I received the book Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing written by Geralyn S. RItter in exchange for this review.
There are books that are hard for me to read for different reasons and Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing was one of those books. It put me back into the hospital the night my daughter passed away.
The doctors and nurses were dealing with a tragedy they weren’t expecting. A 16 year old girl. There is still questions about Suzzane’s passing that I will never have the answers to. Which is the LORDS will but it doesn’t make it any easier.
After opening up Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healingthe book and learning she was thrown from Amtrack chills went down my spine as my Daughter and my nephew used to travel on it back and forth from Oklahoma when Suzzane was 14.
David let me know I didn’t have to read the book because he was afraid it would trigger nightmares and I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I knew David was right but I needed to face my fears head on. I sat down with the book in my hand and didn’t know I was crying until Charlie walked up.
I was amazed when Charlie said he would read this book with me. Each morning before school we would read a chapter or two and discuss what had happened. By sharing my thoughts with Charlie I was able to read the book and learn so much from the Author.
I am so proud of her for sharing her story. Her doctors and family and friends who stood by her. Because without them I am sure she wouldn’t be here today. Thank the LORD I never did drugs but I began to drink to much after Suzzane died.
But I was able to stop before I lost everything I had. If you’ve faced any kind of Trauma then this is a book you will want to read and share with everyone you know. Although it might be a little tough for kids to get through.
About:
On May 12, 2015, Amtrak 188 derailed outside of Philadelphia going 106 miles per hour. Eight passengers were killed and many more severely injured. Geralyn Ritter was thrown from the train with such force that she sustained catastrophic injuries to her chest, her abdomen, and her pelvis. Found unconscious, unable to breathe, and suffering massive blood loss, she was not expected to survive. After enduring weeks in the ICU, dozens of surgeries over the following years, unremitting pain, PTSD, depression, and opioid dependence, Geralyn was faced with a daunting question: Beyond mere survival after trauma, where is the path back to joy?
Bone by Bone shares her powerful story of resilience. With humor, grace, and no-holds-barred honesty, she describes the journey back to life and offers support and encouragement for others. Bone by Bone addresses the long-lasting impact of sudden trauma and extends hope—from the perspective of someone who has been there. And back.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
