Nightbird - by Shavaun Scott (Hardcover)

About the Book

Nightbird, Shavaun Scott's haunting memoir, sheds light on intimate partner abuse leading to revenge suicide, and the long transformation of self through growth and recovery..

Book Synopsis

In Nightbird, psychotherapist Shavaun Scott delivers an unflinching and deeply moving account of her journey through unthinkable personal tragedy and into hard-won healing. With the insight of a seasoned clinician and the vulnerability of a survivor, she recounts a childhood overshadowed by religious extremism and emotional abuse, a marriage marked by psychological captivity, and the shocking revenge suicide of her husband after she asked for a divorce.

Through vivid storytelling and raw emotional honesty, Scott traces the long arc of trauma and how it echoes through generations. She reveals how the wounds of the past shaped her personal relationships-and how, despite the tragedy, she ultimately found strength, self-worth, and meaning.

This is not only a story of suffering, but of resilience and reinvention. As Scott confronts the shadows of her past, she also shares how her work with thousands of trauma survivors helped illuminate the path to her own recovery.

For readers of Tara Westover, Jeannette Walls, and Cheryl Strayed, Nightbird is a testimony to the power of truth-telling and the quiet courage it takes to break cycles of abuse. It's a compelling read for anyone who has lived through emotional harm, sought understanding, or longed to reclaim their voice.

Essential reading for those interested in the psychology of trauma, domestic violence, and the redemptive power of facing the past, Nightbird reminds us that while trauma may shape us, it does not have to define us.

Review Quotes

A disturbing, poignant, informative, and ultimately triumphant remembrance. Scott offers a memoir that explores the dynamics and repercussions of suicide and reflects on a history of trauma and troublesome choices. Scott is a tough and compelling storyteller, with plenty of engaging stories that she shares with sadness, self-effacing humor, and honesty.

--Kirkus

A must read, deeply personal memoir that explores an extremely dark topic with insight and compassion. Nightbird delves unflinchingly into the complex dynamics of revenge suicide in the context of abusive relationships, laying bare the manipulative tactics and emotional toll they inflict. The author's honesty about her own upbringing, her missteps, and self-blame makes her story relatable and deeply moving. It is a testament to the idea that we are 'in the process of re-authoring our lives, ' as the author undergoes her own transformation from a person shaped by trauma to a compassionate healer.

--Reedsy Discover

What Readers Are Saying

"Reading Nightbird felt like boarding a bullet train, buckling in, and staying put until it screeched into the depot, pistons still cranking, letting off steam."

"Nightbird will have you turning pages in the middle of the night."

"A rare gift -- Shavaun Scott tells a story of tragedy and triumph."

"I couldn't put Nightbird down."

"A unique story with echoes of The Glass Castle, infused with knowledge and a psychological thriller element."

"Nightbird is not just a book-it is an experience that reaches deep into the soul, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of its reader."

"A haunting story of survival, through and through, gripping from the first page onward to the bitter-sweet end. One comes away changed. Not many books do that to me."

"I was thoroughly captivated by Nightbird. From the moment I started reading, I was completely engrossed and couldn't put it down until I finished it. The author's raw honesty and vulnerability is intense. The book offers deep insights into the complex dynamics of revenge suicide and abusive relationships are both heartbreaking and enlightening"

"This book is not only a testament to personal resilience but also a powerful exploration of how confronting and naming our inherited wounds can lead to profound transformation. Nightbird is a must-read for anyone interested in the psychology of trauma and the human capacity to overcome and grow."