More Than You Can See
Barbara Rubin
290 pages
She Writes Press
published October 4, 2022
Thank you @booksparks and @BarbaraRubin for this #fallpopup #gifted book. I’ve become somewhat of a celebrity memoir junkie, but I also enjoy stories of real people. This one will haunt me. I don’t have any kids, but WOW I can’t imagine having to live through this when it is your child.
I loved how Barbara didn’t give up and made her daughter’s life as full as it could be. Through the ups and downs she was tenacious in her devotion to her daughter and her family. This was heart wrenching at times but also conveyed the joy in the small things and how strong hope and believing in something can be. And the family she created with her daughter’s caregivers. This is a shout out to any caregivers going the extra mile. You are seen and appreciated.
About the book:
At seventeen, Barbara’s daughter Jennifer is in a horrific car accident and sustains a traumatic brain injury that sends her into a two-week coma. Once she awakens, a unique disability presents itself: Jenn lacks any traditional method of communication. Unable to speak or function on her own, Jenn must relearn basic life skills in a rehabilitation facility while Barbara and her family struggle to piece together their lives, now forever changed.
When it becomes clear that Barbara and her husband cannot care for Jenn on their own, they move her to a group home. Over time, three creative, lighthearted women become Jenn’s caregivers, and with their support Jenn reenters the community and experiences travel and adventure, all while capturing the hearts of those around her with her engaging and quirky personality.
Despite her disability, Jenn connects with everyone in her life. And Barbara ultimately realizes that Jenn’s lack of language doesn’t stop her from having a voice. A touching memoir that strikes a delicate balance between sorrow and joy, heartbreak and triumph, More Than You Can See is Barbara’s story of moving beyond tragedy and discovering profound and fulfilling life lessons waiting for her on the other side.
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