Some look back on life with feelings of fond sentiment, laughter, and love. Some would even relive their whole lives, for they believe they made few mistakes and have few regrets. However, there are some who have little nostalgia when remembering the past, including author Lila Burns. For her, it was chaotic, at best. Every day was a survival test, a game of wills. Would she fight like hell? Or would she give up, lie down, and die?

In Finding All the Pieces, she shares her life story complete with the many struggles and challenges she endured. A collection of vignettes, poems, and...