This is a beautiful, life-changing, life-affirming book. "Tuesdays with Morrie" is a story that will make the reader rethink his or her relationships and can be the start of a healing process for estranged families. The enthusiasm for life that this man has is astounding and incredibly uplifting. His philosophy is that each day we wake up is a gift from God, so what do we do with a gift? Do we celebrate, honor and cherish it or defile, ignore and take it for granted? Morrie never loses his dignity because he never loses his love and appreciation of that gift. This is a book to treasure and re-read whenever we've had a bad day and buy plenty to keep on hand for gifts.
This is a complex storyline about families and relationships. The main character, Gwen, has Turners Syndrome, which causes the body to stop developing just before puberty. She becomes a woman in a girl's body. The book begins with a scene from a summer family holiday in 1976, before Gwen's diagnosis. The story then jumps to 1997. There are many excellent character types in the book besides her, Billy, Scott, Frank, Mother. There is great depth of emotions and many dilemmas for each to deal with that makes for an interesting story. All characters are basically in search of defining themselves and ultimately find happiness. This is worth your time.
A tragic turn of events redirects a fragile marriage ....Terrifying but ultimately beautiful and uplifting. This was not just a book. This was a world I entered. I think that all women, no matter what age or stage of life they are in, will find something to identify with in this truly exciting and touching book. It has a lot of action and suspense too that will also appeal to men. It was very relatable and satisfying. I think the review on the front of the book says it best. "Julia Robert's "Sleeping with the Enemy" meets Cary Grant's "An Affair to Remember." I can't write it any better than all of these excellent reviewers already have. A book this good is never long enough for me.
This is a story about parenthood, divorce and starting over. Dana, a suburban Mom, who is left by her husband to fend for herself and deal with raising her daughter, 12 and son, 7, narrates it. The author's insights on raising a family after divorce are spot on and either leave you laughing or crying. The characters feel real and the situations seemed as if you were listening to a neighbor telling of her ordeal. This book is well written and thought provoking and is a nice light-weight enjoyable read.
Mountains Beyond Mountains tells the story of one man who cares, Dr. Paul Farmer, the founder and energizing spirit of Zanmi Lasante Hospital. Farmer takes care of the people of Haiti, and unashamedly begs from those of us who live in wealthy, developed countries to also. It's astounding what he does with minimal medical supplies. He brings life back to those who have almost lost it. He creates hope. Wonderful book and a wonderful message.
The author weaves the Hmong culture and the western medical culture together. It is not just a book about the characters themselves, but an exploration of historical forerunners and influences, cultural traits, and the basic needs of a human being when they are in pain. Moving and powerful, this is a must read.
