co-author to make it 'flow' a little better; I feel there would be more substance to her story if she had been drawn out by an experienced author. In the end, this would have resulted in Just Jen being more of an autobiography than a memoir, I suppose. Nonetheless, the book's true strength lies in documenting the challenges of the disabled: inaccessibility to public places, the need for around-the-clock assistance (Ms Powley required regular turning in bed throughout the night), and most revelatory, the requirement for love, gratification and an enduring relationship. Just Jen will definitely be of encouragement to MS sufferers and their friends and families. Well done, Jen!
Just Jen was written by Ms Powley with the aid of assistants since she has lost the use of her hands and can barely speak. The text is very frank, and she holds nothing back, although she is never angry, simply determined to function as well as a healthy human; writing, mouth painting, helping fellow sufferers and heading up other causes in the Halifax Nova Scotia area: "I avoid reflecting on the person I am. Instead, I work more or add another volunteer duty to my agenda."
Just Jen would have been more satisfying to read if Ms Powley had employed a co-author to make it 'flow' a little better; I feel there would be more substance to her story if she had been drawn out by an experienced author. In the end, this would have resulted in Just Jen being more of an autobiography than a memoir, I suppose. Nonetheless, the book's true strength lies in documenting the challenges of the disabled: inaccessibility to public places, the need for around-the-clock assistance (Ms Powley required regular turning in bed throughout the night), and most revelatory, the requirement for love, gratification and an enduring relationship. Just Jen will definitely be of encouragement to MS sufferers and their friends and families. Well done, Jen!
July 6, 2019
A brave and revealing memoir. Jen Powley holds nothing back and readers will be better for it.
January 14, 2025
In this autobiography, Jen recounts her life since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The book depicts her powerful story, answering questions people may be hesitant to ask about living with a progressive condition. This book includes the raw and intimate aspects of Jen’s life. Readers witness Jen’s journey of navigating the ever-changing landscape of her new reality.
The book tackles many issues such as death, eating disorders, and heartbreak. I admire Jen for having the strength to share her story, including dark feelings one would not expect her to share with others. Each chapter was authentically written, and, although the content of each moved to different aspects of her life pretty quickly, I actually really liked that since the chapters were so short. I was also really glad to read the heartfelt words from those she’s closest to as well as find that photographs are included throughout the book. The pictures of Jen’s various experiences added a nice, personal touch to the memoir. Jen’s unwavering strength shined through in the book, as she wrote about her desire not to be merely defined by her disability.
I appreciated how deeply the author discussed her thoughts and yearnings, even though I found many of her decisions questionable and disagreed with them. On the other hand, something I found surprising and special is that Jen wrote about her experience co-forming Friends for Refugees and sponsoring a Palestinian refugee family, in 2009, raising tens of thousands of dollars for them. It was very unexpected for me to see Palestine mentioned, seemingly randomly, in a book that didn’t directly relate to the topic—and I loved that.
Although I’m personally not disabled, Multiple Sclerosis plays a role in my life in a different way, and I’m glad I read this book and got to learn from a different perspective. This memoir is great for those looking for a raw and heart-touching read.
The book tackles many issues such as death, eating disorders, and heartbreak. I admire Jen for having the strength to share her story, including dark feelings one would not expect her to share with others. Each chapter was authentically written, and, although the content of each moved to different aspects of her life pretty quickly, I actually really liked that since the chapters were so short. I was also really glad to read the heartfelt words from those she’s closest to as well as find that photographs are included throughout the book. The pictures of Jen’s various experiences added a nice, personal touch to the memoir. Jen’s unwavering strength shined through in the book, as she wrote about her desire not to be merely defined by her disability.
I appreciated how deeply the author discussed her thoughts and yearnings, even though I found many of her decisions questionable and disagreed with them. On the other hand, something I found surprising and special is that Jen wrote about her experience co-forming Friends for Refugees and sponsoring a Palestinian refugee family, in 2009, raising tens of thousands of dollars for them. It was very unexpected for me to see Palestine mentioned, seemingly randomly, in a book that didn’t directly relate to the topic—and I loved that.
Although I’m personally not disabled, Multiple Sclerosis plays a role in my life in a different way, and I’m glad I read this book and got to learn from a different perspective. This memoir is great for those looking for a raw and heart-touching read.
May 23, 2017
Jen Powley was diagnosed with Mulitple Sclerosis at the age of 15. Now she is in her late 30s and has written a memoir about living with MS.
Jen grew up in Alberta and later moved to Halifax, where she has earned multiple degrees. Despite the many challenges she has faced since her diagnosis, Jen never gave up. Rather than dismissing her dreams, she adapted them to her new situation. For example, since she is now in a wheelchair, it would be impossible for her to go rockclimbing like she always dreamed of doing. Instead, she had a colleague strap her to his back while he propelled down the side of a building, making her feel like she was rock climbing.
Jen's story highlights how inaccessible the world is. When she attended a lecture, she noticed that the wheelchair ramp only led to the seats on the end of the aisles rather than the front podium. This shows that the architect imagined someone in a wheelchair attending a lecture in that room but not actually giving the lecture.
Jen has a great sense of humour. This came across in her narrative. She dictated her book with the help of her assistants because she does not have the use of her hands anymore. It's amazing that this technology allowed Jen to tell the story of her life.
I had the pleasure of seeing Jen speak at the Festival of Literary Diversity. She is truly inspiring. She has faced many challenges but she never let them stop her. Jen is also very talented, as demonstrated through her poignant, humourous, and touching narrative.
Jen grew up in Alberta and later moved to Halifax, where she has earned multiple degrees. Despite the many challenges she has faced since her diagnosis, Jen never gave up. Rather than dismissing her dreams, she adapted them to her new situation. For example, since she is now in a wheelchair, it would be impossible for her to go rockclimbing like she always dreamed of doing. Instead, she had a colleague strap her to his back while he propelled down the side of a building, making her feel like she was rock climbing.
Jen's story highlights how inaccessible the world is. When she attended a lecture, she noticed that the wheelchair ramp only led to the seats on the end of the aisles rather than the front podium. This shows that the architect imagined someone in a wheelchair attending a lecture in that room but not actually giving the lecture.
Jen has a great sense of humour. This came across in her narrative. She dictated her book with the help of her assistants because she does not have the use of her hands anymore. It's amazing that this technology allowed Jen to tell the story of her life.
I had the pleasure of seeing Jen speak at the Festival of Literary Diversity. She is truly inspiring. She has faced many challenges but she never let them stop her. Jen is also very talented, as demonstrated through her poignant, humourous, and touching narrative.
January 14, 2020
As 2019 came to a close, as many people do, I started to think about what I wanted to achieve in the coming year. One of the many goals I set for myself was to read more, but a goal isn’t a goal unless it is measurable so I determined twelve books; one per month, was a reasonable goal (I’m ashamed to say this is twelve more than last year). Here I am, on the 6th of January, and I have completed my first book; Just Jen by Jen Powley.
The book is a memoir written by a Halifax woman living with Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which drew me for a personal reason. It follows her as she thrives through her life with this debilitating disease, while also bringing to light the daily challenges she faces - some of which I wouldn’t have even thought of. Although, unfortunately, I am quite familiar with this disease, this book has increased my consciousness for of what someone with such a disability might be feeling.
I am recommending this book to anyone and everyone. It is a quick, easy read that could really harvest some enlightenment and understanding.
The book is a memoir written by a Halifax woman living with Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which drew me for a personal reason. It follows her as she thrives through her life with this debilitating disease, while also bringing to light the daily challenges she faces - some of which I wouldn’t have even thought of. Although, unfortunately, I am quite familiar with this disease, this book has increased my consciousness for of what someone with such a disability might be feeling.
I am recommending this book to anyone and everyone. It is a quick, easy read that could really harvest some enlightenment and understanding.
May 8, 2017
Revealed through a series of vignette chapters, Just Jen is a memoir that doesn't shy away from the 'uncomfortable'/taboo topics that come hand in hand with a diagnosis of any sort of degenerative disease. It is written as a matter-of-fact recollection, and while she did early on in the book share that she questioned 'Why Me?', she quickly come to realize 'Why Not Me?' and moved forward with as much as acceptance of the situation as one can possibly have. Rather than seeking pity, this memoir shares the struggles and challenges one faces in trying to maintain her independence while her disease quickly makes her entirely dependent on others for every single aspect of her life.
This book is one that doesn't apply just to those with multiple sclerosis... anyone whose life has been altered by a disability, any caregiver, anyone interested in a more inclusive society should read Powley's debut book. The humanity that comes through in her writing is something everyone can learn from.
This book is one that doesn't apply just to those with multiple sclerosis... anyone whose life has been altered by a disability, any caregiver, anyone interested in a more inclusive society should read Powley's debut book. The humanity that comes through in her writing is something everyone can learn from.
September 19, 2017
This is the ultimate book for changing the stigma of disability; to see a person for their ability not their disability. Jen is brutally honest,. She writes about the continual stream of adaptations she has had to make in order to have a "real" life, one where she makes her own decisions and determines her own life pathway, a rarity for anyone who lives with a significant disability. There is no room for pity but rather admiration for this determined and very accomplished young woman. She has accomplished far more in her short life than most of us will accomplish in our lifetimes. She will make you cry and laugh and squirm. It is a must read for those who work with, live with or know others with disabilities, which is probably all of us.
June 16, 2017
My initial thought of the book was so-so. It look me a bit to get into the writing style - many small snippets of Jen's life. By the time I was 1/3 of the way through I was used to how it was written and quite enjoyed and appreciated it. I cannot fathom living as Jen does and was ashamed that I had never thought about the daily tasks, that I take for granted, are either impossible or extremely difficult for Jen. Her book shows how strong and amazing she truly is in spite of her disability. Her sisters' words at the end of the book were beautiful and had me in tears. So glad my friend recommended this book to me, it certainly opened my eyes.
July 28, 2017
I don't read a lot of memoires, or autobiographies but there was just something about this one that pulled me in. Jen has an amazing strength that I envy. You get a sense of it through the numerous vignettes of her life. It's frank, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable. I finished the book feeling very grateful for what I have and wondering if I would have the strength and fortitude, the wit and humor, the love and passion that this woman has for life. It has inspired me to find more inner strength in myself. She's allowed us to see the personal struggles behind the scenes with dignity, courage and humanity. Thank you for sharing your story Jen!
September 21, 2021
I read a comment on another review asking if this would be a good book to give a friend with a new MS diagnosis.
No.
I was diagnosed 6 months ago. I’m young and have relapsing-remitting MS, which is very mild, luckily. This book depicts an… advanced case. And honestly, it scared the crap out of me. I don’t think I was ready to read this. I’d say hold off on this for the newly diagnosed, it’s a bit too bleak. Especially as those with MS are prone to suicide - this might be too much in the early years of acceptance.
I’d recommend “Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed” by Murray, MD.
No.
I was diagnosed 6 months ago. I’m young and have relapsing-remitting MS, which is very mild, luckily. This book depicts an… advanced case. And honestly, it scared the crap out of me. I don’t think I was ready to read this. I’d say hold off on this for the newly diagnosed, it’s a bit too bleak. Especially as those with MS are prone to suicide - this might be too much in the early years of acceptance.
I’d recommend “Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed” by Murray, MD.
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November 18, 2021When you read the intimate story of someone you met a decade ago a few times it can be a shock. Who am I to have the right to peer into someone's life like this with a seemingly all access pass? I've always wondered what it's like for an author to put out a book for all to see which references people they know (this is non-fiction so that's exactly what this is doing) and have those people know your thoughts about them and others. I'd feel incredibly exposed. A very brave account of her own life by Jen Powley.
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September 26, 2021I admire Jen Powley's strength and tenacity and I appreciate her sharing her life and the day to day challenges she deals with. It is intimate, brave and authentic.
This book gives able bodied folks a ticket to do some deep reflection. Thank you Jen!
(I have not given this book a rating as who am I to rate a memoir- a person's truth. I am glad I read this book and I recommend it.)
And again...thank you Jen Powley!
This book gives able bodied folks a ticket to do some deep reflection. Thank you Jen!
(I have not given this book a rating as who am I to rate a memoir- a person's truth. I am glad I read this book and I recommend it.)
And again...thank you Jen Powley!
September 17, 2020
I think I started this book with different expectations. I expect this book to inspire, provide some advise and give hope to the patients. Although it’s a good memoir, it is depressing sometimes without advises. As a patient myself, I sought some best practices for frustrating moments. Nevertheless, the perseverence of Jen is impressive and encouraging.
June 27, 2017
A tragic story, a remarkable woman. Inspiring and humbling. Jen is amazingly honest, and her plain-spoken, no-nonsense voice really makes the book. I am aware of her as a member of my community, as well as her mentors at the King's College creative non-fiction program. Kudos to them all.
December 2, 2019
A story of incredible resilience in the face of what many would understand to be overwhelming physical challenges. You will be a better person for reading this book. Thank you for sharing your story, Jen.
December 11, 2017
Jen is clever and honest, which makes her story a painful but hopeful page-turner. I learned so much about the struggle of MS and realized there were many aspects of humanity I had never examined.
April 13, 2019
Just a girl who's body is fighting againt her. A heartwarming and truthful account of a debilitating disease.
June 24, 2019
This book is life changing and definitely one of my favourites of all times. The author was witty and real....REAL. I was inspired by her story to do more and be more on this my sojourn of life. 👌🏾
June 26, 2019
A quick read. At times it felt a bit disjointed but I always enjoyed what was written.
September 17, 2019
Such a powerful book! The story of a tough, courageous, self-advocate and a wonderful writer. Thanks Jen for your candour, really opened my eyes to barriers to navigation for so many!
February 18, 2025
I myself have multiple sclerosis, and it was brutally honest, but refreshing that you are you not your disease, and that’s something that I think anyone with a chronic illness needs to keep in mind.
July 27, 2025
A remarkable contribution to the MS memoir cannon.
October 12, 2022
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A LION in a mouse’s body
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“I saw how other people saw me as I wheeled [my wheelchair] down the hallway…where I worked. I turned the corner, steering the chair toward the washroom. As I passed by her, a woman…announced, ‘Multiple sclerosis.’
It wasn’t a question.
I felt diminished. I’d always been Jen. Just Jen. Now other people saw my disability before they saw me. If they continued to look, they might see Jen. But the women didn’t need a name—a diagnosis was enough.”
The above quote (in italics) comes from this powerful, factual memoir by Jen Powley. She has advanced, progressive multiple sclerosis and is a quadriplegic. Powley also has two Master’s degrees.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating cover (myelin) of nerve cells (or neurons) in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of neurological signs and symptoms (both physical and mental). The cause of MS is unknown. There is no cure.
The name “multiple sclerosis” refers to the numerous sclerae or scars that develop on the white matter of the brain and spinal cord.
This book chronicles Powley’s life with MS (which she contracted at age fifteen). She focuses on building a life rather than praying for a cure.
Powley inhabits many roles as she tells us her story: student, writer, artist, disability advocate, boss, friend, lover, partner, colleague, sister, and daughter.
She is very determined but no amount of determination can shield Powley from the mental health issues that accompany MS. She thus opens up about her struggles with an eating disorder, depression, suicidal thoughts, as well as her experiences of discrimination and isolation.
By the end of this book, you realize that this courageous young woman shows us what it means to fully engage with the world on one’s own terms.
Finally, black and white photographs are peppered throughout. My favourite has the caption:
“Tom Elliot [Jen’s boyfriend] and Jen at [a] conductive education session, spring 2010”
In conclusion, this is an unforgettable and uplifting work by a resilient author who has laid her life—and her body—bare in order to survive. A MUST READ!!
(2017; thank-yous, vii; a note on my process, x; 52 chapters; main narrative 175 pages; works cited)
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A LION in a mouse’s body
XXXXX
“I saw how other people saw me as I wheeled [my wheelchair] down the hallway…where I worked. I turned the corner, steering the chair toward the washroom. As I passed by her, a woman…announced, ‘Multiple sclerosis.’
It wasn’t a question.
I felt diminished. I’d always been Jen. Just Jen. Now other people saw my disability before they saw me. If they continued to look, they might see Jen. But the women didn’t need a name—a diagnosis was enough.”
The above quote (in italics) comes from this powerful, factual memoir by Jen Powley. She has advanced, progressive multiple sclerosis and is a quadriplegic. Powley also has two Master’s degrees.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating cover (myelin) of nerve cells (or neurons) in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of neurological signs and symptoms (both physical and mental). The cause of MS is unknown. There is no cure.
The name “multiple sclerosis” refers to the numerous sclerae or scars that develop on the white matter of the brain and spinal cord.
This book chronicles Powley’s life with MS (which she contracted at age fifteen). She focuses on building a life rather than praying for a cure.
Powley inhabits many roles as she tells us her story: student, writer, artist, disability advocate, boss, friend, lover, partner, colleague, sister, and daughter.
She is very determined but no amount of determination can shield Powley from the mental health issues that accompany MS. She thus opens up about her struggles with an eating disorder, depression, suicidal thoughts, as well as her experiences of discrimination and isolation.
By the end of this book, you realize that this courageous young woman shows us what it means to fully engage with the world on one’s own terms.
Finally, black and white photographs are peppered throughout. My favourite has the caption:
“Tom Elliot [Jen’s boyfriend] and Jen at [a] conductive education session, spring 2010”
In conclusion, this is an unforgettable and uplifting work by a resilient author who has laid her life—and her body—bare in order to survive. A MUST READ!!
(2017; thank-yous, vii; a note on my process, x; 52 chapters; main narrative 175 pages; works cited)
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May 30, 2017
This isn't an artful book like Sherman Alexie or Wayson Choi, but the straightforward style and short chapters make it easy and addictive to read. Learning about Jen makes me sad sometimes but the honesty of this memoir makes her wonderful. She is a small woman but she contains multitudes.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews