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kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
Title: Widowish
Author: Melissa Gould
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: February 21, 2021
I received a complimentary eARC from Little A via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Vital • Heartfelt • Hopeful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When Melissa Gould's husband, Joel, was unexpectedly hospitalized, she could not imagine how her life was about to change. Overwhelmed with uncertainty as Joel's condition tragically worsened, she offered him the only thing she could: her love and devotion. Her dedication didn't end with his death.
Left to resume life without her beloved husband and raise their young daughter on her own, Melissa soon realized that her and Joel's love lived on. Melissa found she didn't fit the typical mold of widowhood or meet the expectations of mourning. She didn't look like a widow or act like a widow, but she felt like one. Melissa was widowish.
Melissa's personal journey through grief and beyond includes unlikely inspiration from an evangelical preacher, the calming presence of some Real Housewives, and the unexpected attention of a charming musician.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As someone who has personally faced the realities of the (mis)perception of 'what makes a widow,' I added Widowish, a modern account of widowhood, to my TBR ahead of its release with the hope it would be relatable in a variety of ways.
In her memoir, Melissa writes openly about the complexities and challenges of her grief journey. As a young widow myself, I related to a lot of what Melissa had to say. However, I found she came across with a sense of entitlement, which I hadn't be anticipating. Maybe that's just the Hollywood way, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.
Additionally, the narrative became repetitive at different times and I thought there was definitely room for some major editing to make it more impactful. Grief is deeply personal, and I hope that writing this book was helpful in Melissa's journey. Having these types of stories available is huge for those who are forced into the reality of widowhood.
Widowish is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of grief, that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Additionally, it demonstrates that widows come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, so maybe society needs to adjust their perceptions.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• young widows
• grievers faced with sudden loss
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There. She said it. Her tears, her crying, her sympathy had nothing to do with me. It had to do with her. Her fears; her own anxiety over the possibility, however slim, of losing her husband. Having her world rocked upside down. I looked at her with indifference."
"It's common for widows to feel like they are the ones who need to comfort those who are trying to comfort them. I wish I could offer suggestions of the appropriate things to say, but the truth is, I don't know. Grief is personal and private."
Author: Melissa Gould
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: February 21, 2021
I received a complimentary eARC from Little A via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Vital • Heartfelt • Hopeful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When Melissa Gould's husband, Joel, was unexpectedly hospitalized, she could not imagine how her life was about to change. Overwhelmed with uncertainty as Joel's condition tragically worsened, she offered him the only thing she could: her love and devotion. Her dedication didn't end with his death.
Left to resume life without her beloved husband and raise their young daughter on her own, Melissa soon realized that her and Joel's love lived on. Melissa found she didn't fit the typical mold of widowhood or meet the expectations of mourning. She didn't look like a widow or act like a widow, but she felt like one. Melissa was widowish.
Melissa's personal journey through grief and beyond includes unlikely inspiration from an evangelical preacher, the calming presence of some Real Housewives, and the unexpected attention of a charming musician.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As someone who has personally faced the realities of the (mis)perception of 'what makes a widow,' I added Widowish, a modern account of widowhood, to my TBR ahead of its release with the hope it would be relatable in a variety of ways.
In her memoir, Melissa writes openly about the complexities and challenges of her grief journey. As a young widow myself, I related to a lot of what Melissa had to say. However, I found she came across with a sense of entitlement, which I hadn't be anticipating. Maybe that's just the Hollywood way, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.
Additionally, the narrative became repetitive at different times and I thought there was definitely room for some major editing to make it more impactful. Grief is deeply personal, and I hope that writing this book was helpful in Melissa's journey. Having these types of stories available is huge for those who are forced into the reality of widowhood.
Widowish is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of grief, that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Additionally, it demonstrates that widows come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, so maybe society needs to adjust their perceptions.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• young widows
• grievers faced with sudden loss
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"There. She said it. Her tears, her crying, her sympathy had nothing to do with me. It had to do with her. Her fears; her own anxiety over the possibility, however slim, of losing her husband. Having her world rocked upside down. I looked at her with indifference."
"It's common for widows to feel like they are the ones who need to comfort those who are trying to comfort them. I wish I could offer suggestions of the appropriate things to say, but the truth is, I don't know. Grief is personal and private."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Medical content, and Medical trauma
partner deathloliver773's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, and Grief