Giving Yourself to Life: A Journal of Pain, Hope and Renewal
Also available as an e-book on Kobo or Kindle
About the Book
For twelve months Deborah Shepard kept a journal to help her with a chronic pain condition. Soon she found herself contemplating all of life’s pains and losses, including the devastating earthquakes that shattered her hometown of Christchurch. Searching for a way through, she began observing the natural world on her doorstep and reflecting on family, friendship, flowers, beauty, literature and art. By ‘giving herself to life’ she discovered the power of writing to heal. ‘It’s about learning to live fully in the moment in the midst of all the sufferings we as human beings encounter on a life path.’
Author Information
Deborah Shepard is a biographer and teacher of memoir, and has a PhD in Film Studies. She began her writing career as a film and art historian. Her previous three books were critically acclaimed for documenting the contribution of women to the arts in New Zealand. In 2013 she was appointed to the Autumn Residency at the Michael King Writers' Centre, where she also teaches memoir. Giving Yourself to Life is the first of her autobiographical explorations in journal writing.
Reviews
This lovely journal, not made lovely by chronic pain, but deepened because of it. Humane, delicate and bold as the journals of May Sarton or Elisabeth Tova Bailey's observations of her snail.
– Elizabeth Smither, poet and novelist
Slow, elegant and brave, this journal, a map of a year of constant pain, delves into the author's struggle to "live in the moment". Full of grit and stoicism, the writer makes a beautiful chart of a horrid thing. An admirable achievement.
– Kate Llewellyn, poet and writer, author of 20 books including The Waterlily and her recent journal A Fig at the Gate
Deborah Shepard does not shirk from taking the reader into difficult places, yet also rewards us with utterly beautiful and compelling writing.
– Cathie Dunsford, author and editor
To anyone familiar with negotiating the parameters of pain, Deborah Shepard's personal story will resonate loud and clear.
– Wallace Chapman, TV and radio broadcaster
Searingly honest, deeply inspiring.
– Vidyamala Birch, author of Living Well with Pain & Illness
Specifications
ISBN: 9781877429118
Pages: 264
Format: 198 x 130 mm, b&w text, flexi cover with head and tail bands
Illustrations: 'Mutabilis' roses by Jacinda Torrance
Published: February 2015