Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor (Unabridged‪)‬

At the age of four, Dr. Lise Deguire suffered third-degree burns on 65 percent of her body as the result of both maternal and corporate negligence. Against the odds, she lived through the trauma, beginning decades of treatment as a burn survivor. 

Some chapters of this gripping journey focus on early events, including the story of the fire, her years of painful surgeries in the hospital, social isolation, and bullying. Other chapters focus on her adult life, such as her struggles to find romantic love, being a parent, and her work as a clinical psychologist. 

Dr. Deguire recounts her childhood with two narcissistic parents and their futile struggles to find happiness. She tells the tragic story of her family, which includes artistic genius, stark neglect, and four suicides. Most importantly, she explains her long but ultimately triumphant path toward love, health, and life satisfaction. 

The voice of Flashback Girl is warm and engaging. Despite the seriousness of the subject, the tone of the book is positive and humorous, without self-pity. The aim is to inspire those who suffer to keep pushing on. If the author can make it, despite the tremendous odds against her, there is hope for all.