Alanna Christine always emerges smelling like a rose—or, at least, she sculpts the pile of crap she’s in to look like a rose. She likens herself to a phoenix, constantly burning up and rising from the ashes in this memoir that combines aspects of “Cinderella” with “The Little Engine that Could.” From being adopted and feeling out of place to contemplating suicide and going through a divorce, she’s conquered obstacles with grace and humor. With hard-fought wisdom, she’s forged ahead regardless of the stumbling blocks thrown in her path. Perhaps the biggest challenge has been living with multiple sclerosis, which has taught her that asking for help doesn’t indicate weakness—it indicates strength. She’s also learned that we truly don’t miss anything until it’s gone. In candid fashion, she looks back on her personal trials and tribulations, victories and defeats, and miracles she’s witnessed on the way. While she’s scared of what the future might hold, she’s already discovered strength she never knew she had. Get ready to be inspired by the important life lessons in How I Got a Horse Out of a Toilet.