Debut Memoir · Coming Fall 2026
From Fire
to Freedom
A Memoir of Transformation, Renewal, and Resilience
By Dr. Bertina M. Hooks
About the Book
Synopsis
From Fire to Freedom is an intimate and deeply reflective memoir about surviving pressure, rebuilding identity, and finding freedom after adversity. Through stories shaped by medicine, motherhood, personal loss, professional expectations, burnout, reinvention, and resilience, Dr. Bertina Hooks shares the realities that often exist beneath outward success.
This is a memoir about the fires that test us — the pressures of a demanding career, the weight of unmet expectations, the grief that accumulates quietly, and the moments when everything we thought defined us begins to unravel. It is also about what becomes possible on the other side: clarity, freedom, and a more authentic version of self.
At its heart, this is a story about becoming — not despite life's fires, but because of them.
Book Description
From Fire to Freedom: A Memoir of Transformation, Renewal, and Resilience is the deeply personal story of Dr. Bertina M. Hooks—a physician, mother, survivor, and woman forced to rebuild her life after a sudden, life-threatening illness resulted in the loss of her right leg.
Beginning with the terrifying moment she moved from physician to patient, Dr. Hooks traces the experiences that shaped her: an ambitious childhood, the pursuit of medicine, racism and sexism within the profession, motherhood, marriage and divorce, professional adversity, disability, grief, faith, and the long journey back to herself.
With honesty, vulnerability, and hope, she explores what happens when the life you carefully built changes without warning—and how healing begins when you stop measuring your worth by what was lost.
From Fire to Freedom is more than a story of survival. It is an invitation to release limiting expectations, reclaim your identity, and rise with renewed purpose from the ashes of the life you once knew.
Official Book Trailer
From Fire to Freedom Video Reveal
What This Book Explores
Themes
Official Release
Pre-Order the Memoir
Releasing September 23, 2026
From Fire to Freedom will be released nationwide on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, major audiobook platforms, as well as directly through this website.
Unsigned Copy
Pre-order your standard copy of From Fire to Freedom. Shipped directly to your door upon publication release.
Signed Copy
Order a personalized copy hand-signed by Dr. Bertina M. Hooks. Includes an author inscription and bookmark.
Published by Phoenix Ascend Press · Secure checkout via Stripe
Exclusive Reader Community
Join the ARC Launch Team
Be among the select group of readers, colleagues, physicians, and supporters who get early access to From Fire to Freedom before its official release. Help share an inspiring message of resilience, hope, healing, and transformation with the world.
Apply to Join the ARC TeamBook Journey
From Manuscript to Launch
Every great story has a journey. Follow the path of From Fire to Freedom from first word to publication.
4 of 6 milestones completed
The Story Begins
Lived experience, reflection, and the courage to put it on the page.
Writing & Revision
Drafting, refining, and shaping the manuscript over many seasons.
Editorial Review
Manuscript in editorial and design development with Phoenix Ascend Press.
Production & Print
Cover design, interior layout, printing, and digital formatting.
Launch Campaign
Advanced reader copies, media outreach, podcast tour, and events.
Publication — Fall 2026
Available at major online retailers and select independent bookstores.
The Story Begins
Lived experience, reflection, and the courage to put it on the page.
Writing & Revision
Drafting, refining, and shaping the manuscript over many seasons.
Editorial Review
Manuscript in editorial and design development with Phoenix Ascend Press.
Production & Print
Cover design, interior layout, printing, and digital formatting.
Launch Campaign
Advanced reader copies, media outreach, podcast tour, and events.
Publication — Fall 2026
Available at major online retailers and select independent bookstores.
Want to be notified the moment the book launches?
Join the Launch ListJoin the Launch List
Be the first to know when From Fire to Freedom is available. Receive updates, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive launch news.
Phoenix Ascend Press
Future Books
More from Phoenix Ascend Press — Forthcoming titles will appear here as published.
Book Excerpt
Read an exclusive sample excerpt from From Fire to Freedom.
Book Club Discussion Guide
Download discussion questions and reflection prompts for your book club meeting.
Book Clubs Welcome
Book Club Inquiry
Dr. Hooks welcomes book club appearances — virtual and in-person. Complete the form below and her team will be in touch to discuss availability and details.
Dr. Hooks' team typically responds within 5–7 business days.
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"You are not broken. Give yourself permission to evolve." — Dr. Bertina M. Hooks