Burns victim releases book

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9: Burns victim De’Jon Simons will release his first book, Memoirs of My Scars, on Friday.

Mr Simons, 23, was in a bike accident that caused burns to his whole body.

The book is a collection of his most intimate poetry written after the accident, which left him burned from head to toe.

The cover shows a real image of Mr Simons’ skin.

A press statement said: “After almost 10 years of agony and hardship, De’Jon Simons has overcome the hurt and found his place in the world.

“The poems follow his path to healing and the positive result of self-acceptance and self-expression.

“The first piece, entitled I Am Not My Skin, introduces readers to his world of isolation and pain but the poem ends with the revelation that there is more to De’Jon than his outer appearance.”

The book has received reviews from the bestselling author of Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate, Enitan Bereola II, and his ICU nurse from Shriner's Children’s Hospital for Burn Survivors in Boston, US.

Mr Bereola said: “Love, hate, anger, confusion, contentment, tragedy, despair, hope, purity, honesty, authenticity, vulnerability — this isn’t a mere collection of words… this book purges understanding onto those who have none.”

Nurse Maston said: “One often wonders if there is any life worth living after such an event (the accident).

“This collection of poetry shows the reader that although there are many struggles after such an accident, there are also many joys to be had in life.

“The poetry is so well written that the reader actually feels what the author is feeling. I became so engrossed in what I was reading and although I found myself crying tears of sadness, there were also many tears of joy.”

Memoirs of My Scars was published by CKC BOOKS, Bermuda’s newest publishing company.

Visit www.ckccorporation.com to purchase a copy of Memoirs of My Scars and to view other books by local authors.

There will be a book signing at The Bookmart on Saturday, 12-2 p.m.