Reviews and Awards
Featured in Kirkus Magazine
Page 167 (169)
Editorial Review (Quotes)
"inspiring and unforgettable... this is a remarkably honest, fearless, and selfless piece of writing, one that could help people facing a myriad of challenges, which could even be life-saving."
- Self Publishing Review (4.5 stars)
​
“Liz Grace’s unflinching account sheds much-needed light on these struggles, making Resilient an incredibly valuable read for anyone who knows someone battling mental illness.”
- Books That Make You
​
“Grace’s transformation from someone battling the shadows of her mind to thrive is a testament to the possibility of recovery and growth.”
- Books That Make You
"An honest and inspiring account of a young woman’s struggles with deafness and mental illness."
- Kirkus Reviews
Awards
Fall 2023 - The Bookfest - Honorable Mention - Health & Wellness - Mental Health
Fall 2023 - The Bookfest - Honorable Mention - Memoirs - Transformational
2023 - Self-Publishing Review - 4.5 stars
Leslie L., United States, May 4, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Real and raw
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
I love this book. The author is real and raw. I felt for her as she discussed her mental illness. Journal entries and stories of how she dealt with her illness gave a lot of insight. I recommend this book to people with a mental illness or people who know people who are mentally ill.
Liz, United States, June 21, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A real look, and a story of hope
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
This is an honest, real look at mental illness, from the point of view of those who live, cope, and fight against it on a daily basis, how sometimes those outside, who want to help, add to the stress and pain, and a reference story of hope an, well, resilience, that gives strength to those living with any form of mental illness or affection, and also to those who know them, and want to help.
God bless you, Liz,may you continue building a beautiful life, and helping others do the same, one day at a time.
Jmdnurse, United States, May 12, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2024
I am a psychiatric nurse who has worked on Inpatient units for 30 years. Until I read this book I never understood how hospitalization impacts a patients future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who works in Healthcare. The author is to be commended for her bravery and vulnerability in sharing her story.
LG, UK, June 15, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening insight into mental illness
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2024
Wow! Such an honest memoir on the realities of living with mental illness.
Having struggled with my own mental ill health since childhood, I could certainly relate to a lot of what Grace experienced in terms of not being believed or listened to by family and health professionals alike. It took over 20 years of me trying to explain there was something wrong before I finally got a psychiatrist who really listened non judgementally and correctly diagnosed me, when having read my medical records, it had been clear what my diagnoses were for around 15 years.
It was a heartbreaking read and I found myself wanting to scream at everyone around her to wake up and actually help her. It was also good to show that those of us living with mental ill health are capable and can achieve a lot. Grace is clearly an intelligent, kind, hardworking woman doing her best in spite of her illness.
I know she will likely continue to manage her illness for the rest of her life, but truly hope she is now surrounded by people who empathise and want to help her. She also shows progress in her ability to recognise when she needs hospitalisation. A very insightful and honest book. If you or any of your loved ones struggle with mental illness, read/have them read this, you will either feel less alone in the former, or hopefully in the latter instance, will learn a lot about the harsh realities of mental illness.
Anita & Paul, UK, June 14, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Reality hits home!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 June 2024
Absolutely brilliant book! As a mental health nurse I was really pleased to be able to read such a hard hitting book. Excellently written.Hopefully it will help with the stigma still associated with mental health & make people more aware of the silent issues people are living with. Cannot rate this highly enough!
julie young, UK, June 13, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Honest, raw memoir
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 June 2024
A brutally honest, heart rending memoir. Mental illness has long been an illness with an undeserved,damaging stigma attached to it. The author holds nothing back in this telling of her life and the causes, effects her mental health has had on all aspects. Such a brave recount I'm sure many readers will find both informative and heartening. Very much a survivor.
scoops, UK, June 7, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 June 2024
Liz suffers from depression, anxiety and self harming this is her story. I found her Dad a bit useless if I'm honest and it can't have been easy for Liz not knowing where to turn for help, this is why so many people end up on the streets. Good job she had her Grandparents to help her.
It was a hard read for me as my daughter has suffered for twenty one years with depression & anxiety after losing her daughter. There isn't any proper help out there for mental health just pills. Doctors & councilors don't have a clue would be a good read for them. It is very hard on all concerned and very frustrating, as a parent you feel helpless you try to be supportive as much as possible but without help you are banging your head against a brick wall. My daughter is unable to deal with phones so won't ask for help and that can be very frustrating because they won't deal with me. Liz has done an excellent job in writing this book good luck to her for the future.
Foxypoppy, UK, May 12, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars So glad I read this
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 May 2024
Liz Grace has explained in detail her experiences in the Canadian mental health system. I hope this book is read by mental health practitioners worldwide to broaden understanding of the experience of episodes poor mental health/psychosis, what is helpful to the patient and not helpful.
Liz Grace is incredible, her book Resilient is very well named. Hilton must have a mention of course for her hugely positive addition to Liz's life.
deirdre OSullivan, UK, February 16, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A story I can relate to
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2024
This book gets 5 stars and I really hope a lit of doctors and families will read this. Such an emotional book for me given my own similar diagnosis! Stay strong, my dear and everything will be ok x
Mom of M&M, USA, April 8, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars personal insights shared regarding Liz’s mental states
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
What a story!! I could not put it down for an entire day until I finished as I had to know if Liz finally made it! My heart was with her all the way, I laughed and cried and learned so much from the trenches of her life. Liz, you are a true hero. I’m thankful for sharing these years of abuse and fear, anxiety, and all of your thoughts that led you to do so so many terrible things to yourself from doubt. We can all learn from your experience and pain. I pray that people will have enough understanding to want to truly hear what a person like you needs to say. Thank you for trusting us with reading it. I’m curious how God will use this sensitivity and caring to find people who need a friend or mentor to show they care. Because I do.
Happy Mom, USA, March 31, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for writing this!
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
This book gives a powerful glimpse into the experience of a person with both mental illness and hearing loss. Just reading the author's explanation of what hearing loss is like, and using a cochlear implant, is worth getting the book. But beyond that, I think this account should be required reading for everyone in the mental health community, from psychiatrists to crisis line counselors. The author tells with heartwrenching clarity what she experienced during hospitalizations, whether positive or negative. I am a better person for having read this book!
Ellen Jacobsen, USA, March 28, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Resilient by Liz Grace is a must read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
I really appreciated the honesty and openess of the author. I believe she is helping to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Her candor and insight is remarkable.
Dana Wehrly, USA, March 17, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars An illuminating look into life with severe mental illness
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
This author provided a profound and honest glimpse into her teenage and early adulthood with schizoaffective disorder and hearing loss.
This book, like severe mental illness, was emotionally challenging to experience at times. Unlike mental illness, the reader has the opportunity to pause their experience with the challenging content. I encourage you to read/listen straight through if you can, as this allows you to more closely empathize with the intensity of acute mental illness. Do be sure to schedule self-care and reflection time when you’re done.
I listened to the audio version of this book in one day, which is narrated by the author, adding an additional power to her words.
I am amazed by this author’s vulnerability, strength, and resilience. Thank you for sharing your story, Liz Grace.
S. Lancaster, USA, February 7, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Perspective building - a must-read for healthcare providers!
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2024
Written by an occupational therapist with training as a healthcare provider, this memoir sheds light on what life can be life from the perspective of a person with mental illness and hearing loss. The first-hand point-of-view allows the reader to gain insight about the thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences of a person with challenges impacting every aspect of her daily life. The author shares details about her educational process as she trains to become a clinician, her family dynamics, and even the direct impact of COVID-19 on her ability to function with regard to her physical and mental health challenges. This book is a fairly quick read and is a must-read for healthcare providers!
James K. Foohey, USA, December 17, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars It takes a lot of courage to write a book like Resilient.
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
It takes a lot of courage to write a book like Resilient. The author tells a powerful, completely honest story of her battle with mental illness. You have to relive the painful experiences of your life in your mind in order to write about them. I know because I'm writing my memoir. I discovered memories always come with emotions. I’m sure Resilient was a difficult book to write. Reading Resilient has given me the courage to include a chapter in my book about the bouts of depression I went through in my life.
There are different kinds of memoirs. Some are revealing and interesting. Some are entertaining and funny. And some are inspirational. This book should inspire anyone suffering in silence with mental illness to seek help. It could also inspire someone to help a friend or family member trying to deal with mental illness. Resilient could be a lifesaver.
Contact Liz Grace, Author
I'm always looking for new opportunities to share my book and reader feedback.
Let's connect.