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Peach: An Exceptional Teen's Inspiring Journey for Universal Acceptance
PEACH - written in lyrical, soulful prose and poetry by Jenevieve 'Peach' Woods - is a heartfelt account of her life as the invisible girl, shunned because she is afflicted with a life-altering disease. Her book is part of her mission to 'celebrate our differences, and to treat each other with kindness and dignity'. Ms. Woods' book demonstrates wisdom, compassion, and insight into the human condition that is far beyond her eighteen years. She praises her mom for being her hero, her stepfather for being her rock, and her brothers for being her soul mates. She accepts the life granted her with grace and even gratitude: 'HERE IS THE GREAT PART: I am glad I have this disease, mostly because I have come to understand and have discovered the meaning in my life. It is to help others. I have a unique set of glasses that I wear that gives me the power to see everybody’s soul and their truest self.'
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 21, 2017
‘Once in a golden hour, I cast a seed Up there came a flower. The people said a weed.’ - Alfred Lord Tennyson
Some books there are that become imprinted on the soul, permanent reminders of the gift of life and health and the care we share for each other. Such is PEACH – a transformative little book written by an exceptional being, ‘exceptional’ in the clinical sense as well as in the humanity definition – Jenevieve Woods. She offers her reason for writing as follows: "This book is an embodiment of my struggle to never surrender to disease. I want the book to build bridges for people to learn about and celebrate their differences. The world will be a better place when people accept all other people for what they are."
Peach was born with Mitochondrial Neuropathy ATP deletion. Though she defines the alteration from ‘normalcy’ well in her book, for the reader unfamiliar with this rare disease the following is offered: ‘Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the body (except red blood cells). Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support organ function. When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. Cell injury and even cell death follow. If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole organ systems begin to fail. The parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, muscles and lungs, requiring the greatest amounts of energy are the most affected. Mitochondrial disease is difficult to diagnose, because it affects each individual differently. Symptoms can include seizures, strokes, severe developmental delays, inability to walk, talk, see, and digest food combined with a host of other complications. If three or more organ systems are involved, mitochondrial disease should be suspected. Although mitochondrial disease primarily affects children, adult onset is becoming more common.’
Through out this impressive book Peach relates her story of dealing with her malady and coping with the world at large in both prose and poetry and always with a sense of now, of hope, and of profound imagination. At one point she states, ‘I feel like this MITO thing is a gift. It has given me special glasses that help me see everything the way it really is. I am not focused on the future anymore. Instead, I cherish this moment right now. I am not sure how many more moments I will have.’
There is no self pity here – well some, as we should all expect given the cramping lifestyle Peach must endure – but instead this is a book of instruction about a rare disease, the manner in which Peach changes the invisible girl into a visible, meaningful, caring person whose goal is to enlighten and support others with debilitating diseases. That purpose she makes clear toward book’s end – ‘I could have chosen to wallow in the inevitable and accept my flaws; however, I decided to take my flaws and circumstances and try to find the silver lining. Showering positive energy and restoring my faith in me is the chemo that kills MITO, and keeps it from grabbing hold of me and taking me down. I know I am sick; I do not need to be reminded. I know my fate, so why should I try to fix what is broken. I am not looking for perfection. I am celebrating imperfection and building a rock-solid legacy that others can pull from in their time of need. Now that my looking glass is riddled with shattered dreams, I choose to see rainbows in the shards of glass. I want to build a monument that portrays strength and triumph through determination, heart, and accomplishment. I want to do that despite being told often and in many ways that I do not mean anything more than a pillar that my classmates run into in the halls of the school.’
Hats off and Brava to a compleat human being, a girl who has taken the disease she was dealt and used it as a path for teaching the world the meaning of being.
Some books there are that become imprinted on the soul, permanent reminders of the gift of life and health and the care we share for each other. Such is PEACH – a transformative little book written by an exceptional being, ‘exceptional’ in the clinical sense as well as in the humanity definition – Jenevieve Woods. She offers her reason for writing as follows: "This book is an embodiment of my struggle to never surrender to disease. I want the book to build bridges for people to learn about and celebrate their differences. The world will be a better place when people accept all other people for what they are."
Peach was born with Mitochondrial Neuropathy ATP deletion. Though she defines the alteration from ‘normalcy’ well in her book, for the reader unfamiliar with this rare disease the following is offered: ‘Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the body (except red blood cells). Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support organ function. When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. Cell injury and even cell death follow. If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole organ systems begin to fail. The parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, muscles and lungs, requiring the greatest amounts of energy are the most affected. Mitochondrial disease is difficult to diagnose, because it affects each individual differently. Symptoms can include seizures, strokes, severe developmental delays, inability to walk, talk, see, and digest food combined with a host of other complications. If three or more organ systems are involved, mitochondrial disease should be suspected. Although mitochondrial disease primarily affects children, adult onset is becoming more common.’
Through out this impressive book Peach relates her story of dealing with her malady and coping with the world at large in both prose and poetry and always with a sense of now, of hope, and of profound imagination. At one point she states, ‘I feel like this MITO thing is a gift. It has given me special glasses that help me see everything the way it really is. I am not focused on the future anymore. Instead, I cherish this moment right now. I am not sure how many more moments I will have.’
There is no self pity here – well some, as we should all expect given the cramping lifestyle Peach must endure – but instead this is a book of instruction about a rare disease, the manner in which Peach changes the invisible girl into a visible, meaningful, caring person whose goal is to enlighten and support others with debilitating diseases. That purpose she makes clear toward book’s end – ‘I could have chosen to wallow in the inevitable and accept my flaws; however, I decided to take my flaws and circumstances and try to find the silver lining. Showering positive energy and restoring my faith in me is the chemo that kills MITO, and keeps it from grabbing hold of me and taking me down. I know I am sick; I do not need to be reminded. I know my fate, so why should I try to fix what is broken. I am not looking for perfection. I am celebrating imperfection and building a rock-solid legacy that others can pull from in their time of need. Now that my looking glass is riddled with shattered dreams, I choose to see rainbows in the shards of glass. I want to build a monument that portrays strength and triumph through determination, heart, and accomplishment. I want to do that despite being told often and in many ways that I do not mean anything more than a pillar that my classmates run into in the halls of the school.’
Hats off and Brava to a compleat human being, a girl who has taken the disease she was dealt and used it as a path for teaching the world the meaning of being.
March 20, 2017
Peach is really an exceptional story which every parent must pass on to their children. In today's monetary world children are growing money minded and fixed on getting maximum enjoyment in life. In such circumstances we find Peach (who suffers from a rare disease that makes her everyday functioning problematic and embarrassing) a rare exception. Although her life is one continues path of struggles, yet, instead of feeling lonely or defeated (due to the behavior of her peer and other people), she looks at the strengths of her close ones and appreciates them. She is selfless and exerts to bring happiness into the lives of other people.
In all these things I also greatly appreciate Peach's mother Antoinette Woods who so lovingly and selflessly looks after Jenevieve Woods and in fact, cherishes her disabled daughter. I think Peach inherits her loving nature from such a wonderful nature. Her example teaches us to be more patient with our children and to love them in totality and not just for their good qualities.
Peach is a good family book which would help every family to enhance their relationship among themselves and to develop empathy and understanding for others.
In all these things I also greatly appreciate Peach's mother Antoinette Woods who so lovingly and selflessly looks after Jenevieve Woods and in fact, cherishes her disabled daughter. I think Peach inherits her loving nature from such a wonderful nature. Her example teaches us to be more patient with our children and to love them in totality and not just for their good qualities.
Peach is a good family book which would help every family to enhance their relationship among themselves and to develop empathy and understanding for others.
March 23, 2017
Jenevieve, known as Jenna to friends and family, allows us to view the life she lived during most of her school years. It is heartbreaking to read the shame she faced because of her disability, and the acceptance she craved from her peers. Through all this Jenna opens her heart to reveal the butterfly that was still wet and weak, but using these trials to strengthen her wings and preparing her to soar.
Jenna gives credit to her mother as her strength and inspiration. And through her the title Peach came about as her nickname for the adorable peach cheeked baby she first held. While reading this book I noticed the positive attitude that Jenna displays she mimicked from her mother. When Jenna pictures herself she sees a butterfly, but her mother is the protective lioness that would do anything to protect her children.
I love that Jenna doesn’t sugar coat her disability, nor does she hide behind her weaknesses. She wants to use this as a bridge to bring people together no matter their differences. Though sometimes we are scared of our “handicaps”, Jenna’s life illustrates that no one holds you hostage but yourself!
Jenna gives credit to her mother as her strength and inspiration. And through her the title Peach came about as her nickname for the adorable peach cheeked baby she first held. While reading this book I noticed the positive attitude that Jenna displays she mimicked from her mother. When Jenna pictures herself she sees a butterfly, but her mother is the protective lioness that would do anything to protect her children.
I love that Jenna doesn’t sugar coat her disability, nor does she hide behind her weaknesses. She wants to use this as a bridge to bring people together no matter their differences. Though sometimes we are scared of our “handicaps”, Jenna’s life illustrates that no one holds you hostage but yourself!
March 29, 2017
The prologue of this story not only tells you who Peach is, but it also lets you know what she’s up against. It seems like she is someone that is suffering daily, but cares little about this, since she’s thinking about others. This becomes even more apparent as you read through the book. She describes what her life is like from the moment she wakes up and even takes you through some of the normal teenager stuff that you would expect. Then you learn about her birth, her diagnosis, and everything else that really breaks your heart and makes you feel thankful to be alive at the same time. There is so much information about the condition she suffers from and how you can help. The best part is that there are poems throughout the whole book by the author, which are inspiring. This is a biography with a purpose, and is not full of boring details and one-sided text.
April 1, 2017
Peach, is truly an inspirational person. She suffers from a life altering disease, one that is not easily treated and will be with her throughout the course of her life. And as human beings go, we are not the greatest overall, but every now and then you stumble across someone who will stay on your mind long after they are no longer there in your presence. This book is an accounting of such a person. Peach see life as half-full, she does not lament her condition and go through life crying woe me as so many of us do if we do not get every single little thing we want right when we want it.
Written beautifully and in an engaging style, this story is a coming of age tale in ways. We follow along as Peach grows from being the “invisible girl” on the side lines to a young adult who is using her condition to teach us all about the meaning of our lives. This book is one of those that is worth picking up and then passing around to all your friends and family.
Written beautifully and in an engaging style, this story is a coming of age tale in ways. We follow along as Peach grows from being the “invisible girl” on the side lines to a young adult who is using her condition to teach us all about the meaning of our lives. This book is one of those that is worth picking up and then passing around to all your friends and family.
April 1, 2017
How can I give all people the feeling of being equal? Can you imagine taking on that question? Peach decided to take it on and not only just think about it, but actually put her thoughts into practice and try to create true equality. That is a task that many people would not even consider taking on, and I believe that speaks volumes for the person doing the action. So, was this a celebrity with lots of money, and a successful business owner? No. We are talking about a girl who decided that the things in her life were not going to hold her back.
There are many times that a story will speak to you. The characters come to life through the author's words and you want to be part of the story. That is the trademark sign of a good book, a good story, and a good writer. Then there are true stories that will pull you in and let you meet and get to know the author. These go beyond the realm of a good story and become part of you for the time you share with the writer and the pages. That is the nature of Peach. The story allows you to get to know Peach as a person and lets you feel that you are not only reading about her but going through the experiences with her. The reader hears her messages about life, equality, relationships, and love and doesn't just take it in, but starts to apply them in their own life. When you really get down to it, that is the greatest success that an author could ask for. Amazing piece to read!
There are many times that a story will speak to you. The characters come to life through the author's words and you want to be part of the story. That is the trademark sign of a good book, a good story, and a good writer. Then there are true stories that will pull you in and let you meet and get to know the author. These go beyond the realm of a good story and become part of you for the time you share with the writer and the pages. That is the nature of Peach. The story allows you to get to know Peach as a person and lets you feel that you are not only reading about her but going through the experiences with her. The reader hears her messages about life, equality, relationships, and love and doesn't just take it in, but starts to apply them in their own life. When you really get down to it, that is the greatest success that an author could ask for. Amazing piece to read!
April 3, 2017
“Peach: An Exceptional Teen’s Inspiring Journey for Universal Acceptance,” is a very unique perspective written by Jenevieve Woods and Pete Geissler. It is written in the form of poetry, which sometimes I have difficulty reading, but Woods and Geissler did a fantastic job of creating such natural flowing lines and descriptions. I love the positive message that they bring out, trying to promote the idea of the perfection of each individual for the things that make you different. It is awesome that Woods has reached a point in her life that she was able to accept herself and has such a great support system that is easily seen within her poetry. Her outlook on life for someone with such a debilitating disease process is astounding and helps everyone else look at the world with a fresh set of eyes. I love the feel good outcome from Woods’ literature and hope that she will collaborate on future endeavors.
April 18, 2017
I defy anyone to read this book and not be moved by the wisdom shown by this seventeen year old author. She is not only battling with a terrible hereditary disease that makes everything difficult for her (including breathing and walking), she has also had to battle against bullying by her peers and classmates. As a retired teacher, the parts of the story where Peach talks about her schooldays broke my heart. Where were the teachers whilst this girl was being bullied? How could they fail to notice that everyone totally ignored her because she was different? If Peach emerges as a remarkable and resilient teenager, what can be said for her poor mother? What a heroine she is. Not only Peach but also her two brothers have the same debilitating disease and worse than the coping with this on a day-to-day basis must be the knowledge that she transmitted the disease to them.
April 27, 2017
One cannot help but be moved by this read. The poetic flowing language and descriptions tugs at your heart and moves your emotions.
It tells the tale of Peach's life as a nobody; shunned even. Now she says, “I have a unique set of glasses that I wear that gives me the power to see everybody’s soul and their truest self.” It is truly an exceptional story. Peach suffers from a rare disease that makes everyday life difficult. She must struggle with this throughout her existence. Although she faces many struggles, she refuses to be defeated. She focuses on the positive persons in her life and seeks to bring happiness to the lives of others.
Thru her experiences and her words she reminds us to focus on the moments we have here and now. Too often we are so caught up with what we want for our future that we do not enjoy or even appreciate what we have right now. Thru this book though, we are reminded to always remember to give thanks for what we have. Accept what we cant change and change what we can; our attitude and the rest will sort itself out.
It contains a very good message for parents as well who tend to look for perfection in children. A very positive, inspirational book overall.
It tells the tale of Peach's life as a nobody; shunned even. Now she says, “I have a unique set of glasses that I wear that gives me the power to see everybody’s soul and their truest self.” It is truly an exceptional story. Peach suffers from a rare disease that makes everyday life difficult. She must struggle with this throughout her existence. Although she faces many struggles, she refuses to be defeated. She focuses on the positive persons in her life and seeks to bring happiness to the lives of others.
Thru her experiences and her words she reminds us to focus on the moments we have here and now. Too often we are so caught up with what we want for our future that we do not enjoy or even appreciate what we have right now. Thru this book though, we are reminded to always remember to give thanks for what we have. Accept what we cant change and change what we can; our attitude and the rest will sort itself out.
It contains a very good message for parents as well who tend to look for perfection in children. A very positive, inspirational book overall.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews