Amy Gamble's Unsilenced is a story of hope and perseverance. After being retraumatized in therapy and suffering devastating consequences because of it, she turned to her intuition, determination, and desire to heal. Eventually, after finding the right kind of resources and ongoing support from her family, she was able to create a path to recovery. Gamble's story provides encouragement and inspiration for readers, as well as insights into the necessity of proper therapy. Her story speaks to the power of speaking up, claiming one's story, and shedding light on mental health.

I always struggle to rate memoirs because I'm not trying to rate the actual lived story but the way it was told. Obviously, Amy Gamble has a remarkable story of recovery from trauma and mental illness and her advocacy work is truly admirable. However, for me, this book fell flat.
The first half felt disjointed and disorganized. The timeline jumped around making it difficult to follow in parts and for me it was not engaging to read. I put this book down in favor of other reads several times.

The second half is clearer but it felt clinical. I didn't really feel the passion other reviewers have described. For whatever reason this story did not impact me the way it impacted others. However, I do think it is a worthwhile read especially for therapists, law enforcement, and people struggling with their own mental illness or mental illness in a loved one.

Thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was an often hard but crucial read. I am glad Amy is in a place in her journey where she is able to share her story now as it doubtless inspires many going through similar things, and it has definitely impacted me as a future practitioner. I was infuriated for her at the treatment that was provided by many of her so called professionals such as Kendra and the nurse at the inpatient hospital talking about knowing her and so this book is great to help us in the field learn exactly how this behaviours can impact on a negative mental health journey and do better going forward, much like those in the CIT programmes.

Favourite Quote:
"I’m hopeful that by writing this book I’ll find the one person who needed to hear this story. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll become Unsilenced, too."

THE COVER PULLED ME IN TO WANT TO READ IT ALONG WITH THE TITLE.

THIS BOOK WAS A HARD READ AND AN EYE OPENER. IT REALLY MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS WORLD.

VERY RIVETING AND I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR LETTING ME READ AND REVIEW.

Processing trauma is a challenge in itself. Speaking must be harder; allowing yourself to be vulnerable and relive experiences you would rather die in the past. Amy Gamble's Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma was a beautiful, heartbreaking story of her healing that I doubt anyone could withstand and bounce back as she did. The vulnerability behind each word but also the frankness of her writing describes a fighter who is surviving each day with a determination not to be held back.

Unsilenced had me reaching for tissues, it pulled at my heartstrings listening to Gamble's moving tale. This is a story more people should know about.

Thank you NetGalley and author, Amy Gamble, for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. A raw, honest and brave book. Taking you along with the author as she fights to find her voice, her truth, and her purpose. Tackling issues of mental health, bipolar disorder and childhood abuse. Amy continues to raise awareness of the desperate need for a better understanding of trauma and mental health and it's impact on our everyday lives. This is a book that will stay with you long after reading. Truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your fight Amy.

Amy Gamble is completely vulnerable as she reveals her most difficult moments and deepest secrets related to her struggle with mental health. Amy's mother is bipolar, so when she receives the diagnosis that she is too, she understands what it means, but is reluctant to agree. After receiving "help" from a series of absolutely horrendous mental health practitioners she sets off on a viscious spiral of events which puts her in harms way many times. Gamble experienced multuple instances of sexual abuse in childhood and once she decides to try to work through that trauma, the counsellors and psychiatrists she trusts lead her down a very dangerous path. It is heartwrenching and dispicable to read about the care she received but it shows how difficult it is for someone with preexisting mental illnesses to be heard in a broken system. The entire story is gripping and chaotic, giving the reader a glimpse into the author's perspective and fluctuating state of mind. Like many trauma-based memoirs, it does jump around a bit chronologically, and is at times a bit hard to follow but I loved it and was easily able to just go along for the ride.

I would highly recommend this memoir and am so glad I got a chance to read it, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher!

5 Star Book! Gamble is an excellent writer and she has told her story with passion. I wanted to reach through the pages and give her a hug. A book that will stop and make you think and a reminder that we have no idea what other people are going through. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.