2020 Nautilus Book Award for Memoir, Gold; 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Memoir (Personal struggle), Finalist
At the age of four, Dr. Lise Deguire suffered third-degree burns on 65% of her body as the result of both maternal and corporate negligence. Against the odds, she lived through the trauma, beginning decades of treatment as a burn survivor...and this is just part of her compelling story.
Dr. Deguire brings you into the dysfunctional and tragic world of her family, which includes artistic genius, narcissistic and neglectful parents, eccentricity, and four suicides. Most importantly, she explains her long but ultimately triumphant path towards love, health, and life satisfaction.
Some chapters of this gripping life journey focus on early events, including the story of the fire, her years of hospitalization for reconstructive surgeries, bullying, and social isolation. Other chapters focus on her adult life, such as her struggles to find romantic love, being a parent, and her work as a clinical psychologist.
The voice of Flashback Girl is warm and engaging. Despite the seriousness of the subject, the tone of the memoir is positive and humorous, without self-pity. This book inspires those who suffer life's challenges to maintain hope and to keep pushing on despite seemingly insurmountable hurdles.