From the Publisher: “Amber James seems to have it all—a thriving career in New York City, a perfect-on-paper relationship, and an unstoppable determination to please those around her.
But when her world is turned upside down by a global pandemic, a heartbreaking loss, and a life-threatening medical crisis, she must make the choice if it’s worth detonating her safe and predictable life for a chance to build her own path to happiness…”
More info About the Author: Amber James is a writer, speaker, and self-love advocate who uses her voice to help inspire women to believe in themselves and live life to the fullest. Her work has been featured in top media outlets such as Us Weekly, CNN, MTV, Huffington Post, and AOL. She currently resides in Pittsburgh with her pup, Penny Lane, and continues to share her message of hope and empowerment with the world through her wildly popular Instagram, @NotesToSelfShop.
Author Instagram
Your book is such a personal story. How did it feel to open your personal life to the world?
Revisiting moments of doubt, struggle, grief, and the intimate decisions that have shaped who I am, required a level of emotional bravery and honesty that was at times overwhelming. There’s an inherent risk in laying bare your life’s ups and downs for the world to see—exposing not just your strengths but also your insecurities and flaws. Digging into the past and being so vulnerable brought up a lot of emotions, but it was very cathartic to write all my thoughts down on paper (well, laptop, in my case.)
The driving force behind sharing my story was the hope that it might resonate with other women standing at their own crossroads. I wanted to offer not just a narrative but a sign for those who might be searching for that one push to pursue their dreams and affirm their worth – whether they need to leave a relationship or job, or simply start a new chapter. To see another woman take my story as a sign to chase after what she believes in and to unapologetically go after her dreams, well, that makes every moment of vulnerability worth it.
What was your greatest challenge in sharing this story?
Beyond personal vulnerability, there was a delicate balance and responsibility needed to tell a story that was not only true to me but also respectful and considerate of the people who shared in my journey. When writing a memoir and sharing stories that involve others, there’s a delicate balance to strike between truthfulness and privacy. I had to constantly ask myself: How much of someone else’s experience am I entitled to disclose? It was important to acknowledge that my perspective is just one angle and meant sometimes choosing to leave out or alter certain details, to protect the identities and integrity of the individuals involved, without diluting the authenticity and power of the overall story.
What’s your connection to Pittsburgh?
As you’ll discover in the pages of my book, Pittsburgh is now my home, and it has come to play a central role in what I describe as the “never been happier” chapter of my life. You’ll find that an entire chapter serves as a love letter to Pittsburgh, reflecting my deep affection for this city and how moving here (from NYC) changed my life for the better.
What do you want readers to take away from this story? Who is this book perfect for?
I want readers to take away a sense of hope and empowerment from my story. My book is about the universal quest for self-discovery and the courage it takes to pursue one’s own path to happiness and fulfillment. It’s a narrative that underscores the importance of resilience, the beauty of vulnerability, and the strength that comes from making difficult choices.
The ideal reader for this book is anyone who finds themselves at a crossroads, whether personal or professional. It’s perfect for those who are looking to be inspired and may be searching for a sign to take a leap of faith. Women, in particular, who are yearning to see reflections of their own complexities and triumphs in another’s story will find a connection here. But it’s also for anyone who has ever needed a little courage to choose themselves over the expectations of others. I hope readers will finish the book feeling that they are not alone and that the pursuit of their dreams is valid and within reach.
Grab an autographed copy of the book at NotesToSelfShop.com. The book is also available for sale on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
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