A Story of Redemption and
Self-Empowerment
I Can Take It From Here is not just my story, but the story of countless individuals who have faced adversity and found their own paths to redemption and self-empowerment.
As a survivor of childhood abuse, I battled with trauma, depression, and made poor choices that included committing a violent crime and being sentenced to fourteen years in a maximum security prison. But through determination, hard work, and education, I was able to break the cycle of trauma and take control of my life. My memoir offers hope and inspiration for anyone battling their own demons and striving for personal growth and transformation.
From Abuse to Empowerment
MY JOURNEY AND HOW YOU CAN TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE TOO
A candid account of personal transformation and the tools to overcome adversity and live your best life. Based on 14 years in prison and becoming a paralegal, as well as continued growth through therapy and self-reflection. Perfect for anyone looking for inspiration or practical advice on their own journey of healing and self-improvement. And a must-read for anyone interested in the criminal justice system and reducing recidivism.
Why This Book Exists
REASON #1
To Share My Personal Story
When I was released from prison, I made a commitment to share my story and show others the power of healing and personal growth. From acknowledging and resolving my trauma to becoming a paralegal and law firm administrator, I have come a long way and want to inspire others to do the same.
REASON #2
To Show That Restoration Is Possible
Too often, those with criminal records are seen as “lost causes.” But I am living proof that it is possible to turn your life around and become a productive member of society.
REASON #3
To Advocate For Reform
My experience has shown me the importance of addressing trauma, providing education and job training in prison, and integrating restored citizens into the workforce. It’s not only good for them, but also for our economy and public safety. I hope to use my platform to bring about much-needed change.
Forbes’s memoir reads like a mash-up of episodes of Orange is The New Black, a Toni Morrison novel, a self-improvement book, and a polemic—in the best possible way. None of this should come as a surprise, since Forbes found literature, including Morrison and Shakespeare while incarcerated for stabbing her daughter’s father. The book unfolds in ways that clearly identify the ways in which childhood sexual trauma and its enduring effects shaped Forbes’ trajectory, yet she never positions herself as a victim at the individual level.
Verdict: Forbes has a story that needs to be read, and one that she has clearly synthesized and analyzed to ensure its significance encompasses both her personal successes and a much larger societal reform.
— Library Journal Starred Review
Community Words
I CAN TAKE IT FROM HERE BOOK REVIEWS
“Lisa's story and the writing was quite compelling. Lisa Forbes' memoir forced me to rethink how best to impact change. In her book Lisa argues that, while housing and jobs are indeed a major obstacle to returning citizens, addressing the underlying trauma that leads so many to the criminal justice system should be at the real core of our work as society. Her gripping and, at times, graphic story of her trials, tribulations, and triumph left me inspired.”
— Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President & CEO, Society for Human Resource Management SHRM
“…working piecemeal through her lifetime of trauma, she dedicated herself to helping fellow "Restored citizens." Forbes' clear, honest, and inspiring memoir proves she is a champion for herself and the struggle against mass incarceration and recidivism."
— Review by Booklist, Published By the American Library Association