Fifty-five years after Amy Turner’s father climbed out on a hotel ledge and threatened to jump—a story that received national news coverage—Amy is convinced she’s dealt with all the psychological reverberations of her childhood. Then she steps into a crosswalk and is mowed down by a pickup truck—an accident that nearly kills her.
Ultimately, Amy takes a remarkable emotional journey. She starts by unraveling the trauma of her own brush with death—and then, unexpectedly, goes on to heal the childhood trauma buried far deeper.
Poignant, intimate, and at times surprisingly humorous, On the Ledge offers proof that no matter how far along you are in life, it's never too late to find yourself.
“‘On the Ledge’ is an extraordinary memoir of the way trauma harms both body and soul. Amy Turner’s near-miss with death at the age of fifty-seven propels her on a journey back through family history, leading to a new understanding of how her father’s attempted suicide and her mother’s determination to ‘move on’ has shaped—and limited—her since the age of four. Inspirational and beautifully told.”
About the Author
Amy Turner was born in Bronxville, New York. She holds a degree in political science from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from New York Law School. Amy lives in East Hampton, New York, with her husband, Ed. On the Ledge is Amy’s first book.