You Will Never Be Normal

“At times disturbing and frightening, but relentlessly fascinating, this story of a life and identity shattered by sexual abuse will both haunt and enthrall you. You Will Never Be Normal shines much-needed light on the shadowy and largely misunderstood subject of dissociative identity disorder, and the relationship between trauma and memory. Catherine Klatzker’s courage and clarity in the face of overwhelming chaos is simply remarkable.”

—Terri Cheney, author of New York Times bestseller Manic: A Memoir

“You Will Never Be Normal is a beautifully rendered account of personal integration and survival. Klatzker's personal detective work, vulnerability, and intelligence create a compelling story, skillfully told, that invites the reader into a struggle to map the after-effects of trauma and of complex resilience.”

—Sonya Huber, author of Pain Woman Takes Your Keys

“The trauma of sexual assault takes a sledgehammer to a child’s psyche, and the shattering can reverberate throughout the life. Catherine Klatzker has written a brave, honest, lyrical and painstaking account of her journey to acknowledge the betrayal of her child-self and to reassemble fragments piece by piece into a whole self. She skillfully and astutely maps an inner landscape that remains largely invisible to the exterior observer. This riveting book offers real wisdom—hard-won and unflinching—and an unquenchable hope."

—Terry Wolverton, author of Embers

“With You Will Never Be Normal, Catherine Klatzker has written a remarkable account of survival from childhood trauma. What makes this book so powerful is Klatzker’s sharp, crisp, clear-eyed prose. Her story is never overblown nor ever discounted. She gathers all her “Parts” (as she calls her inner, dissociative selves) and brings them bravely together—both in real life and on the page. As the title suggests, Klatzker does not sugarcoat her life. Nonetheless, this honest, gutsy book achieves a tough, hard-won, genuine sweetness.”

—Sue William Silverman, author of How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences

“This is a powerful and important memoir. With vulnerability and grace, Klatzker has offered readers numerous insights and gifts about what it's like to live with Dissociative Identity Disorder—including a brave path towards wholeness.”

—David Treleaven, PhD, author of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing 

“A brave, compelling memoir written with honesty and vulnerability. Catherine’s healing journey will contribute to lessening the stigma of DID and to better understanding of severe abuse.”

—Jack Kornfield, PhD, author of A Path with Heart

“The high regard I have for Catherine’s work has skyrocketed after reading this beautifully written book. During the ten years we worked together, I never suspected that Catherine was engaged in this intense and terrifying healing journey. Her courage and compassion shine through this riveting memoir to dispel the shame and silence that enshroud those who live with DID.”

—Trudy Goodman, PhD, Founder, InsightLA

“‘When we speak our truth, we are often afraid that our words will not be heard or welcomed,’ said the poet and activist Audre Lorde. But when we find words to make our experience known, we set the stage for growth. In the eloquently crafted memoir, You Will Never Be Normal, Catherine Klatzker speaks of her journey from trauma to self-understanding and healing. All who read it will be enriched by the truth she tells.”

—Patricia Bell-Scott, author of The Firebrand and the First Lady: Portrait of a Friendship: Pauli Murray, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Struggle for Social Justice and editor, Life Notes: Personal Writings by Contemporary Black Women

“This book will help survivors, clinicians and many others. Catherine’s clarity and honesty alongside her amazing insight will challenge those who prefer to believe dissociative identity disorder is a figment of the imagination. A theme throughout is the conflicting tensions that have been such a part of her whole life; ‘I loved him, I feared him’; ‘What I thought was my greatest obstacle was in fact my salvation.’ The parallel truths where one does not eliminate the other play a major role; she worked professionally at a very high level of responsibility as her private life was disintegrating around her. She captures her therapist’s ability to sit with not knowing, allowing her to lead the way, often stumbling and feeling lost. Catherine’s ability to share these conflicting paradigms will help many living with DID who often feel like a fraud, I am making it all up; the painful and uncomfortable extremes may become more bearable having shared this story.”

—Melanie Goodwin, Co-founder, First Person Plural (UK)

“You Will Never Be Normal is an honest and raw look at living with the aftermath of a traumatic childhood.  Catherine shares her journey on how she came to know, understand, and accept the different parts of herself while trying to balance being a mom, wife, and a career woman. Her story is very realistic experience of living with DID and the challenges of discovering and moving through your past.”

—Jaime Pollack, Founder/Director, An Infinite Mind

“The honesty of Catherine Klatzker’s You Will Never Be Normal draws you deeper and deeper into her story, so deep in fact that in a very shocking way you find yourself recalling your story as well. This book is a spiritual microscope and mirror at one and the same time.”

—Rabbi Rami Shapiro author of Holy Rascals: Advice to Spiritual Revolutionaries

“What makes this book unique is that it reads like a compelling mystery story, complete with a cast of alternate selves who each hold important clues. This is a courageous and groundbreaking book, one that will help those who are suffering as well as those who love and care for them.”

—Cece Peri Pizzolo, PhD, Research Consultant