Review of Dying Well

[Amanda Warner]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Susan Ducharme Hoben discusses accepting fate and finding peace in living your best life possible in the time you have left before dying in her book Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss. When Susan and her husband met with cardiologist Steven Horowitz in December 2000, he revealed that Susan had myxoma, a tumor that was developing in her heart and obstructing blood flow, making it difficult for her to breathe normally. She needed surgery in order to live. Bruce was by Susan's side, providing her with the love, support, and care she needed to get through it. She underwent surgery, and it took her a year before she could resume her regular daily activities. She throws an annual "celebration of life" party in honor of her survivor, inviting her friends and family to join her. When the surgeon informed her that her devoted husband Bruce had esophageal cancer eight years after her operation, she was devastated. Bruce ceased having the symptoms following a diagnosis and numerous rounds of chemotherapy, and he hoped the cancer was no longer present. Unfortunately, Bruce's cancer reappeared a few months later. How will Bruce handle his battle with cancer? Has Bruce's battle with cancer affected their relationship? Reading this book will increase your knowledge.

I was able to understand the importance of appreciating life while reading this book and how to make the most of the little time I have left on earth by doing so in a graceful and regret-free manner. As friends and family stopped by and some of them left Bruce and Susan encouraging messages, letting them know they were there for them if they needed anything, I could also see the need for true friendship. I also discovered that there are moments when we are powerless, and the only course of action is to accept life as it comes and let fate take its course.

What I adored about this book was how Bruce chose to make time for his friends and family in spite of his illness. I adored how Bruce and Susan took Mae on various occasions so they could share their memories with her, particularly those of Bruce. I admired how Susan honored Bruce's choice and how they continued to make the most of their pleasant days and moments together despite Bruce's illness.

This book did not leave me feeling unsatisfied because it taught me a lot about life, death, and the imminence of death. Despite the fact that I would have loved it if Bruce had seen the doctor for a routine examination after their encounter with his wife's myxoma, Bruce's choice and narrative were both moving and emotional, and most of the chapters I read left me feeling as though I should be doing everything in my power to comfort and support Bruce, Susan, and her family. I found a few errors while reading this book, which makes me think that it was professionally edited. Therefore, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to everyone who wants to recognize the importance of appreciating life as well as anyone who is dealing with cancer since they will learn about themselves while reading it.

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Dying Well
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[Emeka Emordi]

This should be a life-changing book for me. It should make me see life differently and appreciate Thile life I am living now so I can make Maximum impact when I can. This is a book that should be read by all.

[Temi Book]

It’s a good thing that the author recovered from her ailment, but also saddening that she had to watch her husband wither away because he refused treatment. I hope she’s fine today.

[Oyedeji Funmilayo]

Reading through your review brings back to me the reality of what people face in life. Bruce and Susan's story would encourage a lot of people facing the same situation. Well done

[Chibee Glory]

This is a painful story. Death is a constant event that everyone must pass through, however, the author did justice on this topic " Dying Well". Enjoy and appreciate life, encourage and be a source of comfort to those in pain. Nice review!

[Onyeso Njoku]

Cancer is a very dangerous disease that has taken the lives of many people I wonder how Susan will feel knowing full well that her husband will soon die.