Customer Reviews

Born Too Soon

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I thought this book was very well written and very descriptive. I reviewed this story after my own experience with my slightly premature baby. Lucky for us, his NICU stay was only for one day, and for us, we had a happy outcome. When Elizabeth conveyed her thoughts and feelings on leaving her baby in NICU and not being able to hold her, I could very much relate to her feelings. I remember well how I cried when I had to leave my own baby. Elizabeth, if you read this, I applause you for getting your story out there, to share with others. It really gives other people a perspective on having a baby that was "born too soon". Of note, I am a HELLP syndrome survivor and wish I could have done like Elizabeth and used the type of media she did.

I made the mistake of reading this book while my daughter (born 15 1/2 weeks early) was still early in her hospital stay. Ms. Mehren, as a NICU mom herself, really helped me come to terms and put words to some of my feelings. The big warning I think is needed is for parents who are in the middle of (or the beginning) their NICU experience. Why? The book cover talks of "one infants extraordinary fight to survive" and "miracles". Nothing to prepare you for the unhappy ending. I found out,and read it anyway, but forewarned is forearmed.

I am not very big on reading- in fact, this is one of the first books i have read in a LONG time for fun. I am still quite young, so i really dont know what it is like to have a baby. Elizabeth Mehren is by far the best author i have EVER read, and the book was fabulous- i couldnt put it down. It teaches you what she had to go through with her premature child, the struggles she had, and how her life changed. Her child went through many ups and downs, and she was there to experience it all. The ending was quite sad, and i cried for a while after it, but i would definitely reccomend reading this book to anyone- especially someone experiencing having a child in the NICU.

This book is one of my favorites! I first heard of this book when it was published in the Reader's Digest book section (Feb 1992). After I found the full book, I devoured it. It is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read about premature babies. It has since inspired me to learn more about these precious miracles and and I am now the head of research for a non-profit preemie foundation! I would reccomend this book to anyone who loves babies! (I would give it 5 stars, but I have to reserve that for Susan Hill's book "Family", another simply beautiful book about preemies.)

I read this book when it was first published, just as I was starting my career as a NICU nurse. It gave me great insight in to what it is like for parents with a baby in crisis. As the nurse educator in my unit now, 20 yrs later, I still reccomend this book to our new NICU nurses.

This is really a good book. It tell of the struggles with a premie and also the hardships on a marriage. It really was heartbreaking. Great read.

This book is both true to life and intriguing. Emily and her mother's experience in the NICU was scary but also prepares a mom-to-be with the reality that your baby might have to face this situation. All around a great book.

This was a very good book. But I too, like another reviewer, made the mistake of reading it as I am going through birthing a 27 weeker preemie and a long stay in the NICU. It does not have a happy ending, and I intend to. This book was in the "parent library" of the NICU, and I am telling all the mothers that I see on a regular basis in the unit to steer clear of this book. I was a mess for a couple of days after reading it. I just wish I had waited until my baby was older and out of danger before I read it. I do think it would be helpful for parents who lost their preemie.

I am amazed at accurately it captures the thoughts and experiences of a generation of NICU parents. While the ending is sad, the reader is left with the feeling that little Emily's life was truly valued by those who knew her and by everyone touched by this book.

I was introduced to this book many years ago when it was featured in the book section of Reader's Digest. I've since read the complete book and found it to be one of the best books that I've read regarding premature birth. I am now reading Elizabeth Mehren's follow-up book to "Born Too Soon" titled "After the Darkest Hour, the Sun Will Shine Again: A Parents Guide to Coping With the Loss of a Child".

Katie Udell

Executive Director of Research

The Alexis Foundation for Premature Infants and Children