Andrea Nelson lives and coaches boxing in Madison, Wisconsin. When she's not in the gym training her boxers, you can find Andrea tending her gardens, chickens, and bees, or running the nearby trails. She shares life with her partner, James.Fort Unicorn and the Duchess of Knothing is Nelson's first published book. Several years ago, while her daughter Shyloh was in jail, sober, and medicated, Shyloh asked her mother to help write a book chronicling Shyloh's struggles and triumphs. Shyloh died before the book could be written. Andrea felt compelled to tell her daughter's story for her. The result offers an important perspective on homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Nelson's goal is to open eyes and hearts, so the story might inspire conversation and instigate change.
"Of the many books I've read about mental illness, addiction, and a
mother'slove, this is the most powerful. It grabbed my heart and
left an indeliblefootprint there."-Jill MuehrckeEditor, NONPROFIT
WORLDOwner, JP Publications
"This memoir is at once spare, raw, heartbreaking and lovely. The
storiesare unique, yet familiar, for anyone impacted by substance
use disorderwhich, at this point, is all of us. Fort Unicorn is a
gift to the world, becauseit reminds us of the humanity in every
person struggling with addiction."-Nora HertelJournalist and the
founder of The Optimist, a digital news startup in Minnesota
"Nelson invites the reader to see the unhoused through the lens of
love andacceptance, not judgement or distaste. Her candid
description of strugglingto accept her daughter's decisions to live
as she chose will help others facingdifficulties accepting their
loved ones' choices. One of the hardest parts ofloving someone with
addiction and/or mental illness is the need to give uptrying to
control their journey.If you have struggled with where to draw the
boundary betweensupporting and saving your loved one, read this,
and you will know thatyou are not alone."-Robin Monson-Dupuis LCSW
SAC RYTAuthor of Spirit Son: A Mother's Journey to Reconnectwith
Her Son After His Death from Heroin Overdose
"A must read for all who are touched by anyone struggling with
addiction, mental illness, or homelessness. During my 25+ years
working lawenforcement in the San Diego area, I've witnessed
personally the tragic andoften grisly consequences of these sad
realities; issues too often closeted byshame, and they needn't be.
This heartbreaking memoir offers an intimatewindow into losing a
loved one to their demons, and what it means to
loveunconditionally."-Lisa Stinson (Officer Lisa Civulka
Turner)Retired law enforcementCA Highway patrolUniversity of
California San Diego Police DepartmentCity of Coronado Police
Department
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