Here and Gone Again

By Karen Olson MD

In this poignant and reflective memoir, Dr. Karen Olson--retired psychiatrist, self-described baby boomer, and lifelong storyteller--offers a deeply personal look at a life shaped by history, service, and unexpected challenges.

The book traces her journey from a childhood in Minnesota, to medical school, marriage, motherhood, and a decades-long career in psychiatry, where she was especially moved by her work with military veterans. Along the way, Dr. Olson shared insights into her coming-of-age as a woman in a changing world, a tribute to her patients, and the shifting landscape of American society.

When she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, Dr. Olson realized she might not have time to write the full memoir she had envisioned. Instead, she assembled a collection of previously written stories alongside new reflections written in the wake of her diagnosis.

The result is a moving portrait of a woman's life across decades of personal and national transformation--an exploration of identity, purpose, healing, and mortality. Here and Gone Again invites readers to consider the power of ordinary lives and encourages others from her generation to share their own.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FDPZLDFF
• ISBN13: 9798317807849
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Bookbaby
• Length: 60 Pages