Karen Cruz was not supposed to live to see 29 years old. She had a plan to take her life shortly after her 28th birthday, a plan she was sure she would not falter on. But, as she states, that plan eventually "fell apart beautifully." Cruz was ultimately hospitalized, diagnosed as bipolar, and released back into the world with medication and a list of resources for people struggling with mental illness. But like any illness...healing and recovery are not that simple. What followed for Cruz was a year of successes and failures with medications, manic and depressive episodes, relapses, sadness, anger, grief....and ultimately, triumph and peace. Throughout this experience, Cruz wrote poetry and stories that chronicled her journey back from the edge, back to love and a strong will to live. This poetry collection is what became of that journey. All of the poems in this book were written before, during, and after Cruz's hospitalization following a plan to take her life. The author conjures imagery and themes, both dark and hopeful, that are comforting and relatable to anyone struggling with suicide in their own life. The genuine and forthright writing invites the audience into Cruz's world, allowing them to participate in her recovery - and perhaps discover their own recovery as well. It is clear-eyed and wholeheartedly vulnerable, and speaks to anyone who is experiencing, or has experienced, the consequences and effects of mental illness. In a country where it is estimated that 1 in 5 adults are mentally ill, this book highlights the struggles, pain, sadness, and frustrations brought about by trauma and mental illness. Cruz takes her debut publication one step further - 100% of profits from this book are donated to suicide crisis centers in Colorado and Washington state, two places she considers home.
