You’ve Got Some Nerve received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Derryen Plante.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
You’ve Got Some Nerve: The Battle Back from an Invisible Injury; January 12th, 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
With my college textbook tucked into my floral-print back- pack and coffee in hand, I clocked in to begin another long evening shift. Unlike many women my age, I wasn’t heading to an office to answer phones, or to a classroom to teach bright-eyed students; I worked in a prison.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
You’ve Got Some Nerve is Derryen’s real, raw, and honest account of how she redefined her life, navigated the challenges unique to brain injury recovery, and found support in unexpected places. Her journey offers keen insight into how each of us can support those suffering with the long-term effects of an invisible injury. It’s a must-read if you have, or you love someone who has, experienced trauma, gone through feelings of helplessness and loss, or simply need a guiding light to find the way to a new normal.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was inspired to write this book as I began to acknowledge my own struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I began to write as a way to work through the trauma I had experienced. Writing allowed me to become more open with those around me about the things I was struggling with. As I spoke with those around me about my struggle, I found that they could always relate to my story in one way or another. I hoped that by writing this book I would be able to offer hope, strength, and support to those suffering through brain injuries and invisible illnesses.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Someone should read this book to gain a better understanding of the daily battle that goes into recovering from a brain injury or an invisible illness. When injuries and illnesses can’t be seen, it is difficult for many individuals to understand what the person suffering from these types of issues is going through. Individuals suffering from invisible illness can often feel shame, embarrassment, and anger when their illnesses aren’t being validated, which can keep them from sharing the true extent of what they are dealing with with their loved ones. This book will provide care givers with a new perspective and encourage those suffering from invisible injuries and illnesses to advocate for themselves and their needs.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
If I had the ability to choose, I would love for Emilia Clarke to play the lead role. Emilia has also suffered from brain injuries and works closely with a charity that raises funds to help increase neurorehabilitation after brain injury and stroke. I feel as though she would be able to connect to the character in a way that few other people could.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This is the first book I have written, and it is a piece that I have put my heart and soul into. I wrote this piece with the intention of hopefully helping just one person, and I hope to be able to achieve that goal.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
My motivation is providing support to those who feel like they are fighting an invisible battle all on their own. Brain injuries and invisible illnesses can be incredibly isolating, as significant others, friends, and even doctors can unintentionally make individuals feel judged, dismissed, or unheard. I want people to know that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there are people out there who believe and support them. I want to give back hope to those who have lost it, and encourage them to keep fighting for the answers that they deserve.