Review of His Sunrise My Sunset

[Sarah Schmidt]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "His Sunrise My Sunset" by Jan Hurst.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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His Sunrise My Sunset is a memoir written by Jan Hurst. In it, she chronicles the life and passing of her husband, Steve. A lover of Corvettes and someone who disliked confrontations, he was the perfect husband to Jan and a wonderful father to their two daughters, Michele and Terri, if not very demonstrative with his affections. Shortly after his retirement from the Air Force, the two headed out on a trip to join a Corvette caravan event. A car accident renders Steve a quadriplegic, while Jan suffered relatively mild injuries. His advancing age and that he had developed Parkinson’s disease lessen his chances of survival, but Jan holds out hope that he might make it through. She soon must make a difficult choice when the reality of his situation is driven home. Following his death, Jan attempts to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of widowhood, renewing her faith in God as she does so.

It seemed that as one tragedy struck this family, another followed right on its heels. Tragedy strikes unexpectedly, forcing us to reevaluate our lives and adjust to a new normal. Nevertheless, Jan’s faith in God’s plan remained mostly steadfast. Jan’s loneliness after losing her husband was evident, barely curbed by the support of her family and friends. She did find her place among a group of widows who understand the specific sting of her loss, but, as she explains, the connection she formed with her husband can never be replaced. This is, in itself, very bittersweet, something which evoked sympathy and tears as I read it. I genuinely can pinpoint nothing to dislike.

This story was short, but it managed to paint a decent picture of Steve’s life. Jan narrates the loss of a best friend, confidant, and soldier—this does not only speak to Steve’s service in the military, but it also is a testament to his making it out of an abusive, toxic household with an upright character and being one of God’s people. I loved how Jan described her replay of their life together as a ‘movie’, reminiscing about the highs and the lows of their lives. Her story of their falling in love provided an uplifting focal point in the story.

There were so many dark elements that Jan’s family had to battle. Apart from Steve’s passing, the two had dysfunctional upbringings. Steve’s mother is proof that not everyone is meant to be a parent. How his past shaped his personality was clearly illustrated by Jan. He then was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, having to fight the fear of wasting away, especially as he had seen something of the same with his father. After Steve’s death, Jan had a demon to confront in the form of survivor’s guilt, which, coupled with the legal aspect of their accident, seemed to compound her loss. Added to that, Laurel, her granddaughter’s life was a source of concern, having been born without radius bones and requiring platelet transfusions to survive.

Another of His Sunrise My Sunset’s selling points was the complete lack of errors present. Not only was the book well edited, but the editing quality was similarly superb. These factors led me to assume that this book has been professionally edited. Profane and sexual content never crop up, making this book palatable to younger or more conservative readers. Jan’s belief in the Christian God is obvious, and it might prove a hindrance to some’s reading enjoyment.

I rate this book a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. Sublime editing, a touching but tragic real-life story, and a flawless narration combine to make a wonderful read. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy memoirs or to those who have suffered the loss of a spouse and are searching for a nonintrusive way of coping. I do not think that readers who like nonreligious nonfiction would find this book a great fit.

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His Sunrise My Sunset
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[Fedaa Nsair]

Sounds like a beautiful book full of emotions and life lessons. And I like the cover it is so gorgeous and calm Thank you for the great review

[Harsh Soni 3]

It sounds like a well-written book with full of emotions. I also like the quote on the cover. Thanks for this great review.

[Ayomide Solomon]

The story seems to say "life is a pack of unexpected twisted fate"
I love the tone of the story, although tragic but an embodiment of hope.
Beautifully penned review.

[kittykat6132]

In life we are never truly prepared for those life curves that are thrown to us. This is such an inspirational book.

[Maboko Bartlett S]

I really love this book as I went through this kind of life after I lost my partner,it really sounds good actually Jan you are my hero it looks like you saw what I'm going through with my life now thanks to this book

[Mabosi paul brian]

. Wow! The book is quite beutiful that it sounds to be full of life lessons and emotions. It seems to have picked my attension and i am opeful to introduce it to my family members because i think the book cover being gorgeous, it wil pick their attension too. Great review

[Dorothy10]

I love this book, it a great book full of emotion, struggles, and the fight to save loved ones. Great review by the way, you really summarize the book well.