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janagaton's review against another edition
5.0
"She was a force of nature. Everything I am came from her; she was my Big Bang."
meaghanjohns's review against another edition
5.0
“Death is a slow drum. It counts every beat. We can't haggle with it for more time.”
Oh, boy. This one made me cry.
This is a story about a man coming to terms with his mind failing before his body. The man is a father and a grandfather, and he has lived a life filled with both pride and regret. As his mind begins to fail, he struggles to retain his memories of the people who matter to him most.
At the beginning of the novella, Backman indicates that he had originally written the story for himself before deciding to publish it more widely. I'm grateful for that decision, because he characterizes the experience of dementia, and the people affected by it, with deep compassion and empathy. Backman writes about loss and all of the anger and grief that comes with it, but he also includes an unexpected humour and sense of hope.
If you're looking for a quick read with a mountain of emotion, this is the book for you.
Oh, boy. This one made me cry.
This is a story about a man coming to terms with his mind failing before his body. The man is a father and a grandfather, and he has lived a life filled with both pride and regret. As his mind begins to fail, he struggles to retain his memories of the people who matter to him most.
At the beginning of the novella, Backman indicates that he had originally written the story for himself before deciding to publish it more widely. I'm grateful for that decision, because he characterizes the experience of dementia, and the people affected by it, with deep compassion and empathy. Backman writes about loss and all of the anger and grief that comes with it, but he also includes an unexpected humour and sense of hope.
If you're looking for a quick read with a mountain of emotion, this is the book for you.
rellimreads's review against another edition
4.0
If you're in need of a short story that packs an emotional punch - this is it.
A hauntingly beautiful and sad audio about a man with dementia who is dying. His conversations with his grandson, son, and late wife offer a look into not only their perspective - but what he may be feeling and experiencing as well.
There's definitely a commentary on familial relationships - good and difficult - as well.
Narraton:
I think this packed a bigger emotional punch because I listened to it. David Morse's narration was beautiful. He brings grandpa, Ted, & Noah to life.
Note:
While wonderful - I feel this is overpriced. $5.99 for a short story that is only 80% of the ebook length (same cost for an hour long audio) is disappointing. I'm definitely glad I borrowed it from the library.
A hauntingly beautiful and sad audio about a man with dementia who is dying. His conversations with his grandson, son, and late wife offer a look into not only their perspective - but what he may be feeling and experiencing as well.
There's definitely a commentary on familial relationships - good and difficult - as well.
Narraton:
I think this packed a bigger emotional punch because I listened to it. David Morse's narration was beautiful. He brings grandpa, Ted, & Noah to life.
Note:
While wonderful - I feel this is overpriced. $5.99 for a short story that is only 80% of the ebook length (same cost for an hour long audio) is disappointing. I'm definitely glad I borrowed it from the library.
ibisette's review against another edition
5.0
I think I will have to read this one again a few times. So beautiful. It's one of the things in life I'm really scared about. Not only for me, bur for my loved ones.
This book is a tiny jewel.
This book is a tiny jewel.
jonisbookquest's review against another edition
5.0
Cried my way through this book. This was so powerful and so emotional.
Re-read: still as powerful and emotional as the first time. This really is the only book that managed to make me ugly-cry.
Re-read: still as powerful and emotional as the first time. This really is the only book that managed to make me ugly-cry.
maida's review against another edition
5.0
I’m both speechless and heartbroken. Absolutely incredible.
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
5.0
It's to beautiful to be forgotten, and I never want to forget.
This story will stay with me for the rest of my life. I didn't realize that a book less than 100 pages will make me sob this much.
Memory is so precious. I hate the idea that one day I may not remember, I hate the idea that I would lose the relationships I've made in my mind. And my heart goes out to the ones who are going through this and to their families.
I lost one of my grandmothers to alzheimer, and I haven't seen her for a long time before she passed. And I for sure thought she would've forgotten me, yet when she forgot her children and her other grandchildren, she remembered me.
Whether I find this story beautiful and sad because of how similar it is to my personal experience, it's a masterpiece and I think everyone should read it at least once in their lifetime.
This story will stay with me for the rest of my life. I didn't realize that a book less than 100 pages will make me sob this much.
Memory is so precious. I hate the idea that one day I may not remember, I hate the idea that I would lose the relationships I've made in my mind. And my heart goes out to the ones who are going through this and to their families.
I lost one of my grandmothers to alzheimer, and I haven't seen her for a long time before she passed. And I for sure thought she would've forgotten me, yet when she forgot her children and her other grandchildren, she remembered me.
Whether I find this story beautiful and sad because of how similar it is to my personal experience, it's a masterpiece and I think everyone should read it at least once in their lifetime.