Menu

(dis)Empowered: How I Turned an Academic Death Sentence Into My Life’s Greatest Adventure

Category: Behavioral, Emotional & Social Disabilities
Author: Ellen Busch
Publisher: Soul Speak Press
Publication Date: May 15, 2023
Number of Pages: 229
ISBN-13: 9781958472019
ASIN: B0BZ5PG9NY

(dis)Empowered: How I Turned an Academic Death Sentence into My Life’s Greatest Adventure by Ellen Busch is a captivating memoir that examines the author's journey from a traumatized kid and an abused wife to a successful and inspiring woman. A memoir that delves into the themes of determination, grit, and surrender, challenging the status quo, and reconnecting with self will resonate with readers who have lost their sense of self-worth because of the traumatic situations in their lives. A wonderful story with an epiphany on a highway that turned the author’s life around and set her on the path towards success and purpose.

Ellen Busch, beautifully documents her struggle to overcome the traumas and stigmas that have plagued her life. Living with the stigma of dyslexia, the scars of a troubled childhood always looming over her, and her internal struggles are just few of the challenges that she ingeniously captures in this immersive memoir. As a dyslexic child, the author survived an education system that actively worked against her and believed she was brain damaged. In the first pages of her memoir, she summarizes what it felt like as a child: ''At the time, I couldn’t see how all the pieces were connected: my shattered self-esteem, my lack of self-worth, the abuse from my husband, and my upbringing in an education system that insisted that my dyslexic mind made me incapable.'' Her resilience and refusal to let others define her worth is truly admirable and serves as a source of inspiration to readers.

(dis)Empowered delves deep into the concept of surrender, highlighting the transformative moment on a crowded highway when Busch realizes the need to let go of her past and embrace a new path forward. Through her raw and honest storytelling, Busch challenges societal norms and the expectations placed upon individuals, especially women. She encourages readers to question and challenge the status quo, empowering them to forge their own unique paths. Busch's ability to communicate her journey with clarity and to give readers glimpses of the turmoil she overcame makes this book an enjoyable read. Written in gorgeous prose and in a confident voice, Busch's story serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart and inspires readers to embrace their own personal journeys of growth and empowerment. 

Reviewed By: Romuald Dzemo

|

Date: October 19, 2023

Featured

Weekly Top Picks

Hand-picked reviews our authors and readers are loving right now

Non-Fiction Books

Business & Money

The Book Commentary

The Read Down

Essays, author interviews and publishing advice for curious readers and writers.

How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers
How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers
Writing and Publishing Advice

How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers

By The Book Commentary  · 

With over two million books published every year, how do readers decide what to buy—and how do authors break through the noise? The secret lies in trust. Discover how Editorial Book Reviews, ethically leveraged paid book reviews, and prestigious Author Award Contests work together to build instant credibility, boost sa...

Read the article →
Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving
Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving
Author Interviews Aug 10, 2026

Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving

By Sanjay Sabnani

Discover why your brain sabotages success and how to rewire your identity in this ActualizationOS interview on stillness, self-sabotage, and lasting change.

Read the article →
10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026
10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026
Writing and Publishing Advice Aug 6, 2026

10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026

High-quality book reviews for self-published authors are more accessible than ever. Below, we've ranked the 10 top editorial review sites for authors—platforms that combine credibility, reach, and genuine value—to help you choose the right partner for your boo...

Read the article →