Jennifer Scalise, “A Mother’s Journey of Love, Loss & Life Beyond”

Local author Jennifer Scalise’s first book is a masterpiece of creativity, from the included family photos and drawings and letters from her daughter to the moving passages of raw emotion. Jennifer manages to take the reader along on her voyage of self-discovery without becoming maudlin or overbearing; she tells the horrific story in almost a matter-of-fact voice yet, just below the surface, you can feel the deep pain and loss.

In July 2009, Jennifer and her children were vacationing in Costa Rica. On a near-perfect day, as described by the author, at the end of an ATV tour, 12-year-old Brooke missed a turn and drove off a 260-foot cliff. Jennifer came upon the scene within seconds, and her life changed immediately and irrevocably. Brooke was gone.

In the days that followed, Jennifer, her two surviving children Paige and Blake, their father, grandparents, extended family, and friends endured overwhelming grief and pain as they questioned, investigated, and searched for answers. Jennifer leaves out almost nothing in this story of love and suffering.

A touching story, this book is a must-read for anyone who has lost a child. Jennifer Scalise has written a very, very beautiful, loving tribute to her daughter Brooke.