Stacey is living exactly the right life before she hits the psychological equivalent of a patch of black ice. As Professor Hettes, her classes focus as much on neuroscience’s beauty and wonder as its facts and theories. Fellow faculty members see her as a fair but outspoken leader on a campus steeped in the blended patriarchies of academia and southern gentility. At an emotionally charged forum on sexual violence, she takes a stand against a colleague’s reckless verbal assault, outing hers...

"Hettes' writing verges on the poetic as she describes the heartbreaking fear that her suffering is permanent . . . the memoir includes moments of humor and hope, and it is inspiring to chart Hettes' journey from despair to a degree in "self-studies." A moving recollection filled with wisdom and unabashed emotion." - Kirkus Reviews"This is a book for everyone who toys with walling themselves off to live with loneliness." - Betsy Teter, founder of Hub City ...