“In this quietly powerful and touching text, a young artist and poet Adrienne Wilson, details her moving life account battling liver cancer. The book contains poetic verses, journal entries and intricate drawings, all serving their intended purpose, and gets readers right into the soul and mind of a strong young woman whose untimely demise at the age of fifteen was a loss to the whole world. Her sage wisdom oozing from the pages urges her audience not to let life pass them by and instead live a rich purpose-driven life as well as cherish their loved ones. Adrienne’s life lives on through this glistening tribute.”

“I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf is a poignant and powerful book encapsulating a meaningful message. This emotional reading experience celebrates the life of a remarkable soul who departed from this world too soon. Enter a realm where words dance, emotions soar, and thoughts ignite — E. Adrienne Wilson’s literary prowess knows no bounds! Get ready to embark on a journey of enlightenment, inspiration, and pure literary magic.”

“Author E. Adrienne Wilson’s writing offers a unique exploration of an intimate world through her journal entries and artwork. Her raw honesty, wit, and resilience in the face of terminal illness have a profound impact in this lasting tribute to her strength. Adrienne’s musings on life, love, and her surroundings reveal a maturity beyond her years, making her loss even more poignant, and the beautiful inclusion of her colorful artwork adds another layer that showcases her talent and creativity. Adrienne’s story, though tragic, is a testament to the beauty and strength found in adversity.”

“In a stirring and unique memoir, I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf, E. Adrienne Wilson captures the essence of her teenage years, her battle with cancer, and her profound reflections on life through journal entries and vibrant artwork. Put together by her sister, this compilation of writing and artistic output is incredibly moving, celebrating not only Adrienne’s life but life itself. The book’s main aim is to focus on her humanity and talent rather than solely on her illness, skillfully balancing humor and gravity, and letting her singular voice continue to leave an indelible mark through art and prose.”

“I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf offers a poignant and intimate glimpse into the life of Adrienne, a naturally gifted artist with a passion for drawing, writing, and music. The authenticity and honesty in Adrienne’s reflections are striking. It’s not just a memoir; it’s an exploration of a life lived with intensity and introspection. This book is a compelling account that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, making it a significant read for a wide range of readers.”

“A celebration of creativity and life! Adrienne felt so much and lived with an enviable ferocity. This passionate girl focused on the good, on what cancer gave her, rather than took away from her. Defined cheekbones, a strawberry wig, a unique story, and the reassurance of her family’s love are a few of the things Adrienne gained from her trial. Adrienne might be gone, but her voice carries loud and strong in I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf.”

“This journal was heartfelt, raw in the best of ways, adventurous, and just so, so good. The former teacher in me was enthralled with this entire project, often laughing and often with tears in my eyes as I devoured the pages, honored to get to know a young woman I knew I wouldn’t get to know beyond its pages—and somehow finding comfort in being one of the fortunate people to keep her memory alive. This book was such a joy and an honor to read.”

“I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf is an emotional memoir that takes readers on a journey through Adrienne’s life. Through her writings, paintings, poems, and deep affinity for music, Adrienne explored avenues to express her creativity and connect with her inner self. The authenticity she portrays in her journal entries is incredibly admirable. Tragically, Adrienne was diagnosed with liver cancer, and she fought hard to stay strong.”

“This book is a beautiful tribute to Adrienne. Her love for life and music and her excitement ooze from every page until the narrative shifts to her cancer diagnosis. It’s a heartbreaking story of a very talented girl who left the world far too soon. Despite its sadness, the book is also funny, retrospective, and full of joy. It’s relatable, touching, and incredibly inspiring.”

“As a collection of personal journal entries and other expressive works, I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf offers a unique and intimate look into the the mind of a girl persevering through a heartbreaking diagnosis of terminal illness. Adrienne often comes across as older than her years, while her courage, quirky interests (including references to 90’s cultural touchstones), and zest for life make her especially memorable. ”