Author Christine Rose is a self-proclaimed “digital nomad and international pet sitter extraordinaire,” according to her website.
Rose’s writing career began in 2008 with the release of “Rowan of the Wood,” the first book in her young adult fantasy pentalogy. Since then, she has written short stories and poems exploring genres such as vampire gothic, horror and steampunk.
She entered the non-fiction realm in 2013, releasing a guide to publishing and marketing for writers.
Her newest novel, “One Reason to Live: A Memoir About Surviving Trauma,” was released on April 15. This 362-page memoir follows Rose’s journey of self-discovery and healing after experiencing numerous traumatic events, including the end of a 15-year marriage and multiple sexual assaults.
When faced with the reality of her post-marriage life, Rose writes “reasons to live” on a sheet of paper, which stays blank for days. It isn’t until she recalls an old dream to move to Europe that she begins her recovery journey.
With no plans, Rose moves to Europe, pet-sitting in exchange for lodging. While navigating the harsh realities of complex PTSD and grief, Rose “finds solace in exploring new landscapes and spending time with animals.”
“One Reason to Live” has been praised by critics as an intimate, powerful and inspiring story of healing and self-introspection. It provides a unique perspective on the issues of mental health and grappling with grief.
Rose’s story embodies a visceral experience of living with psychiatric injury, combined with the power of radical acceptance, sweetened by the healing quality of animal companionship and the joy of embracing self-love.
It is about overcoming adversity, highlighting the power of resilience and finding ways to keep moving forward, even in the darkest moments. “One Reason to Live” is a narrative that touches on the universality of human experiences.
Rose hopes her story can be relevant to college students “grappling with their own challenges and seeking inspiration.”
To see a preview of the story, watch the book trailer on her website or check out her blog, where she advises those living with PTSD and trauma.
