Buy your copy today!
YOUR PURCHASE INCLUDES:
LIMITED COPY OF BLOWING UP
SHIPPING (U.S. orders only)
TAX
BONUS SET OF BLOWING UP KOOZIES
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$5 of the each purchase of the 216 page hardcover book will go to credible organizations for that provide research and support around Optic Neuritis. Organizations that have been chosen include:
Dr. Sotirchos, Clinical and Research Director of the Johns Hopkins Neuromyelitis Optica Clinic
Book ships within 5 business days.
Waiting for the paperback version?
Hoping for a more affordable version of Blowing UP? I am working to provide one soon. I am currently researching print-on-demand services as well as getting files converted to fit a new format and still look awesome. Please sign up so I can not only notify you when a paperback version is ready, but so that I can make the best plan. Please be patient as it is just me and a blow-up doll running the show.
What People Are Saying
“2020 was a truly f'd up year but Gina's book is one of the few bright spots to emerge from our collective despair. Part comedy and part tragedy Blowing Up really is a self-help book for us all. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and wicked sense of humor with us Gina!.”
— Thomas Strand, Photographer & Director
“Thank you for letting us be part of something bigger than ourselves (the book, the fundraising for optic neuritis, the regular social media posts). Thank you for continuing to make beautiful art that entertains as well as informs; in the midst of twin pandemics (Covid and racial reckoning) while facing your own unknown and harrowing health journey.”
Kathleen Lohmar Exel, Director, Foundation at Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
“This is such a great book--an intimate glimpse into a unique quarantine life, as told through quirky images and thoughtful prose. Gina's openness and vulnerability are inspiring.”
— Bernadette Fox, Owner Fox Box
“So what is it about Rafael that makes him so compelling? On the face of it, Rafael is goofy, absurd, and seemingly out of place. But when looked at more closely, he represents a way to communicate a daily routine in unprecedented times, and a proxy to talk about feelings. His sardonic humor matches the tone of the times we’re living in, and stands out when contrasted with the curated and highly-filtered scroll of Instagram. But perhaps more notable than Rafael’s inflatable nature is his relatable point of view. In Rafael, maybe we can see part of ourselves.”
— Lauren Cutshall, Owner Journalist
“This book is not only SUPER CUTE, just the right size and gives a nice boost to advocacy and research for Optic Neuritis, but it will bring joy! Gina's journey through the uncertainty and aggravation of dealing with the effects of ON related to an unknown cause is beautifully offset by her lofty friend Rafael's inquisitive nature and childlike personality balanced with an uncanny ability to act as a good listener and make all of us smile despite serious undertones. Whimsical, funny and smart - a good read for all!”
— Julia Lefaler - The MOG Project,Co-Founder Exectitive Director
“Rafael was ridiculous and charming in all the right ways, but, most importantly, this love story was honest and personalized the struggle of living alone with health concerns in the middle of a pandemic.”
— Mike Shacerer, VP Creative Little & Company
“The best pandemic relationship help book! Funny, personal and reflective - helpful for blow-up and non-blow-up relationships. Rafael and Gina have a bright future together.”
— Jennifer Hutz, Owner Jennifer Hutz Inc.
“Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. You have truly poured your heart into this amazing resource. A huge thank you for donating and thinking about those in the rare disease community. You have both truly touched my heart. For that I am forever grateful.”
— Andrea Mitchell, Ambassador For The Blind, The MOG Projet