Not My Story To Tell: My journey through grief: Loving and losing a daughter with bi-polar disorder

by Cathy Lynn Brooks

Cathy Lynn Brooks spent her career working with children with special needs, but despite her professional experience, it was still heartbreaking for her to witness the challenges faced by her daughter, Justine.

Justine always reminded Cathy of Annie Oakley. She was fierce and protective of the vulnerable, but she was also plagued by her own troubles.

At a young age, Justine was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. As Justine grew up, she often made bad choices due to the traumas of her past and her mental illness. Through it all, Cathy never stopped loving her daughter.

In this revealing and powerful book, Cathy takes you back to the early days of Justine’s childhood and the events that led to her diagnosis. Cathy watched her daughter try time and again to change her life, amazed and awed by Justine’s persistence, courage, and compassion.

Cathy hopes that her daughter’s journey to a place of healing and peace will inspire others struggling with mental illness or caring for a family member with the same issues. She shows families that, while there are many obstacles on the road to better mental health, there are amazing joys waiting for you as well!

114 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2017

Reviews

[Michelle]

When cautioned by a healthcare provider in the name of confidentiality “Not My Story To Tell” (My Journey Through Grief: Loving a Losing a Daughter With Bipolar Disorder) is a simple and candid story written by Canadian author Cathy Lynn Brooks about her daughter Justine who faced the challenges of coping with mental illness. In comparing Justine to Annie Oakley, a historical figure from the Wild West, Justine lived large, by her own convictions and standards, unconcerned what others thought of her. She was a loyal person and truly loved her family and friends and cared deeply for those in need.

The Brooks lived in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Cathy Brooks was a special education teacher in an inner city school, and worked with students with physical, intellectual and behavioral disabilities. Justine Marie was born on February 5, 1985, their second daughter Candice followed two years later. As a child Justine thrived in school, loved unicorns, My Little Pony, and developed a skill for public speaking. There were several trips to the emergency room from health problems and mishaps. By the time Justine was in the 7th grade she began smoking. Justine was hospitalized on a psychiatric ward and was prescribed several different medications, when she was 16 years old.

Eventually Justine found a good job in a hardware store and later enrolled in college. There were a few serious love relationships, though they didn’t last beyond a year or two. Justine found herself under house arrest through law enforcement and the Canadian judicial system. Justine eventually triumphed over her mental health disorders, living independently, working full time and doing volunteer work with the homeless and serving others in a soup kitchen. Following Justine’s tragic death in a traffic accident when she was 29, Cathy and Greg Brooks constructed a healing garden, plants and flowers were donated by friends and neighbors in Justine’s memory.

Cathy Brook’s thoughtful story highlights the dedication of a mother to do her best in every way possible to help her daughter face the challenges of a SMI (serious mental illness). The procedures of confidentially are legally implemented to insure patient privacy. However, without input from family members or any mental health feedback it is impossible to know if care outcomes would be different, or provided in a more efficient or timely manner. 3* GOOD. **With thanks to the author via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

[Kandy]

This story is very touching, especially because just like Justine, I was born in 1985, and I too live in Canada, Ontario. I understood what it was like growing up during those times. Justine, a natural at public speaking, later struggles with mental illness, self-harm, & hospitalization. Her mother tried several times desperately, seeking help for Justine. All that was given was a prescription. Ah, I was almost in tears reading this book – it’s a story that the world needs to hear. I am not even through the entire book, yet and I feel compelled to say that you need to read this book! Especially, if you feel alone, while trying to cope with a mental illness. Please read Justine’s story. If you’re really struggling, reach out to someone because most likely, there will be someone who wants to help you through it.

[Laura Lukasavage]

PTSD, depression, bipolar or sexualy abused people should read

We can let our personal problems define us or can choose to move forward and use them to make us strong.

This sentence has never been more true. We all have battles and ups and downs in life. We go through things meant to break us but we can choose to let it or pick up the pieces and keep moving forward. Justine didn't have an easy road from a very young age. Being molested by someone you know damages you in a way that can take a life time to really overcome, I would know. Being a mother myself it's my greatest fear for my daughter. As for all parents, we want to protect our child and sometimes no matter how hard we try something will seep through the Crack and attack when we least expect it. This was a beautiful and tragic story that I was able to relate to on many levels for the molestation, to the fear for your child and always questioning what you could have done better, to having someone close to you suffer from bio palor, to having Being diagnosed with ptsd and so much more. It was a good read for me because like the author says we tend to hide these things away when they NEED to he talked about and dealt with. Just because we can't physically see them doesn't mean they aren't there, they aren't happening and someone isn't suffering and just because someone is fighting with these things doesn't make them damaged or less of a person. If anything it makes them stronger then the rest of us.
I give the author a lot of credit for writing a story so close to home and something hard like this and I have no doubt her daughter would be proud of her. Anyone who knows someone suffering from depression, PTSD, bipolar, or sexual abuse should read this. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Michelle Kidwell]

Not My Story To Tell
My journey through grief: Loving and losing a daughter with bi-polar disorder
by Cathy Lynn Brooks
BooksGoSocial
You Are Auto-Approved

Biographies & Memoirs , Parenting & Families
Pub Date 18 Oct 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Not My Story to Tell Through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:

Her daughter Justine reminded her Mother Cathy Of Annie Oakley. She was fierce protective and vulnerable. Justine also had her share of troubles.
Justine suffered from Bi-Polar disorder as well as post traumatic stress disorder from a young age. Due to the events of her past and her Mental illness Justine made a series of bad choices. Which sadly led to her death at the age of twenty nine, but despite everything her Mother never stopped loving her. It was not the disease that took her but the highway on her way home.
Justine was improving she went to college, graduated even started a career, she still had her problems but they were manageable, until one day the road took her away.
I give Not My Story to Tell five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!

[C. Vargas-McPherson]

Cathy Lynn Brooks' memoir, Not My Story to Tell, comes at the reader fast-paced and with an urgency that makes it difficult to put down. The author shares this heartrending story of her daughter, Justine, complete with the ups and downs of managing (or attempting to manage) BPD. Here, we are privy to the mundanity of everyday life, celebrations of milestones and accomplishments, as well as the troubles that arise from Justine’s mental illness. The more we can share our stories of struggles with mental illness as well as the ramifications on the entire family system, the more (I hope) awareness will increase along with supports, treatments, and acceptance. Ultimately, it is A mother’s deep love and empathy that remains.

[Vicky Peplow]

Riding the waves of Mental Health.

I personally know someone with bipolar disorder and this book gave me an idea of what they and their parents must've went through. A truly heartfelt tribute to Justine. I'll definitely be reading the next book by this author next. Keep your chin up. You did your daughter proud by sharing her story and trying to help others that are going through a similar situation. Highly recommend.

[Nathan Albright]

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Books Go Social/Net Gallery.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

This book is a heartbreaking one, all the more because the book was written after the death of a troubled young woman by her mother.  At the heart of this book is a disconnect between a mother who thinks she did most things right and a daughter whose life was deeply scarred by child sexual abuse by a neighbor boy.  The author is indeed right that the book is not her story to tell, but she is the one to tell it because a car accident took the life of the author's daughter at the age of 29 when she was trying to put her life back together in the aftermath of some time in jail for drug trafficking.  Worst of all, I suppose, is that the accident wasn't even her fault but as the author said, she simply ran out of lives.  In reading this book I have a mixture of irritation and compassion for the author, irritation because I think that little children should be taken seriously.  If they say that they are not comfortable or safe with someone, what they say should be taken seriously.  They shouldn't feel forced or pressured into explaining matters, not least because they may be terrified to do so or unsure that they are able to do so [1].

As a book, this volume is a short one, about 50 pages in the version I read, or about double that if it is viewed in its quarto pages.  The book combines the attempts of the mother to justify herself as well as her attempts to give voice to her late daughter wherever possible.  The author, rightly, views her daughter's struggles with bi-polar disorder and PTSD, a fairly natural response to being raped as a child, from the point of view of an outsider, and manages to show herself to be fairly typical in wanting to do the best for her daughter but being ill-equipped to do so and failing miserably in building trust.  Indeed, the parallel narratives of the author's struggle to justify herself before a world that blamed her for failing to protect her daughter and her daughter's struggle to find love and safety in a hostile world are juxtaposed with each other in complex ways.

I found the author a bit exasperating myself, but I suppose she cannot be blamed for that.  She has a bit of a difficult challenge in trying to write about her daughter's story without making herself look too bad, and she probably thinks that she does a better job than she does.  I would probably be less harsh on her if I was not able to empathize very well with the author's late daughter, even if I feel that (thanks to the grace of God) I have not made quite as much a mess of my own life as that poor young woman did.  After all, most parents are not very good at listening to their children or taking their counsel when it comes to their indirect ways of expressing preference or explaining that something isn't a good idea.  Ultimately it seemed like the author cared a great deal about her own convenience and didn't really work to build trust or understand her daughter until it was too late.  At least I hope I have been able to tell my own story, because I would have to have my story told by someone who seemed to be almost clueless about what was really going on with me the way this author seems clueless about her daughter.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

[Sal]

Years ago in graduate school, I read an in-depth article about parents who had no choice but to turn over their children to the authorities because their kids did awful things and were out of control. It seemed unimaginable to me that parents could give up their children, but the eye-opening piece showed me that they indeed can when things become intolerable.

I didn’t find Justine, the daughter of author Cathy Lynn Brooks, to be in this category of kids and teens, but her troubles in life would no doubt test any parents’ limits. To her great credit, Brooks used the tragedies in her family, which were centered around Justine, to write Not My Story to Tell, which undoubtedly has helped other parents of children with mental-health issues.

It’s a sad but honest story the whole way through. Justine went through a traumatic experience as a six-year-old and struggled with bipolar disorder her whole life. Her travails were likely a mix of things she couldn’t help and self-inflicted actions that made her parents’ lives difficult. Ironically, Brooks worked as a social worker who helped troubled children and those with special needs. She had a wealth of knowledge about children and knew the signs that indicated when things were possibly awry in a child’s life. I sensed that she perhaps felt at times as if she wasn’t measuring up for her own child, though it sounds like she and her husband, Greg, did all they could.

Justine had numerous ups and downs in which she sometimes shined and often got in trouble. During her short life, she struck me as a hardworking person who liked to stay busy. Though she struggled in high school, Justine made it through and pursued college, graduating in marketing. She loved to work, something you can’t say about everybody, and seemed to attract lots of friends, both good ones and ones who may have caused her harm.

Not My Story to Tell also reveals what feels like the never-ending unfairness of how shoddy people are sometimes treated in the school system, the justice system, and the health care system. This story took place in Canada in the 1980s and 1990s, but much of the inadequacy of these systems could be written about in the same way today, sadly.

This is a fast-paced, quick read with nary a wasted word. The writing may not always be at an excellent level, but I admire how Brooks came through her family’s many setbacks seemingly stronger and willing to share what must have been a hard tale to tell.

[Agnes]

Difficult to Read

This book was both difficult to read and difficult to review. It is an account written by a mother about her daughter Justine’s life, starting from birth and leading up to her sudden death at twenty-nine. The narrative is filled with trauma, accidents, and natural childhood rebellions.

‘Not My Story to Tell’ is a fitting title, but this is not Justine’s story, but rather her mother’s account of Justine's life. Parents only see snippets of their children's lives once they start school, and it was intriguing to see the author’s perspective, memories, and storytelling. The very personal details at times made me uncomfortable, but I remained engaged throughout, feeling deep sympathy for Justine.

Justine appears to have been an amazing person – hardworking, popular, smart, and concerned about larger issues (vegetarianism, homelessness.) Balancing full-time work and raising children is always challenging, especially when a child has experienced serious trauma without adequate support. It's heart-breaking that the system didn't provide Justine with what she needed, leading to self-harm and legal troubles.

Despite her early challenges, Justine managed to juggle high school with an afterschool job from the age of thirteen, often getting home after two in the morning and working all weekend. At times, she excelled academically, demonstrating her potential, for example, achieving 100 percent in a religious studies exam. In college, she continued to balance two jobs with her studies – an incredible achievement.

Justine was also resourceful. She found someone to bail her out of jail when her mother wanted to leave her there to teach her a lesson. When she broke up with her boyfriend and had no home to return to, she found her own place and someone to live with, essential given her past trauma made living alone impossible.

Ultimately, this is a tragic story. I wish Justine had received the support she needed as a child, which might have helped her handle her trauma better. This support could have improved the entire family's life and allowed their relationships to flourish.

Overall, a very touching, and heart-wrenching account.

[Lyndi Allison]

0Not My Story to Tell accomplishes what it sets out to do. Cathy Lynn Brooks makes “Justine’s life matter.” Cathy shares her daughter, Justine’s, story from a mother’s point of view, in a telling. mater-of-fact style without “sugar coating.” She helps other teens “not feel alone” and other parents “realize they are not alone” in parenting children with severe mental health issues.

Cathy asks many good questions and raises some as she explores a difficult subject matter with sensitivity. I felt compassion for her as I read of her life on the outside—of what occurred, the commiserators’ empathy, and as she sought help beyond pharmaceuticals. One can only hope that caring for the mentally ill has improved in the years since Justine’s youth. Perhaps new therapies such as EMDR will bring some healing to children and their parents.

This is Cathy’s story to tell and now that Justine has died it is doubly so. As the subtitle so aptly states, this is the story of a mom who both loved and lost her daughter. I am grateful for Cathy’s bravery to venture here. She demonstrates how a mother and daughter can experience love and forgiveness and cultivate a relationship after a grievous offense.

It was Cathy’s hope that Justine help her share Justine’s story but unfortunately that story was lost to us when she was killed in the accident. I hope Cathy’s story inspires teens, and people of all ages, to tell their stories. In my opinion, this story belongs to all who it affects—family, friends, educators, law enforcement, and medical practitioners, and all these stories need to be told. I can’t think of anyone who is not affected by mental health issues either personally or with someone they know and love. I commend Cathy for sharing her story.

[CJ]

A book about love and hope

have previously read Cathy Lynn Brooks’s ‘Justine’, essentially an adjunct to ‘Not My Story to Tell’, published four months later. I had been meaning to read this book for a while, but it wasn’t until I was speaking to a friend about a family member with bipolar disorder that I remembered. So I recommended both of these books and downloaded a copy for myself.

Brooks’s style is engaging and matter-of-fact. She has shared Justine’s story from a loving mother’s vantage to help others going through the same process (including friends and family) and reinforce that mental illness is a serious condition that we must all talk about. In ‘Not My Story to Tell’, Brooks unashamedly presents her own emotional response to her daughter’s mental illness and ultimate death in a car accident. This is an incredibly moving story, well-written and thoughtfully presented. Brooks’s words grab hold of her audience and take them through the entire gambit of emotions in a professional, considered way.

Whatever your relationship with mental illness, you will find something in its pages that resonates with you. This is a complex disease to manage and one that impacts everyone in Justine’s short life, especially as all any parent wants is for their children to lead an everyday life. It provides a glimpse into the possible inadequacies of mental health services and family members’ struggles. But no matter how dark this story may seem, it also contains celebration, achievement and wisdom.

What shines through is Brooks’s apparent joy about Justine; some readers might say this is a depressing book or that it doesn’t provide textbook examples of bipolar disorder, its symptoms and treatments. But instead, this is a book about love and hope.

[Aaron Kim]

Not My Story To Tell: My journey through grief: Loving and losing a daughter with bi-polar disorder, by author Cathy Lynn Brooks, is simultaneously hard to read and hard to put down. This was my second Brooks book, but the contrast between her learning-to-read I Can’t Play with a Dog on my Lap children’s book, and this autobiographical non-fiction, could not be more sharp. And I say “auto-biographical” because, even though the title of the book suggests this is not her story to tell, it is indeed Brook’s story, a mother’s story, and a powerful and gripping one at that.

Not My Story To Tell is a non-fiction account of a mother’s struggle to care for a daughter facing issues surrounding mental illness. The confusion, the frustration, and the inadequacy of Canada’s medical system to care for its people’s mental health are laid out with honesty and bravery. It is not easy to admit our weaknesses, in particular when speaking about our kids. Brooks does not hold back, however, asking questions about herself as often as she does about Canada’s mental health system.

I often fall back on the same measure for recommending books in my reviews, which is: did I want to keep reading. Despite the gravity and darkness of the narrative, I did not want to put the book down. By framing the events as a narrative, Brooks brings the reader to invest in the fate of the people in the story. After all, this is what story-telling is about: getting the reader to invest in the characters, and having them desire to learn their fate. Brooks does an admirable job here, and I recommend her book for that reason.

[Sleepy Review]

I was interested in this book, but had a little hesitation due to its heavy subject matter. But I’m glad I gave it a chance, because it was really good; heartbreaking, but good.

This story is about Justine; a daughter with a charismatic spirit and personality that her mother equates to Annie Oakley. As the book goes on, we see that’s a pretty accurate assessment. We see Justine’s life through her mother’s eyes. And I really liked the perspective with which this book was told. There are a lot of great aspects to Justine, but she was not an easy child to raise.

The number of hardships that Justine had to overcome was staggering; there were multiple near-death experiences, childhood abuse, alcohol and prescription drug abuse, and mental health issues. And this is all more poignant presented through the eyes of a mother that wants more than anything to protect and help her daughter.

I feel like this book was a really honest portrayal of this girl. And despite the book not hiding Justine’s flaws and numerous mistakes, we also see the good within her, and the good she’s trying to do with the natural gifts that she has. I was definitely rooting for her, and was sympathetic to her parents who had to be strong through all of this.

A line from the book really hit me. “Her life had meaning and purpose just the way it was.” And I thought that was absolutely true. We should just appreciate the goodness and beauty that a life had, instead of trying to put our own spin on what it should have been.

I thought this book was eye-opening, and made me more sympathetic to the lives of those in this kind of situation. I really enjoyed this book, and feel like it offers something real to the reader that will stay with them long after they’re done reading.

[Reid Moore]

Raw and Riveting

I imagine anyone who picks up a book with this kind of title will have a connection to it to some degree. So, due to personal bias, I will refrain from commenting on the plot or story because it's "Not My Story To Tell." However, you can rest assured that this review is completely honest and unbiased since I am that soulless person who goes to work meetings and tells the cancer lady her spelling that is terrible.

“Not My Story To Tell” is a collection of anecdotes about the author’s daughter, Justine. If you’ve read the full title, you should already have a pretty good idea how it will end. This is brilliantly done not only because nobody will "mistakenly" pick up this book but also because it adds a layer of tension to every chapter and keeps you turning the pages. The author is masterful with scene and sequel, and once again, knowing how it will end leaves an undercurrent of foreshadowing and tension throughout—except I didn’t know how it would end, only that it would. I was actually taken by surprise. Twist!

This memoire oozes with pain and loss, as one would expect, and most readers should be able to tell from the title it's going to be emotionally rough. The developmental aspects of the storytelling are fantastic, and many storytellers could learn from what I’m guessing is this author’s debut or only work.

However, the truth bomb is that it could use some copy-editing and help with breaking up paragraphs into single ideas. If you can forgive the author for these minor ’self-published amateur’ infractions, the story is definitely a riveting read, and short enough that you can make it through quickly—but its poignancy will stay with you much longer.

[Callie Woodridge]

An Unflinchingly Honest Journey


I delved into "Not My Story to Tell" days ago, and amid the holiday chaos, I've finally gathered my thoughts for this review. First and foremost, this narrative is profoundly heart-wrenching. The author, Cathy, shares the tumultuous journey of her daughter Justine, who battled bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Through the highs and lows, Cathy's unwavering love for her daughter shines through.

The book takes us back to Justine's childhood, unfolding events that led to her diagnosis. Cathy admirably recounts Justine's persistent struggle, courage, and compassion in the face of mental illness. The story follows Justine's evolution from a skilled public speaker to grappling with self-harm, hospitalization, and the relentless pursuit of help.

Justine's journey, marked by triumphs and tragedies, is a compelling testament to the challenges of mental illness. Cathy, in a raw and unfiltered manner, addresses the nuances of managing borderline personality disorder (BPD). The narrative grips you with its urgency, making it difficult to put down.

Cathy’s heartfelt portrayal extends beyond Justine's struggle, shedding light on the impact of mental health issues on the entire family. The story emphasizes the need for increased awareness, support, and acceptance surrounding mental health struggles.

Cathy's bravery in sharing her and Justine's story serves as an inspiration for those affected by mental health challenges. "Not My Story to Tell" prompts a broader conversation about mental health, urging individuals from all walks of life to share their stories. The book is a commendable effort in promoting understanding, empathy, and compassion for those grappling with mental health issues and their families.

[James Brown]

"Not My Story To Tell: My Journey Through Grief: Loving and Losing a Daughter with Bipolar Disorder" is a heart-wrenching and inspiring memoir written by Cathy Lynn Brooks. This poignant and deeply personal book offers a raw and unflinching glimpse into the life of Cathy's daughter, Justine, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder at a young age.

Cathy's writing is both candid and compassionate, as she shares the rollercoaster journey of caring for a child with mental illness. Her professional background working with children with special needs provides her with a unique perspective, but it doesn't shield her from the overwhelming challenges and heartbreak she faces in her own family. Cathy's description of Justine's resilience, determination, and fierce love for the vulnerable is both heartwarming and heartrending. Justine's life is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit, despite the formidable obstacles posed by mental illness and past traumas.

Cathy's writing is not only a tribute to her daughter's indomitable spirit but also a call to action for greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking solace, guidance, or inspiration while navigating the complex terrain of mental illness. It encourages empathy, compassion, and the belief that even in the face of adversity, there can be a path to healing and hope. "Not My Story To Tell" is a profoundly moving and memorable memoir that touches the heart and leaves a lasting impact on its readers.

[Amanda Root]

In my recent dive into Cathy Lynn Brooks' "Not My Story to Tell," I stumbled upon this really touching story. It's all about Justine, this charismatic and resilient person, painted through the heartfelt eyes of her mom.

Right from the start, the author's storytelling grabbed me. It gave a raw and genuine look into Justine's life – no sugar-coating. The book fearlessly tackles real issues, laying out Justine's struggles with mortality, a tough childhood, substance hiccups, and mental well-being. Brooks walks that fine line, showing Justine's flaws while highlighting the good stuff in her.

The storytelling is touching, with Brooks weaving through the ups and downs of Justine's journey. Even in the tough parts, there's this thread of hope, celebrating the wins and resilience. The memoir is a wakeup call, making you understand and feel for people going through similar tough spots.

Now, some folks wish there was more digging into mental health nuances. But, personally, I think the unfiltered, gripping vibe of the memoir is what makes it stand out. Kudos to the author for laying it all out there – it's the kind of story that sticks with you even after you've put the book down.

To sum it up, "Not My Story to Tell" is a deep dive into life's struggles, mental health battles, and the lasting strength of love and resilience. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a real and impactful journey._

[Tiffany Andrea]

I gave this book 5 stars on the basis of the bravery it took to write. As a parent, I can't relate, but I was raised with a sister who reminds me a lot of Justine. All the times I considered writing my experience, I didn't have the courage, so Cathy has my respect for being able to do so. I am also only a few months younger than Justine and live nearby, so it was literally close to home.

My heart hurts for Justine because our mental health services failed her. So often people with mental illness are disregarded and they are judged for their choices, but people don't seem to understand the exhaustion that comes from battling your own brain. Sometimes decisions are made out of desperation to provide short-lived relief.

I'm glad Cathy documented Justine's highlights and wonderful qualities along with her low points. No one is the sum of their bad choices, and seeing her as a complete person, beyond her mental illness, made me love her even though I never knew her.

To Cathy and Greg, I am so sorry for your loss. I watched my parents struggle with the same things for my entire life, and eventually, it led to my mother's death. I've struggled to forgive my sister because she refuses to accept help and continues to destroy any life in her path. So be proud that, despite her struggles, Justine sought help. I'm sorry the system failed her.

[Andrew]

In "Not My Story To Tell," Cathy Lynn Brooks offers a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of her daughter Justine's life, highlighting the complexities of managing bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Drawing parallels to iconic works by Mitch Albom and Jeannette Walls, this memoir resonates deeply, reminiscent of the emotional intensity in ‘Beautiful Boy’ by David Sheff. Justine's challenges, stemming from early traumas, are presented with raw honesty, showcasing a mother's unwavering love and the relentless spirit of a young woman determined to rise above her circumstances.

What's truly commendable is Brooks’ courage to bare such a personal journey, emphasizing the often overlooked topic of mental health and its ripple effect on families. Readers will be drawn to the authenticity of Justine's story – a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of unconditional love. It serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar challenges, proving that even amidst despair, joys await.Much like Cristina B's review, this memoir underscores the importance of shedding light on mental illness, bringing forth awareness and understanding.

Cathy Lynn Brooks' narrative is not just her story or Justine's, but a universal tale of love, strength, and perseverance.

[Karen Inkle]

Fantastic read!

A moving and heart wrenching story of a mother's unconditional love for her daughter who suffers from several mental illnesses during her short life. The author has clearly bore this pain, stoically, for many years and now bravely opens the door to tackle, head on, this taboo subject and give us all an insight into how it affects not only the person diagnosed but also the immediate family. With raw emotion, the author relives memories of the relentless battles with medical teams, school principals, drugs, police and lawyers as her daughter fights her own daily demons. She is supported all the way by dedicated parents who never know what will happen from one day to the next, dealing with the struggles and turbulence brought on by mental illness.
My heart goes out to this courageous lady for putting pen to paper and sharing her innermost thoughts, experireces, battles and the unexpected and tragic loss of her daughter. A mother's love shows no boundaries and this is a truly inspirational way of helping the grieving and healing process whilst also educating the readers. Fantastic book that I would strongly recommend.

[A T]

A page-turner and eye opener

This was a page-turner of a book. I was very much invested in learning more about what happened in the life of Justine through her mother's eyes. It is heartbreaking to read what Justine had to go through in her life, and in effect, the loved ones in her life. Mental health problems are not something to be taken lightly, and it is unfortunate that there wasn't enough support that was available in Justine's earlier years/teen years. Thankfully, there is more help and support available now, and this book shares stories of the not-so-easy life of people who suffer this go through, as well as the people around them, especially their family. Even having a support system is not enough for Justine and other people like her. It is not easy not to judge people sometimes and the people who brought them up, but everyone else should strive to be more open-minded and compassionate of everyone around them, especially if you do not personally know their story. Overall, this book was a wonderful read, and an eye-opener as well. A highly recommended read!

[S.L. McGinnis]

This was a hard book to read. I don't have children, but I am a bipolar woman, and I know my parents struggled with me growing up. Seeing the love through a mother's eyes that reflects all her daughter was and is, is beautiful to me. This is a mother who fought for her child even when Justine was unable to fight for herself. Ms Brooks is still fighting for her child. It's a beautiful read, but you will cry. There was a lot of crying. It's amazing to see the acceptance and beauty behind certain mental illnesses that people ridicule and avoid others for. Living with Bipolar isn't easy, and I always felt like my parents would've preferred a normal child instead of the mess that was me, but getting to read this memoir and seeing how this mother felt about her child with the same thing was eye-opening. It made me cry so many times because I finally felt like my parents were just fine with what they got. Sure, it wasn't easy, but I know they love me, and being able to see a representation of it was enough to break my heart. Thank you for sharing such a deep, poignant story with the world. She won't be forgotten by this woman.

[sureshot]

This book is written by a mother about the life of her child, Justine. Justine was a troubled child and was in and out of trouble.
The writing in this book is good. I found no errors and the writing style kept the book flowing. I found myself being drawn into the story and rooting for the parents of this child. Raising a child with psychological issues is very difficult and at times nearly impossible. To make matters worse, no one seems to understand what you're going through. Many people will blame you under the false belief that "good parenting" can fix any child's problems. You get bad advice from teachers, family members and cops. They always have some quick fix they are sure will work. Many times, their solution is to give the child more freedom, thinking they’ll flourish. This almost always leads to more problems.
The author does a great job showing this in her book. I think this book is very important for parents who are going through or have been through something like this. Those two groups are who I recommend this book to the most.

[Michael Kan]

A solid memoir about a mother remembering her experiences raising her daughter who was bipolar. I commend the author for sharing what sounded like a very challenging and at times heart-breaking experience. We perhaps take for granted that some children can be quite different from the norm. So how does one parent a child who has volatile behaviors? A child who can sometimes put themselves in serious harm? It's certainly no easy task. But some parents have to deal with such issues. The challenge can be immense especially when the child continues to struggle. But still, the parents often soldier on as this novel shows, despite all the setbacks and heartache. Hence, this book could serve as a helpful guide for other parents raising children with bipolar or similar conditions. That said, it's merely a memoir that's also relatively short. Nevertheless, it could offer some advice, lessons and reflection to anyone interested in the subject matter.

[Mister Jon]

Cathy Lynn Brooks' follow-up memoir to "Not My Story to Tell, My Journey Through Grief: Loving and Losing a daughter with bipolar disorder," JUSTINE is a touching and genuine portrayal of her life after the loss of her daughter, Justine.

In this sequel, Cathy shares more anecdotes, happy stories, and updates about Justine's life, giving readers a deeper insight into their journey. The book continues to showcase Cathy 's emotional writing style, and her sincerity shines through every page.

The only downside is that, like the first book, readers may find themselves wanting even more. Marion's storytelling is so engaging that you won't want it to end.

In summary, "JUSTINE" is a heartfelt and relatable addition to Cathy's journey through grief and her enduring connection with her daughter. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll appreciate this sequel. It's a testament to the power of Marion's narrative and her ability to connect with readers on an emotional level.

[Sally A]

Not My Story To Tell: My journey through grief: Loving and losing a daughter with bi-polar disorder by Cathy Lynn Brooks is a beautiful memorial to the author’s daughter Justine. Justine had many struggles in her life including serious mental illness. Through it all, the author stood by her daughter, loved her compassionately and unconditionally, and was a fierce advocate for her in times of need. It sounds like Justine was an amazing person, who had much to offer the world, in terms of her compassion empathy, activism and general kind-heartedness, which her mum clearly recognised in her. Justine’s parents were attentive, loving and supportive, even in times of heart-breaking difficulties and decisions. It is distressing to think of how many people we are failing who do not have the kind of support that Justine had. What a beautiful 29 years they had with her. I definitely recommend this book, and think no matter our circumstances there will be something to learn for all in here.

[T. C.]

A profound and compelling account

Tears running down my face, I'm almost at a loss for words after getting to know this mother and daughter so well and hearing their story. What a tragic and beautiful account of two valuable people.
The author bears all as she recounts the life of her daughter who was tormented by trouble she experienced as a young child. She went through careful length to show us the full character of her daughter in such a way, I'm sure I now know her. There is such care and beauty in the way she approached this sensitive retelling.
For anyone looking for a touching story, this is it. If you can relate to dealing with trauma, mental health issues, mourning, etc. this is a book that will resonate.
There are sensitive topics such as mental health, PTSD, and s.a. so be aware of these triggers.

[H.D. Logic]

This is a mother's short memoir about losing her oldest daughter--first through sexual abuse, then through teenage rebellion and mental illness, then through addiction, and finally in a terrible accident. It is a parent's lament as simply told in rough chronological order primarily through a series of anecdotes, each unraveling a bit more of her daughter's experience.

I could quibble with the title. This book is primarily the author's story of grief. It offers little insight about what her daughter was experiencing aside from the facts. But it does demonstrate the pain and suffering of a loving parent whose dreams for her child keep turning into nightmares.

There is no pain worse than to "lose" a child--however it happens. My best wishes to the author who tried her best as a parent and wrote a touching tribute to her daughter.

[Robert Williscroft]

This is a difficult book to read, not because of the writing – that is fine – but because of the subject matter. There is no happy ending for this tragic life. Justine gave it her best, but was unable, in the final analysis, to overcome the bipolar driving force that defined her short life. Her mother’s love seems to have given her a longer hold on reality than she might otherwise have had, and this is the true subject of this short volume. Cathy Brooks found a way to shower Justine with love when everything seemed to go against both of them. Cathy provides the reader with a deep glimpse into her soul, into what it took for her to deal with Justine. Unless you are oblivious to the human condition, this book will grip you from the first page through the end.

[Mary Schmidt]

Devastating

This is a devastating book about a child with mental health issues and her sudden death at age 29. I know child loss, I've lost two boys, but this book isn't about me or my losses. Having retired from working as a registered nurse, I have full empathy for this author. Mental illness is different in each person, and must be treated that way, individually, and correctly. Sadly, it's universal worldwide in that those with mental health issues fall to the side. Read this book. Learn about mental illness in a child and as an adults. Read the accomplishments and the sorrows.