Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

TW: SA, injustice in legal system

As always, please check trigger warnings before picking up a new read. If you require support after reading a book like this, please also research local hotlines.

If you are looking for a book that serves as fantastic inspiration to begin in your own mental health journey towards healing post SA, this is the one for you. As a practicing mental health practitioner, this is a book I will be purchasing to have on-site as a resource to reference with my clients. I will also be recommending they purchase the book themselves, should they wish to go deeper outside of the therapy room.

Thank you for providing a resource, Katie. I recognise and applaud how vulnerable you were while writing this. It was beautiful.

"Even If You’re Broken: Bodies, Boundaries, and Mental Health" by Katie Rose Guest Pryal is a compassionate and insightful exploration of the intersection of physical health, mental health, and personal boundaries. Pryal, drawing from her own experiences and expertise as a writer and attorney, offers readers a compelling narrative that challenges societal norms and empowers individuals to embrace their authentic selves.

At its core, "Even If You’re Broken" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Pryal courageously shares her own journey of navigating chronic illness and mental health challenges, providing readers with a roadmap for self-acceptance and healing. Through candid and vulnerable storytelling, she dismantles the stigma surrounding invisible disabilities and mental illness, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding among readers.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Pryal's ability to blend personal narrative with practical advice and advocacy. She offers readers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, advocating for oneself, and setting boundaries in personal and professional relationships. Pryal's guidance is both empowering and actionable, providing readers with tools to assert their autonomy and prioritize their well-being.

What sets "Even If You’re Broken" apart is its emphasis on the importance of self-compassion and radical acceptance. Pryal challenges readers to reject society's narrow definitions of success and worth, encouraging them to embrace their inherent value and beauty regardless of their perceived flaws or limitations. Her message of self-love and acceptance resonates throughout the book, offering readers a powerful reminder that they are worthy of love and belonging just as they are.

Pryal's writing is engaging and accessible, making complex topics accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Her compassionate tone and empathetic storytelling create a safe space for readers to explore their own experiences and emotions. Through poignant anecdotes and relatable examples, she fosters a sense of connection and understanding that transcends the page.

In conclusion, "Even If You’re Broken" by Katie Rose Guest Pryal is a transformative and empowering read that challenges readers to redefine their relationship with their bodies, boundaries, and mental health. Pryal's courage, compassion, and wisdom shine through in every page, offering readers a beacon of hope and healing in a world that often feels overwhelming. Whether you're navigating chronic illness, mental health challenges, or simply seeking greater self-acceptance, this book is sure to leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind.

Wanted to really enjoy this book and walk away feeling like I learned something new. It felt a little like a lecture and I didn't really enjoy it.

This book is powerful. As a survivor of depression and sexual trauma, I wish more people would pick these types of books up. Even if you have no trauma, learning about them will help you understand a lot more. The writing style kept me engaged and wanting to read more, I definitely will be setting more boundaries in my relationships. I learned a lot about myself reading this book, thank you to Katie for opening up her story and sharing with the world, you are incredibly brave and I hope to read more from you! You and so many other authors have given a voice to survivors, and it is amazing.

An honest and raw collection of essays of the author's personal experiences of sexual abuse. Often hard to read in parts, but a necessary read to help find answers to the most common questions surrounding this topic. Why are so many instances unreported. The later section of the book continues to highlight the failings of individuals and institutions in supporting individuals, again told with such bravery and open honesty of the author who is a legal professor.

I first read Even If You're Broken when it was initially published a few years after my sexual assault. I will always have a special place in my heart for this book and Katie Rose Guest Pryal's ability to talk about such a complicated subject with openness and a bit of humor. In the new addition, I loved getting to see how intermixed trauma becomes with mental illness and one's brain.

I was thrilled when I saw this book was available; I’ve had it on my Kindle wish list for a while. It did indeed live up to my expectations. The essays contained within both made me feel understood and taught me a lot of new information. Highly recommended for all female readers, particularly those who have been sexually assaulted.

A honest and at times hard read about a woman’s views and experience around sexual assault. This is an open and honest essay about her experience and views around this topic. A really interesting read.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced Arc I appreciate it so much.

All opinions in this review are my own.

Reading this book was a bit of a eye opener for me about how the American system is in universities & how SA is seen over their especially though the eyes of someone who's been through it. I was shocked to see that if u have been SA that you will have ur mental health/disabilities used against you .... not going to lie this shocked and sickened me at the same time to know that this is the treatment.

Hearing the author share her story I found to be so brave and reading it though kindle I toke onto two chapters at a time, I hope that this book stands as a way for others to come out and share their stories.

I am a SA survivor myself and its not something easy to talk about nor get over.

I only put a rating because of being asked to but I don't like normally rating people biographies or real life memories etc that are shared, I believe no ones life can be scored