Marrow by Elizabeth Lesser (5 stars)

About Marrow

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Harper Wave (September 20, 2016)

The author of the New York Times bestseller Broken Open returns with a visceral and profound memoir of two sisters who, in the face of a bone marrow transplant—one the donor and one the recipient—begin a quest for acceptance, authenticity, and most of all, love.

 A mesmerizing and courageous memoir: the story of two sisters uncovering the depth of their love through the life-and-death experience of a bone marrow transplant. Throughout her life, Elizabeth Lesser has sought understanding about what it means to be true to oneself and, at the same time, truly connected to the ones we love. But when her sister Maggie needs a bone marrow transplant to save her life, and Lesser learns that she is the perfect match, she faces a far more immediate and complex question about what it really means to love—honestly, generously, and authentically.

Hoping to give Maggie the best chance possible for a successful transplant, the sisters dig deep into the marrow of their relationship to clear a path to unconditional acceptance. They leave the bone marrow transplant up to the doctors, but take on what Lesser calls a “soul marrow transplant,” examining their family history, having difficult conversations, examining old assumptions, and offering forgiveness until all that is left is love for each other’s true selves. Their process—before, during, and after the transplant—encourages them to take risks of authenticity in other aspects their lives.

But life does not follow the storylines we plan for it. Maggie’s body is ultimately too weak to fight the relentless illness. As she and Lesser prepare for the inevitable, they grow ever closer as their shared blood cells become a symbol of the enduring bond they share. Told with suspense and humor, Marrow is joyous and heartbreaking, incandescent and profound. The story reveals how even our most difficult experiences can offer unexpected spiritual growth. Reflecting on the multifaceted nature of love—love of other, love of self, love of the world—Marrow is an unflinching and beautiful memoir about getting to the very center of ourselves.

Purchase Links 

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Review

It has been a while since I read a non-fiction story that so captured my heart. From page one, I became emotionally attached to this story of two sisters and cancer's effect on their relationship. And I read the whole thing in one day, knowing I'd need to re-read it again and again to truly absorb its magnificence.

This book is about so much more than cancer and loss. It's about who we are in the deepest part of ourselves. I highlighted so many sections, but a few lines really stood out to me:  "... someone forgot to tell us that our own journey never ends... There is always more to uncover, more to know, more to heal, more to love, more to give. Being true to yourself is a rough-and-tumble ride."

None of us should wait for death to force us to learn more about life, and this book is testament to that. I could run through a litany of adjectives to compel you to read this, but it'll mean something different to everyone. But I truly believe it will touch you in some way. 

Rating: 5 stars

About Elizabeth Lesser

ELIZABETH LESSER is the author of The Seeker’s Guide and the New York Times bestseller Broken Open. She is the cofounder of Omega Institute, recognized internationally for its workshops and conferences that focus on holistic health, psychology, spirituality, creativity, and social change. Prior to her work at Omega, she was a midwife and childbirth educator. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her family.

Find out more about Elizabeth at her website, and connect with her on Facebook.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

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Short Leash: A Memoir of Dog Walking and Deliverance by Janice Gary (4 stars)

About Short Leash: A Memoir of Dog Walking and Deliverance

Paperback: 246 pages
Publisher: Michigan State University Press; 1 edition (August 1, 2013)

It’s hard to believe that a walk in the park can change a life – let alone two – but for Janice Gary and her dog Barney, that’s exactly what happened.

Gary always walked with a big dog by her side and had ever since being attacked on the streets of Berkley as a young woman. For years, she relied on her beloved Husky to help her navigate the world on her own. Then he succumbed to canine cancer, leaving Janice alone and vulnerable once again. Enter Barney: a goofy, gangly stray Gary discovers wandering loose in a Piggly Wiggly parking lot. With biscuit-sized paws and a big, blocky head, the pup promises to grow into her biggest protector yet. And he does – but after an attack by a vicious dog, Barney becomes overly protective and barely manageable. Walking him anywhere becomes almost impossible; but walking without him is unthinkable.

It’s only when Gary risks bringing Barney to a local park on the Chesapeake Bay that both their lives change forever. There, Janice faces her deepest fears and discovers the grace of the natural world, the power of love and the potency of her own strengths. And Barney loses the leash of his own fears. Beautifully written, Short Leash is a moving tale of love and loss, the journey of a broken soul finding its way toward wholeness.

“There were innumerable times when I was just knocked over by this book. This is a stunningly beautiful story told by a gifted writer.” --Meredith Hall, author of N.Y. Times Bestseller, Without a Map

“Short Leash…   isn’t quite a dog book—even though the title and the cover picture both relate to a big, lovable black lab named Barney. No, Short Leash is instead an impossibly beautiful portrait of two damaged souls and how they lean on one another to heal, hurt, and find their way back to happiness after unspeakable tragedy.”–Independent Publisher

“Pema Chodron has said that the best way to deal with fear is to lean into it, diffusing its effect by letting it inform you and staying present. Suffering the after-effects of traumatizing attacks, Gary and her dog Barney leaned into their fears and in doing so, freed themselves from them. An inspiring and uncompromisingly honest story.”  The Bark Magazine

Named an “Editor’s Pick” from New Pages.com.
Named an “Indie Groundbreaking Memoir:”  Independent Publisher

Review

Sometimes our friends help us see our own needs and issues. In the case of Short Leash, the dear friend is a dog named Barney. He becomes a mirror into the author's soul, and her story of their time together, and their lessons learned, is a poignant one. Beautifully written, Janice Gary bares her soul for all to see in her memoir. And Barney is there every step of the way. 

Both Barney and Gary have suffered attacks that form a dark cloud over their lives, leaving them fearfully walking through life. But together, they form a circle of love and self-awareness... not to mention acceptance of each other.

Be prepared with kleenex for the last few chapters as Barney declines. Yet, in those sad moments, the author finds her own footing. The writing is almost poetic in the way it invokes emotion. I felt like a bystander on the path of their many walks... drawn to this woman and her dog as they made their way. Together.

I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who has had to overcome obstacles, especially if they can credit a dear friend with their salvation. It's not just for dog lovers. That being said, those who adore their canine friends will feel a special connection to this lovely book.

Rating: 4 stars

About Janice Gary

Janice Gary is the author of Short Leash: A Memoir of Dog Walking and Deliverance, which was chosen as a “Groundbreaking memoir” by Independent Publisher and a New Pages “Editor’s Pick”.  She is the recipient of the Christine White Award for Memoir and the Ames Award for Personal Essay. As a writing coach, she helps others writers find their unique voice and stories. In between her work and appearances for Short Leash, she blogs at janicegary.com.


Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

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