Hi Abby, I cried my eyes out for days after finishing "When Breath Becomes Air." I agree with you about Paul's ability to connect his inner struggle with the world around him. It's been a while since I read that book, but if I recall correctly, he immediately acknowledges instead of thinking "Why me?" he understands "Why NOT me?" That sticks with me throughout my own navigation of health issues.
Three memoirs that are dear to me, I know are also dear to you: "Heartland" by Sarah Smarsh; "The Encore" by Charity Tillemann-Dick; and "Between Two Kingdoms" by Suleika Jaouad. And of course your "Love You Hard" is very dear to me. What did I learn from these memoirs? I'm not really sure. Still learning I think, every day. That life is fleeting and we have to constantly try to live each moment of it as fully as possible. And maybe how to accept life's challenges with grace and dignity. I don't think I have that one down yet. Love you Sister! Hugs to your whole family!
Linda, I have LOVED connecting with you on so many of these books and I thank you for sending incredible humans like Charity my way. You've enriched me greatly. Sending you lots of love!
I loved your comments on all three of these memoirs. I've read Wild and will add the other two to my list. Your book, Love You Hard, was actually recommended to me, and it has served as a guide for me in writing my memoir. I appreciated how you broke it into parts and your vulnerability and honesty taught me to be more open.
I especially love what you wrote here about memoirs: "They expose the connective tissue that binds all humans."
and
"...the job of a memoirist is not only to go inward, to better understand ourselves as individuals, but also outward, to recognize ourselves in the shared experiences of others."
I will keep that in my heart as I write.
I also think it's about making meaning and maybe bridging the internal and external experiences. The beauty of memoir is that it can connect people and emotions in so many ways.
Hi Abby, I cried my eyes out for days after finishing "When Breath Becomes Air." I agree with you about Paul's ability to connect his inner struggle with the world around him. It's been a while since I read that book, but if I recall correctly, he immediately acknowledges instead of thinking "Why me?" he understands "Why NOT me?" That sticks with me throughout my own navigation of health issues.
Three memoirs that are dear to me, I know are also dear to you: "Heartland" by Sarah Smarsh; "The Encore" by Charity Tillemann-Dick; and "Between Two Kingdoms" by Suleika Jaouad. And of course your "Love You Hard" is very dear to me. What did I learn from these memoirs? I'm not really sure. Still learning I think, every day. That life is fleeting and we have to constantly try to live each moment of it as fully as possible. And maybe how to accept life's challenges with grace and dignity. I don't think I have that one down yet. Love you Sister! Hugs to your whole family!
Linda, I have LOVED connecting with you on so many of these books and I thank you for sending incredible humans like Charity my way. You've enriched me greatly. Sending you lots of love!
Janine, thank you for these kind words - and for reading! What an enormous compliment. Would love to follow you on your writing journey as well!
I loved your comments on all three of these memoirs. I've read Wild and will add the other two to my list. Your book, Love You Hard, was actually recommended to me, and it has served as a guide for me in writing my memoir. I appreciated how you broke it into parts and your vulnerability and honesty taught me to be more open.
I especially love what you wrote here about memoirs: "They expose the connective tissue that binds all humans."
and
"...the job of a memoirist is not only to go inward, to better understand ourselves as individuals, but also outward, to recognize ourselves in the shared experiences of others."
I will keep that in my heart as I write.
I also think it's about making meaning and maybe bridging the internal and external experiences. The beauty of memoir is that it can connect people and emotions in so many ways.
Thank you for this!