The Long Goodbye by Author Meghan O’Rourke Book Review
Caring for a loved one with an illness can be difficult, but when it’s terminal, it can be devastating. How someone keeps positive during that time amazes me. But love makes us strong enough to do just about anything.
Meghan O’Rourke is a gifted writer and editor. Her poetry, columns, and essays have captivated me for some time now. She first grabbed my attention when a friend posted an article on why people hate her, but I didn’t see any reason to hate. Her essays in Slate and The New Yorker moved me. Her style is honest and smooth.
I was sent a copy of The Long Goodbye and it took me a while to really start reading. Oprah called it the most moving book of 2011, and I knew it would have an effect on me. Meghan O’Rourke’s memoir is a beautiful and at times painful read. It made me cry. Not just tear up, but bawl. I had to put the book down several times to compose myself, but not once did I consider not finishing it. I knew what would happen, but I just couldn’t stop.
In 2008, O’Rourke lost her mother to Cancer in 2006, and The Long Goodbye details her grief. Grief is at once universal and personal. No two grieve alike and, contrary to research, there is no standard process for anyone in each stage of grief. Not to me, anyway. I wanted to hold her hand and hug her through it. I cried for her loss and my own. I smiled as she remembered the good times and mentioned Dr. Manhattan. I remembered sitting by the bedside of a loved one before he moved on. Like O’Rourke, I had trouble remembering he was gone and sometimes still do.
If you’re grieving, read it. If you’re a caretaker, read it. If you have loved and lost a family member, read it. If you want to read about a daughter’s love, read it. Just be prepared to shed a few tears and feel the need to hug your loved ones. My kids are beginning to be annoyed by the extra love, but you know how teens can be when mom hugs on them.
Disclaimer: Sherrie has personally reviewed the product listed above. Sherrie has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Sherrie did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ. Two Classy Chics is not responsible for delivery of any giveaway items won from this blog. Thanks!