Singing in My Own Key

A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke

By: Valerie L. Giglio

Narrated by: Valerie L. Giglio

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

At 42 years old, Valerie Giglio was heading for a bright future as both a successful lawyer and professional vocalist with two CDs to her name, when out of nowhere, she suffered a brain stem stroke that ravaged her life and caused her world to spin out of control. Completely paralyzed on one side, confined to a wheelchair, her singing voice stolen from her at the height of her career, Valerie was devastated. But with fierce determination and fortitude, and the support of her loving family and a wonderful healthcare team, Valerie faced down every setback and obstacle in her path. Overcoming paralysis and regaining her singing voice, she returned to the stage just one year later. The story of this woman's miraculous journey allows you to travel with Valerie on her path to an extraordinary recovery. Singing in My Own Key: A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke, abridged audio version, is a story of hope and faith that will leave you deeply inspired.

Cover photo: Kristin Gillis Photography

Cover design: Streetlight Graphics

Featuring music by composer and recording artist Laura Sullivan, "Love's River, Holding Heaven, 900 Voices" (AKA "We Are Love")

"Giglio more than meets her goal of showing readers that "miracles happen". (Publisher's Weekly)

"Singing in My Own Key truly is a remarkable work of standing inspiration for all, detailing the mental strength and dedication to overcome all frustrations. Readers of all genres should definitely add Singing in My Own Key to their list." (Portland Book Review, 4.5/5 stars)

"I cannot recommend Singing in My Own Key: A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke by Valerie L. Giglio highly enough. This is not just a book for singers by a singer. This is a book for all who suffer huge setbacks and think they will never recover or that their lives are over. Valerie proves this is not so...ever! As she clearly illustrates by her remarkable journey back to her former self, healing is a choice. Decide if you want to live forever as you are living now. Then choose. 'Sometimes the only road worth traveling is the hardest one'. Wise, wise words." (Readers Favorite, 5 Stars)

"Singing in My Own Key is a personal and profound meditation on human resilience. Valerie Giglio is the embodiment of grit and grace. In her moments of darkness, she lit a light with music, which she has shared with the world to illuminate an eternal truth: the human spirit cannot be defeated. A moving and brilliant narrative." (Kabir Sehgal, New York Times best-selling author and multi-Grammy® award winner)

©2016 Valerie L. Giglio (P)2017 Valerie L. Giglio

Heartfelt Comeback Story Worth Listening To!

Wow, what an amazing story of overcoming drastic obstacles to regain her voice in the world. Kudos to Valerie for narrating her story - it was so nice to hear this in first person. Excellent pacing and presentation!

A melodically narrated story of hope.

What made the experience of listening to Singing in My Own Key the most enjoyable?

Ms. Giglio has a delightful, melodic voice that effectively conveys the wide spectrum of emotions contained within the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

As this is a somewhat autobiographical story about Ms. Giglio, she is the only character that matters - along with her story, which is full of courage and determination.

What does Valerie L. Giglio bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I read this book when it was first published and while I was touched by her story (and grateful that I had never experienced anything like it), I had no real sense of what she experienced.
With listening to the audiobook, experiencing her emotions via her interesting and emotion-filled narration, I feel that I have a much better idea of what it would be like to experience something similar - making the story significantly more inspirational.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have regularly meditated for over 40 years, I'm not afraid of much, and I've been trained as a therapist - very little creates an extreme reaction any more.

Any additional comments?

This is a story of courage & determination that can engender hope to many, many people. Anyone who is facing what seems to be a daunting task, especially one that is medically related, is sure to be inspired by Ms. Giglio's life experiences shared within the pages of the book and/or the audio narration.

A story of perseverance and success!

Valerie’s story in “Sing in My Own Key” is one of recovery from terrifying loss. Valerie’s recovery would not have been possible without:  her undying determination to regain everything that she had lost, her love of music and singing, the wonderful support and love provided by her spouse and her family, and the wonderful medical care, physical and occupational therapy, and music therapy, that she received in Boston.

I loved hearing the audio version of her book because it felt like I was meeting Valerie and hearing her story of triumph in her own voice.  Being a stroke survivor myself, due the same vascular condition, I can appreciate how Valerie explains her injury and deficits, both physically and emotionally. Her description is accurate and unsensationalized; while at the same time her recovery and accomplishments are spectacular and motivating.

 What Valerie achieved in stroke recovery, in the timeframe that she achieved it, is miraculous. What she experienced is terrifying and what she accomplished is inspiring. Singing In My Own Key is a must read/hear for anyone facing overcoming a daunting obstacle in their life.

A must read or listen

This story and the way its told is captivating. Thankfully I was on a long drive and was able to listen without interruption. Her voice and how it all came about; then how she triumphed? Well. it's just amazing. Her passion for what she does is why she's so good. I tip my to you Valerie!

Excellent!

As a fellow stroke survivor, this book is timely, inspiring, and necessary! Kudos on a job well done!

Petite Italian songbird fights her way back to full recovery after massive stroke

Great narration of a raw honest experience of a successful attorney and singer/songwriter having a tragic stroke and the journey of determination, courage and lessons along the way to get her voice and physical abilities back.
I read the book when it was first released, but I enjoyed this audiobook while commuting and it gave me daily inspiration.

A riveting, heart-tugging, triumphant story

Valeri tells her compelling story about her true love being wrenched away unexpectedly in the blink of an eye. The true love in this case is Valeri's music. I was drawn into her story by her engaging, honest, and down to earth delivery. Her ability to use her humor and resilience to overcome the challenges thrust at her as a result of her debilitating stroke commands respect and admiration from the listener. The story of her path back to her true love, her music, is truly inspirational...Bravo Valeri!

A MUST READ

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes!!

Any additional comments?

Very inspirational! Uplifting! Anyone overcoming this type of adversity should read this! Ms. Giglio is a strong woman who is not only a miracle but shows you that your miracle can happen too!

inspirational

Such a inspirational book, very well Narrate it. Valerie is living proof that if you put your mind on a goal you can Accomplish it. I highly recommend this book.

Determination Personified

Singing In My Own Key: A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke is a must-read (or a must-listen!). I've been in awe of Ms. Giglio's story as I've followed her progress through the media and her own updates but hearing her story, in her own words, and read by her personally added a further sense of wonderment to all Valerie overcame.
When she talks about how difficult it was during her recovery; after she was told she'd never sing again and could speak but a few words at a time without struggling, to now hear her tell her story at length offers a heavy dose of perspective. Valerie's story is a testament to what people are capable of and also educates on stroke and how non-discriminating it is, reglardless of your age.