Review of By Accident
Posted: 25 Apr 2023, 16:07
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "By Accident" by Joanne Greene.]
Joanne Greene's memoir, titled By Accident: a memoir of letting go, documents her physical and emotional journey of recovery and self-discovery.
The book opens with a vivid recollection of the traumatic incident that Joanne experienced—being hit by a truck while crossing the street. Despite the severity of the accident, Joanne was able to overcome it and emerge from the experience even stronger. However, this was not the end of the challenges that life had in store for her. After recuperating from the accident, Joanne received a diagnosis of stage one colon cancer, which was particularly devastating for her as she was the only surviving member of her nuclear family. Having lost her elder brother to hemorrhagic stroke and her sister to cancer, Joanne was understandably overwhelmed by the news. While a cancer diagnosis can feel like a death sentence, Joanne's story reveals that there was more to her experience than initially meets the eye. To learn more about Joanne's journey of survival, pick up a copy of her memoir, By Accident: a memoir of letting go.
Upon initially encountering the title of the book, I assumed that it would feature an account of an unintended and remorseful action. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my assumptions were incorrect. The author's depiction of her turbulent experiences was gentle and tranquil, making for a beautiful read. Her honesty and openness about her struggles only served to enhance the book's allure.
One aspect that stood out to me was the author's relationship with her husband, Fred. Their bond was truly remarkable, and I couldn't help but wish for such a supportive partner in my own life. In the aftermath of her accident, Joanne was required to remain at home for a year to recuperate, and her husband was a constant source of care and support during this trying time. The stories she shared of her upbringing and childhood were also a highlight of the book. As the youngest sibling, with a brother and sister who were 13 and 8 years older than her, Joanne's tales were both endearing and captivating.
A crucial insight that can be gleaned from Joanne's experiences is that adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and development. Prior to her accident, Joanne had a tendency to work excessively and neglect her physical wellbeing. However, the challenges she faced forced her to reassess her priorities and take better care of herself. This is a valuable lesson for many people who may also be guilty of neglecting their own self-care in pursuit of their goals or ambitions. Reading Joanne's story may inspire readers to be kinder to themselves and prioritize their own well-being. Personally, I was moved to adopt a more compassionate attitude towards myself and find joy in simple pleasures after reading her memoir.
I found the book enjoyable, and there was nothing to criticize about it. The author's writing style resonated with me, and I appreciated her sense of humor. It's also reassuring to know that the book was professionally edited, with only a few minor errors present. All of these factors contribute to a positive reading experience and can help readers fully immerse themselves in the story. Overall, I will give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for these reasons.
The book covers themes of survival, self-discovery, and the importance of valuing one's health and life. As a result, it seems like a fitting recommendation for readers who enjoy memoirs that explore these topics.
******
By Accident
View: on Bookshelves
Joanne Greene's memoir, titled By Accident: a memoir of letting go, documents her physical and emotional journey of recovery and self-discovery.
The book opens with a vivid recollection of the traumatic incident that Joanne experienced—being hit by a truck while crossing the street. Despite the severity of the accident, Joanne was able to overcome it and emerge from the experience even stronger. However, this was not the end of the challenges that life had in store for her. After recuperating from the accident, Joanne received a diagnosis of stage one colon cancer, which was particularly devastating for her as she was the only surviving member of her nuclear family. Having lost her elder brother to hemorrhagic stroke and her sister to cancer, Joanne was understandably overwhelmed by the news. While a cancer diagnosis can feel like a death sentence, Joanne's story reveals that there was more to her experience than initially meets the eye. To learn more about Joanne's journey of survival, pick up a copy of her memoir, By Accident: a memoir of letting go.
Upon initially encountering the title of the book, I assumed that it would feature an account of an unintended and remorseful action. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my assumptions were incorrect. The author's depiction of her turbulent experiences was gentle and tranquil, making for a beautiful read. Her honesty and openness about her struggles only served to enhance the book's allure.
One aspect that stood out to me was the author's relationship with her husband, Fred. Their bond was truly remarkable, and I couldn't help but wish for such a supportive partner in my own life. In the aftermath of her accident, Joanne was required to remain at home for a year to recuperate, and her husband was a constant source of care and support during this trying time. The stories she shared of her upbringing and childhood were also a highlight of the book. As the youngest sibling, with a brother and sister who were 13 and 8 years older than her, Joanne's tales were both endearing and captivating.
A crucial insight that can be gleaned from Joanne's experiences is that adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and development. Prior to her accident, Joanne had a tendency to work excessively and neglect her physical wellbeing. However, the challenges she faced forced her to reassess her priorities and take better care of herself. This is a valuable lesson for many people who may also be guilty of neglecting their own self-care in pursuit of their goals or ambitions. Reading Joanne's story may inspire readers to be kinder to themselves and prioritize their own well-being. Personally, I was moved to adopt a more compassionate attitude towards myself and find joy in simple pleasures after reading her memoir.
I found the book enjoyable, and there was nothing to criticize about it. The author's writing style resonated with me, and I appreciated her sense of humor. It's also reassuring to know that the book was professionally edited, with only a few minor errors present. All of these factors contribute to a positive reading experience and can help readers fully immerse themselves in the story. Overall, I will give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for these reasons.
The book covers themes of survival, self-discovery, and the importance of valuing one's health and life. As a result, it seems like a fitting recommendation for readers who enjoy memoirs that explore these topics.
******
By Accident
View: on Bookshelves