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Nikki Rodwell
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Catch me if I fall: How mental health broke my back but didn't break me Kindle Edition

by Nikki Rodwell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 204 ratings

"It's riveting, from start to finish. It's written in such a chatty, engaging way; Nikki definitely has plenty of storytelling talent. I couldn't stop turning those pages" – Author, Terry Tyler

'What happened?’was the question on friends’ and family’s lips...when Nikki Rodwell landed in hospital with a broken back and spinal cord injury during the summer of 2019. But neither she nor her husband could find the words to explain…

Nikki’s previous psychotic episodes had always been safely locked away under the guise of a nervous breakdown. She had lived her life in fear of the judgement of others, that they might think she was crazy. But this time was different. When a psychosis hit her out of the blue at the age of fifty-two, her hand would be forced; she would have to find a way to tell people what led to her tragic accident.

Tenacious, brave, but ultimately uplifting, Nikki’s honest account of her struggles addresses the stigmas of both mental health and disability. Nikki not only powers through adversity to prove the doctors wrong with their physical prognosis, but also addresses her mental health issues with an inner strength she never thought she had.

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  1. Print length
    289 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    July 19, 2021
  5. File size
    2.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

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"It's riveting, from start to finish. It's written in such a chatty, engaging way; Nikki definitely has plenty of storytelling talent. I couldn't stop turning those pages" - Author Terry Tyler

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B099WWLWSN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nixie Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 19, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 289 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 204 ratings

About the author

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Nikki Rodwell

Nikki Rodwell

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Nikki Rodwell is the author of Amazon best-seller memoir Catch Me if I Fall. She has also published a debut collection of poetry called A Mother’s Lament, before finding her niche in fiction.

Nikki’s passion in both reading and television is psychological and domestic thrillers, which led to her debut thriller The Hoax. She is currently working on her next thriller novel, to be released later this year.

When not writing, Nikki enjoys a quiet life in North Norfolk with her husband Martin and their two dogs, Chester and Mabel. They own a café in a seaside town and enjoy walking on beaches and in the surrounding North Norfolk countryside

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
204 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book honest and real. They describe it as inspiring, with one customer highlighting the author's positive attitude and determination during recovery.

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HonestyInspiration
4 customers mention "Honesty"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty.

"...Like others who have faced the issues of mental illness, this book is real. I appreciate that...." Read more

"...Nikki Rodwell does not hold anything back from us her readers. With true candor she takes us inside her world as it was crumbling all around her and..." Read more

"Nikki is open and honest about her arduous road of healing...." Read more

"...An upfront, honest account of the author’s personal recovery journey...." Read more

4 customers mention "Inspiration"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring, with one noting how it gets to the heart of the matter and another highlighting the author's positive attitude and determination during recovery.

"...I appreciate that. It is well written and gets to the heart of the matter and the true story of Nikki's journey...." Read more

"...The reader will deepen their empathy for those with traumatic injuries." Read more

"...through the fear, embarrassment, and the positive attitude and determination she had to recover. I will be thinking about this book for days to come." Read more

"It is an inspiring book...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ken Hagler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Real and Real Inspiring!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    DANG! Nikki unpacks her journey with mental illness and inspires us to keep living. Like others who have faced the issues of mental illness, this book is real. I appreciate that. It is well written and gets to the heart of the matter and the true story of Nikki's journey. Thank you for the bravery you showed to not let the illness win and fulfilling your dream to write the book on your story! Bravo!
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  • Tony & Alisa DiLorenzo
    5.0 out of 5 stars The true meaning behind in sickness and in health
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A lot of couples have something about "in sickness and in health" in their wedding vows. But what do you do when you are faced when you are confronted with the "in sickness" so abruptly. How do you navigate this season as a couple? How do you weather the storm when you are mentally ill?

    Nikki Rodwell does not hold anything back from us her readers. With true candor she takes us inside her world as it was crumbling all around her and allows us to be a part of the triumph of her healing journey. It's not just the mental recovery but the physical recovery as well and it's not easy. For her or for her husband.

    Catch Me If I Fall, isn't just Nikki's story, it's also the story of a marriage that survives what many don't - mental health challenges. From being by her bedside after her fall when she suspects that he is the director in this crazy drama to supporting her as she learns to walk again as part of her stay in a rehabilitation facility to welcoming her home, these two demonstrate what it means to love in sickness and then back to health.

    It takes incredible bravery to share a mental health journey, to let people know that there are times when you are not OK. Catch Me If I Fall is a story of hope. Don't wait to read this book, do it now.
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  • Amazon Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars A detailed journey of recovery
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Nikki is open and honest about her arduous road of healing. The memoir illustrates all of the challenges both physically and emotionally that she faced. The reader will deepen their empathy for those with traumatic injuries.
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  • Nicole Allen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Being broke but not broken
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Nikki Rodwell wrote an engaging book about her mental health and recovery from the effects of a psychotic break. I felt all of her feelings as she stepped through the fear, embarrassment, and the positive attitude and determination she had to recover. I will be thinking about this book for days to come.
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  • JM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I wanted to read this book because I was raised by a mom who has suffered with mental illness since before I was born. I wanted to know how someone else who experienced mental illness had endured the challenges. Nikki Rodwell did not disappoint. Though her experience is much different than my mom's, the relational challenbes were much the same. At one point I felt I couldn't read another word, yet I couldn't put the book down. I recommend this book for anyone whose life has been impacted by mental illness.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It is an inspiring book.
    At times, it felt like too much details for me but I think people who went through similar experience would love someone writing the same story in details.
    Thank you for sharing your experience in this great book.
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  • Lizzy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very honest -- raw and real
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "I had a psychotic episode which led to me falling off a roof."

    An upfront, honest account of the author’s personal recovery journey. No two people have the identical experience, yet millions of people have very much in common, and I commend the author for writing her story to help others.

    This memoir reads like a conversation with an open friend who isn’t afraid to share all in hopes of helping other who may be going through something similar, know someone who is, or just wishes to gain a broader understanding. The author succeeds in all of these areas. She explained many things that I didn’t know — and I believe her willingness to do so will help both patients and professionals alike. Not afraid to share what embarrassed her in order to give the reader a real account.

    I did hope there would be more on the psychotic episodes in her life, including the one that led to the life-changing accident (falling off the roof), as that interested me the most, but the book is far more about the author’s physical and emotional recovery. Still in all, I applaud the author for telling her story and making it through the arduous task of reclaiming her life.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • sarah davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, written with just the right amount of honesty, sadness and laughter!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’m not one for leaving reviews, but I feel compelled for this book.

    Wow! A story of honesty, truth, internal battles, overcoming mental health struggles and how they came out stronger.

    Hooked from the first chapter, this is a very honest, yet brilliantly written book. I bounced from sadness from with what this lady dealt with to laughing at the tales of her journey. I honestly felt as though I was on the journey with her at times, the powerfulness of her words, bring you right into how she was feeling and what she went through to come out the other side. Amazing book, and so nice to read such honesty in such a way you want keep reading to find out whether she was ok after every ‘chapter’ of the story.

    mental health, being such a taboo subject, this was a very refreshing find. Would likely recommend!
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  • Helen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A genuine rollercoaster of emotion. and vital read for those living with mental health stigma
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The honesty of this book is breathtaking. Nikki doesn’t shy away from any topic no matter how difficult, hard to hear or taboo it may be, and that is what makes this book so important and so enlightening.

    Nikki’s real and down to earth story telling are fabulous and her manner infectious. I found myself loving and hating people along the way with her journey as if they were characters in a book. I took the journey with Nikki as I read.

    This book is important for so many people; those recovering from serious injuries who need some hope and to know they are not alone. Those struggling with mental health to also know they are not alone, that it’s ok not to be ok and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. But also anyone who wants a life-lesson, even a masterclass, in positivity over any adversity! It can be read on so many different levels, including as inspiration to push yourself forward on whatever personal journey you may be on. I must confess I had to stop reading at midnight one night as the drive to start working on my goals became so huge it stopped me from sleeping!

    Thank you Nikki for writing this book and for sharing your story with the world. Please everyone read this book and share with your loved ones so the world can hear the important messages within!
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  • Mrs. Olga A. Danes-volkov
    4.0 out of 5 stars A momentous journey
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I so wish I could like this book more than Indo. Nikki Rodwell is obviously a remarkable lady but from this book I cannot like her. At the end she acknowledges her unbelievable husband and at last seems to care as much.for her daughter than her dogs. This may just be that she didn't feel able to reveal everything but it doesn't make her overly likeable.

    I chose this book because although I'm considerably older, facing similar but different physical.challenges, I thought this book would stiffen my sinews. The author's inability until the end to face up to her mental health issues (as an objective outsider I would have thought.largely caused by her parents and upbringing) to infuriated me. Nevertheless, her iron determination was extremely impressive and made me want to brace up even more!

    No, I didn't particularly like the book but for people facing life changing health issues, it is a good, thought provoking read.
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  • Terry Tyler
    5.0 out of 5 stars More than a memoir
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I bought this memoir because I've got to know Nikki on Twitter and wanted to support her, and also because I wanted to read about how she recovered from a devastating spinal cord injury. I expected to find it moderately interesting, but it's riveting, from start to finish. It's written in such a chatty, engaging way; Nikki definitely has plenty of storytelling talent. I couldn't stop turning those pages.

    I did not realise until I began the book that Nikki has a severe mental health problem - and no, I don't mean the sort that is claimed in many a social media post every time someone has a bit of a bad day or feels a bit anxious. She suffers from psychosis, something I knew very little about. Her account of the incident that culminated in her spinal cord injury was harrowing to read about, though more shocking in a different way was the blow-by-blow account of her slow, painstaking recovery.

    I'm fascinated by all things psychological, less so by the medical, but I was still gripped all the way through this. It's written in a very 'warts and all' fashion - now and again it was a bit 'TMI', but my goodness, I take my hat off to anyone who has been through an ordeal like Nikki's and come out smiling. At the same time, I wondered if she realised how much she has told the reader about herself; for instance, she talks about her daughters frequently not speaking to each other or not speaking to her, as if this is something quite every-day, and, although she talks a little about her relationship with her father, I wondered if she sees how much it has influenced the rest of her life.

    There was just one thing missing - pictures! Nikki talks a lot about the photos she posted on Facebook, throughout, and it would have been so great to see them in the book. However, if you look here on her blog, there are many posts under 'Hospital 2019' that show some of them.

    I so admire Nikki's guts in getting through this life-changing period, whilst turning negatives into positives and using the experience to re-evaluate her life. I think it should be read by anyone who is going through a long recovery of this type or suffers from psychosis and the stigma attached to severe psychological problems; I hate to use the ghastly buzzword 'inspirational', but it really is. I highly recommend it anyway, even if you don't think a medical memoir will be your sort of thing. You won't be able to put it down either, I guarantee!
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  • Georgia Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and practical
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 22, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I don’t often read non-fiction memoir but was intrigued to understand what had happened to cause Nikki Rodwell to break her back and also I wanted to read her story of hopeful recovery.

    It is very clear from the outset how shocking this injury was for Nikki and her family, and how they couldn’t talk about what had actually happened. Indeed, the reader is left with many questions during the first part of the book. Even when these are answered I found it difficult to understand, and worrying. I didn’t know such a thing was possible, and that it could come out of nowhere. A trigger, that’s all that is needed.

    Rodwell charts her initial trip to hospital, the terror of the whole thing, very well. She sets out clearly her progress, or at times lack of it, from then on. I thought her, mostly, positive attitude served her well as did her visualisation techniques for dealing with her incontinence issues. I’ve heard of this being used in cancer cases before with similar results.

    Nothing is held back in this book. Rodwell is honest and incredibly open in her thoughts throughout her writing, which flows very well by the way, and I enjoyed her interaction with staff, other patients and of course her family, especially Martin. He managed to hold together running the café as well as deal with the trauma of everything Nikki was going through, and still kept a smile. Seems like a pretty amazing man to me!

    I think this book would be a really useful read for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation and is looking for something inspirational as well as practical, because there are loads of useful tips in here of how to organise yourself, and the sorts of things you can get to help you along the way.
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