What Doesn't Kill You: A Novel [Hardcover]

Thomasina "Tee" Hodges has always had her life under control. Tee raised her daughter Amber by herself after her divorce and has been riding high ever since. But everything changes in an instant when Tee is suddenly laid off and doesn't tell anyone. To make matters worse, she just threw a big wedding for Amber and then wakes up the next morning with the best man. Tee's average normal life is now suddenly spiraling out of control towards bankruptcy. Tee is suddenly faced with having to make some huge sacrifices in order to survive. Will she be able to depend on herself to get things together?

What Doesn't Kill You is an entertaining novel by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant. DeBerry & Grant once again brings us a tale that is thought-provoking and relatable. What makes this story stand out is the way that it is told. By having the main character Tee tell this story in the first person, it makes you feel as if your best girlfriend is talking to you. There are some very timely issues in this novel such as jobloss and impending bankruptcy that readers will be able to identify with. This is not a fast-paced read, but you can see the gradual development of this story as you get further into the book. You will find yourself rooting for Tee to get everything back on track. What Doesn't Kill You is a great novel filled with realistic situations and smart, sassy humor.

Thomasina (Tee) Rodgers knew she was in for it when she woke up, the morning after her daughter's wedding, in bed with the best man, her son-in-law's cousin. How did she get there? Well, it all started when she divorced her husband while her daughter Amber was a baby. Having to make a way for the two of them, she meets entrepreneur Olivia Markson and begins an employment association and friendship that would last until Olivia's death. Because of their friendship and what Tee felt was a partnership, Tee thought the business would always be there, but Olivia's daughter had other plans. Soon Tee finds herself unemployed, planning a lavish wedding and only probable prospects for the future. Hence, a night of too much champagne and dwindling hope has Tee reeling as she wakes up in bed with Ron.

Tee decides to hide the truth from her family and friends as long as she can and then doesn't want to except any help. With her savings diminishing, creditors calling and facing possible bankruptcy, Tee reinvents herself using all that she has learned in the business world. As she does, she develops a tentative relationship with Ron that inspires her and could possibly be one of the best things to happen to her. Will she succeed? Or, will she fall prey to economic disaster?

In WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant have created a real life protagonist who has the resourcefulness and wit to deal with real world issues. This timely production teaches that though you're down and out, you can still reach within to succeed in this world; it just may take a little work, a little planning and whole lot of faith to do so. This is my first DeBerry and Grant read and it most definitely will not be my last. I found the characters in this advance reading copy to be engaging, funny and inspirational. I absolutely love the writing style. This is a very good pick-me-up type of read for those who are going through bad economic times right now.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Since Tryin to Sleep is my all time favorite, I decided to give this one a try. It held my attention from the beginning to the end. It's such a realistic story that proves that when it rains, it pours. The only reason that I didn't give it five stars is because at the end, I was left wanting a little more.