This was a very good book. It was well-written. I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I knew a little about epilepsy as there was a child in my elementary school class that had one in class. Then 20 year later I had a co-worker who told us about it and what to do if she had one. She couldn't drive so I knew that about that. But, wow, I didn't know a lot after all.

Having it come on in her 20's, living her life, it must have been so scary for Stacia navigating it all on her own. This was very well written and informative. A very scary thing to go through for Stacia's family and friends. I didn't know there were that many different forms that it can take. I'm glad she was able to get in to see the Dr's she needed to see to figure this out.

I'm glad also that she was able to get her story out there with her Brainstorm documentary.

Thanks NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Reading 2025
Book 104: Racing Uphill: Confronting a Life with Epilepsy by Stacia Kalinoski
Thanks to #NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review. Pub day for this book is July 1. I have been reading a bunch of books, memoirs mostly, where the author is dealing with Epilepsy in their life, either their own disease or a loved one's. Read this book on my Kindle.

Synopsis: When twenty-nine-year-old reporter Stacia Kalinoski regained consciousness on a couch at the TV station where she worked, she assumed that she’d had another seizure. But the electrical storm that had just torn through her brain was more destructive than she could have imagined, and the broadcast journalism career she loved swiftly came to an end. Forced to confront the reality of her medical condition, Kalinoski made the risky decision to undergo brain surgery, targeting the epilepsy that was ravaging her life.

Review: WOW! So much happens to Stacia during the time of this memoir. She starts having seizures in her 20s, as a competitive runner in college, and they derail her life. Lots of ups and downs, as has been our experience with Epilepsy. Stacia does trudge through denial as she comes to terms with her Epilepsy. The disease comes with such a stigma, it is hard to share what you are dealing daily but with only a few people close to you. A book I recommend, my rating 4.25⭐️.

Racing Uphill is a powerful memoir that details the author Stacia’s journey to an epilepsy and heart condition diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Stacia was in college when her first seizures started interfering with her life. Stacia ran track and was healthy, so she experienced real dissonance at the seizures that left her bruised, banged up, confused, often unable to remember the events that preceded them. Stacia details a level of denial that is impossible to fathom. Stacia wants to be able to keep running, working and remain free of stigma, so she tells herself endless stories and lies to convince herself she is safe and healthy. She’s not. Stacia’s hundreds of seizures a year are “bizarre”, wild and absolutely devastating.

In addition to sharing her personal story, Stacia shares bits of information and medical knowledge about her condition, the types of seizures she has, and medical testing and treatment. I found it all fascinating.

This book is readable, despite the many lows of the story. And ultimately, Stacia leaves the reader with a message of hope.

Recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am glad the author chose to write “Racing Uphill”, and I hope it receives a good reception. Epilepsy can be a devastating disease but also a disease with which people can live fulfilling lives. Stacia does a great job of describing the impact of epilepsy on her life and the lives of those around her. She also describes how difficult it is to accept having a chronic illness, especially one that is unpredictable and hard to understand or explain, both for the sufferer (who often has no memory of the seizure) or the observer.

This is a very informative memoir that gives insight as to what it’s like to live with epilepsy. Stacia Kalinosli shares what it was like searching for answers to her illness, trying different treatments, and trying to hide how severe her illness truly was from her loved ones. She writes about how epilepsy affected every aspect of her life including her memory and career. Her powerful story gives hope to those struggling with epilepsy and or other chronic illnesses / disabilities.

Stacia Kalinosli is very resilient. Her story is eye opening and thought provoking. Many readers will be able to relate Stacia when she writes what it’s like being health then having her health decline. I admire her so much. It’s very beautiful how she’s sharing her story that will help so many others. .

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stacia's story is both terrifying and uplifting. The seizure she experienced were unlike any I've read about before. The courage it took for her to write openly about her life is truly amazing.
I took suffer from seizures. Although, I had a severe allergic reaction to an anticonvulsant medication and developed TENS, which has made me legally blind and nearly killed me. To this day, I can't take medication for my seizures.
I hope her story is inspiring to other people who have epilepsy to not give up!

Racing Uphill is an inspiring and powerful memoir that captures the strength and resilience of Stacia Kalinowski. A former college athlete and successful TV news reporter, Stacia’s world was turned upside down by the onset of debilitating seizures. Her journey through misdiagnosis, job loss, and ultimately brain surgery is both heart-wrenching and deeply moving. What stands out most is her unwavering determination and hope, even in the face of life-altering challenges. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of medical research, and the strength of a supportive family. Stacia’s bravery not only led her to healing but also inspired her to create the documentary Brainstorm, bringing greater awareness to epilepsy. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone looking for a story of courage and triumph.

Thank you to NetGalley and the University of Minnesota Press for the advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

I loved this memoir.

Very well written and inspiring and a tad scary. The scary part is all about medical situations and what they can do, but right behind that is the possibilities.....

Well written.

The author provides a thoughtful window into epilepsy—how it affects every aspect of a person’s life. Her long road to a proper diagnosis, along with the complexity of her disorder, is a testament to Stacia’s resilience and bravery. A profile in courage that is a must-read for anyone who is dealing with a chronic disease/disorder.

‘Racing Uphill’ is a story about Stacia who has to go through epilepsy throughout her life. Her story is amazing on how she overcomes it. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read this book and do a review.