The Harder I Fight the More I Love You: A Memoir

Case, who entered the Pacific Northwest music scene in the 1990s, traces her life as the daughter of teenage parents. Her parents divorced early on and jointly raised her—which she asserts they were ill-suited for—primarily in Tacoma, WA. She writes about experiencing trauma, for example, when her mother inexplicably faked her own death. Family members close to Case, including her father, were in on this ruse; a mock funeral party was even staged for Case’s benefit. But her mother eventually resurfaced. A stint living with her mother on the Colville Reservation inspired Case’s love for nature, which she later incorporated into her music. Case depicts her childhood as lonely and impoverished until she discovered a passion for music, which created space for friendship, community, and expression. Her music grew and evolved, and the singer/songwriter engaged in frequent and successful collaborations. Three of her albums garnered Grammy nominations. Her success enabled her to purchase a home in Vermont, as well as horses, a lifelong passion.