Review of Last Dance

[zainherb]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Last Dance" by Stephen Manning.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Last Dance is a nonfiction book written by Stephen Manning about the life he had with his late wife Mary Ann. Mary Ann was the love of his life and the sort of wife his mother had always told him to find. After her passing, Stephen had a hard time dealing with his grief and writing this book served as part of his effort to work through his grief.

Mary Ann had ovarian cysts and had to undergo a surgery shortly before their wedding. This got them doubtful about their ability to have children, but they ended up having four children. Mary Ann dedicated her life to being a supportive wife to Stephen and a loving mother to their children. They moved a lot while raising their family and experienced a lot of celebrations and tragedies together. One of their sons died from an opioid overdose, which affected Mary Ann severely. Shortly after this, Mary Ann became terminally ill before they found out, partly because of a doctor’s neglect. However, she wanted to dance with her son, Ryan, at his wedding. Even though her doctors were skeptical about her living that long, she was determined to make it. Find out if she did.

I loved many things about Last Dance. The author was able to portray his relationship with his wife, Mary Ann, honestly. There were times of ease and difficulty and times of intimacy and disagreements, but they worked through it all together with their love and commitment intact. This honest portrayal of a relationship that had its trials made the story quite realistic. Also, I enjoyed the funny stories and the sense of humour of the author, which shows in the book in many places. My favourite story was when Ray and Uncle Tom were in charge of the bar at the party, but they competed in telling stories and drinking, that the guests ended up serving themselves.

There was nothing I disliked about the book. However, I noticed several grammatical, punctuation, and typographical errors. Also, there was an inconsistency in the usage of tenses in several places. These caused me some difficulty in understanding what I was reading, which detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I believe it could do with another round of editing.

I rate this book three out of four stars, not four stars because I found over ten errors, and not two stars or fewer because of how interesting it is.

Those who enjoy nonfiction books and biographies will be sure to enjoy it. Those who dislike nonfiction may not enjoy it. It is possible that those who have experienced the loss of a loved one or a tragic illness will be triggered by reading it, because of the tragedy, especially towards the end of the book.

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Last Dance
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[Raluca_Mihaila]

I appreciated your detailed and touching review. Thank you for your recommendation!

[Hannah Fabro]

I just finished reading this book and I don't know how many handkerchief soaked with my tears. It's sad yet humorous life story. And we can't hide the fact that it's a great book.

[zainherb]

I appreciated your detailed and touching review. Thank you for your recommendation!

The book was quite touching.
Thank you for reading and commenting.

[zainherb]

I just finished reading this book and I don't know how many handkerchief soaked with my tears. It's sad yet humorous life story. And we can't hide the fact that it's a great book.

I know what you mean.
It really is a great book.
Thanks for reading and commenting.

[Ldpuff]

I like the realistic nature of this book and I believe readers can find ways to relate to what happens in it. It is good that you mentioned possible triggers for readers, people appreciate that! Good review.

[zainherb]

I like the realistic nature of this book and I believe readers can find ways to relate to what happens in it. It is good that you mentioned possible triggers for readers, people appreciate that! Good review.

I agree. It is very relatable.
Thanks for reading and commenting.

[Josephe-Anne]

This sounds like a very touching tribute to a loved one. It's great when people can share their personal stories to keep the memories alive.

Thank you for your well-written review.

[zainherb]

This sounds like a very touching tribute to a loved one. It's great when people can share their personal stories to keep the memories alive.

Thank you for your well-written review.

I agree.
Thanks for reading and commenting.

[SamaylaM]

It's good to know that writing this emotional book served as part of the author's effort to work through his grief. Hopefully, the editing issues will be addressed. Thanks for writing a comprehensive review!

[Saint Bruno]

Thanks for the honest review. I have read the book too and really loved it. I think the book is a very touching memoir.

[zainherb]

It's good to know that writing this emotional book served as part of the author's effort to work through his grief. Hopefully, the editing issues will be addressed. Thanks for writing a comprehensive review!

Hopefully it worked.
Thanks for reading and commenting

[zainherb]

Thanks for the honest review. I have read the book too and really loved it. I think the book is a very touching memoir.

I am glad you agree.
Thanks for reading and commenting.

[Prisallen]

What a heart-wrenching story! I'm glad the author found it therapeutic to write It. It sounds like he did a good job. Thanks for your wonderful review!

[Chigo Nwagboso]

This book is interesting and touchy as well. Thanks do a well-detailed review.