Nightbird

A disturbing, poignant, informative, and ultimately triumphant remembrance. Scott offers a memoir that explores the dynamics and repercussions of suicide and reflects on a history of trauma and troublesome choices. Scott is a tough and compelling storyteller, with plenty of engaging stories that she shares with sadness, self-effacing humor, and honesty.

--Kirkus

A must read, deeply personal memoir that explores an extremely dark topic with insight and compassion. Nightbird delves unflinchingly into the complex dynamics of revenge suicide in the context of abusive relationships, laying bare the manipulative tactics and emotional toll they inflict. The author's honesty about her own upbringing, her missteps, and self-blame makes her story relatable and deeply moving. It is a testament to the idea that we are 'in the process of re-authoring our lives,' as the author undergoes her own transformation from a person shaped by trauma to a compassionate healer.

--Reedsy Discover

What Readers Are Saying

"Reading Nightbird felt like boarding a bullet train, buckling in, and staying put until it screeched into the depot, pistons still cranking, letting off steam."

"Nightbird will have you turning pages in the middle of the night."

"A rare gift -- Shavaun Scott tells a story of tragedy and triumph."

"I couldn't put Nightbird down."

"A unique story with echoes of The Glass Castle, infused with knowledge and a psychological thriller element."

"Nightbird is not just a book-it is an experience that reaches deep into the soul, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of its reader."

"A haunting story of survival, through and through, gripping from the first page onward to the bitter-sweet end. One comes away changed. Not many books do that to me."

"I was thoroughly captivated by Nightbird. From the moment I started reading, I was completely engrossed and couldn't put it down until I finished it. The author's raw honesty and vulnerability is intense. The book offers deep insights into the complex dynamics of revenge suicide and abusive relationships are both heartbreaking and enlightening"

"This book is not only a testament to personal resilience but also a powerful exploration of how confronting and naming our inherited wounds can lead to profound transformation. Nightbird is a must-read for anyone interested in the psychology of trauma and the human capacity to overcome and grow."