The memoir
After The Impact
Surviving and reclaiming life after traumatic brain injury. A true story about losing yourself in a single moment, and the brave, messy, beautiful work of coming back.
About the book
"A true story. A broken brain. An unbreakable will."
One moment I was living my life. The next, I was a stranger inside my own head.
After The Impact is the story of my traumatic brain injury, and everything that came after: the confusion, the fear and the loneliness of an injury nobody can see. It's about being told that if I recovered, I'd be severely brain injured, and about the slow, stubborn work of proving that wrong.
And it ends somewhere I never expected, in the ocean. More than 18 years after my accident, I strapped on a yellow helmet for my very first surf, and learned that the person who comes back from a brain injury isn't the person who left. Sometimes she's someone even stronger.
If you look fine on the outside but feel lost on the inside, this book is for you.
Who it's for
Written for survivors, and everyone who loves them.
Survivors
If you've ever wondered "Am I still me?", you'll find someone who's asked the same question, and some honest answers.
Families & carers
A window into what your person might not be able to put into words yet, and how to support them through it.
Clinicians & support workers
The lived experience behind the charts. What recovery feels like from the inside, long after discharge.
Ordering
Two ways to get your copy.
The book launches Sunday 13 December at Port Beirut, Port Kembla, and you're invited. RSVP here. Can't make it? Join the list and you'll be the first to know when ordering opens, plus get the prologue free today.
Order through Amazon
Paperback and Kindle. Free delivery through Amazon, straight to your door.
- Free postage via Amazon
- Paperback and ebook
- Fast delivery Australia-wide
A signed copy from me
Order directly through me and I'll sign it with a personal note, for you or someone you love who's on their own recovery road.
- Signed and personally dedicated
- Pay securely by card
- Lovely as a gift
Ordering for a hospital, rehab service, support group or book club? Email me about bulk orders.
Signed copies
Reserve your signed copy
Pop your name on the list and I'll email you as soon as signed copies are ready to order.
- Nothing to pay now. You'll get first dibs at launch.
- Signed by me, with a personal note for you or someone you love.
- Change your mind any time. Just reply to my email.
Questions
Good to know
When is the book coming out?
Very soon. Join the list and you'll get an email the day it's available, before anyone else.
What's in the free prologue?
The opening chapter of After The Impact, as a PDF you can read on your phone, tablet or computer, or print out.
Is there an audiobook?
Not yet, but I know reading can be hard after a brain injury, so it's on my wish list. Join the list and I'll let you know.
Can I order books for my organisation?
Yes. Email hello@krispicker.com.au for bulk pricing, and ask about pairing books with a talk.
Free prologue
Read the first chapter tonight.
Join the list, get the prologue in your inbox, and hear the moment the book is out.
You're on the list.
Your copy is ready to download now. I've also sent you an email: click the button in it to confirm, and I'll let you know the moment the book is out.