Review of Dying Well

Post by **Jay David Randall** » 28 Nov 2022, 17:29

[Following is a volunteer review of "Dying Well" by Susan Ducharme Hoben.]

5 out of 5 stars

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What would you do if you were diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer and were given a few months to live? Would you consider chemotherapy after the remission of the terminal illness? Or would you give up the fight and live the rest of your life with the people you love, reminiscing about good old memories and creating new, lasting ones? Dying Well by Susan Ducharme Hoben is a memoir of her beloved husband, Bruce Hoben, and the life he lived in his last days. Eight years after the annual rite of celebrating a life free from cancer by the Hoben family, Bruce was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer, which brought the couple and their extended relatives into despair. Bruce retired because of his illness and attended chemotherapy for a couple of months, which cured the cancer, but there was a remission and the cancer was said to have metastasized. Bruce decided to quit fighting cancer and live the rest of his life with the people he loved the most.

What I liked most about the novel was the love shown to Bruce by his wife, children, extended family, friends, and healthcare provider. Bruce was depicted as a man of gentle spirit, a caring and loving spouse who was always there for his wife, Susan. He wasn't only a good spouse but also a good friend, father, and grandfather. He also had a positive influence on the lives of the people he encountered. These traits depicted by Bruce Hoben in this novel were one of the things I loved about it. Another thing I loved about this novel is that it elicits emotional responses from the reader as you read through the book. I felt the pain and sorrow that Bruce had to go through to accept the defeat of cancer, and I also felt the warm love and affection, joy, and peace of living and making every last moment of his life count.

There is nothing I dislike about this book; this book was not only interesting, but it also conveyed strong emotions to me that would forever last in my heart. It made me understand the importance of reminding our loved ones of the way we feel toward them and always telling them that they hold a special place in our hearts. In short, it taught me the true meaning of love. It made me see love differently, and I liked that.

This book was a fluent read for me, and I didn't encounter any grammatical errors while reading it. Therefore, I would give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because I loved the book, and I would also state that this book is exceptionally well edited.

This book is non-fiction and also contains some genres like drama, love, and mystery, so I would recommend this book to readers who have a keen interest in these genres, as I believe they would enjoy this book. It also has an instance of profane usage, so I therefore recommend it to older readers as well.

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Dying Well
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Oyedeji Funmilayo · Post by **Oyedeji Funmilayo** » 19 Dec 2022, 15:49

Cancer is a deadly disease I don't pray happens to me and my loved ones. Bruce's reasons for not going for chemo again is well known to him. Peace to the departed soul. Wonderful review welldone

Cynthia Christabel Okolobi · 19 Dec 2022, 16:41

Cancer has been terrorizing mankind for a long time. Susan is a strong and resilient woman. I can't imagine how she felt but I hope she finds the strength and courage to live on. And may her beloveth husband Bruce rest in eternal peace

ELI MESHACK · Post by **ELI MESHACK** » 19 Dec 2022, 17:33

I feel so touched from this review. Susan was really brave to move on with her life. I wished Bruce had survived that cancer, because he was really a nice man

Adeolaoskydeelight · Post by **Adeolaoskydeelight** » 19 Dec 2022, 18:03

Wonderful memoir of a loving man,so thought of his wife to put this into writing. Nice review

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 20 Dec 2022, 00:48

I like Bruce's decision toward his cancer. For me, it's better to choose to live the last moment of his life with his loved one, than to receive many painful therapies. Surely this book is inspiring. I hope to read this soon. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Post by **Mercy Udeokeke** » 20 Dec 2022, 01:13

This is a sad story that will stir a lot of emotions in readers. Is disheartening knowing your loved one will die soon. I’m sad Bruce fight against cancer was not successful. Well done

Online Concept · Post by **Online Concept** » 20 Dec 2022, 01:14

This story is very heartwarming, spending the good times with his family knowing death was imminent must have been hard. I even feel like crying right now. Thank you this review.

Chimdik Chimezi · Post by **Chimdik Chimezi** » 20 Dec 2022, 02:17

"Dying Well" by Susan Ducharme Hoben is a memoir about the writers husband who was suffering from stage IV esophageal cancer . This book is an emotional one for me.

Okonobe Chioma Chukwuma · Post by **Okonobe Chioma Chukwuma** » 20 Dec 2022, 04:46

Cancer is one the deadliest diseases that has constantly been a threat to mankind. The thought of having limited time to spend with a loved one is painful. I hope Susan finds the strength to move on. Great review

Temi Book · Post by **Temi Book** » 20 Dec 2022, 05:20

I don’t pray for Cancer for anyone, even my worst enemy. I admire Bruce’s ability to stop fighting knowing well that he’s going to die. That takes courage. May his soul continue to rest in peace.

Chinex Otuokere · Post by **Chinex Otuokere** » 20 Dec 2022, 06:09

Stories like these are heart-touching for one to tell how much pain Bruce was going through knowing his time was limited and had to make it memorable with his family. I must commend Susan for standing by her husband in trying time wonderful book. Nice review

Onyeso Njoku · Post by **Onyeso Njoku** » 20 Dec 2022, 12:01

Cancer is dangerous and it has taken the lives of so many people from their loved ones. I pray it should not happen to anyone.

Moo Reny · Post by **Moo Reny** » 20 Dec 2022, 14:55

Being diagnosed with cancer is something very difficult and painful but having supportive people around can help people with cancer pull through. Thank you for this amazing review