In "I'm Not Dead...Yet: How I Turned My Misfortunes Into Strengths," Industrial-Organizational Psychologist Dr. Joshua J. Caraballo takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the depths of his personal struggles and triumphant resilience. With poignant honesty and raw vulnerability, Joshua shares his battles with mental health, addiction, self-hate, surviving cancer, and coming to terms with his queer identity.
This memoir is an open invitation into Joshua's life, a connection point for those facing or who have faced similar hardships, and a beacon of hope and empowerment for anyone in need of strength. Through his experiences, Joshua illustrates that despite monumental setbacks, it is possible to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Readers will glean valuable insights into the power of resilience, the lessons inherent in adversity, and the importance of self-acceptance free from judgment. Joshua's narrative offers coping mechanisms for societal taboos, strategies for managing mental and physical health challenges, and a profound message about the significance of self-acceptance.
As a cisgender, gay Puerto Rican survivor, Joshua's perspective is both unique and universal. His memoir speaks to individuals seeking inspiration, understanding of the human condition, and guidance on navigating various challenges, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community.
The writing style is marked by maturity, heartfelt introspection, vivid descriptions, and relatable anecdotes that evoke a spectrum of emotions. Themes of survival, empowerment, overcoming adversity, self-discovery, and the journey toward self-love and acceptance resonate throughout the narrative.
While there are other books covering similar topics, "I'm Not Dead...Yet" distinguishes itself as a deeply personal account that resonates on a profound level. Joshua's memoir is not just a story; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing one's truth.
For readers seeking solace, inspiration, and the courage to confront their own challenges head-on, "I'm Not Dead...Yet" is a must-read. Joshua's memoir is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the literary landscape, offering hope and healing to all who turn its pages.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Caraballo's compelling narrative recounts his remarkable life, beginning with a religious upbringing and later rebellion before his powerful journey of self-discovery and acceptance. His experiences are dynamic and impactful, and his voice throughout the memoir carries impressive weight, as he offers readers inspiration for their own resilience.
Prose: Caraballo's prose is thoughtful and flows smoothly from story to reflection. The tone is comforting, even in the memoir's darkest moments, and readers will sense his desire to encourage and uplift throughout.
Originality: Struggles with mental and physical health, addiction, and identity are common memoir themes, but Caraballo's willingness to engage in deep reflection, combined with his empathy for others, is stirring.
Character/Execution: Caraballo strikes a balance between complexity and introspection that will resonate with readers, as he offers them a warm, hopeful example of tenacity and inner strength.
Date Submitted: October 01, 2024
That motif of freedom permeates the narrative, one that Caraballo describes as "not entirely an illusion" but is "the result of all that has been done." When he’s diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma at 18, he believes the disease is sent from God as his divine punishment. With a matter-of-fact, stoic voice, Caraballo relives grappling with shame and self-blame—”two years of torture” from cancer and chemotherapy, momentarily falling into the bleakness of addiction, and later on, incarceration for “violating the rules of a DUI sentencing.” Of his life in prison, Caraballo writes "so many of the challenges you face are brought upon you by others, although the reminder that your own actions put you there remains with you almost constantly."
Caraballo reconciles the murky aspects of shaping his identity, self-perception, and life choices with a nod to how his early religious upbringing may have affected his concept of freedom. Throughout, he uplifts, enlightens, and encourages a clear-cut view of his experiences as an homage to resilience and inner strength. “The average person shouldn’t ever have to live through so much turmoil in order to better themselves,” he writes, “and yet, each of those experiences was something I needed to have happen.”
Takeaway: Observant account of resilience through cancer, addiction, and imprisonment.
Comparable Titles: Allie Bailey’s There Is No Wall, Brandon J. Wolf’s A Place for Us.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
