“Writing with a deep understanding and acceptance of her identity as a woman with a disability, Brooke Ellison makes it apparent that she did not become who she is despite quadriplegia, but because of it. Brooke has learned what can be accomplished when fear makes room for hope, how a positive attitude can reframe a struggle into an opportunity to move forward, and how limitations can inspire creativity. These are lessons that have made her a courageous woman, a powerful leader, noteworthy scholar and fierce advocate. Readers will find it a privilege to know Brooke Ellison, just as I have.” 

— Rick Hansen, Founder, Rick Hansen Foundation, former Paralympian (gold medalist) and visionary behind the "Man in Motion" initiative

“In this brutally honest, profoundly illuminating book, Brooke Ellison takes us inside her life, and shows us what it is like to experience an enormous, crushing disability—and to rise above it. What is most striking about this book is how matter of fact it is: she does not waste time spewing anger about her fate, and neither does she fill these pages with platitudes about how nobly she has triumphed over her horrific injury. The real lesson of her compelling story is to remind us that people with disabilities need to be defined not by what part of them is physically broken, but as full and complete human beings.”

— Susan Solomon, President and CEO of the New York Stem Cell Foundation

“Wow, what an incredible mix of storytelling and advocacy. It’s rare that we managed to find books with a strong central narrative while making compelling points about policy and systems change that remain so engaging. Yet as Brooke provides a glimpse into her life, she does exactly that. Like all great pieces of writing her words managed to move me emotionally, prompting me to reflect on my own responses to challenges and biases as I saw myself in her story. A fantastic and thought-provoking read.”

— Mark Pollock – Explorer, Speaker & Collaborator