The Unspoken Truth A Memoir & The Book of Joann - Two Powerful Stories - The Reviews are In

sTEPPING INTO 2026

I am an author, advocate and public speaker sharing two very powerful stories for purpose, awareness and education. It has been a long journey to get here, but was a wild ride it has been. The healing journey is messy and takes many stages to overcome what the past has done.

Writing BOTH of these stories was my way of giving back and paying it forward to all who still remain in darkness. I always hope my writings will help someone who is struggling know that they are not alone, and we can walk together towards the light.

In 2026 my goal is to continue to promote both stories to bring better awareness to child abuse/safety and mental health. When someone is struggling with mental illness, it affects the whole family unit, and it takes a village to offer the proper help and support. My mother and I both fell through the cracks of a flawed system and family dynamics. It was a long hard and harrowing road that we traveled together as mother an daughter.

NO CHILD should ever have to endure what I did, and someone who is struggling with mental illness deserves the respect, dignity and compassion to help them overcome such difficult obstacles that they face daily.

Here are some thoughts and review of both of my books, and they offer clarity and validation as to why these stories are so important.

I hope you decide to read both of my stories as they are valuable tools to learn from.

Embrace the Journey,

Lisa Zarcone - Author - Child & Mental Health Advocate - Public Speaker

Thoughts & Reviews:

To have your story seen and reflected back with such care speaks to the honesty and courage woven through your words.

Writing from lived experience especially around childhood trauma takes immense strength, and the way your book continues to travel and touch lives shows how needed this truth is.

Breaking silence creates space for others to feel seen, heard, and less alone. Your story doesn’t just tell it heals, invites compassion, and opens doors for conversations that truly matter. ✨ Quoted By: Rohini Qureshi (Author)

Review - The Unspoken Truth A Memoir

As a Caritas coach and healthcare leader, I approach stories of trauma with deep respect for the human spirit, and Lisa Zarcone’s "The Unspoken Truth" is a powerful testament to resilience. This memoir takes readers inside the lived experience of a child navigating unimaginable circumstances: a mother’s mental illness, a brother’s terminal diagnosis, and the devastating abuse that followed.

Lisa writes with raw honesty, breaking the silence that so often surrounds childhood trauma. Her courage to share the unspoken is more than personal, it’s a call to action. In healthcare, we see the ripple effects of trauma every day. This book reminds us that healing begins when someone feels safe enough to speak, and when others choose to listen with compassion.

What struck me most is Lisa’s transformation from victim to advocate. She not only survived; she now mentors others, promotes mental health awareness, and uses art therapy to help people reclaim their voice. Her story reinforces a truth I hold close: love and presence are not abstract ideals, they are lifelines.

Why this matters for leaders and caregivers:
- Silence perpetuates harm; listening and believing are acts of healing.
- Trauma is not just a past event, it shapes health, relationships, and trust.
- Advocacy and empathy are essential to creating systems where people feel seen and safe.

The Unspoken Truth is not an easy read, but it is a necessary one. For those of us committed to human-centered care, this book is a reminder that our work is about more than metrics, it’s about restoring dignity and hope. Lisa’s survival is proof that even in the darkest places, the human spirit can rise, and when it does, it lights the way for others. 💞Darlene Cunha MMHC, BSN, CENP-RN, WCS Caritas Coach

Barbara Vokatis PhD, Professor, Author, Podcaster, Keynote &Therapy Dog Partner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book you will never forget
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2025
Verified Purchase
Everybody should read Lisa Zarcone's book. I truly believe that when we begin to understand the perspective of a child who goes through such horrible experiences, we become more vigilant, more compassionate, and more willing to help those who suffer in silence. Lisa’s story is deeply personal, but it is also, incredibly, the story of many children—children who have shared similar experiences and, tragically, many who will still face them in our society today.
As an educator, I know how important childhood experiences are and how much they shape who a child becomes. Reading this memoir broke my heart because it made me realize how profoundly society has failed so many children like Lisa, and how it is probably still failing them as I am writing this review. This book is not just a story—it is a wake-up call.
The author describes everything she went through incredibly well. Writing from the perspective of the child makes this memoir especially vulnerable, raw, and honest. It draws the reader into the emotional world of a child who had to courageously survive what no child ever should. This choice of voice makes the book unforgettable.
The Unspoken Truth is not simply a memoir—it is a masterpiece that gives voice to the children who were never heard. It challenges us to see, to feel, and to act. I will be thinking about Lisa’s story for a long time, and I hope every reader will do the same. I highly recommend this extraordinary book Barbara Vokatis, Ph.D.

Reviews: The Book of Joann

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!!

After reading both books by this author, I feel such a better understanding of what goes on in the mind and life of a person with mental illness. I applaud Lisa for sharing her harrowing story. Its amazing that she lived through all of the abuse and was able to come out of it with such love and empathy for her mother. She continues to advocate for children and adults in abusive situations with daily inspirational posts, talking on a radio program and being a woman of courage and strength for others. I wish her continued healing and success in all she wants to accomplish. Angie Ruggiero

• 5.0 out of 5 stars Perserverance

  Lisa has a unique way of letting the reader feel her every emotion! This is written on a promise she made to her Mother, Joann who was a very special woman, who suffered with mental illness. Unfortunately then, not too many Doctors knew how to deal with or manage this. Lisa writes to teach. To make us all aware. To show anyone who has had similiar experiences, to not give up on yourself! Get the help you need! It's out there now. Joann didn't have that, unfortunately. Sad. Her Mother went through terrible torment, and usually the closest person that you love gets to be the caretaker and the one who gets the brunt of everything! Through all the abuse, humility, and heartache, you will find how Lisa was always there, trying to be compassionate even when it was so overwhelming! There were awful times, but there were also many great times and memories! Lisa is a very special person! One Cool Chick! Lisa has continued with her life and through perserverance and strength came through the other side! She is absolutely awesome I'd say! Thank you Lisa for all you are and all you do! ♥️ Tara Lucas