This was a really strong memoir about a woman who faced crippling physical pain after a major car accident when she was 17. I wanted to read this book to learn more about her journey dealing with chronic pain and how to find hope in that kind of situation. I did appreciate Lindsey sharing all of her life (including painful memories about her ex-husband and the death of her father), and I also liked that there was an inclusion of religion and spirituality without straying into preachy territory. The only thing that kept this from being five stars is that there was some repetitiveness and pacing issues (some parts dragged a bit). But overall, Lindsey's story is an inspirational one, and I'm sure that anyone who's struggling can find something to relate to.

After listening to Ruthie speak at a conference, I jumped on pre-ordering her book but just couldn't wait and requested a copy through NetGalley. Her story brought me through all the emotions. I highly recommend it.

I couldn't be happier that you've stumbled upon this book. It is special. As special as you. Ruthie is a gift to this world and she shares so wholly with us the challenges, the hope, and the healing she's experienced. This book is raw. It cracked me open like I didn't know I needed to be cracked open. I am grateful for the teachings of this book - that joy is not immediate, it is something we must work towards, must choose, every day. This book opens us all and shows us that healing is for everyone.

I have followed Ruthie on Instagram for years and I completely fell in love with her story, her vulnerability, and her joy. This book was beautiful. It was beautifully written and it left me feeling like I was Ruthie’s best friend. Her story will impact so many lives.

The most raw, heartbreaking and inspiring story.
I noticed myself clenching my jaw whenever I read the fragments of Ruthie in the hospital. I experienced a deep sadness when her dreams of having a family were falling apart. I could tell you a list of emotions I felt while reading this.

Reading this book really puts your life into perspective. When you feel your lives are hard or you are going through a lot and then you go read a story like Ruthies you wonder how you didn’t personally find the strength to make it through what surmounted to your own small insignificant problems. This story was so powerful and so beautifully written. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I followed this author on Instagram for years. I was really interested to read this story of recovery and starting over. I would recommend for sure, even if you have never heard of Ruthie.

This book was beautifully raw and completely honest. The author faced so much in her life and yet was able to find a way through it. I would highly recommend this book for those needing to know they can make it through anything.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

I cannot imagine the pain Ruthie endured; so much so, I wondered so often how she could put one foot in front of the other and make it through most of her days. I must say at the outset, there was an aspect of her story that was confusing. As a woman who used to suffer from debilitating migraines, it was difficult for me to grasp how she could ever possibly function with constant auras, the sensation of a spike being driven over and over again through her eye, and the dizziness and nausea that usually accompany these symptoms. I was left confused.
I am grateful to have read her story and I hope for health and healing for Ruthie. Hers has been a terribly difficult path.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I pre-ordered this book the minute I found out it was available. As a part of the launch team, I received an advanced reader electronic copy and completely devoured Ruthie's story. She shares so vulnerably in this memoir that I believe anyone can relate to as pain is universal.

Her story of healing is inspiring!

Right now, we are all going through incredibly difficult times, immersed in a global pandemic, and There I Am reminds us that we are resilient through change and we can get through immense pain. This book is raw and indispensable for anyone dealing with chronic pain, grief, divorce, health anxiety, faith, addiction, friendships, and the difficulties of trying to start a family, to name few. It was a gift and honor to read, thank you Ruthie for sharing your heart, so that others might gain the courage to heal.

Such a raw, open, beautiful book.

I started following Ruthie on Instagram because I loved (coveted) her beautiful home and style. Over time, as she shared more of her personal story, I feel like I started seeing her differently. This book tells the story of what happened - to Ruthie, how she handled it, how she dealt with some of the huge challenges set her in in her life. It's open, honest, raw and supremely readable.

The book is structured chronologically, but rather than wanting to read ahead to see what happens, Ruthie really draws us into her world, her family, her friends, her home and her life and you find yourself living along with her. I found myself rooting from her from very early on and her current success and achievement are even more incredible when you see what she has overcome to get there.

I’ve been waiting for Ruthie Lindsey to write a book since I first began following her on Instagram. Even on the internet, she radiates warmth and light, and she has a way of making everyone feel like their story matters.

What a gift this book is. I couldn’t put it down, and I couldn’t stop crying. Through her various trials, Lindsey teaches us what it means to live with and embrace the nuances of life. And her poetic prose is such a wonderful bonus. I knew Lindsey was talented and creative, but the writing and structure choices in this book rival the likes of renowned authors. Lindsey is an exceptional storyteller and uses language to her advantage in communicating her story. I have no doubt this will be a top book for many in 2020.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

There I am: The Journey from Hopelessness to Healing -A Memoir: Ruthie Lindsey

Release date: Apr. 21, 2020

Tender, profound, and authentic; an inspirational memoir.

Ruthie Lindsey, raised in rural Louisiana with two brothers, was born into a devout Christian family. Having the reputation for always being good with people, Lindsey is named homecoming queen. Shortly after, she is in a car accident. She suffers from a serious spinal injury, amongst others, and is not expected to live. After spinal fusions and various surgeries to mend/remove damaged organs, she leaves the hospital after two months.
The pain however clung to her. When the time came for a second surgery, Lindsey became dependent on opiates. Surrounded by family and love, she was able to come out on the other side of addiction by using social media as an outlet for grief, pain, and love.

I really enjoyed having a non-fiction memoir to read since I have currently been bogged down with fiction books! I thought Lindsey’s prose was beautiful. She is a resilient, dedicated, and hopeful individual that can be an inspiration to us all!

Along with posting on Net Galley, I will be posting my review to Goodreads, Amazon (when it becomes available), my Instagram (which has over a two thousand book review followers) and my blog. Please find the link to my blog post below. I am very grateful for the opportunity to review such an inspiring novel. Thank you very much.


Link to Blog Post: https://ifyoucanreadthisdotblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/there-i-am-the-journey-from-hopelessness-to-healing-a-memoir-ruthie-lindsey/
Link to Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/ifyoucan_read_this/
Link to Goodreads Post: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3282554382

Respectfully
Chanel Johnson

Such an honest, raw, and readable memoir. Very beautifully written. Really thoughtful and beautiful. Couldn’t put it down.

I am not usually overly generous with my 5-star reviews ... So, to rate a book as 5-stars truly means that there is something special about it. I've been following Ruthie on social media for several years. Her social media accounts typically show a happy and light perspective of who Ruthie is. If you don't know her story ... she was in a serious car accident at age 17 that left her body and spirit broken. She recovered, but endured chronic pain through her through her post-college life and her marriage. She was given pain medications for that crushing pain which she eventually weaned herself off of. Her story always came across as positive and light, but this book shows the true picture of what her challenges and struggles were. Despite some heartbreaking moments, Ruthie's positivity, faith and spirit shine through.

During this time in our lives (with the current pandemic), we are all challenged in ways we never would have thought before. I highly recommend that everyone read this book! Not only is there a positivity and lightness that shines through, but also gratitude and grace. I think we could all learn a little something from Ruthie Lindsey!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster, NetGalley and Ruthie Lindsey for an Advanced Reader Copy of this amazing book!

Review also posted on Goodreads.

I've followed Ruthie for a year or two after discovering her through Jedidiah Jenkins (whom she mentions in the book). I was excited for a chance to read her memoir. I never knew her full story, just that she had one of the best smiles I've ever seen and overflowing with a joyful love. Reading the first couple of chapters was such a dream and her poetic writing style sucked me right in. She writes in such a way you can almost taste it, smell it, feel it between your fingers. I couldn't put it down after that. There are so many one liners, so many little nuggets of truth that I want to write on my mirror and look at each morning. There is no doubt that Ruthie has been through the ringer, and her memoir shares all of it. She doesn't shy away from breaking open and revealing her insecurities, doubts, the "ugly" parts that most of us tend to keep hidden from the rest of the world. I am so thankful that Ruthie shared her story with the pure intent of helping us weave through our own. Some of the book was a little too "woo woo" for me personally, but I'm happy she's found her path. As I neared the end of her memoir, I was surprised to read a big "reveal" about her family. It seemed weird to only have a few pages devoted to it and then it all ends, almost like it was tucked in at the last moment. But maybe it was just me wanted a bit more.

All in all, Ruthie's story is one we should all read - to remind us to hope, to heal, and love ourselves and others well.

I heard Ruthie Lindsey speak on a podcast and was intrigued about her upcoming memoir. I didn't know anything about her history, nor have I ever followed her on social media so I feel like I went into this book blind for the most part. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing (I never know what to except with authors who start off as social media unfluencers) and quickly found myself absorbed into the narrative. I imagine this book will be well received and enjoyed by her online followers, as well as others experiencing chronic pain.

I first heard of Ruthie at RISE in Fr. Myers, Florida. I knew then I had to read her book. Ruthie writes so honestly about her life, pain, and her journey with healing. If you’ve walked with her for a while, or a trauma of your own, this book is a must read. Well done, Ruthie!

There I am is an eloquently written story of Ruthie Lindsey's life. Her journey towards healing is applicable to all people and should be read by anyone searching for something more.