Review of Nicole Hiser’s “Lessons My Trauma Taught Me” (2024)

Posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Lessons My Trauma Taught Me by Nicole Hiser is a testimonial for any women who has survived. For those once traumatized little girls who are now women wanting to live, Hiser reminds to keep fighting back, keep following your dreams, and to learn from each other. Lessons My Trauma Taught Me is split into 21 "lessons" that I liken to soliloquy. We ride the waves of Hiser's emotions and her life story, which she throws us right into. Her half-motivational text and half-personal narrative is non-linear as Hiser chooses to write what needs to be said in the moment rather than following a straightforward path. In that way, Hiser replicates the ups-and-downs in her life through a rollercoaster of storytelling.

Similar to many personal narratives highlighting severe trauma, Lessons . . . is both crushing and hopeful. It is a very quick and easy work to read for anyone who needs a quick reminder to keep going. Additionally, the moments of Hiser's dark comedy and sarcasm was so relatable. We would all be remiss to say we haven't laughed at our pain. Those who have been through trauma or, at the minimum, trudged through life's difficulties, can find comfort in Hiser's work.

Though it seems that Hiser is still developing her writing voice and style, she chooses to tell her story anyways--which you should do too, dear reader. And that, I believe, is her main message. Ignoring its novice, Lessons My Trauma Taught Me is a homage to the woman finding pieces of herself in broken glass. Hiser takes us a step further. Women, we were never broken anyways.

Keep up with Hiser at her website and Linktree!