Naked Under My Coat
Writing Under the Influence of Parkinson's
by Jocelyn Burgener

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“Parkinson’s is all about the disconnect within the central nervous system. But when I hit that nerve with a word or a phrase that connection is restored. I consider my Parkinson’s a gift.” - Naked Under My Coat – Writing Under the Influence of Parkinson’s is a collection of poems and short stories written during the onset and formal diagnosis of Jocelyn Burgener’s Parkinson’s disease. Using pieces of her life, both real and imagined, Jocelyn tells the story of finding her voice, even as the disease restricts her ability to journal, speak, and pray. From physics to infidelity, the edges of fear, and faith and love, Naked Under My Coat exposes her vulnerability and insight in the face of her challenging new reality.

jocelynburgener.ca

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“The author skillfully switches between prose and poetry.” Frances Wright past CEO Famous 5 Foundation “Naked Under My Coat holds many pleasant and thought-provoking surprises.” Licia Corbella. Editorial Page Editor, Calgary Herald “Jocelyn creates an aura of intimacy in her writing.” Joan Crockatt, MP Past Managing Editor, Calgary Herald

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Raised in Toronto, Jocelyn Burgener majored in theatre, writing, and graduated from the Radio and Television Arts program at Ryerson University. She currently writes for Culinaire, a food and beverage magazine based in Calgary, where she has lived since 1976. Naked Under My Coat – Writing Under the Influence of Parkinson’s is Jocelyn's first book.

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Contributors

Author

Jocelyn Burgener

Illustrator

RFM (Robert) McInnis

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