Headstrong: Surviving a Traumatic Brain Injury

When speaking of her relatives, my grandmother used to say, "Even if she weren't my daughter I would still love her." That is how I feel about this book. Even if the author was not my mother, I would still love it. Headstrong is an engaging story that draws you in and keeps you reading. Although it is a memoir of a traumatic event, the book is not dark or depressing, but uplifting. JoAnne Jones is a very talented writer.Rachel Jones, proud daughter of the author

Although the assault and the subsequent trauma are the scaffolding of this memoir, the story is so much more. We follow the author as she contends with the consequences of TBI such as, the ongoing challenge of living with invisible injury, and the struggle to regain mental and physical skills. We also celebrate the community of doctors, friends and loved ones who rallied in enumerable ways. I love that the chapters evolve from fear and trauma to love and gratitude for her community and especially her immediate family who also endured the shock of the attack. Some of this book will make you angry and feel sorry for the author but ultimately JoAnne Silver Jones gives us the gift of understanding that patience, resilience, and of course love, are required for true healing.

Professor Jones takes us with her on an intimate journey, sharing the horrors of her attack, the short and long term challenges faced by her and her loved ones. She does it gently, leading us through a labyrinth we would otherwise never encounter.One of the best books I’ve read this year.

JoAnne Silver Jones' honest, raw, heartbreaking and soul reaffirming journey affected me deeply. I could not put down this book until I witnessed, through her words, what this amazing woman has accomplished, both before and after the vicious random attack. It truly was an honor to be invited in. Her story gave me hope for the resilience we all seem to need today to navigate our ever changing world. I have had a number of amazing people in my life whose examples have taught me about survival and finding joy in the moment. This memoir is now added to this list.

I just finished Headstrong. I loved it so much. I couldn't put it down. JoAnne Silver Jones is a great writer. I learned so much about living with TBI. As an AEDP trauma therapist and emotion educator, this book is an important contribution because it gives us an up-close and personal experience of trauma, PTSD, love, and relationships.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a woman is accosted at night on the street by a man with a hammer, and we’re not sure why. The opening chapter puts us at the scene of the crime, as the author’s hands fly to protect her face, but not her brain.As a reader, I was angry at this random act of violence, as Joanne Silver Jones became a victim just because she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. The brutal beating – and for what, we don’t really know for sure – will change the author’s life forever. And yet, there is hope. Days will pass and years will go by, and slowly there will be healing.Headstrong is a story about recovery, one step at a time. Indeed, Jones is a brave survivor. She tells her story with clarity, feeling, and compassion. To gain understanding when tragedy strikes, read this book for inspiration. If you think life is unfair, read this book to learn forgiveness. I highly recommend it!

Professor Jones skillfully leads us through her journey dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) which resulted after she was brutally beaten by an assailant who used a hammer to smash her hands and skull. The book is very well written and worth reading because it gives the reader valuable insight into those dealing with PTSD and TBI. I came away with more compassion and understanding which is a tribute to JoAnne Silver Jones for telling her story.Pam Fadlovich

I couldn't put the book down. Silver Jones is s prolific writer who takes you on a journey of her searing pain, honest struggle and shares her victories and hopes and love

This true story is very moving. I could not put it down. JoAnne Silver Jones has taken us down the rabbit hole of assault, trauma, the unfeeling nature of the justice system, and the hope of a medical system that really works sometimes. Most of all, we see the determination and hard work involved in recovery for a victim and her family and community. This tragedy has a happy ending about strength and hope.