Book 73: Life out of Order by Sally Laux

When you know the author of the book you're reading, it changes the way you absorb it. Or at least it did for me.

Sally Laux is a Delawarean, nurse and acupuncturist, and one of six children. Her brothers Brad and Steve died untimely deaths (of AIDS and an unknown cause, respectively), and her third brother, Matt, just younger than she, suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He was middle-aged, the victim of a very serious auto accident that disabled him for life. Sally's life was forever changed when she assumed guardianship for her brother.

Sally self-published this book, which means it didn't go through a formal editorial process. That is a very good thing. Her feelings are raw and real, and she doesn't pretend that everything will be okay. She bares it all, bravely and honestly. (There are some type-o's in the book, too, but just try to ignore them. Grammar-Nazi that I am, I chose to focus on the story and forgive all of them.)

Sally's story brings TBI home for most of us. I feel very honored to know Sally, and to be privy to such an intimate account of her family life. I'll be calling her to thank her for sharing her story.

Pick this up on Amazon, you won't find it on bookshelves yet... but I suspect it won't be long.