More Than A Speedbump

"On that night my friend Derek Reardon and I went to a bar in Atkinson to start drinking before we moved the partying to an old friend's house. I have no memory of being there, but for some odd reason I decided to drive home. This is still a mystery to me. I wasn't a habitual drunk driver, but that doesn't matter because I know now that one time is all it takes." Jim Scott tells an intense story of Traumatic Brain Injury and the long, grueling journey that follows. A cautionary tale for young drivers, and a source of inspiration for others suffering from a TBI.

More Than a Speed Bump

Some of the Krempels Center's groups that Jim loves are the various groups that encourage members to express themselves through writing. While some of these groups involve composing creative pieces; many allow the exploration and processing of memories, some traumatic and others joyous. It was in one such group, "Writer Within", where Jim found great therapeutic value in putting his story on paper.

After sharing some of his autobiographical journaling with family, the positive feedback and encouragement Jim received inspired him to complete MTSB. With editing help from journalist Rachel Forrest, Jim published MTSB: Life Before And After Traumatic Brain Injury with Piscataqua Press in early 2013.

"Jim Scott tells an intense story of Traumatic Brain Injury and the long, grueling journey that follows. A cautionary tale for young drivers, and a source of inspiration for others suffering from a TBI." (From books' back cover)

In sharing his story through MTSB, Jim hopes to reach as many people as possible with an inspirational message while preventing others from unneeded suffering.

Reviews

E. Place Ph.D.

Jim Scott's book conveys not only a strong message about drinking and driving but an honest, heartfelt, and detailed account of addiction, brain injury, and depression. As an outgoing, charming youngster, he was able to mask his depression and self medicate with alcohol. He even fooled his caring and involved parents. His book should encourage open discussion of the role of drinking and depression in adolescents as well as the impact of dealing with a brain injury. As a clinical psychologist working in schools, I would highly recommend this book to all families.

Kiely M.

This story of addiction and how it can impact a person and their family, is one that Jim did not have to share with the world, but has in the hopes of reaching just one person who might hear it and make a different choice than they would have otherwise. Jim is a natural storyteller and his candid recollection of both his brother's accident as well as his own reminds the reader that sometimes, even after we see the impact drug and alcohol abuse can have first hand, we need our own crisis for change. As someone who works with teens every day, I know that some may have to make their own mistakes before they find the motivation to get help or make changes, but I also know that more of them can be positively influenced with stories like Jim's just as easily as they may be negatively influenced by other factors. I do think this book can be the thing that makes some young people think twice. And for that, I am very grateful that Jim chose to share his story.

TBI-Q

How many of you, out there, would be envious of the life Jim started with? How many of you, out there, understand the life Jim has now? How many of you, yeah you out there, can face the changes with the some heart that Jim puts out each & every moment of his day? Yes, I am biased. I know Jim in person. I served in Desert Storm, served in the Air Cavalry attached to the 101st Airborne. I've worked for the D.O.D. and for Electronic Arts. I have met men of honor, men of distinction. men of integrity. Large men whose accomplishments will crowd a room until standing space only. However, Jim is so powerful a presence, so distinct a person that he fills any room to overflowing. In fact, because of him one section of my cup overflows.

Todd

Mr. Scotts book is a fresh honest look at an issue that many people have experienced in one way or another, Drinking & driving and brain injury! This book is a great book for anyone that is touched by an honest true life story talking about a tough subject. Honest, True and Uplifting! A must read.

Purchase

MTSB is available through various online booksellers