Review of The Murmur of Everything Moving

[Leslie coccia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Murmur of Everything Moving" by Maureen Stanton.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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“The Murmur of Everything Moving” by Maureen Stanton is an emotionally powerful memoir. In it, the author recounts what led her to find love. The book starts off in 1984, when Maureen was in her 20s and just out of college. While working at a bar in Wappingers Falls, New York, a steady stream of regulars filled her late nights and early mornings. Then, Steve appeared. Maureen describes to readers the tenderness of their relationship, with all of its ups and downs. Over time, Steve regularly suffered from lower back pain. After checking into a hospital and being given a serious diagnosis, Maureen's relationship with him changed, as the disease permeated and colored their world.

“The Murmur of Everything Moving" is a book that will tug at readers' heartstrings. I give it a rating of four out of five stars. The biggest reason why I give it a high rating is because the author shows, instead of tells, the anguish that her lover endured. She gives readers an intimate look into their daily lives with the disease, written so well that it's like being there with them. The memoir is also very inspiring because of Maureen and Steve's determination after his diagnosis. The doctor delivered the news as though Steve would be just another statistic. But, the two of them weren’t willing to accept that, and their endeavors to heal Steve, even though they were considered “alternative” in the 80s, made a difference in his life. This part of the book will appeal to readers who follow their intuition when it comes to medical care, instead of automatically accepting a doctor’s words as set in stone. The only reason I didn’t give the book five stars is because there are a few editing mistakes.

“The Murmur of Everything Moving” is best for readers who aren’t squeamish about the harsh realities of daily medical care. In certain passages, drug use and suicide are brought up. It’s a beautiful memoir to delve into for readers who ponder what it really means to love someone.

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The Murmur of Everything Moving
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[Kibet Hillary]

What does it really mean to love someone? This is a nice question, and I am glad that the author shows, rather than tell, the story. Thank you for the amazing, captivating, and well-balanced review of this moving memoir, @Leslie coccia.

[Gerry Steen]

True love and a battle with a disease are two things that I like to read about. This memoir has both. I am curious about Steve's illness and what alternative methods were used to fight it. I am adding this book to my bookshelves.