Changed by the Rain: Life after a Brain Injury by Candice C. Kirkbride

Pages: 96

Intended Audience: Mature Tweens and up

Genre: Memoir

Notes for Parents: Some mature content

The Back Cover

At the tender age of 15, Candice Kirkbride's life changed forever. Happiness is at the front of her mind everyday despite the challenges she continues to face. She does not want to be defined by that one fateful night. She has dedicated herself to inspiring others to find happiness in their life. Candice's message touches each person differently. Whether it's through her story of recovery, overcoming adversity or forgiving those who have wronged her, she has experienced so much in her young life. Life story, poems and strategies, this book will help inspire you to changed your life as Candice has hers.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

The author was struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver and sustained serious head injuries as a result. Now, more than 15 years after her accident, she writes about her injuries, her recovery, and the new person she has become. This book is self-published.

What’s good?

This is an important story about a young woman’s journey of recovery after a traumatic brain injury. Compelling and emotional, the author describes with honesty the stark realities she had to face immediately after the accident, and the new life she has had to acclimate to as a result. While she has met the enormous challenges with determination and resiliency, her responses to situations weren't always perfect. Often her frustration, confusion, and defiance got the best of her. Each chapter begins with one of the author’s original poems. A small selection of photographs is included. There are sad parts, and funny parts, and some astute observances about the importance of having a strong support group.

Best Part: "Love life because life loves you!"

What isn’t good?

For the most part the story is chronological, so when the author back-tracked or jumped forward occasionally, I found it a bit disorientating. I also found myself wanting more details about how other people were reacting to her, but understandably she stuck to only telling her side of the story.

Worst part: There are some punctuation errors and missing words that should have been caught in the editing process.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

This is a fast, accessible, easy-to-read memoir that is revealing without being too graphic. It serves as a mild cautionary tale for teens, as well as an inspirational story of strength and courage. It’s also a powerful illustration of how fragile the human brain can be. The author’s poetry is simple and quite beautiful, and her storytelling will engage teens and adults alike. Recommended.

Kirkbride, Candice C., Changed by the Rain: Life after a Brain Injury. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse, 2016.