Set in 1950s–60s Massachusetts, The Girl with the Black and Blue Doll is a raw and unforgettable coming-of-age memoir. Linda, a bright but neglected child, seeks refuge from her volatile home life by hiding under her bunk bed with her Betsy Wetsy — and inside her imagination. Raised on a three-generation family farm, Linda is "parentified" far too young and discouraged from dreaming beyond factory work. But when she steps into the world of education, the fire inside her begins to burn. Through determination, empathy, and unexpected friendships, Linda fights to escape the emotional shackles of her upbringing. Her transformation unfolds against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the Hippie Movement, and a culture finally beginning to question silence, shame, and survival.

Today, the result of Linda’s emotional neglect would be recognized as depression in the form of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and her family is dysfunctional. Linda’s book is especially relevant to today’s Teen Mental Health Crisis under the influence of social media, especially TikTok. www.LindaSummersea.com

Anette DeMattio - After surviving six cancer diagnoses, years of chronic pain, and some of life's greatest challenges, Anette noticed the same pattern everywhere: The strongest people were often the most disconnected from themselves. The caregivers. The leaders. The healthcare professionals. The parents. The survivors. People who had learned how to survive, but never how to stop surviving. That insight became the foundation for The Too Strong Movement™ and her international award-winning book, Too Strong For Your Own Good. Today, Anette helps people recognize the survival patterns they mistake for strength so they can move from Survival Strong to Soul Strong and reconnect to who they truly are.

anettedemattio.com

International Book Award Winner – Health: Cancer

International Book Award Finalist – Psychology/Mental Health

Independent Press Award – Distinguished Favorite Self-Help

#1 Amazon Bestseller — Health Psychology

Born with severe brain defects, Suzy was sentenced to a life of “nevers.” Her miraculous journey has led many experts to question existing medical textbooks. Predicting that she would never walk, talk, or function in society, she overcame all these obstacles with determination and perseverance. Her IQ score identified Suzy with severe intellectual disabilities, but she proceeded through infant stimulation, studies in public and specialized schools, and summer programs geared to the disabled community. Her achievements include winning medals during the Tournament of Champions, performing in a dance recital, celebrating a Bat Mitzvah, living independently, and working as a classroom assistant for the past twenty-three years. Her joy of life offers us hope while showing us that giving up is not a choice. This book is not just a tribute to Suzy but a roadmap for all parents experiencing the challenges of raising a child with disabilities and/or medical issues. Told with the hope that other parents will learn from her successes and failures, this is a story of the power of perseverance, courage, and love. janemfischer.com