Still Standing: What I've learnt from a life lived differently

by Jessica Quinn

Jess Quinn's inspirational memoir tells her story of losing her leg to cancer as a nine-year-old and how she's come to an acceptance of this and turned it into a quest to help others.Jess Quinn is, in her own words, quite literally a walking miracle. Her body has been completely restructured so that she could survive an aggressive cancer.Jess's leg was amputated just before her ninth birthday, and she has had to adapt to living with a prosthetic leg. The challenges Jess has faced ever since have given her a unique outlook. Growing up, she felt alone in her difference, but she has learnt that the one thing people have in common is that we are all different.She is on a mission to normalise 'different', speaking out on social media, creating diversity through her work as a model and helping people see we have a choice over how we respond to hardship.This is a story of body acceptance, finding ways to live through life's adversities, and perseverance.Jess's inspirational 'you've got this' attitude has seen her through every struggle she's faced. Her philosophy embraces the fact that none of us gets to keep the body we were born in; we all bear scars that become part of our stories. She's learnt to change the narrative and be grateful for what she can do, rather than focusing on the things she can't.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography

Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2021

Reviews

[chooksandbooksnz]

Still Standing - Jess Quinn

Imagine at the tender age of 9, what seems like a broken bone turns out to be a life changing diagnosis leading to the loss of a limb….

This is Jess’ reality and her book Still Standing gives a candid insight onto what her life is like and how diversity and normalising ‘different’ is so important. Jess shares her ever changing journey of self acceptance and body neutrality (as opposed to body positivity - she explains this in the book).

There are so many ups and downs and so many unanswered questions during tough times because Jess’ circumstances are medically rare. She describes the frustrations and the worry while still having a glass half full approach.

The writing itself simple and was easy to digest - which is just what I needed at the time. It’s a good mix of being quite reflective whilst looking to the future and I wonder if writing this book may have provided her with some healing of sorts.

There’s lots of nuggets of wisdom and inspirational quotes (without being over the top or cheesy). During Jess’ life she has showed such resilience in the face of adversity and the way she is grateful for what she does have and can do (whilst not invalidating the struggles) - her outlook and drive to overcome is constant, even in tough times. She is truly admirable and a great role model to all.

Jess is an absolute force to be reckoned with and this was a great read!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really good book!!! It’s one of those books that you want to read like all the time but then you are sad when you finish it! I personally know someone who is going through osteosarcoma and got rotationplasty too. It showed me that hope is really important and family will always be there for you. Jess Quinn showed me that because there are challenges in life it doesn’t mean that you should just give up. You need to keep going. Jess Quinn made a difference, she showed that just because someone looks “different” it doesn’t mean that has to stop you from doing what you love. Everyone is unique in their own way. And that’s okay. You should always love yourself! I would read this book over and over again!!! Thank you Jess Quinn! 💗

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring novel and one which all teenage girls should read. The underlying message of acceptance and “loving the skin you’re in” is desperately needed.

[Dot · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Still Standing" tells the story of New Zealand model Jess Quinn's experience of having her leg amputated as an eight-year-old.

I loved Jess' telling of her tale. It was easy to read, but it also had a beautiful blend of her thoughts on disability, how she gets through the tough times, and also the wide range of experiences she has lived as an amputee. I appreciated that she acknowledged that her story is a work in progress, and did not gloss over the pain and the depth of feeling she has gone through. Must read!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Jess's story this afternoon and what an awe-inspiring memoir! Such a positive, uplifting reminder that one's "perspective is a beautiful thing".

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a heartwarming, motivating and inspiring book. I couldn't put it down, I even carried it on a 3 day hike to read and boy am I glad I did because it really kept me going even when I was feeling lethargic and at the end of my threshold. I absolutely loved every bit of this story!

[Kin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jess is from NZ, her leg was amputated at age 9 due to cancer. She shared her experiences and hardships. Even with one prosthetic leg, she danced on TV show and was model in LA.

I loved one incidence from book when she didn’t wear shorts for 7-8 years expecting other people would make a big deal Seeing her in shorts (one leg). But NOBODY REACTED AT ALL.

“I realized that things you worry about often aren’t even things that anyone else would ever notice. It’s so easy to let your insecurities become much bigger than they ever need to be.”

[Tina Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and read it in one sitting. Could not put it down. I loved reading about what Jess overcame as a young child with cancer but what really resonated with me was Jess’ views on self acceptance versus body positivity. We have one body and we don’t have to love it to appreciate it. I am a curvy girl and spent most of my early life hiding away but now in my 40’s I have accepted my body and am now living life.
Inspirational book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was what I expected - an inspiring biographical tale of Jess Quinn’s struggle with cancer, losing her leg, and her drive and passion that has led her to be where she is today. What I didn’t expect was to find such a skilfully woven narrative that was thought provoking and beautifully written.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A compelling story told in a down to earth manner. Jess is refreshingly honest about her challenges in life, and even more positive about the life she has lead - even when new hurdles are put in front of her. The work she has done around discouraging photoshopping and retouching is commendable, and a reason why every teenage girl of the social media age should read this book.

[Moumita Laha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful! Her story really made me reflect a lot of things about myself and my life. She tells a moving story and gives hope even when everything seems black. A definite must read, especially for young adults.

[Lynley Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Not only did it give me an amazing insite into Jess Quinn's world, but Jess also spoke from the pages to the reader with such inspiration about living our lives to the fullest and making every day count!!

A truly incredible story of strength, hope and love❤️

[Alex buckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 days. Such an inspirational person. Proud to be supporting a fellow Kiwi who is living life to the full.

[Fiona Mackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for personal response standards, and suitable for Y7-13 readers too.

[Kate Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible inspiring story from a fav on the gram. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s so empowering❣️

[Melissa Sowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Jess has been through a lot and she is a very strong woman. Good read

[Claire Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and real. A truly authentic story of adversity and how Jess overcomes everyday challenges. Inspiring read!

[Rebecca Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, a really inspirational read

[Lucy Mcmahon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found her message and story inspirational indeed! Although found the writing and casual conversation-style hard to look past

[Danielle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the book in one sitting on a rainy day in Clyde, raw honest and a beautiful book which makes you put life into perspective.

[Lily Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really, really struggled to finish this book. Jess Quinn has an absolutely incredible story, but this book was not put together very well.

[Isabel Vanlint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book with a fantastic message about body neutrality and acceptance. I think everyone should read this book at some point!