Wake Me When You Leave
Love and Encouragement via Dreams from the Other Side
Wake Me When You Leave tells the awe-inspiring story of the visitations, dreams, and inexplicable synchronicities that make her realize that even after someone dies, they never really leave us. And it's never too late to make peace.
After prominent roles in Clueless and Beverly Hills, 90210, Elisa's career was on the fast track. Until her new show is unexpectedly cancelled, her relationship ends, and her father is diagnosed with terminal cancer. This book chronicles Elisa's journey out of despair and heartbreak, with nudges from a subtle spiritual presence that could only be her father looking out for her. Sometimes the universe sends us on a journey that we didn't know we needed. By sharing the lessons and challenges that the universe sent to her, Elisa inspires those who are learning to let go after a loss so they can live again with authenticity, hope, and humor.
The Wake Me When You Leave motion picture is currently in development.
Book Passage Reading & Signing
Elisa reads excerpts from Wake Me When You Leave, followed by a Q and A.
Reviews
"Beautiful and moving! And so well written. I couldn't put down Elisa's heartwarming and entertaining book about her very personal struggles behind the scenes."
—Melissa Joan Hart, actress and director
"Wake Me When You Leave is a soulful, witty, and lyrical memoir. Elisa courageously spills her experiences with rare rawness. She reveals pieces of her intimate and emotionally charged story that flawlessly ebbs between family dysfunctions, loss, grief, and intuition. I thirst for a curtain call."
—Kristy Robinett, author of It's a Wonderful Afterlife
"I found this book heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time and believe it could really help people live with their loss and feel less alone. Thank you, Elisa, for your insight and your willingness to share your truth through your beautiful storytelling."
—Marissa Jaret Winkour, Tony Award-winning actress and singer
“Elisa Donovan's memoir of losing her beloved father — and finding herself and what truly matters in this world — brims with humor and heart. Reading this book was a pleasure, like having a fun, meaningful conversation with your wisest friend. In a letter to Donovan, a military friend stationed overseas wrote that she "sincerely searches for the cracked and stilted truth and can deal with it while staying positive." Her contagious optimism, open and curious mind, and quest for self-knowledge are the gifts she shares with readers.”
---Erin Carlson, author of I'll Have What She's Having and Queen Meryl.
"What makes Elisa Donovan a riveting actress also makes her a masterful memoirist. With talent and skill, she observes the human condition and communicates its messiness. She's charming and compassionate, honest and imperfect, questioning and comforting. Hollywood provides the perfect backdrop to a book that captures the absurdity and sadness of life. By the time Donovan arrives at the realization that 'calamity is enriching,' it's hard-earned wisdom. She shows the work and it's inspiring."