A Woman Remembers
(everything)
New Release
April 2025
Available in Paperback and E-book
How to Order a Copy
More information to come!
About the Book
He attempted to kill me.
It was in the thrust of his knee in my chest and his hands wrapped around my neck. It was because I discovered something about him -- not even sure exactly what I exposed, but he felt his very private world was revealed. So, he lashed out. And that was the beginning of the end.
Now what? Where do I move on from here?
Life is a constant transition. It is hard to embrace change. There is much to lose and much to gain -- simultaneously.
This story is of a woman deciding THIS was enough and with children in tow altered her life path and those of her children. She carries you on a journey from ending one life, to discovering the next, and beginning the new. However, a gentle reminder, the cycle always continues.
Meet the Author
I am a mother, wife to the love of my life, a Mimi to the littles, professor of many, and a friend to some. I enjoy gardening, decorating, kayaking, travel and the color green. And, according to my granddaughter, I am the Queen of Crows.
I believe nothing is static. So, embrace change. She carries you throughout life. Get used to her. It’s not always pretty (sometimes it sucks), but it is. We clutch onto security and things and people for some sort of constant. Then die. For what? Touch the earth. Smell the clover. Hear the laughter of a child discovering something new. My life’s work has been that of a teacher/professor. Helping others to discover their world and their voice.
It started when I was in kindergarten, coming home and repeating my lessons of the day to my stuffed animals and dolls and writing the lessons on my chalkboard in the basement. This year, as I finish writing the book, it will have been 39 years serving in education– from preschool, corporate, government, to university.
I have published and presented my academic work in the past. I have served also as a blind reviewer and copy editor for academic journals. This book is my first publication in creative writing. I sincerely hope my work – voice - reaches you and is helpful in your personal life’s journey.
Responses to the Book
A compelling memoir, “A Woman Remembers (everything)” tells the story of a smart, fierce, strong, and resilient woman. A survivor of domestic abuse, J. Byrd ultimately moves cross-country with her four children to accept a position as a professor on the East Coast. She faces multiple challenges juggling life as single mother and highly accomplished teacher and international lecturer with wisdom, courage, and remarkable self-awareness. Despite criticism from “friends” and family regarding her choices, she stands firm and begins a new life with her children. Though waves of realizations about how the trauma from her former life continue to surface and cause periodic self-doubt, her courage prevails through medical challenges, the loss of a parent, and a global pandemic. Her writing is at once eloquent, funny, wise, inspiring, and at times horrifying, yet always she returns to hope, and gratitude for new beginnings.—NY
“This powerful book is deeply insightful to the very real and heartbreaking experience of narcissistic abuse. The author provides inspiring hope to the reader through an awakening
of strength and healing from
the emotional and physical
scars and creating the life
she deserved all along.” MS
“A Woman Remembers (everything) is a riveting piece. The book is a journey through life challenges over a span of years as a wife, mother, friend, and as an academic. J. Byrd has a depth of knowledge of the “human condition” that helps her navigate the many complexities in this world – some with life-or-death consequences. Her awareness of people and all of those around her is remarkable. Much of this life transition, depicted by the author, was far from ideal – but she chose to carry on for the good of her children and self – navigating a mine field of questioning family and friends and jumping off the proverbial cliff towards a new life. This book takes you through her kaleidoscope of experiences and emotions – “shaking you” so you can follow her through the process together.” PC
I am a mother, wife to the love of my life, a Mimi to the littles, professor of many, and friend of some. I enjoy gardening, decorating, yoga, kayaking, travel and the color green. And, according to my granddaughter, I am the Queen of Crows.
I believe nothing is static. So, embrace change. She carries you throughout life. Get used to her. It’s not always pretty (sometimes it sucks), but it is. We clutch onto secu¬rity and things and people for some sort of constant. Then die. For what? Touch the earth. Smell the clover. Hear the laughter of a child discovering something new. My life’s work has been that of a teacher/professor. Helping others to discover their world and their voice.
It started when I was in kindergarten, coming home and repeating my lessons for the day to my stuffed animals and dolls writing on my chalkboard in the basement. This year, as I finish writing this book, it will have been 39 years serving in education– from mommy & me lessons, preschool, corporate, government, to university.
I have published and presented my academic work in the past. I have served also a blind reviewer and copy editor for academic jour¬nals. This book is my first publication in creative writing. I sincerely hope that my work—voice—reaches you and is helpful in your per¬sonal life’s journey.
Best to you,
j.