Title: Rising
Author: Jackie Ng
Publisher: Partridge Publishing, Singapore
ISBN: 978-1543762327
Pages: 82
Genre: Motivational/Healing/Health
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda

Read Book Review

We do not develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving
difficult times and challenging adversity. Rising is an uplifting publication written by Jackie Ng, a brain tumor survivor. The story begins with the diagnosis made with Jackie at the hospital after having gone for a check-up. Jackie and her mother struggle to face  the glaring fact about the tumor in her brain and they consider going for another checkup, this time at a different hospital. The tests reveal the same results.
Jackie is forced to begin a series of surgeries to eliminate the tumor. The inspiring book
further explores Jackie’s struggles, her road to recovery, her attempts to seek divine
intervention, the side effects of the drugs she was taking, and her journey out of
depression, suicidal thoughts, and hopelessness.

The emotional turmoil of watching her world crashing down on her was too much to
bear as it included her job loss and constantly depending on the support of others for
mobility. “I fell many times, picked myself up occasionally, and cried even more. I ended
up with pain and bruises but I was determined to continue,” writes the Malaysian-born
author. She explains that rehabilitation is hard, tedious, and a long journey but she
chose to fight on.

I commend the author for writing such an impactful read. Sometimes, waiting on people
to cheer you on might take ages; it is best to be one’s own cheerleader. Recovery is a
constant process of trying, failing, picking up again, and adapting. The sooner we find
ways to adapt to our circumstances, the better it is for us.

Having published this spectacular read, the author hopes to inspire many to rise above
their trying circumstances. Having engaged in sports like diving, Jackie certainly has the
heart of a champion. Truly, disability is not inability. I commend the author for writing her
story and providing photographs which add to the authenticity of her story. It further
helps connect readers with her. Her words are a page to someone else’s survival guide.

Rising by Jackie Ng is a wonderful candidate for anyone facing difficult circumstances
and seeking words of motivation. It is not late to try again!