Leave the Light On: Memoir of Recovery & Self-Discovery

Storm details her recovery and self-discovery after attempted suicide put her in the hospital and forced her to face her emotional pain, which partly stems from childhood rape. In short, easily flowing chapters, she relates her sexual confusion, growing comfort with 12-step meetings as she begins recovery, and a violent encounter at a party with visiting friends that demonstrates her removal from her old life. Every step of recovery took her “further and further away from the friends I thought I had and further away from the person I once was.” For the first time, she achieved emotional intimacy, in a sexless, “pseudo-lesbian” relationship; became a successful college student; and participated in campus life. Recovery held even after an emergency surgery required post-procedural morphine. Throughout her journey through recovery to professional social activism, she received her parents’ emotional and financial support and their unconditional love. Although the still-young Storm undoubtedly will face future trials, her book’s happy ending satisfies. Many may find solace and inspiration in it.

— Whitney Scott from Booklist Online: Book Reviews from the American Library Association