Sundog Moment, A by Sharon Baldacci

by Sharon Baldacci

Elizabeth has been married to Michael Whittaker for 20 wonderful years when she receives the shocking diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Life as they knew it is over. Elizabeth has always been the peacemaker in the family, but she slowly begins to realize that she can no longer function in that role as her illness saps all her energy. Husband, daughter, and mother are incessant in their desire to help Elizabeth, but forget to ask what she needsor wants. Lonesome and restless, Elizabeth deals with the chaos of her illness and the turmoil in her own family by joining a support group. Soon she finds herself embarking with them on a venture to obtain illegal drugs to help ease the physical symptoms of their illnesses. When their plan is foiled by a bitter schemer bent on manipulating the goodwill of the group, Elizabeth is arrested and charged with illegal possession of a narcotic. Confronting criminal charges, changing family dynamics, her own fear, and overcoming physical challenges, Elizabeth encounters fresh questions about her life and rediscovers that faith, hope, and love never fail.

Genres: Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Debbie Petrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have lived with multiple sclerosis for thirty-two years and this is the first fiction book I read about MS. Sharon takes this extremely complicated, neurological disorder and explains the dynamics of it through her characters—how they respond to the diagnosis, cope, and come to accept MS. Through her fictional story, the complexity of things such as symptoms, treatments, and management of multiple sclerosis is presented.

The novel is beautifully written, and her use of metaphors is extraordinary. While she succeeds in explaining multiple sclerosis and many of the implications it causes, I would like to inform/remind the reader that it is snapshot picture of one case of MS. No two cases of MS are alike and the types of symptoms, course of the illness, and interrelationships could be extremely different for the next MSer. Sharon could easily write another novel about MS, with the heroine having an entirely different set of circumstances to deal with while keeping the reader engrossed.

I never saw a sundog or even knew what a sundog was until I read A Sundog Moment. But I know I have experienced one, and I find myself looking into the sky quite frequently now to actually see one.

Debbie Petrina,
Author of Managing MS: Straight Talk…

[Sally Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't. I normally can't put a book down, but I found myself not really wanting to pick this one up. The characters were pretty two-dimensional. I wanted to know so much more about Elizabeth's disease and her reactions to it. I also thought that the theme of religion should have been explored much more. It is touted as being a major part of the book, but wasn't, except to mention people going to church and a few things the pastor said. The characters didn't seem to have much of a feel for God at all.

What happened to the lying teenager at the end? That story line could have been developed much more, as could the reactions to it. I'm honestly not sure Elizabeth ever figured out what happened!
I was disappointed that it just floated off into nowhere.

Overall, the characters and story lines in this book were weak. I would have liked to experience more.

[Mary Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sad and uplifting story. The book started out on such a happy note and then became very sad and a little depressing. Elizabeth is a strong woman who doesn't want pity from anyone, especially from her husband, Michael. Michael loves Elizabeth and only wants the best for her, but comes across as controlling. All the other characters are interwoven into their live as either family or friends who care deeply for them.

[Deb Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start in reading this book. A journey in chronic illness is explained.
So many lines to the story tied up at the end of the book. About halfway through, I didn't want to put it down.
I enjoyed the story and how it impacts the whole family and friends.

[Georgine · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting story

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

heart breaking, inspirational, informative
amazing book!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite this year! I really enjoyed reading it-hard to put down.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Michael Whittaker have been deeply in love for so many years that their relationship is viewed with envy by those who know them. When Elizabeth starts experiencing dizziness, numbness, and other strange symptoms, they don't know what to think. Is it a brain tumor? The news they receive shakes their world to the very foundation. Elizabeth has multiple sclerosis.

Suddenly, everything that seemed safe and secure about their lives is turned upside down. The fatigue and other physical problems that affect Elizabeth become almost too much for Michael, and their once rock-solid relationship hits shaky ground. Trying to make sense of what is happening, Elizabeth starts to attend church again. She hears a sermon about sun dogs - the cirrus clouds that form around the sun and reflect rainbows when the weather is about to change. Elizabeth makes it her mission to see a sun dog, which she perceives as a promise from God that He is there for her. Will Michael and Elizabeth weather this tumultuous storm? Is it possible for Elizabeth to accept what this terrible disease means for her life? Sharon Baldacci writes A Sundog Moment from personal experience. Since the author has lived with MS for twenty-one years, Elizabeth's emotions are portrayed by someone who knows.

I was given a glimpse by this novel into the life of someone who lives with chronic illness. It helped me to understand the trials and joys of living day-to-day with such a debilitating disease. Even though the initial diagnosis is long past for the author, she vividly portrays Elizabeth's grief and roller coaster emotions in learning to cope with a disease that is affecting her entire life. The plot is uplifting and interesting. However, the writing tells us what is happening, rather than unfolding events and allowing us to imagine peoples' reactions. It's such an emotionally loaded subject that I felt cheated by being unable to empathize with characters, since I was on the outside of the story most of the time. There is also quite a bit of head hopping - we see things from many different points of view, which doesn't allow us to get to know anyone in depth.

The novel presents a great deal of information and experiences relating to MS. It does get overwhelming at times, trying to take in and understand everything. However, the main theme of developing faith and relying on God for hope comes through beautifully, and is heartwarming. If you are living with a chronic illness, or are close to someone who is, A Sundog Moment will speak directly to you.

[Bill Glose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon Baldacci vividly depicts the protagonist’s anger at being stricken with multiple sclerosis in midlife, a condition she also shares. This fact lends authority to her descriptions and the feelings of anguish over well-meaning friend’s misguided attempts at consolation. Though Whittaker can’t understand why everyone is treating her differently, we can see inside their minds and understand their rationale. It’s an amazing 360-degree perspective that allows the reader to gain multiple insights from the story, and understand how a life-altering event affects everyone else as well.

While the story delves into the emotional state of someone perceived as being different, it is laced with humor and light-hearted banter on almost every page. Baldacci’s writing style is similar to that of Jan Karon’s—fresh and flip with a heavy dose of faith. The overall tone is serious and the message pertains to everyone, whether or not their difference is a physical handicap.

An inspiring and enjoyable read.

[Glenette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. The relationship between Elizabeth and Michael was crazy. I think important thing to consider is that a couple needs ti work together as a team facing any kind of illness. I can see how an illness like that could cause problems within a marriage. One partner wants to help and may go overboard and the other doesn't want to be a burden &/or give up their independence. This book opened my eyes to the illness and made me realize how damaging it can be physically and emotionally and how strong the person has to be to handle it in it's many stages. It also made me rethink the possibilities of the medicinal purposes of pot. Don't know why it can't be used in cases where patients are in so much pain.

[Kw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the author's descriptions of the protagonist's emotional adjustment to a debilitating illness, the discomfort of those surrounding her (clueless as to how to help and support her), were profound, and could probably only have been written by someone who's been there. The writing is sensitive and compelling, and I just loved stumbling upon a story with Christians - of all things - as characters. The average book of fiction, or at least most that I have read, seems to assume most people are godless and happy to be "in charge."
But those of us who have had a Sundog Moment (with or without a weather phenomenon)wouldn't trade with them for the world. I hope you read this, and may your sundog moment be glorious!!

[Vicki Jaeger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I find it interesting that the average rating is 3.5+ stars on this one. To me, this reeked of a sibling of a well-known author (in this case David Baldacci) using connections to get published. I know that's not very nice to say, but I really didn't like this book!
THe characters were predictable and two-dimensional. The husband is controlling, the wife is perfect. Wife comes down with M.S., and everything goes downhill from there. Religion and God are a throughline running throughout the story, and forgivness is what the author is preaching. I personally think she should've grown a spine instead.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly crafted novel about faith and hope. It centers around Elizabeth Whittaker, who is diagnosed with a debilitating illness. The diagnosis affects not only Elizabeth, but those around her. The cast includes, her husband, Michael; her cousin, Carol; her friend and doctor, Gordon; her daughter, Kellan; her mother, Virginia Mae; her housekeeper Mahlia, and Mahlia's granddaughter, Serenity. Throughout the novel, each character must come to grips with some pain that is impacting his or her life. They all, and especially Elizabeth find strength and courage to make their own decisions, as well as faith and hope during their Sundog Moments.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman's world is shattered when she receives a diagnosis of MS. She tries to deny her illness, but her weakness is apparent to her husband, mother, daughter, and friends. She is deeply affected by a pastor's sermon in which he describes "sundogs", a rare astronomical phenomina. She wants to grow closer to God, but her fear holds her back, and as the book goes on it chronicles her journey to new acceptance.[return]This is a slower paced book, focused on the main character's inner journey. Good for a time when you are in the mood for something like this.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read how this woman feels about getting MS.
I didn't really relate to how she handled it but since I have not
faced anything like this it is not really a surprise. The characters
seemed one dimensional, the daughter was rather distant, the main
couple didn't seem to relate well and her cousin and best friend
rather over the top. I didn't appreciate how her mother seems to
have annoyed her all her life just by existing as a real person.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are at all interested in getting an idea of how it feels to have MS (or any debilitating and/or chronically painful condition), this is a good book for that. The author herself was diagnosed with MS 21 years before writing this book, so she has first-hand knowledge. It isn't an autobiography but I am sure some of it comes from her personal experience.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved certain things about this book. The underlying theme of the 'sundog moment' was great, as was Elizabeth's awakening with her faith. The biggest negative was that it was too long and drawn out.

[Laverne]

Didn't like this book very much. Didn't like that John was so good to Tita but she stuck with Pedro. Don't like to cook so didn't find much interesting in the recipes. Would not recommend or care to read again.

[LInda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have no memory of this book, but it was on my list of "have reads".

Merged review:

Too preachy for me -- the woman with MS put up with a controlling, insensitive husband and in the end -- what else? She took him back. Good descriptions of the disease progression and the emotional aspect.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great novel about a woman facing a progressive disease with no cure. her faith and her boundaries will be tested as will the strength of her marriage. Poignant yet easy to read. Highly recommend this

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

live life to the fullest each day.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of woman who comes down with MS.

[Tina St. Pierre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit slow going for a while.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another woman's book! I myself, have only seen a few sundogs in Alaksa on really cold days. They are something to behold

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Baldacci's sister. Totally different type of book. Learned about it when she spoke in Gloucester, VA at Kings Daughters Hosp. annual book review luncheon.

[Mariah]

Loved it! Never knew what a sundog was until reading this book and now I look for them everywhere.

[Donna Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book...long but pretty good. The main character has MS, so I learned quite a bit about that. Good character developement, just a little slow on plot line.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book. this is a wonderful book for people with chronic pain or their partners/friends/spouses.

[Michael Anson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather pedestrian handling of the topic of Multiple Sclerosis. Not particularly compelling

[Loretta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really sure between it was ok and liked it.