What do you think?
Rate this book
Death: Living to Talk About It
For over twenty-years I have found myself on the verge of death and fought to stay alive. My heart attack in 1989 marked the beginning of a life and death struggle that has lasted more than twenty-years. I have been in hospice, and my family told I had three weeks to live. I was on a heart transplant list, but was removed because they said I was too sick to survive surgery. This is the story of the journey I am taking. Living, and dying, with heart and lung disease. Join me as I talk about what it is like to be terminally ill, and told time and again I was dying. Most importantly, I wish to impart hope.
190 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2011
2 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 26, 2011
Hi y'all Anne here and I've just finished reading Death and living to talk about it by Brian Hayden and wow what a memoir! This is a piece of his life that is so emotional I had to fight back tears. At one point I actually had to stop and say to myself "I've actually chatted with this man on face book!" how can one person fight, and I say fight because that is exactly what him and his family did and never lose hope. He makes a point to show people that hope is important but also love and support from others around because without that life might not be so precious. His wife stayed by him through all the battles a true sign of love and devotion I believe and when all else is lost someone giving you a tiny bit of hope can seem like a beacon light at your ens of the tunnel and his family came to his side countless times to show their love and support, what if not that is life about. Although this story was scary in someways it was a good scary to remind all of us we don't get experation dates your day might be up in 50 years or it might be up tomorrow and you should live your life as such. Love yourself, family, and life and never believe your time is up. This book was written as a testament to life but there is so much more you can get from it, like how heroes walk with us everyday and maybe there really are guardian angels watching over in our times of need. I can't begin to fathom the memories writing this memoir dragged up but I know that it was worth it for me to get to read it and remember what it's all about it the end, little stuff not so important and the big stuff not so much either. If it's important to you then go for it and see it through to the end.. Well done Brian Hayden and family for showing people what it's all about. 5 out of 5 stars for Death and Living to Talk About it...
August 31, 2011
This is my book! Please go to my web site to read excerpts, and more.
August 4, 2011
Death: Living to Talk About It
Author: Brian Hayden
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
The house of mirrors shows you from different sides and angles as you walk through it and see yourself in many different lights and positions. But, imagine each pain of glass, each mirror reflecting your inner most thoughts, the years of your life and allowing you to revisit and relive each moment gone by each time you look deep inside the mirror. Now, imagine the first mirror: Look deep inside that class and see yourself at what people thought was the end of your life as the vision reflected is of you in a coffin, eyes wide opened looking straight up at everyone who passes by knowing that your every thought and inner most feelings are being buried with you as you imagine the next pane of glass or mirror would show you being lowered into the ground. But, let’s remember that this is not a dream, it’s your life at the end or so everyone thought.
Let’s start from the beginning and work our way to the first mirror once again as we skip to the end and tell your story so that everyone knows that you are still here, not really being buried inside of that coffin and what really started your journey from Death to Life.
Let’s start from the last mirror and take a tour backwards from the past to the present and learn about our creative and talented author, Brian Hayden. Born in 1954 to a middle class Jewish Family, our author takes the reader on real life journey. Describing his background, growing up with devoted parents and grandparents, his story brings back memories of going to synagogue, drinking Manishewitz wine in my tea. Hebrew School, Saturday services, family responsibilities, the author’s lie and experiences are not only memorable but also cherished by him and his family. Let’s move ahead to the next two mirrors and take a look at what we find. We see our author having gone through school, becoming a teenager, drinking, smoking, then becoming a firefighter and graduating Fire School. We seem him at the National Air Force Base in Stan Bernardino a mere 19 year old who enjoyed stretching the truth when he came to his age. You can see him with his friends, hear the laughter while partying and the many mishaps he had which landed him in the ER on numerous occasions. Passing behind a car that was backing up and winding up with cracked bones, lost toes and more. Impatient ER doctors when migraine headaches plagued him and he needed to find a way to deal with them. Getting married at an early age, two children, headaches that made life difficult for him and having a car fall on top of him while trying to fix it. Looking into these mirrors you do not see a clear image but ones that are a little cracked, unclear and let you know our author needs to settle down and focus more on his life. Next, we see him getting stationed in Germany and leaving his wife Denise and two children at home with her parents until he gets settled.
Then in September of 1987 he literally died. Smoking, drinking and more smoking and drinking finally took its toll on our author. Heading a medical unit in the Air Force and walking into his office he literally keeled over and was lucky that someone came to his rescue. Weeks of recuperation and learning many of the physical skills over again did not seem to change his habits. As soon as he was released and felt better he resumed his old ways and things would go on a downhill slide, as you will see in the next mirror. Going home to his family he once again reverted to his old habits and yes, he wound up in the hospital and died once again. His guardian angel better never take a holiday or vacation. But, the end has come so many times but fortunately for the author there is much more to come and his mirrors will start to become more focused and hopefully his body will heal and the cigarettes and alcohol a thing of the past. That still remains to be seen.
The author relates many harrowing, life threatening and difficult experiences he had in many different hospitals with numerous doctors. But, one thing that never changes is his will to live, his strong spirit to overcome every adversity and the undying support of his family and friends. The medical treatments are described quite graphically so the reader will understand the gravity of them. I can identify with what Brian endured since my mom had heart failure, COPD and many of the same problems with her heart. She did however have a Green Field Filter, which eliminated many of her problems with blood clots. The filter was placed in her left leg in 1993 and really worked. She did however take Coumadin and was monitored every two weeks with INR tests done by a lab that came to her home.
Let’s go and fast forward to 2011 and look into that first mirror again. Well: I know you don’t see that coffin anymore, nor do you see Brian lying face up looking at everyone. He stopped smoking, which is quite important and drinking too. Live is precious and more valuable than all the money in the world. Family is everything and the support of his wife, children and friends invaluable. So, if you learn nothing more from reading this outstanding true-life journey of one man’s life, you need to take care of yourself, listen to your heart when it tells you it needs help and STOP SMOKING! Look into the class of that first mirror and what do you see: LIFE: LOVE: HOPE AND BRIAN SMILING and FULL OF LIFE!
My mom was not allowed to have salt in her diet and I monitored what she ate, her meds and her care. The last two chapters in the book describe to the reader what happens when you have too much salt in your diet, heart failure and liver problems. Watching your salt intake is paramount to avoiding these problems and your diet too. So, Brian make sure you stay alive. Don’t give those doctors the satisfaction of ever being right about how long you have on this earth. People do not come with expiration dates. It is 2011 and you are still here and hopefully for many more years. Hoping to read another one of your books really soon.
Let’s dedicate this review to Denise who really is quite special.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Author: Brian Hayden
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
The house of mirrors shows you from different sides and angles as you walk through it and see yourself in many different lights and positions. But, imagine each pain of glass, each mirror reflecting your inner most thoughts, the years of your life and allowing you to revisit and relive each moment gone by each time you look deep inside the mirror. Now, imagine the first mirror: Look deep inside that class and see yourself at what people thought was the end of your life as the vision reflected is of you in a coffin, eyes wide opened looking straight up at everyone who passes by knowing that your every thought and inner most feelings are being buried with you as you imagine the next pane of glass or mirror would show you being lowered into the ground. But, let’s remember that this is not a dream, it’s your life at the end or so everyone thought.
Let’s start from the beginning and work our way to the first mirror once again as we skip to the end and tell your story so that everyone knows that you are still here, not really being buried inside of that coffin and what really started your journey from Death to Life.
Let’s start from the last mirror and take a tour backwards from the past to the present and learn about our creative and talented author, Brian Hayden. Born in 1954 to a middle class Jewish Family, our author takes the reader on real life journey. Describing his background, growing up with devoted parents and grandparents, his story brings back memories of going to synagogue, drinking Manishewitz wine in my tea. Hebrew School, Saturday services, family responsibilities, the author’s lie and experiences are not only memorable but also cherished by him and his family. Let’s move ahead to the next two mirrors and take a look at what we find. We see our author having gone through school, becoming a teenager, drinking, smoking, then becoming a firefighter and graduating Fire School. We seem him at the National Air Force Base in Stan Bernardino a mere 19 year old who enjoyed stretching the truth when he came to his age. You can see him with his friends, hear the laughter while partying and the many mishaps he had which landed him in the ER on numerous occasions. Passing behind a car that was backing up and winding up with cracked bones, lost toes and more. Impatient ER doctors when migraine headaches plagued him and he needed to find a way to deal with them. Getting married at an early age, two children, headaches that made life difficult for him and having a car fall on top of him while trying to fix it. Looking into these mirrors you do not see a clear image but ones that are a little cracked, unclear and let you know our author needs to settle down and focus more on his life. Next, we see him getting stationed in Germany and leaving his wife Denise and two children at home with her parents until he gets settled.
Then in September of 1987 he literally died. Smoking, drinking and more smoking and drinking finally took its toll on our author. Heading a medical unit in the Air Force and walking into his office he literally keeled over and was lucky that someone came to his rescue. Weeks of recuperation and learning many of the physical skills over again did not seem to change his habits. As soon as he was released and felt better he resumed his old ways and things would go on a downhill slide, as you will see in the next mirror. Going home to his family he once again reverted to his old habits and yes, he wound up in the hospital and died once again. His guardian angel better never take a holiday or vacation. But, the end has come so many times but fortunately for the author there is much more to come and his mirrors will start to become more focused and hopefully his body will heal and the cigarettes and alcohol a thing of the past. That still remains to be seen.
The author relates many harrowing, life threatening and difficult experiences he had in many different hospitals with numerous doctors. But, one thing that never changes is his will to live, his strong spirit to overcome every adversity and the undying support of his family and friends. The medical treatments are described quite graphically so the reader will understand the gravity of them. I can identify with what Brian endured since my mom had heart failure, COPD and many of the same problems with her heart. She did however have a Green Field Filter, which eliminated many of her problems with blood clots. The filter was placed in her left leg in 1993 and really worked. She did however take Coumadin and was monitored every two weeks with INR tests done by a lab that came to her home.
Let’s go and fast forward to 2011 and look into that first mirror again. Well: I know you don’t see that coffin anymore, nor do you see Brian lying face up looking at everyone. He stopped smoking, which is quite important and drinking too. Live is precious and more valuable than all the money in the world. Family is everything and the support of his wife, children and friends invaluable. So, if you learn nothing more from reading this outstanding true-life journey of one man’s life, you need to take care of yourself, listen to your heart when it tells you it needs help and STOP SMOKING! Look into the class of that first mirror and what do you see: LIFE: LOVE: HOPE AND BRIAN SMILING and FULL OF LIFE!
My mom was not allowed to have salt in her diet and I monitored what she ate, her meds and her care. The last two chapters in the book describe to the reader what happens when you have too much salt in your diet, heart failure and liver problems. Watching your salt intake is paramount to avoiding these problems and your diet too. So, Brian make sure you stay alive. Don’t give those doctors the satisfaction of ever being right about how long you have on this earth. People do not come with expiration dates. It is 2011 and you are still here and hopefully for many more years. Hoping to read another one of your books really soon.
Let’s dedicate this review to Denise who really is quite special.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
September 1, 2011
I give Death: Living To Talk About It by Brian M. Hayden a 5-star review!
An intimate, poignant, and at times, humorous, in-depth look into the real life of an extraordinary man who has struggled his whole life with various health problems. Please indulge me for a moment, if you will. Can you try to imagine: Going along your merry way in life, then suddenly you have a heart attack in your thirties? I can't, but Brian Hayden did.
Reading his book was a huge eye-opener, as well as one of the most engaging reads I've ever come across. He starts out explaining life as a child, in the times where smoking and drinking were not only accepted, but habits most adults partook in. I, too, grew up witnessing this behavior, although I still thank God that my own Mama never did drink or smoke. My Dad? Well, he did. Now? He's on oxygen, has COPD and a few other serious health problems, not to mention issues caused by his drinking, which he still does. It is a very sad state of affairs, and one that touches many more lives than the one indulging will ever know.
Brian ends his book in the current time, where every day is still a struggle just to stay alive. He has lived quite a life, all the while managing, or trying to manage his various health conditions, which are too numerous to list here. Brian's adult life started in our U.S. Military, serving his country just as so many had to back then, and still do now.
He also makes it very clear that he does not blame the U.S. Military for his smoking and drinking ways, but he does explain how easily one can fall prey to such bad habits in that setting. We've all seen the movies about war times, or just the military in general, where most of the people smoke and drink. In fact, they even make it look 'cool,' or 'sexy,' or who knows what, but they make it look good. I can't imagine actually living it, and being able to walk away. There’s always been peer-pressure, and person does have pride, after all
Nowadays, if you drink, most people don't have much to say since usually, at the very least, they, themselves are 'weekend drinkers' or something to that effect. But, if you're a smoker?? OMG! You are the scum of the Earth. It's your fault. Doesn't matter what 'it' is, it's simply your fault. And there's absolutely no way you're truly a productive member of society. Wanna know a lil secret? Most of those 'weekend drinkers' are also 'closet smokers' who think there's no harm in lighting up only when they drink. And they drink often! Not only on weekend! Here is where I digress. This isn't about me, this is about Brian's wonderful writing talent, his life of being an overachiever, and his astounding words.
I don't remember how many, but Brian really did 'die' several times in his life, yet he's still kickin' and out of the many things I love about him, I'd have to say his humor is the best. I laughed. I cried, I cursed. I wanted to throw things a few times. But not at Brian. No, never at Brian. He's lived his life as a standup man. He's served his country where so many won't even try. He married his young sweetheart, who I must say, is simply Brian's Angel come to Earth to watch over and care for him. Let's face it, he does need taking care of from time to time...
What a strong personality! Such a lust for life! I cannot comprehend how Brian was able to continue living his life the way he did, having one health problem after another for so many years! Most would have simply given up many years ago. I have nothing but respect for this man who has more compassion than most, and has even touched my own life.
There are, as I've mentioned, drinkers, and there are smokers in my family, and they are all now required to read Death: Living To Talk About It! And no, there will be no exceptions. I feel it is that important, and if people can't learn and take away from this book ways to educate themselves and possibly even prolong their own lives, well then, they won't learn it anywhere.
I want to personally thank Brian M. Hayden for writing and sending this book to me. I am truly praying and hoping it will be a lifeline, of sorts, to some of my own loved ones.
I struggled with writing this review. How do you sum up a man's life with mere words? I'm still not sure, but this is my best effort. I hope it's enough to persuade others to get out there, or online, and BUY A COPY OF DEATH: LIVING TO TALK ABOUT. I cannot do this book any further justice, you will have to read it to understand my words.
You will not regret buying and reading Brian Hayden's book.
An intimate, poignant, and at times, humorous, in-depth look into the real life of an extraordinary man who has struggled his whole life with various health problems. Please indulge me for a moment, if you will. Can you try to imagine: Going along your merry way in life, then suddenly you have a heart attack in your thirties? I can't, but Brian Hayden did.
Reading his book was a huge eye-opener, as well as one of the most engaging reads I've ever come across. He starts out explaining life as a child, in the times where smoking and drinking were not only accepted, but habits most adults partook in. I, too, grew up witnessing this behavior, although I still thank God that my own Mama never did drink or smoke. My Dad? Well, he did. Now? He's on oxygen, has COPD and a few other serious health problems, not to mention issues caused by his drinking, which he still does. It is a very sad state of affairs, and one that touches many more lives than the one indulging will ever know.
Brian ends his book in the current time, where every day is still a struggle just to stay alive. He has lived quite a life, all the while managing, or trying to manage his various health conditions, which are too numerous to list here. Brian's adult life started in our U.S. Military, serving his country just as so many had to back then, and still do now.
He also makes it very clear that he does not blame the U.S. Military for his smoking and drinking ways, but he does explain how easily one can fall prey to such bad habits in that setting. We've all seen the movies about war times, or just the military in general, where most of the people smoke and drink. In fact, they even make it look 'cool,' or 'sexy,' or who knows what, but they make it look good. I can't imagine actually living it, and being able to walk away. There’s always been peer-pressure, and person does have pride, after all
Nowadays, if you drink, most people don't have much to say since usually, at the very least, they, themselves are 'weekend drinkers' or something to that effect. But, if you're a smoker?? OMG! You are the scum of the Earth. It's your fault. Doesn't matter what 'it' is, it's simply your fault. And there's absolutely no way you're truly a productive member of society. Wanna know a lil secret? Most of those 'weekend drinkers' are also 'closet smokers' who think there's no harm in lighting up only when they drink. And they drink often! Not only on weekend! Here is where I digress. This isn't about me, this is about Brian's wonderful writing talent, his life of being an overachiever, and his astounding words.
I don't remember how many, but Brian really did 'die' several times in his life, yet he's still kickin' and out of the many things I love about him, I'd have to say his humor is the best. I laughed. I cried, I cursed. I wanted to throw things a few times. But not at Brian. No, never at Brian. He's lived his life as a standup man. He's served his country where so many won't even try. He married his young sweetheart, who I must say, is simply Brian's Angel come to Earth to watch over and care for him. Let's face it, he does need taking care of from time to time...
What a strong personality! Such a lust for life! I cannot comprehend how Brian was able to continue living his life the way he did, having one health problem after another for so many years! Most would have simply given up many years ago. I have nothing but respect for this man who has more compassion than most, and has even touched my own life.
There are, as I've mentioned, drinkers, and there are smokers in my family, and they are all now required to read Death: Living To Talk About It! And no, there will be no exceptions. I feel it is that important, and if people can't learn and take away from this book ways to educate themselves and possibly even prolong their own lives, well then, they won't learn it anywhere.
I want to personally thank Brian M. Hayden for writing and sending this book to me. I am truly praying and hoping it will be a lifeline, of sorts, to some of my own loved ones.
I struggled with writing this review. How do you sum up a man's life with mere words? I'm still not sure, but this is my best effort. I hope it's enough to persuade others to get out there, or online, and BUY A COPY OF DEATH: LIVING TO TALK ABOUT. I cannot do this book any further justice, you will have to read it to understand my words.
You will not regret buying and reading Brian Hayden's book.
September 9, 2011
"Death, Living to Talk About It" by Brian M. Hayden is a frank look at death from the point of view of the dying. Hayden doesn't pull any punches, speaking of his heart and lung problems with honesty. He admits what he did to bring on his issues, not making excuses for himself. Smoking and drinking from a young age surely were major contributors to his health problems.
Hayden's health issues began in 1989 when he experienced his first heart attack at the ripe old age of 35. From this point onward, his health degrades until doctors finally tell him it's time to go to hospice. Resigned to his fate, he and his family arrange for him to go, only to pull him out again two weeks later. And guess what? He's not dead yet!
Hayden was given that death sentence back in 2007. It's 2011 and he's still alive to talk about it. Hayden's book chronicles his journey through heart attacks, blood clots, pulmonary problems, spots on his lungs, pace makers, COPD, migraines and medication issues. His life has been a series of doctor's appointments, hospital visits, operations and treatments all designed to improve his quality of life. Some have the desired effect, others—not so much.
Hayden's courage and tenacity see him through. His loving supportive wife, Denise, whom he credits with saving his life more than once, also keeps him going. Her love and care make life tolerable for a man who's seen death. Hayden stresses that life for the caregiver of the chronically ill isn't easy. Denise has constantly been at his side, dealing with hospitals, doctors, medications and worries. This has been her journey as much as his. She sounds like an amazing woman.
"Death – Living to Talk About It" is a wonderfully readable book which gives hope to those with chronic health problems. It gives shows the reader that no matter how bad it gets, there is always hope.
My favorite quote says it all: "Hope and faith are very powerful, and while I cannot tell you that they are all you need, I can say with certainty that without it, there is no hope. Please read my story and think: if this poor bastard can still be skulking about after all he has been through; after all he is still going through, maybe I can too."
I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those dealing with chronic health issues.
© 2011 Dellani Oakes
Hayden's health issues began in 1989 when he experienced his first heart attack at the ripe old age of 35. From this point onward, his health degrades until doctors finally tell him it's time to go to hospice. Resigned to his fate, he and his family arrange for him to go, only to pull him out again two weeks later. And guess what? He's not dead yet!
Hayden was given that death sentence back in 2007. It's 2011 and he's still alive to talk about it. Hayden's book chronicles his journey through heart attacks, blood clots, pulmonary problems, spots on his lungs, pace makers, COPD, migraines and medication issues. His life has been a series of doctor's appointments, hospital visits, operations and treatments all designed to improve his quality of life. Some have the desired effect, others—not so much.
Hayden's courage and tenacity see him through. His loving supportive wife, Denise, whom he credits with saving his life more than once, also keeps him going. Her love and care make life tolerable for a man who's seen death. Hayden stresses that life for the caregiver of the chronically ill isn't easy. Denise has constantly been at his side, dealing with hospitals, doctors, medications and worries. This has been her journey as much as his. She sounds like an amazing woman.
"Death – Living to Talk About It" is a wonderfully readable book which gives hope to those with chronic health problems. It gives shows the reader that no matter how bad it gets, there is always hope.
My favorite quote says it all: "Hope and faith are very powerful, and while I cannot tell you that they are all you need, I can say with certainty that without it, there is no hope. Please read my story and think: if this poor bastard can still be skulking about after all he has been through; after all he is still going through, maybe I can too."
I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those dealing with chronic health issues.
© 2011 Dellani Oakes
August 8, 2011
I'll start by saying I read nothing but memoirs, biographies, or autobiographies...and I can be quite picky about which ones I care for, I know what 'style' I like. Well, right off the bat I knew I was going to LOVE this memoir! And I DID! Brian's wit and humor had me from the get-go. I loved his writing style - the kind where you feel like you're talking to an old friend. He took me through his journey of illness, and I felt his pain right along with him (and his wife's too!) but at the same time, he kept me grinning with his wicked humor! There were times I shook my head (the cigarettes) but then he won me back with his usual charm and engaging wit. Throughout his entire story I just kept asking myself, Why, HOW did he just not throw in the towel and just simply give in? As I know we share one common denominator: NO patience!
He reminded me to be thankful for my good health and to not take it for granted. He also proved to me our 'will to live' is so strong, that we humans will withstand unthinkable measures just to hang around one more day. 'Amazed' is how I left this story. Amazed he is still alive, amazed his wife is still by his side, amazed he is still fighting the good fight...and winning, I might add..as he is still with us! For all he has been through, you too will root for him as well.
A great real-life journey, although very serious, is told in an easy, non-depressing way. You'll laugh, you'll feel sorrow, you'll root for him and his family...and in the end you'll remember one thing: Doctors aren't ALWAYS right!
Good job Brian! I hope to keep reading your work for many years to come!
He reminded me to be thankful for my good health and to not take it for granted. He also proved to me our 'will to live' is so strong, that we humans will withstand unthinkable measures just to hang around one more day. 'Amazed' is how I left this story. Amazed he is still alive, amazed his wife is still by his side, amazed he is still fighting the good fight...and winning, I might add..as he is still with us! For all he has been through, you too will root for him as well.
A great real-life journey, although very serious, is told in an easy, non-depressing way. You'll laugh, you'll feel sorrow, you'll root for him and his family...and in the end you'll remember one thing: Doctors aren't ALWAYS right!
Good job Brian! I hope to keep reading your work for many years to come!
August 23, 2011
"DEATH: LIVING TO TALK ABOUT IT" BY BRIAN HAYDEN
This book is amazing, touching, and simply miraculous. Brian Hayden's story of how he has faced death numerous times only to be brought back time and again is a story you will not only never forget but it will also leave you marveling at just how strong and resilient the human spirit can be.
Brian Hayden is by far one of the most amazing men with one of the most equally amazing stories I have ever met.
Do yourself a favor and read this story, you won't be disappointed that you did and a lot of you may find yourself seeing parallels of certain instances in your own life. A remarkable man, with a remarkable story you will not want to miss!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
This book is amazing, touching, and simply miraculous. Brian Hayden's story of how he has faced death numerous times only to be brought back time and again is a story you will not only never forget but it will also leave you marveling at just how strong and resilient the human spirit can be.
Brian Hayden is by far one of the most amazing men with one of the most equally amazing stories I have ever met.
Do yourself a favor and read this story, you won't be disappointed that you did and a lot of you may find yourself seeing parallels of certain instances in your own life. A remarkable man, with a remarkable story you will not want to miss!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
July 6, 2012
While I could appreciate the overwhelming nature of his health problems, I found this book lacking in even an iota of interest beyond self. For example, the author says how much he loved to walk when he was living in Brooklyn. He tells us his route but not one word of what he saw or even thought about. Similarly, while he acknowledges his family and their love, he makes no attempt to help the reader understand their experience. I was hoping to learn about facing death, but instead I read a book that made life seem almost not worth the living.
June 16, 2011
This was a interesting read from the view of a person with major heart problems trying to get medical help and is amazingly still alive today after all the things he went through. Some of the things the doctor's tried, sounded like they were the cutting edge things done for heart patients in the days Brian had them done yet you have to wonder if he'd been "used" by the doctor's testing those very things.
February 29, 2012
This book is SO real. Brian is an amazing storyteller with an exceptional gift of humor which is desperately needed during challenging time. I heart this writer and his family.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews