• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Display Search Bar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS

5 Minutes for Mom

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast and Brunch
      • Snack
      • Lunch
      • Appetizer
      • Dinner
      • Dessert
    • Ingredient
      • Apple
      • Beef
      • Blueberry
      • Chicken
      • Chocolate
      • Cranberry
      • Peach
      • Pumpkin
      • Squash
      • Strawberry
      • Tomato
      • Vegetables
      • Zucchini
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Baking
      • Grilling
      • Instant Pot
      • No Bake
      • One Dish
      • Slow Cooker
    • Type
      • Breads and Rolls
      • Cakes and Muffins
      • Condiments
      • Cookies and Bars
      • Drinks
      • Food for Kids
      • Gluten-Free
      • Main Dish
      • Pies and Crisps
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches and Wraps
      • Side Dishes
      • Smoothies
      • Soup
  • Crafts & DIY
    • Crafts
    • DIY
    • Kids Crafts
    • Printables
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing
  • Family Life
    • Giveaways
    • Lifestyle
    • Marriage
    • Motherhood
    • Parenting
    • Pet Care
    • Special Needs
    • Time Management
    • Travel
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas

I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag

May 7, 2012 by 5 Minutes for Books

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

ShareTweetPinPocketMail

Jennifer Gilbert seemed to have it all – an affluent upbringing, a great education followed by post-college travel to Europe, and plans to take the Manhattan business world by storm upon her return. Then suddenly, all of her dreams were interrupted by a vicious attack that left her almost dead from multiple stab wounds all over her body.

This attack, and the years that followed, are the subject of her book, I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag: A Memoir of a Life Through Events–the Ones You Plan and the Ones You Don’t. As her body recovers, Jennifer suffers from night terrors and ongoing phobias that don’t go away even when her attacker is found and imprisoned to await trial. She tries to escape her new reality by moving to Boston, but soon decides that she must return to New York and prove to herself and everyone else that she can make it. Unfortunately, the only way she can do this is to stuff all the negative emotions down deep and present herself as a whole new Jen.

Wearing what she calls her “Jen suit,” she takes a job as an event planner and immerses herself into her work, revolutionizing the business model in a way that propels her to the top of the heap and eventually leads her to start her own company. After running as hard as she can in the other direction for three years, however, the time comes when she must testify against her attacker at trial. Finally, Jen realizes that she has to deal with her ordeal and begins to see a therapist who helps her face her darkest fears and start the emotional healing process.

Throughout the book, Jennifer is candidly open and honest about how she – and those around her – dealt with her pain. We see the forward strides as well as the steps backwards as she does her best to hold herself together and regain her joy and peace in her life. In addition to her insights about her personal journey and close relationships, we also see how she brings the lessons she has learned to her professional life as an event planner.

While Jennifer’s story centers around a painful experience, her writing is filled with the determination and hopefulness that she has fought to recover in her life. I found myself constantly reaching for a pen to underline or mark some of the gems like these:

  • Everything in life is relative, and…perspective only comes after the crisis.
  • Never “at least” someone else’s pain away. Let them have it, feel it, and then try to alleviate it.
  • If you spend your time measuring your reality against your fantasy, you’re inevitably going to lose the joy of just being in that moment.

I highly recommend I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag; you won’t be sorry to have opened yourself up to this testimony to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Definitely a 5-Star Read (check out our page for the rest of the books that we rate the best of the best).

We have a copy to give away to one of you! Just leave a comment if you’d like to win. We will announce the giveaway here in this column on May 21.

The winner of Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters is #68 Shirley Pebbles.

Trish would like to thank HarperCollins for the opportunity to review this book. You can find Trish seeking her own life lessons at her blog, In So Many Words.

ShareTweetPinPocketMail
Looking for a job? Try FlexJobs for Work-At-Home Jobs
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa

About 5 Minutes for Books

5 Minutes for Books is the 5 Minutes for Mom sister site devoted to reviewing books for adults -- fiction, memoir, and nonfiction -- and kids of all ages.

Managed by Jennifer Donovan, other contributors are Dawn, Lauren, Nancy, and Elizabeth.

Follow us @5M4B on twitter and subscribe to our feed or like us on Facebook so you don't miss a thing!

Reader Interactions


Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

50 Comments

  1. Jamie says

    May 19, 2012 at 1:26 am

    This sounds very interesting. I’m going to go look Jennifer Gilbert up.

    Reply
  2. Jeff says

    May 17, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Sounds like an amazing book.

    Reply
  3. Van says

    May 17, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    Sure to be a good one.

    Reply
  4. karenk says

    May 17, 2012 at 6:52 am

    would enjoy reading this inspirational story…thanks for the chance 🙂

    Reply
  5. Lori D. says

    May 16, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    Sounds very interesting, thanks

    Reply
  6. jill says

    May 15, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    Sounds intriguing. Hope I win!!

    Reply
  7. Emily Patterson says

    May 15, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    I would love to win this book 🙂

    Reply
  8. Tia says

    May 15, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    I would love to win!

    Reply
  9. Karen says

    May 14, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    I just read the 1st chapter on Bookperk and would love to read the rest!

    Reply
  10. Chuck says

    May 14, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Great book, thanks for another good giveaway.

    Reply
  11. Mama Zen says

    May 13, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    I’d love to win this!

    Reply
  12. angie says

    May 13, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    this book could be real useful
    [email protected]

    Reply
  13. Jennifer O. says

    May 12, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    This sound slike a wonderful read! Thanks for holding the giveaway.

    Reply
  14. Angela E. says

    May 11, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    This book sounds like it’s going to be a winner.

    Reply
  15. Chuck says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:55 am

    I know my wife would really enjoy this suspenseful book.

    Reply
  16. Garrett says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:05 am

    Would really like to read.

    Reply
  17. Krista says

    May 10, 2012 at 12:52 am

    wow, this looks like it would be intense…

    Reply
  18. June says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    Another terrific book to read.

    Reply
  19. Staci A says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:57 am

    I would love to read this. It looks like a great book!

    Reply
  20. Kathryn Crowder says

    May 9, 2012 at 7:49 am

    I’ve just come upon your website and though I’m not a mom I spent quite a bit of time reading your reviews. I got here by way of following up on a book “A Friend Like Henry” which addresses the beautiful partnership between a boy with autism and a dog named Henry. Thanks for a glimpse into your book reviews. THis seems like a fantastic website!

    Reply
  21. bobby says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:53 am

    my wife would like this

    Reply
  22. Linda Kish says

    May 8, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    This sounds like a very interesting story. One that I would love to read.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  23. Stephanie says

    May 8, 2012 at 11:22 pm

    Wow, what a powerful story!

    Reply
  24. Beth C says

    May 8, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    I’d really enjoy reading this. thanks!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    Reply
  25. kelly willis says

    May 8, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    i love to read and this book is a good book from what i have heard about it
    [email protected]

    Reply
  26. Hailey L says

    May 8, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    I would love to win!

    Reply
  27. riTa says

    May 8, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    Love true life stories of overcomers!

    Reply
  28. Kel H says

    May 8, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    This sound like a very empowering book to read and a great story of recovery –thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    Reply
  29. Idaho Jill says

    May 8, 2012 at 11:57 am

    This sounds fascinating – love books about how strong the human spirit is!

    Reply
  30. Julie says

    May 8, 2012 at 10:47 am

    This sounds really good!

    Reply
  31. Sharyl says

    May 8, 2012 at 9:46 am

    I would love to read this book.

    Reply
  32. latanya says

    May 8, 2012 at 8:41 am

    I would like to win.

    Reply
  33. Kayo says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:56 am

    I’d love to read this one! Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  34. Jessica T says

    May 8, 2012 at 1:54 am

    I’d love to read this! ThankS!

    Reply
  35. Ju P. says

    May 7, 2012 at 11:58 pm

    Sounds like an interesting book!

    Reply
  36. Jennifer says

    May 7, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    Sounds really interesting. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  37. Joy says

    May 7, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Wow – sounds like a powerful book!

    Reply
  38. sindy murray says

    May 7, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    I would be interested in reading this book!

    Reply
  39. Liz says

    May 7, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Dialogue is so needed. Prayers for Jennifer.

    Reply
  40. Kim says

    May 7, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    What an inspirational story! I’d love to read it.

    Reply
  41. Dawn says

    May 7, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    Sounds really good. Can’t wait to read

    Reply
  42. Margaret says

    May 7, 2012 at 5:38 pm

    This sounds like a great story! I’d love to read it!

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  43. Patty says

    May 7, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    This sounds like a really good book! I can’t wait to read it.

    Reply
  44. gidget says

    May 7, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    this looks so good, fingers crossed I’d really love to win this one!

    Reply
  45. Cindy Brooks says

    May 7, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Sounds like an amazing story with a lot of insight!
    someluckydog at gmail dot com

    Reply
  46. connie black says

    May 7, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    This looks like a great read…but will probably have to read it alone.

    Reply
  47. Stacie Fontinell says

    May 7, 2012 at 2:18 pm

    sounds like a good read!

    Reply
  48. samantha w says

    May 7, 2012 at 11:25 am

    This sounds really good.

    Reply
  49. Don says

    May 7, 2012 at 9:14 am

    The book sounds really good, just goes to show you, never take life for granted.

    Reply
  50. Wendy says

    May 7, 2012 at 2:44 am

    What an amazing story to tell and share with others. It is often through our pain that life’s greatest blessings come, although I would rather it be some other way.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Bringing Moms Together

We are Janice and Susan, twin bloggers and work-at-home moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.

Meet Us…

Work With Us…

Subscribe via Email

to be first to read new posts

Trending Now

Valentine Pretzels – How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Valentine Pretzels – How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Raspberry Coulis – How To Make Raspberry Sauce

Raspberry Coulis – How To Make Raspberry Sauce

Among Us Costumes – How To Make Pretty DIY Among Us Cosplay Outfits

Among Us Costumes – How To Make Pretty DIY Among Us Cosplay Outfits

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

browse around

  • Posts by Susan
  • Posts by Janice
  • Favorite Recipes
  • Favorite Crafts
  • Giveaways
  • All Posts

Footer

Recipes

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Valentine Pretzels – How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Valentine Pretzels – How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Good Morning Breakfast Smoothie Recipes

Good Morning Breakfast Smoothie Recipes

Crafts/DIY

Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids – Super Cute and Easy Valentine Craft Ideas

Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids – Super Cute and Easy Valentine Craft Ideas

Animal Ears – How to Make an Easy No Sew Animal Ears Headband

Animal Ears – How to Make an Easy No Sew Animal Ears Headband

Free Halloween Printables For Kids

Free Halloween Printables For Kids

Giveaways

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Mom

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Mom

School Supplies List and Back to School Shopping Guide

School Supplies List and Back to School Shopping Guide

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 5 Minutes for MomTheme by Melissa Rose Design and Once Coupled