Inside My Outside

An Independent Mind in a Dependent Body

By: Sara Pyszka

Narrated by: Corrie Legge

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Upon meeting Sara Pyszka, most people think they know what it's like to be her, regardless of what they actually know about her. 

They see her wheelchair. They see the computer attached to her chair. They may or may not see the bands that hold her arms down, or the buttons on either side of her head rest. They see, and probably speak with, whichever personal assistant is accompanying her that day. They see her, yes, but this doesn’t mean they know anything about her. 

Few people can accurately imagine what it’s like to be completely nonverbal, to be unable to walk or use their hands. They don’t actually know what it’s like to rely on strangers to get them out of bed and ready for the day, to feed them, to bathe them. 

Inside My Outside: An Independent Mind in a Dependent Body provides an in-depth look into the life of a young woman with cerebral palsy who cannot walk or talk but who uses an electronic device for communication. This memoir covers three full days, from morning to night, in Sara Pyszka’s life, providing glimpses of past relationships, friendships, schooling, and outrageous stories about the challenges of hiring, firing, and working with personal care assistants. Sara even takes it a step further by providing the occasional comparison between her life and what she imagines life would be like if she did not have a disability. 

©2020 Sara Pyszka (P)2020 Sara Pyszka

A great read and a MUST READ

Audible listener here. I have a difficult time trying to read, but love audio books. I've worked with augmentative communication devices and people with disabilities for 25 years, including working for the company that makes her speech device, but I can't say I knew Sara.

I can say I've been a Sara P fan since I listened to her first book, and thoroughly enjoyed the second. It was a delight to know a bit about how she writes and the technology she uses to write and share her unique personality and insight, and hear original stories told from the unique perspectives of her characters.

While eagerly awaiting Sara’s third book, I was momentarily disappointed to hear it would be delayed by another project she had chosen as a higher priority, but when I found out it was a memoir, I could hardly wait 'til it came out in Audio format. I was not disappointed. Learning more about Sara, the young woman, author, and song writer, was an easy and fun part of the read. Learning about her experience growing up, going to college and learning how to live on her own, and handing the social complexities of depending on someone else for help with most activities of daily living was the more important benefit for me.

Inside My Outside is a great read for any friend or family member of a person with a disability, but it’s really a MUST READ for anyone working, or considering working, as a personal care aid.

Thank You Sara Pyszka

There is no point for me to write my memoir anymore because Sara Pyszka pretty much sums up my life on what it is like to have Cerebral Palsy, an AAC user, and handling so many staff to assist me to maintain my livelihood. Her memoir is outstanding, outstanding and even more outstanding. “Inside My Outside” is my favorite book that I’ve read all year.

I can relate 90% of what Ms. Pyszka wrote in her book. It is a carbon copy of what it is like to be disable and observing everyone and waiting to be heard. This book is so important. I urge everyone working with people with disabilities to read it.

Thank you Sara Pyszka for your honesty. Your words are delightful to listen to and eye opening for many that doesn’t understand our inner circle.

Insightful, Humorous, and Heartwarming

Sara does a dazzling job of putting you, the reader, in her life. You are able to see the world through her eyes. You'll laugh, your heart will ache, and hopefully you'll walk away with a better understanding of individuals with disabilities and life in general.

Inside My Outside

This is an amazing account of a woman who is nonverbal because of Cerebral Palsy because you will know how nonverbal people think inside but who has trouble expressing themselves.