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Twelve Months
Don DiMarco has a very good life – a family he loves, a comfortable lifestyle, passions and interests that keep him amused. He also thought he had time, but that turned out not to be the case. Faced with news that might have immediately felled most, Don now wonders if he has time enough. Time enough to show his wife the romance he didn’t always lavish on her. Time enough to live out his most ambitious fantasies. Time enough to close the circle on some of his most aching unresolved relationships. Summoning an inner strength he barely realized he possessed, Don sets off to prove that twelve months is time enough to live a life in full.
A glorious celebration of each and every moment that we’re given here on Earth, as well as the eternal bonds that we all share, TWELVE MONTHS is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit.
A glorious celebration of each and every moment that we’re given here on Earth, as well as the eternal bonds that we all share, TWELVE MONTHS is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit.
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
129 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
About the author
Steven Manchester
41 books272 followersNew England's Storyteller Steven Manchester is the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the '80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade. His other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels, Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show and CBS's The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2018 New York Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival, and 2021 Paris Book Festival. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
April 3, 2016
Review copy kindly provided by GR author and friend Steven Manchester.
This book attempts a difficult feat: to portray a man's effort to face his mortality and find meaning in his life. It also shows how this struggle affects the people around him.
I wasn't sure what to make of this novel. The narrator, Don DiMarco, seemed too nice. Even though he finds out at the beginning of the story that he has a terminal illness, he seems quite well adjusted and carries on having interesting experiences, with at first only small reminders of his illness. He's accompanied by Bella, who for the most part is the ideal Supportive Wife: beautiful, kind and almost psychically attuned to her husband's thoughts and emotions.
So what saves this from being an inspirational "bucket list book" or a "fuzzy feel good" novel? Well, for one, the irreverent childhood memories. There's the story of how he and his brother faced up to the neighbourhood bully; I couldn't help but think of the similar adventure of little Ralphie in A Christmas Story. Then there's the account of Don's nightmare, which conveys his terror in a very visceral way. For Don DiMarco, unlike some of the characters from, say, Jan Karon's Mitford series, is deeply flawed and has been dealt some nasty blows by life--even before he faces his illness. He doesn't see eye-to-eye with his brother, has difficulty concealing his dislike of the self-centred neighbour, and more seriously, years after the event, is still dealing with the trauma of his participation in a war.
I read one review of this book which said that part of it read like a travelogue. And some of the episodes did in fact remind me of the idealized tales written by Steve Cohen's slick narrator Danny in Travel To the G-Spot -- The Guide Book. The subtle difference was that the DiMarcos react with compassion rather than cynicism to the people they meet along the way. And there are many hints of Don's growing illness to jolt the reader out of the illusion that everyone here is too happy.
This is a positive novel, which does not shy away from the fact that life is full of fear and even tragedy. But it is how we react in the face of these difficulties that matters. A simple truth which some might call a truism. But there you have it.
This book attempts a difficult feat: to portray a man's effort to face his mortality and find meaning in his life. It also shows how this struggle affects the people around him.
I wasn't sure what to make of this novel. The narrator, Don DiMarco, seemed too nice. Even though he finds out at the beginning of the story that he has a terminal illness, he seems quite well adjusted and carries on having interesting experiences, with at first only small reminders of his illness. He's accompanied by Bella, who for the most part is the ideal Supportive Wife: beautiful, kind and almost psychically attuned to her husband's thoughts and emotions.
So what saves this from being an inspirational "bucket list book" or a "fuzzy feel good" novel? Well, for one, the irreverent childhood memories. There's the story of how he and his brother faced up to the neighbourhood bully; I couldn't help but think of the similar adventure of little Ralphie in A Christmas Story. Then there's the account of Don's nightmare, which conveys his terror in a very visceral way. For Don DiMarco, unlike some of the characters from, say, Jan Karon's Mitford series, is deeply flawed and has been dealt some nasty blows by life--even before he faces his illness. He doesn't see eye-to-eye with his brother, has difficulty concealing his dislike of the self-centred neighbour, and more seriously, years after the event, is still dealing with the trauma of his participation in a war.
I read one review of this book which said that part of it read like a travelogue. And some of the episodes did in fact remind me of the idealized tales written by Steve Cohen's slick narrator Danny in Travel To the G-Spot -- The Guide Book. The subtle difference was that the DiMarcos react with compassion rather than cynicism to the people they meet along the way. And there are many hints of Don's growing illness to jolt the reader out of the illusion that everyone here is too happy.
This is a positive novel, which does not shy away from the fact that life is full of fear and even tragedy. But it is how we react in the face of these difficulties that matters. A simple truth which some might call a truism. But there you have it.
December 5, 2012
I received this book as an ARC from the author. Little did I know how much this amazing book would affect my life ad change some of my perspective too. Fans of Nicholas Sparks will not be disappointed in the poignant tale of a person that learned it's never too late to learn how to live. Here are my thoughts:
Donald DiMarco thought he had all the time in the world to do the things he wanted to do. Yet when he learned that he had colon cancer his world and life plan came crashing down around him. He realizes that he never truly showed how much he appreciated his wife or done the things she wanted to do. Don wants to try doing all of those things and so much more. The news of his cancer is devastating to his family and he wants to make the most of his last twelve months. He wants to truly start living his life by cherishing what he has in the moment as so precious. Bella, Don's loving wife, is first on his list of things to do. He attempts to cook his wife dinner for the first time in their married life. Don asks his daughter Riley to help him fulfill a lifelong dream of being a reporter. For Don's grandchildren to share precious memories and creating new memories. Don wants to make up for past hurts by asking for forgiveness as well as laying old ghosts and hurts to rest. Will Don succeed in creating and sharing memories? Can he lay old ghosts to rest? Will Don share how he really feels with his family? What will Don do for twelve months?
How would you live in twelve months? What would be you're first reaction? I'm not sure how I would live but know I would pack as much living as I could in twelve months as I could. Two quotes stuck out to me while reading here they are:
"Athought everybody races under the same sun, not everybody enjoys the same horizon. If you're willing to learn, grow and overcome any obstacle in your paths, the sky is the limit. It's just a matter of pulling it down and driving it home."
"Always give someone the benefit of the doubt and never allow a suffering from the past destroy what could be."
These two powerful quotes are a start to my own healing journey from my own past. I will take many things from this book and never allow myself to forget these two quotes and there affect on my life. So ask yourself how would you live in Twelve Months? Seek the answer to that question and more for yourself.
Donald DiMarco thought he had all the time in the world to do the things he wanted to do. Yet when he learned that he had colon cancer his world and life plan came crashing down around him. He realizes that he never truly showed how much he appreciated his wife or done the things she wanted to do. Don wants to try doing all of those things and so much more. The news of his cancer is devastating to his family and he wants to make the most of his last twelve months. He wants to truly start living his life by cherishing what he has in the moment as so precious. Bella, Don's loving wife, is first on his list of things to do. He attempts to cook his wife dinner for the first time in their married life. Don asks his daughter Riley to help him fulfill a lifelong dream of being a reporter. For Don's grandchildren to share precious memories and creating new memories. Don wants to make up for past hurts by asking for forgiveness as well as laying old ghosts and hurts to rest. Will Don succeed in creating and sharing memories? Can he lay old ghosts to rest? Will Don share how he really feels with his family? What will Don do for twelve months?
How would you live in twelve months? What would be you're first reaction? I'm not sure how I would live but know I would pack as much living as I could in twelve months as I could. Two quotes stuck out to me while reading here they are:
"Athought everybody races under the same sun, not everybody enjoys the same horizon. If you're willing to learn, grow and overcome any obstacle in your paths, the sky is the limit. It's just a matter of pulling it down and driving it home."
"Always give someone the benefit of the doubt and never allow a suffering from the past destroy what could be."
These two powerful quotes are a start to my own healing journey from my own past. I will take many things from this book and never allow myself to forget these two quotes and there affect on my life. So ask yourself how would you live in Twelve Months? Seek the answer to that question and more for yourself.
September 28, 2012
When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought it would just another “complete the bucket list and do all the things I didn’t get a chance to before I die” book. I was wrong. I loved this book and for many reasons. First of all, I love a book that evokes all sorts of emotions and this book did that for me. Humor, sadness, pride, happiness, regret and contentedness. Most of the story takes place over the course of a year, the last year in the life of the main character, Don, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only twelve months, at most, to live. Instead of succumbing to self pity and regret, Don accepts his diagnoses and vows to make the last year of his life the best one yet. With his loving wife and family at his side, he embarks on many adventures far and wide and within himself, forgives who he should and makes up for lost time in a way that can only be described as lightning speed! Throughout the book, we see this man grow more in a year than some people grow in a lifetime and you will be inspired to live your life to the fullest each and every day whether you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or you just hit a rut in your life journey.
January 6, 2014
Did I miss something? I bought this book prepared to take an emotional, insightful and God-inspiring trip through the last year of someone’s life. I fully expected to cry (sob actually) and be done with the book in a day or two. Not at all what I got. This book is unrealistic, someone with stage 4 colon cancer (taking extremely high doses of pain meds) would not be traveling to Vietnam, driving race cars (at a 170mph I might add), or going on a two-day, horseback cattle drive through the deserts of Arizona (I could continue to list things, but I think you get the idea).
I understand the whole bucket list concept, and I did find some elements of the book sweet (like his love and devotion for his wife and family) but the truth is I could not even finish the book. Maybe I should have pushed (suffered) through to the end and I would have found what I was looking for, and I honestly hope one day I can finish the book and come back to eat my own words and change my rating, but until then, this is the best I can do.
There has to be a reason for all of the amazing reviews, mostly 4 and 5 stars on top of all the praise, right?
I understand the whole bucket list concept, and I did find some elements of the book sweet (like his love and devotion for his wife and family) but the truth is I could not even finish the book. Maybe I should have pushed (suffered) through to the end and I would have found what I was looking for, and I honestly hope one day I can finish the book and come back to eat my own words and change my rating, but until then, this is the best I can do.
There has to be a reason for all of the amazing reviews, mostly 4 and 5 stars on top of all the praise, right?
January 28, 2013
Author: Steven Manchester
Published by: The Story Plant
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Review:
"Twelve Months" by Steven Manchester was a very important read for me that was very interesting. This author did a wonderful job at presenting this man's mortality and finding out the true meaning in his own life.' I wasn't sure if I was really going to like this sad read but I am so glad that I was able to make it to end.
"Twelve Month" was told in first person narrative and will introduce the reader to how Don DiMarco at the age of fifty-seven ... a machinist...being diagnosed with colon cancer at a advanced stage but you will find his last days of life was found showing how much he cared for the people he truly loved. Don had retired early so he could spend time with his wife, Bella to spend more time with their daughter, Riley and her husband, Michael, along with grandchildren Madison and Pudge. Now, this had come upon him...how would he handle this? Well, this is where I say you must pick up "Twelve Months" and see how this author gives us such a well written story that was absolutely good. Yes, he does get closer to God, not just to beg for a cure, but to give thanks, instilling the most important things to his grandchildren and most of all sharing wisdom.."the most important thing I’ve passed on is that life can be a beautiful dream, or a living nightmare. It’s all about your attitude; your perspective."
Even though Don only had a limited time to live, one can see and even say that he really enjoyed the joyous time that he had left. This author did a wonderful job at presenting "Twelve Months" in a trip where we as the reader can see Don's life in many different stages. There were many times that I laughed and even cried...Wow...what you will get from this read.
"Twelve Month" will definitely give you thought on that saying...not sweating the small stuff and the song ...'Live Like You Were Dying' comes to mind. I find anyone who has had a loss... this novel I would definitely recommend to you as a excellent read. Thank you Mr. Manchester for such a excellent read.
Published by: The Story Plant
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Review:
"Twelve Months" by Steven Manchester was a very important read for me that was very interesting. This author did a wonderful job at presenting this man's mortality and finding out the true meaning in his own life.' I wasn't sure if I was really going to like this sad read but I am so glad that I was able to make it to end.
"Twelve Month" was told in first person narrative and will introduce the reader to how Don DiMarco at the age of fifty-seven ... a machinist...being diagnosed with colon cancer at a advanced stage but you will find his last days of life was found showing how much he cared for the people he truly loved. Don had retired early so he could spend time with his wife, Bella to spend more time with their daughter, Riley and her husband, Michael, along with grandchildren Madison and Pudge. Now, this had come upon him...how would he handle this? Well, this is where I say you must pick up "Twelve Months" and see how this author gives us such a well written story that was absolutely good. Yes, he does get closer to God, not just to beg for a cure, but to give thanks, instilling the most important things to his grandchildren and most of all sharing wisdom.."the most important thing I’ve passed on is that life can be a beautiful dream, or a living nightmare. It’s all about your attitude; your perspective."
Even though Don only had a limited time to live, one can see and even say that he really enjoyed the joyous time that he had left. This author did a wonderful job at presenting "Twelve Months" in a trip where we as the reader can see Don's life in many different stages. There were many times that I laughed and even cried...Wow...what you will get from this read.
"Twelve Month" will definitely give you thought on that saying...not sweating the small stuff and the song ...'Live Like You Were Dying' comes to mind. I find anyone who has had a loss... this novel I would definitely recommend to you as a excellent read. Thank you Mr. Manchester for such a excellent read.
August 23, 2012
Imagine your life being really no different as all your other days, until one day you begin to notice some changes in your health. At first, like most of us, you wouldn't think too about it, probably something that will get better over time, maybe something you ate, or something you did. But then over the weeks it wasn't getting better and in fact it was getting worse. Like most busy people who have too much on their plate, it might take you awhile to get around seeing your doctor depending on the severity of your symptoms.
So you schedule an appointment and the news you weren't expecting, was the news you got. That little thing you thought was nothing, that perhaps taking a pill might remedy, turns out to be your death sentence and now the only thing you can do is find a way to "live" for the next 12 months of your life. What would you do?
Now you have the premise of the latest novel by Steven Manchester, Twelve Months. In this novel that is exactly what happens and we, as the readers, get an inside look at how just Don DiMarco deals with his devastating medical diagnosis and how he chooses to spend his final twelve months of life.
I received this novel, Twelve Months, compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and The Story Plant publishers for my honest review and I think it does a great job at defining for most of us, what we would potentially do in the same predicament. I know for one, it would seriously make me take a hard look at the choice we've made up to this point in our lives and look at what we can do in just a years time to potentially change some of them, restoring broken relationships, taking those vacations we already dreamed of but never found the time, reliving favorite moments from our pasts, and truly doing something that others will remember us by.
"I've learned that anyone can change the world; you just have to start with one person at a time. I've also learned that not caring what other people think of me has allowed me the energy to focus on what I think of myself. For me, life is like looking through a kaleidoscope. With every turn, a different view will be brought to life.
"I've taught my grandkids that good things come to those who wait, but great things come to those who go after it; that a gift within is meant to be shared or else it wouldn't be a gift; and no matter how large or small, everybody's problems are enormous to themselves. Though the list goes on, the most important thing I've passed on is that life can be a beautiful dream, or a living nightmare. It's all about your attitude - your perspective.
But I didn't always see things this way..." (pg. 22)
I think everyone needs a great book like this sometimes to challenge us in our lives because we've grown too complacent, and take the little things for granted. This book shakes you up and makes you realize it's time to wake up and see things with new eyes. God didn't create our lives for us to waste them waiting on His return but to have a life and an abundant one. I think this novel does just what the author intended to show us what we are missing before it's too late! I think this one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!
So you schedule an appointment and the news you weren't expecting, was the news you got. That little thing you thought was nothing, that perhaps taking a pill might remedy, turns out to be your death sentence and now the only thing you can do is find a way to "live" for the next 12 months of your life. What would you do?
Now you have the premise of the latest novel by Steven Manchester, Twelve Months. In this novel that is exactly what happens and we, as the readers, get an inside look at how just Don DiMarco deals with his devastating medical diagnosis and how he chooses to spend his final twelve months of life.
I received this novel, Twelve Months, compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and The Story Plant publishers for my honest review and I think it does a great job at defining for most of us, what we would potentially do in the same predicament. I know for one, it would seriously make me take a hard look at the choice we've made up to this point in our lives and look at what we can do in just a years time to potentially change some of them, restoring broken relationships, taking those vacations we already dreamed of but never found the time, reliving favorite moments from our pasts, and truly doing something that others will remember us by.
"I've learned that anyone can change the world; you just have to start with one person at a time. I've also learned that not caring what other people think of me has allowed me the energy to focus on what I think of myself. For me, life is like looking through a kaleidoscope. With every turn, a different view will be brought to life.
"I've taught my grandkids that good things come to those who wait, but great things come to those who go after it; that a gift within is meant to be shared or else it wouldn't be a gift; and no matter how large or small, everybody's problems are enormous to themselves. Though the list goes on, the most important thing I've passed on is that life can be a beautiful dream, or a living nightmare. It's all about your attitude - your perspective.
But I didn't always see things this way..." (pg. 22)
I think everyone needs a great book like this sometimes to challenge us in our lives because we've grown too complacent, and take the little things for granted. This book shakes you up and makes you realize it's time to wake up and see things with new eyes. God didn't create our lives for us to waste them waiting on His return but to have a life and an abundant one. I think this novel does just what the author intended to show us what we are missing before it's too late! I think this one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!
October 12, 2012
Very rarely do I find a book that causes real tears to fall from my eyes, but this is indeed a book that accomplished this feat. This is one of those books that I think has something for everyone, and the message is timeless. It goes right in line with Tim McGraw's Song "Live Like You Were Dyin.'" The difference is that Don has but 12 months to live. And he has decided to live now that he is dying.
There were a few activities that did not interest me as much as others--for sure. But that is what gives this book its distinctive air. There is some minimal profanity, but there are no sex scenes. I truly appreciated the first person voice throughout most of the novel, but I was unsure about which person's voice told the last few pages. It would have been nice to have that clarified. The view of God is somewhat skewed in the book but not too bad for a secular novel. I also would like to know how they had so much money! The recession certainly has not affected them!
I think this book resonates with humanity. Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. My grandfather and great-grandmother both died of colon cancer, and this gave me a glimpse into some of what they must have suffered. The section on Vietnam opened my eyes to that little-talked-about conflict. And Don's outlook on life in spite of his suffering completely humbled me. I was again reminded about my priorities in life.
If you are looking for a book that will truly touch you, I would recommend this book. I think that anyone who has experienced any kind of loss will find this book a welcome release.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
There were a few activities that did not interest me as much as others--for sure. But that is what gives this book its distinctive air. There is some minimal profanity, but there are no sex scenes. I truly appreciated the first person voice throughout most of the novel, but I was unsure about which person's voice told the last few pages. It would have been nice to have that clarified. The view of God is somewhat skewed in the book but not too bad for a secular novel. I also would like to know how they had so much money! The recession certainly has not affected them!
I think this book resonates with humanity. Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. My grandfather and great-grandmother both died of colon cancer, and this gave me a glimpse into some of what they must have suffered. The section on Vietnam opened my eyes to that little-talked-about conflict. And Don's outlook on life in spite of his suffering completely humbled me. I was again reminded about my priorities in life.
If you are looking for a book that will truly touch you, I would recommend this book. I think that anyone who has experienced any kind of loss will find this book a welcome release.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
April 13, 2015
Twelve Months by Steven Mancheste
ISBN: 9781611880533
Don DiMarco lives with his wife Isabella who not only loves her job in the house but also her job with disabled people.
Riley their daughter after college is now an advocate for disabled people. She is now married to Michael and they have 2 kids.
He is now retired, early at 57 and lives in a neighborhood where life is peaceful.
He finds out he has stage 4 colon cancer and after talking to many docs he decides what path to take.
They hadn't even taken on the world-seeing it on their own time, enjoying each others company.
Such good memories of places they used to go to-they are local to me also.
Love to hear of the puzzle building as it's one of my favorite things to do also, and how it helps bring the family closer and just talk, bring an inner peace to oneself.
The memories as he relives and says goodbye to his past: the Portuguese food, as I'm the same nationality it is a treat.
Good touch with the history of the places they visit and learning about race car driving, Indian traditional pow wow.
Making amends to other things troubling him, he plans to meet head on.
That and his bucket list of things to do in his lifetime keep him occupied.
So many emotions have gone through me and I was so fearful to read the ending...
ISBN: 9781611880533
Don DiMarco lives with his wife Isabella who not only loves her job in the house but also her job with disabled people.
Riley their daughter after college is now an advocate for disabled people. She is now married to Michael and they have 2 kids.
He is now retired, early at 57 and lives in a neighborhood where life is peaceful.
He finds out he has stage 4 colon cancer and after talking to many docs he decides what path to take.
They hadn't even taken on the world-seeing it on their own time, enjoying each others company.
Such good memories of places they used to go to-they are local to me also.
Love to hear of the puzzle building as it's one of my favorite things to do also, and how it helps bring the family closer and just talk, bring an inner peace to oneself.
The memories as he relives and says goodbye to his past: the Portuguese food, as I'm the same nationality it is a treat.
Good touch with the history of the places they visit and learning about race car driving, Indian traditional pow wow.
Making amends to other things troubling him, he plans to meet head on.
That and his bucket list of things to do in his lifetime keep him occupied.
So many emotions have gone through me and I was so fearful to read the ending...
January 11, 2013
So sorry to disagree here. Yes, this is a lovely NOVEL. Please Please Please do not read this book expecting to understand, cope, care, love or treat someone with cancer. Do NOT lose sight of that line that is FICTION vs reality. This is a fairy tale!!! I really fear that someone will expect their cancer person to be this altruistic, romantic, charming, generous, strategic.... NOVEL. FICTION.
August 3, 2012
Twelve Months by Steven Manchester
Published by The Story Plant (Spread The Word Initiative)
Publication Date: August 14, 2012
ISBN-10: 161188053X:
ISBN-13: 978-1611880533:
Pages: 326 pages
Review Copy from: NetGalley
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis from Amazon:
Don DiMarco has a very good life – a family he loves, a comfortable lifestyle, passions and interests that keep him amused. He also thought he had time, but that turned out not to be the case. Faced with news that might have immediately felled most, Don now wonders if he has time enough. Time enough to show his wife the romance he didn’t always lavish on her. Time enough to live out his most ambitious fantasies. Time enough to close the circle on some of his most aching unresolved relationships. Summoning an inner strength he barely realized he possessed, Don sets off to prove that twelve months is time enough to live a life in full.
A glorious celebration of each and every moment that we’re given here on Earth, as well as the eternal bonds that we all share, TWELVE MONTHS is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
WOW!!!! Warning: this review will be different and lengthy than most of my reviews, because there is just so much to say about this novel.
Comparisons: One of the first publishing houses I started to review for, when I came onto the scene, was The Story Plant for a book entitled Crossing The Bridge by Michael Baron. From that moment on, I have become a fan of Michael Baron and have been introduced to many new authors, which are now on my "TBR authors" list. Just recently, The Story Plant started a program called "Spread The Word Initiative", which I am a reviewing member of. So when the call went out for this title, and the fact that this author was compared to Michael Baron, I HAD to read it.
And continuing along the path of comparisons, this book is beautifully written, but at times, was very hard for me to read because of the comparisons to my own life. It triggered memories of my past, so much so that the plot was so engrossing, that it felt as Mr. Manchester was writing portions of my life. The story is told through the eyes of Don DeMarco, a gentleman approximately my age, a family man and newly retired and looking forward to the next chapter of his life.
However, that chapter was rewritten in a blink of an eye and turned his world upside down. He now had the choice as to how he was going to edit it and what path the story would take. As I said, Mr. Manchester's writing style and narrative was wonderful. So realistic, with the characters becoming your family. The emotions unequivocally palpable. The settings vivid, but I did have a certain edge, since it took place not far from where I live and encompassed certain areas and establishments that I am familiar with. The composition flowed where it was hard to put down even though the reader knows the outcome. Poignant!!
What would you do if you were told you had a year to live? Not only is this novel an emotional read, you can't help but think of how and what you would do if faced with the same situation. Thought provoking! Not only if you were confronted as the main character was, but also those in his life, as a spouse, as a child and as a grandchild. How a real life situation, written with such compassion as a fictional novel, impacting the reader to be put in all of those roles. Impeccable writing!!
Mr. Manchester has written, a story that is so moving, heart wrenching and intense, that will bring tears to yours eyes, but able to weave humor into a serious plot, that will also make you cry from laughing. A story that is sorrowful but also soothing. An undeniable heart tugging read that you will not forget and leave you with a feeling of serenity. An extraordinary read!! Not only do I highly recommend this book but would absolutely state that it is a must read!!
Published by The Story Plant (Spread The Word Initiative)
Publication Date: August 14, 2012
ISBN-10: 161188053X:
ISBN-13: 978-1611880533:
Pages: 326 pages
Review Copy from: NetGalley
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis from Amazon:
Don DiMarco has a very good life – a family he loves, a comfortable lifestyle, passions and interests that keep him amused. He also thought he had time, but that turned out not to be the case. Faced with news that might have immediately felled most, Don now wonders if he has time enough. Time enough to show his wife the romance he didn’t always lavish on her. Time enough to live out his most ambitious fantasies. Time enough to close the circle on some of his most aching unresolved relationships. Summoning an inner strength he barely realized he possessed, Don sets off to prove that twelve months is time enough to live a life in full.
A glorious celebration of each and every moment that we’re given here on Earth, as well as the eternal bonds that we all share, TWELVE MONTHS is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
WOW!!!! Warning: this review will be different and lengthy than most of my reviews, because there is just so much to say about this novel.
Comparisons: One of the first publishing houses I started to review for, when I came onto the scene, was The Story Plant for a book entitled Crossing The Bridge by Michael Baron. From that moment on, I have become a fan of Michael Baron and have been introduced to many new authors, which are now on my "TBR authors" list. Just recently, The Story Plant started a program called "Spread The Word Initiative", which I am a reviewing member of. So when the call went out for this title, and the fact that this author was compared to Michael Baron, I HAD to read it.
And continuing along the path of comparisons, this book is beautifully written, but at times, was very hard for me to read because of the comparisons to my own life. It triggered memories of my past, so much so that the plot was so engrossing, that it felt as Mr. Manchester was writing portions of my life. The story is told through the eyes of Don DeMarco, a gentleman approximately my age, a family man and newly retired and looking forward to the next chapter of his life.
However, that chapter was rewritten in a blink of an eye and turned his world upside down. He now had the choice as to how he was going to edit it and what path the story would take. As I said, Mr. Manchester's writing style and narrative was wonderful. So realistic, with the characters becoming your family. The emotions unequivocally palpable. The settings vivid, but I did have a certain edge, since it took place not far from where I live and encompassed certain areas and establishments that I am familiar with. The composition flowed where it was hard to put down even though the reader knows the outcome. Poignant!!
What would you do if you were told you had a year to live? Not only is this novel an emotional read, you can't help but think of how and what you would do if faced with the same situation. Thought provoking! Not only if you were confronted as the main character was, but also those in his life, as a spouse, as a child and as a grandchild. How a real life situation, written with such compassion as a fictional novel, impacting the reader to be put in all of those roles. Impeccable writing!!
Mr. Manchester has written, a story that is so moving, heart wrenching and intense, that will bring tears to yours eyes, but able to weave humor into a serious plot, that will also make you cry from laughing. A story that is sorrowful but also soothing. An undeniable heart tugging read that you will not forget and leave you with a feeling of serenity. An extraordinary read!! Not only do I highly recommend this book but would absolutely state that it is a must read!!
August 17, 2012
Rating: 3.5/5
Opening Line: They say - whoever they are - that every story has to start at its beginning.
Favorite Moment: Ugh, there were so many heartwrenching moments that made me cry and grieve for Don and his family. But I think one of the biggest moments I loved of the book were Don's interactions with Sophia.
Okay, now that my eyes aren't so swollen from bawling my eyes out, I can properly write this review. Twelve Months is about Don DiMarco's journey after being told he has twelve months to live due untreatable cancer. He spends those months coping (rather admirably) and living the rest of his life to the fullest amount possible. He renews his wedding vows with his wife and shows her the romance he wished he had all through their marriage, he creates a bucket list and completes it, he makes peace with old friends, he spends quality time with his family and makes sure they know he loves them and he gives back to other people along his journey. If that isn't living life to its fullest, I don't know what is! I really wanted to give this book four stars because of the emotional rollercoaster it took me on, and to me that is a sign of a great book. But there were some issues that I couldn't get past when rating the book.
The biggest one I had didn't actually pop up until about halfway through the book. There were some instances in the book that while reading them I actually had to go back and see if I missed something because it wasn't mentioned previously and I felt confused. I think better editing would have bumped this book up to four stars. One other small issue that I had was that the narrator of the story, Don, went on a lot of tangents. I realize that they are an integral part of the story because we need to be able to see into Don's past in order to understand how he got where he is today but it just seemed like some of those flashbacks or stories being told were very long and it felt jarring to actually go back to the original story. Overall this was a beautifully written story that really makes you appreciate your life and the time you have left to savor the things you love about it.
Opening Line: They say - whoever they are - that every story has to start at its beginning.
Favorite Moment: Ugh, there were so many heartwrenching moments that made me cry and grieve for Don and his family. But I think one of the biggest moments I loved of the book were Don's interactions with Sophia.
Okay, now that my eyes aren't so swollen from bawling my eyes out, I can properly write this review. Twelve Months is about Don DiMarco's journey after being told he has twelve months to live due untreatable cancer. He spends those months coping (rather admirably) and living the rest of his life to the fullest amount possible. He renews his wedding vows with his wife and shows her the romance he wished he had all through their marriage, he creates a bucket list and completes it, he makes peace with old friends, he spends quality time with his family and makes sure they know he loves them and he gives back to other people along his journey. If that isn't living life to its fullest, I don't know what is! I really wanted to give this book four stars because of the emotional rollercoaster it took me on, and to me that is a sign of a great book. But there were some issues that I couldn't get past when rating the book.
The biggest one I had didn't actually pop up until about halfway through the book. There were some instances in the book that while reading them I actually had to go back and see if I missed something because it wasn't mentioned previously and I felt confused. I think better editing would have bumped this book up to four stars. One other small issue that I had was that the narrator of the story, Don, went on a lot of tangents. I realize that they are an integral part of the story because we need to be able to see into Don's past in order to understand how he got where he is today but it just seemed like some of those flashbacks or stories being told were very long and it felt jarring to actually go back to the original story. Overall this was a beautifully written story that really makes you appreciate your life and the time you have left to savor the things you love about it.
November 3, 2014
I was so impressed by the main character that I wished he was real and also a friend! Needless to say, I am now a Steven Manchester fan.
Don DiMarco had a great life, a loving wife, loyal dog, son and daughter and grandchildren that make me envious, a great house and job. But, he wasn't feeling well so he went to his doctor, had the tests and was told that he has colon cancer. He got a second opinion and he did have colon cancer and it was too late for surgery. He could have chemo but it might only extend his life by a few months. It was too late for surgery.
Don went through denial and depression and then decided that if he had twelve months to live, then he was going to do the things in life that he had always wanted to do.
This is really the story of what he did after the diagnosis. First of all, I felt a kinship with Don instantly because he was a jigsaw puzzle fan. Currently, I have a 1,500 piece puzzle on the dining room table. I am the same as Don, a fan since early childhood. A good puzzle is very much like a great book. It is easy to start, makes you want to keep going, it can be shared with others and there is a sense of satisfaction when you fit that last piece in.
Steve Manchester does all that with his book. His characters are created lovingly, they have their faults but they are so real that I really wish that Don DiMarco and his wife were real so we could be friends! His relationships with his wife, the rest of his family and friends are living and thriving. I got immersed in what he wanted to do in his twelve months and his efforts to set things right. I don’t want to tell you more for fear of spoiling it.
I highly recommend this book and hope that all of my friends read it, even the non-puzzle players.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review without any compensation. The review reflects my thoughts.
Don DiMarco had a great life, a loving wife, loyal dog, son and daughter and grandchildren that make me envious, a great house and job. But, he wasn't feeling well so he went to his doctor, had the tests and was told that he has colon cancer. He got a second opinion and he did have colon cancer and it was too late for surgery. He could have chemo but it might only extend his life by a few months. It was too late for surgery.
Don went through denial and depression and then decided that if he had twelve months to live, then he was going to do the things in life that he had always wanted to do.
This is really the story of what he did after the diagnosis. First of all, I felt a kinship with Don instantly because he was a jigsaw puzzle fan. Currently, I have a 1,500 piece puzzle on the dining room table. I am the same as Don, a fan since early childhood. A good puzzle is very much like a great book. It is easy to start, makes you want to keep going, it can be shared with others and there is a sense of satisfaction when you fit that last piece in.
Steve Manchester does all that with his book. His characters are created lovingly, they have their faults but they are so real that I really wish that Don DiMarco and his wife were real so we could be friends! His relationships with his wife, the rest of his family and friends are living and thriving. I got immersed in what he wanted to do in his twelve months and his efforts to set things right. I don’t want to tell you more for fear of spoiling it.
I highly recommend this book and hope that all of my friends read it, even the non-puzzle players.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review without any compensation. The review reflects my thoughts.
August 26, 2012
`For me, life is like looking through a kaleidoscope. With every turn, a different view will be brought to life.'
Steven Manchester has authored such successful novels as `The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy' and many short stories that deal with one man's view of the universe in a lighter tone. But here, in this very well written novel TWELVE MONTHS, he has managed to bridge that nearly impossible gap of making a story about a life that is finite into a work that is never maudlin, ever positive, and allows the reader to accompany him on his character's encounters with `the bucket list' concept in a fashion far more successful than other writers have tried.
Don DiMarco seems to have it all - a loving family, physical comforts, rewarding hobbies and pastimes. Almost by serendipity he notices some subtle changes in this body habits that, with the encouragement of his wife Bella, leads him to seek medical advice - and here is where Manchester takes the lead in books of this type. Don is informed that he has stage four metastatic carcinoma of the colon, untreatable, and from there the mind and life of Don DiMarco changes. His mindset is on making every moment of his remaining time with his wife and family and friends and his communion with nature and the pages of this book are filled with the positive aspects of living every moment as though it were your last.
There are many self help books about facing death, the process of grieving, how to deal with the finality of existence, etc on the shelves and many are very fine, but most of them fail to bring the facts of the ending of life into a story to which all of us can relate. Manchester supplies such a story, and after reading this book, the subtitle of the book - `Your life is always ready to begin' - makes glorious sense.
Grady Harp
Steven Manchester has authored such successful novels as `The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy' and many short stories that deal with one man's view of the universe in a lighter tone. But here, in this very well written novel TWELVE MONTHS, he has managed to bridge that nearly impossible gap of making a story about a life that is finite into a work that is never maudlin, ever positive, and allows the reader to accompany him on his character's encounters with `the bucket list' concept in a fashion far more successful than other writers have tried.
Don DiMarco seems to have it all - a loving family, physical comforts, rewarding hobbies and pastimes. Almost by serendipity he notices some subtle changes in this body habits that, with the encouragement of his wife Bella, leads him to seek medical advice - and here is where Manchester takes the lead in books of this type. Don is informed that he has stage four metastatic carcinoma of the colon, untreatable, and from there the mind and life of Don DiMarco changes. His mindset is on making every moment of his remaining time with his wife and family and friends and his communion with nature and the pages of this book are filled with the positive aspects of living every moment as though it were your last.
There are many self help books about facing death, the process of grieving, how to deal with the finality of existence, etc on the shelves and many are very fine, but most of them fail to bring the facts of the ending of life into a story to which all of us can relate. Manchester supplies such a story, and after reading this book, the subtitle of the book - `Your life is always ready to begin' - makes glorious sense.
Grady Harp
January 22, 2013
The author of this book asked the book club of which I am a member to read and review this book to which we agreed. The book is essentially about a dying man's journey and how he spends his last twelve months. The book started off okay for me though it did tend to get a bit boring at times.
As a born and raised Barbadian I was particularly incensed when I read about Don's visit to Barbados. It left me wondering if and when the author has visited Barbados. The portrayal was horrible. Every country has poverty including the US, which as one of the wealthiest in the world I find astounding. Barbados is of course no different but to give the impression that we are all living in squalor and as he says in the book "in shacks with no windows" with the children running around "naked and barefooted" is irresponsible to my mind. I and all the people I know live in either brick or wooden houses and they all have windows. Further, Barbadians do not say "mon" meaning "man"; that is Jamaican and we do not end our questions with "yes"; that is Trinidadian. I am still trying to figure out what a "raja man" is...my assumption is that the writer meant "rasta man". I can go on all day about this issue but I won't bother. Needless to say, the discussion at the book club meeting for this book will be very heated.
Once I got pass these issues, the book continued on a similar tone as before. I found that it dragged on a bit too long. I quickly got bored again and anxious to get to the end. I did however appreciate the message of the book which I took to be that we should try to enjoy every day of our life.
As a born and raised Barbadian I was particularly incensed when I read about Don's visit to Barbados. It left me wondering if and when the author has visited Barbados. The portrayal was horrible. Every country has poverty including the US, which as one of the wealthiest in the world I find astounding. Barbados is of course no different but to give the impression that we are all living in squalor and as he says in the book "in shacks with no windows" with the children running around "naked and barefooted" is irresponsible to my mind. I and all the people I know live in either brick or wooden houses and they all have windows. Further, Barbadians do not say "mon" meaning "man"; that is Jamaican and we do not end our questions with "yes"; that is Trinidadian. I am still trying to figure out what a "raja man" is...my assumption is that the writer meant "rasta man". I can go on all day about this issue but I won't bother. Needless to say, the discussion at the book club meeting for this book will be very heated.
Once I got pass these issues, the book continued on a similar tone as before. I found that it dragged on a bit too long. I quickly got bored again and anxious to get to the end. I did however appreciate the message of the book which I took to be that we should try to enjoy every day of our life.
September 27, 2012
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This is a wonderful book. The first thing that caught me was the writing style. It so soft and slow and emotional. It just flows naturally over the pages. It is one of those books that when I first pick it up I knew I was in for some tears (Then again, I cry at everything), which made it hard to get on reading it... I just didn’t want to cry.
But once I got to know Don, I couldn’t stop. I needed to know what was happening to him. How he was dealing with his life.
Don DiMarco has everything he wanted in life at that point: A wife he loves, a beautiful daughter who is married to a good man and two beautiful grandchildren he spoils whenever he wants. Add to that a job he enjoys and he is all set.
But that changes one day when he visits the doctor. He has cancer and only 12 months left to live.
This is where Don’s story begins. While trying to figure out why this is happening to him and how to deal with it, Don realizes that the only way to go is forward and one day at a time. It’s a very inspiring story of strength, hope, faith and love. Don lets us glimpse into his present and past.
Don takes his time and does everything he always wanted to do but didn’t have the time and hopes that 12 months is enough to get ready.
Steven Manchester surely knows how to write a heartbreaking story in a beautiful way. This is a story that can relate to a lot of people either from personal experience or from staying with someone who’s going through this. The characters and emotions are very realistic and pull you into the story taking you along Don’s journey.
This is a wonderful book. The first thing that caught me was the writing style. It so soft and slow and emotional. It just flows naturally over the pages. It is one of those books that when I first pick it up I knew I was in for some tears (Then again, I cry at everything), which made it hard to get on reading it... I just didn’t want to cry.
But once I got to know Don, I couldn’t stop. I needed to know what was happening to him. How he was dealing with his life.
Don DiMarco has everything he wanted in life at that point: A wife he loves, a beautiful daughter who is married to a good man and two beautiful grandchildren he spoils whenever he wants. Add to that a job he enjoys and he is all set.
But that changes one day when he visits the doctor. He has cancer and only 12 months left to live.
This is where Don’s story begins. While trying to figure out why this is happening to him and how to deal with it, Don realizes that the only way to go is forward and one day at a time. It’s a very inspiring story of strength, hope, faith and love. Don lets us glimpse into his present and past.
Don takes his time and does everything he always wanted to do but didn’t have the time and hopes that 12 months is enough to get ready.
Steven Manchester surely knows how to write a heartbreaking story in a beautiful way. This is a story that can relate to a lot of people either from personal experience or from staying with someone who’s going through this. The characters and emotions are very realistic and pull you into the story taking you along Don’s journey.
October 24, 2013
Ah, a finished book in a time when I've really been slacking with my reading as of late. I can't continue that trend. I love reading, and like this book did a good job of reminding me: life is precious and things that one enjoys should be savored. Reading is definitely one of those things for me.
This book was a simple book dealing with the complications, that I'm sure most have experienced indirectly or unfortunately directly, cancer. I know too many who have passed due to it, but unfortunately can never truly empathize with the difficulties and pain one usually encounters when they or their loved ones have to battle such an elusive disease.
This book did a great job putting me in the body and mind of a man blindsided by his diagnosis of stage four cancer. This book was very touching to read and also caused me to reflect on my life and perspectives differently. I can always appreciate a book or some medium that can accomplish that. This book definitely did such. The writing in this book also enabled me to connect greatly to an everyday, common man who was fictional, yet seemed so real, and was sad to read his last breath taken. I don't think that gives away this book, because the book is more than upfront about knowing you're reading about a man who has to live out his last days because the cancer has spread beyond healing. This book is a lot more than a book about someone diagnosed with cancer. It's about living, love, family and not taking simple things for granted. Enjoyed this book very much.
This book was a simple book dealing with the complications, that I'm sure most have experienced indirectly or unfortunately directly, cancer. I know too many who have passed due to it, but unfortunately can never truly empathize with the difficulties and pain one usually encounters when they or their loved ones have to battle such an elusive disease.
This book did a great job putting me in the body and mind of a man blindsided by his diagnosis of stage four cancer. This book was very touching to read and also caused me to reflect on my life and perspectives differently. I can always appreciate a book or some medium that can accomplish that. This book definitely did such. The writing in this book also enabled me to connect greatly to an everyday, common man who was fictional, yet seemed so real, and was sad to read his last breath taken. I don't think that gives away this book, because the book is more than upfront about knowing you're reading about a man who has to live out his last days because the cancer has spread beyond healing. This book is a lot more than a book about someone diagnosed with cancer. It's about living, love, family and not taking simple things for granted. Enjoyed this book very much.
Read
December 5, 2012I cant even rate this...
why? Because I couldnt even finish it...
The idea sounded like a good one when I bought it - a man who learns he has 12 months to live & what he does in that time.
... I didnt take in consideration the heart ache & sadness in it.
A good man, with a loving wife & a daughter & son in law that adored him & grandchildren that didnt want to loose him.
It was just too much.
I started reading it, had to stop... thought, it'll be good... & tried again
I got a few chapters in as this man decided to really LIVE the last year of his life, fixing wrongs, doing things he put off, spending time with his family... & it had good moments... but the underlying ending was just gnawing at my heart...
so once he went to Vietnam to put to rest ghosts & the discussion of having to kill their dogs that helped them, I knew I couldnt take any more...
I just fast forward to the last chapter & glanced at it...
It was enough to physically make my heart heart & want to get nauseated.
I just wasnt made for a book like this...
Give me romance, mystery & things of fairy tales - stories that more then likely will never come true.
Not something like this, where life is hard enough - I want to escape from life in books - not be sad about it....
why? Because I couldnt even finish it...
The idea sounded like a good one when I bought it - a man who learns he has 12 months to live & what he does in that time.
... I didnt take in consideration the heart ache & sadness in it.
A good man, with a loving wife & a daughter & son in law that adored him & grandchildren that didnt want to loose him.
It was just too much.
I started reading it, had to stop... thought, it'll be good... & tried again
I got a few chapters in as this man decided to really LIVE the last year of his life, fixing wrongs, doing things he put off, spending time with his family... & it had good moments... but the underlying ending was just gnawing at my heart...
so once he went to Vietnam to put to rest ghosts & the discussion of having to kill their dogs that helped them, I knew I couldnt take any more...
I just fast forward to the last chapter & glanced at it...
It was enough to physically make my heart heart & want to get nauseated.
I just wasnt made for a book like this...
Give me romance, mystery & things of fairy tales - stories that more then likely will never come true.
Not something like this, where life is hard enough - I want to escape from life in books - not be sad about it....
November 17, 2012
Twelve months is definitely a must read. I'd say it is a story that will bring tears to many of its readers' eyes, get to their very souls and teach them a life lesson. I started reading the book and I connected so deeply I felt it was brought to my hands by one of God's little miracles. Some parts have been so touching that now I find myself rethinking my own life, reviving old hopes and obtaining new ones.
From warm romance to hearty laughter and soothing feelings, the author takes us on a trip where we have the chance to see life in many different stages. Don DiMarco's experiences, endurance, generosity and kindness are displayed throughout the entire book giving it a deep sense of humanity and humbleness that one wouldn't expect from most people, much less someone who's about to die. More importantly Don proves that the old saying "Slow and steady wins the race" is truth.
Don DiMarco became a real person for me, I laughed when he did and when he joked. Then cried hard and profusely when he faced sadness, as well as through basically the last 10 pages.
I can only say go read it, you won't be sorry. You'll enjoy a wonderful and inspiring story, and you'll have something to go to whenever you feel like it's hard to keep fighting and want some encouragement.
From warm romance to hearty laughter and soothing feelings, the author takes us on a trip where we have the chance to see life in many different stages. Don DiMarco's experiences, endurance, generosity and kindness are displayed throughout the entire book giving it a deep sense of humanity and humbleness that one wouldn't expect from most people, much less someone who's about to die. More importantly Don proves that the old saying "Slow and steady wins the race" is truth.
Don DiMarco became a real person for me, I laughed when he did and when he joked. Then cried hard and profusely when he faced sadness, as well as through basically the last 10 pages.
I can only say go read it, you won't be sorry. You'll enjoy a wonderful and inspiring story, and you'll have something to go to whenever you feel like it's hard to keep fighting and want some encouragement.
Read
February 23, 2013You wouldn't say someone diagnosed with cancer is lucky. But Don DiMarco is. His daughter is grown. He has a wonderful wife. He had enough money to quit his job and travel. The cancer makes it difficult, but not impossible to do what he wants with the time he has remaining. I'd say he's lucky, because I work in oncology. I see patients who don't have any support network and don't have money. I see patients who spend the end of their lives in the hospital with more misery than joy. Some patients have young children who'll be left behind when they die. Some patients don't have twelve months… they don't have twelve days. So Don is lucky.
This book reminded me of Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dying." The main character takes the time to do what he wants, make amends, appreciate what he's been given. Yes, we should all live like that!
Okay, I have to make a public service announcement, since colon cancer has cost our family some wonderful members. Colon cancer is, for the most part, preventable. Get a colonoscopy when you're 50, or sooner if family history or health concerns warrant. I need all my readers, so take good care of yourselves!
This book reminded me of Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dying." The main character takes the time to do what he wants, make amends, appreciate what he's been given. Yes, we should all live like that!
Okay, I have to make a public service announcement, since colon cancer has cost our family some wonderful members. Colon cancer is, for the most part, preventable. Get a colonoscopy when you're 50, or sooner if family history or health concerns warrant. I need all my readers, so take good care of yourselves!
March 12, 2013
I'll be honest right now and say that if it wasn't for the author requesting that my book club read his book, I would not have picked this up.
This book, for me, was grueling and a show of the strong effort that I had to put into it just to finish it. It was long - at some times I felt like my percentage read was going nowhere - it was drawn out and there were many parts that just left me going "Meh" at the things I read.
And all those trips that the protag was taking in order to fulfill his honey-do list was all very superficial and stereotypical. I felt as if he was looking at these places that he visited as if he were better than the locals. And don't even get me started on when he supposedly visited Barbados. Just don't.
Overall, I think the author has potential as a writer but his storytelling skill falls flat.
April 28, 2017
Don DiMarco was diagnosed with an incurable illness. The doctor told Don and his wife, Beth, that Don only had months to live. Riley, Don and Beth’s daughter, encouraged him to build a list of things he’d meant to do but never got around to doing; Don did. Don completed some of the activities on the list but as his strength began to decline, Don came to realize what was really important.
Twelve Months was loaded with cherish quotes I’d forgotten. The writing and the ending was good. The accolades listed in the front of Twelve Months, or “early praise” as was referred, compared author Manchester’s writing to one of my favorite bestselling authors. Those accolades raised my expectations but the expectations were not met. Twelve Months is worth the read because the ending will give you food for thought.
Twelve Months was loaded with cherish quotes I’d forgotten. The writing and the ending was good. The accolades listed in the front of Twelve Months, or “early praise” as was referred, compared author Manchester’s writing to one of my favorite bestselling authors. Those accolades raised my expectations but the expectations were not met. Twelve Months is worth the read because the ending will give you food for thought.
December 10, 2012
This book was good, but nothing that hasn’t been written before. With this type of plot, you know the person is going to die at the end and although it is sad the story is about how to celebrate one’s life with the last of the time God has granted you. So with that in mind, there should be some kind of revelation, excitement, or climax to differentiate from all the other “last months to live” books out there. This book just did not do anything for me. I felt the characters weren’t very developed for a novel that was more based on emotions and family connections; yet would go into great detail of the different deeds that Don accomplished.
November 16, 2012
This read more like a travelogue then the last month of someone's life. I not only found it mostly boring, but it definitely did not ring true of what I would want to do with my last year of life. I think it does have a Nicholas Sparks feel, but I didn't find it poignant (as I thought I would) or particularly entertaining.
December 6, 2012
Good Lord, I expected this story to be somewhat sappy, but there was enough saccharine to flavor a swimming pool of Tab. Also, there was no plot to speak of, just a check-the-box bucket list and too much maudlin sentimentality. I expect the movie version to be on the Hallmark channel next year.
November 11, 2012
Not alot of depth, pretty predictable
December 29, 2012
interesting, had some noteworthy quotes to pull out from time to time, but didn't pass the "believable" test for me.
December 26, 2012
I do not want to be unkind to the author, it jut wasn't my cup of tea. I do appreciate what he was trying to convey, though, and how difficult it would be to write about life ending.
November 19, 2012
This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on November 5, 2012.
I don't quite know where to start with this book. I have so many thoughts and feelings surrounding this book that it's hard to quite articulate the complexity of them all. I really wish I had read this sooner instead of having it sit on my shelves for so long. Some of you might remember that Steven Manchester stopped by to do an interview a few months ago. You can check out that interview HERE
The book starts off with a very easy, familiar type of flow. The easygoing style makes it simple to connect with the main character, Don Dimarco. He has an easygoing, kind personality that makes it easy to like him. When he gets the news that he has terminal cancer, he is shocked, yes, but after the initial shock he takes it in stride and really starts to live, and embrace life.
A lot of times it takes events like the news of cancer to shake someone out of their stupor and really start to live. The same is true here, and Don goes on many adventures, and manages to fulfill many lifelong dreams along the way. These include herding cattle, racing, and going on a second honeymoon with his wife Bella.
Many of the scenes between Don and his wife Bella are my favorite. They are tender, gentle, and true. You can tell from the way they interact, and from Don's internal monologues just how much they love each other and how much they are willing to do to show each other.
Don realizes that his time to lavish his wife with romance, and most importantly, to make happy memories, is limited, so he tries to include her in many of these adventures that he wants to accomplish. He also focuses on her specifically, and tries to cook her a thoughtful dinner. While the cooking itself doesn't go well, the thought behind it is lovely, and Bella appreciates the effort more than the meal itself.
Don also comes up with an elaborate plan to propose to Bella again. This dinner goes off without a hitch and they do end up having a nice ceremony. I wish that there had been more description of the second wedding, since it was such a nice gesture, but they kept it pretty simple.
Bella is very calm throughout the whole process. We don't see a great deal of the story from her perspective, but from what we do see, it's apparent that she loves Don very much and would do anything for him. While she does take time to grieve with him, she's also one of his biggest cheerleaders, fully supporting and encouraging him to get his list of goals completed.
Despite the cancer, and the effects it has on him, Don manages to make peace with many things in his life. He makes peace with the memories of the time he spent in Vietnam, with an old friend with whom he had a falling out, and with the fact that he won't be around for as long as he would like. He also does a lot of good with the time he has left. Even when he is not feeling so well himself, he volunteers his time to other cancer patients, children, to share with them, to let them know they are not alone. There is one particular patient, Sophia, who he bonds with quickly. Although the scenes between them are brief, they are powerful. Sophia is wise beyond her years, and is a force of goodness for Don just as much as he is one for her.
Books like this one could be told from a negative, or downtrodden perspective, but this book remains positive, and enlightened throughout. Don could have dwelt in sorrow,and pain, but he chose not to. I have to say that is one thing I found surprising is that the anger stage of his grieving process didn't appear to be all that strong. He mentioned that he went into a funk and he needed space, but didn't really express much anger at his situation.
One of my other favorites about this book is the small details that are included. There's a spot on page 41 where Don starts talking about puzzles and how much he enjoys them. The puzzles play a significant role throughout. Don works on them with his grandkids while he imparts stories and life lessons as they put it together. I won't say how, but the puzzle plays a significant role at the end of the book.
One thing that I want to mention just as something I noticed, is that there is a spiritual element to this book as Don does pray at times, and they do go to church. Some books can be overly "preachy" and be too involved in the religious/spiritual aspect, but I'm happy to say that is not the case here. The spirituality is just an added detail that comes up naturally and balances out the story nicely.
I have to warn anyone who is easily prone to crying at books that tug at your heartstrings, be sure to have a box of tissues handy for this one. I cried my way through I would say, at least the last 50 pages or so of the novel. Although you are prepared for it, the emotional events of this book are so strong that it's impossible (or it was for me anyway) not to cry. And the wonderful thing is, although I was crying, there were still moments where I was laughing as I cried.
To me, that is a sign of excellent writing. If you can cry your eyes out because you feel so attached to the character, and yet still be able to laugh, the author definitely knows what they're doing. This book is about not taking life for granted, because you never know when you may run out of time. It teaches you to enjoy each moment, to make peace with old demons, to not be afraid to conquer your fears, no matter what your age. The small details, the intimacy between the characters, the weaving of the past with the present, the life lessons are all wonderful parts in their own right, and they combine to form a beautiful, heartwarming, novel.
I am so glad to have read this. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt story.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I don't quite know where to start with this book. I have so many thoughts and feelings surrounding this book that it's hard to quite articulate the complexity of them all. I really wish I had read this sooner instead of having it sit on my shelves for so long. Some of you might remember that Steven Manchester stopped by to do an interview a few months ago. You can check out that interview HERE
The book starts off with a very easy, familiar type of flow. The easygoing style makes it simple to connect with the main character, Don Dimarco. He has an easygoing, kind personality that makes it easy to like him. When he gets the news that he has terminal cancer, he is shocked, yes, but after the initial shock he takes it in stride and really starts to live, and embrace life.
A lot of times it takes events like the news of cancer to shake someone out of their stupor and really start to live. The same is true here, and Don goes on many adventures, and manages to fulfill many lifelong dreams along the way. These include herding cattle, racing, and going on a second honeymoon with his wife Bella.
Many of the scenes between Don and his wife Bella are my favorite. They are tender, gentle, and true. You can tell from the way they interact, and from Don's internal monologues just how much they love each other and how much they are willing to do to show each other.
Don realizes that his time to lavish his wife with romance, and most importantly, to make happy memories, is limited, so he tries to include her in many of these adventures that he wants to accomplish. He also focuses on her specifically, and tries to cook her a thoughtful dinner. While the cooking itself doesn't go well, the thought behind it is lovely, and Bella appreciates the effort more than the meal itself.
Don also comes up with an elaborate plan to propose to Bella again. This dinner goes off without a hitch and they do end up having a nice ceremony. I wish that there had been more description of the second wedding, since it was such a nice gesture, but they kept it pretty simple.
Bella is very calm throughout the whole process. We don't see a great deal of the story from her perspective, but from what we do see, it's apparent that she loves Don very much and would do anything for him. While she does take time to grieve with him, she's also one of his biggest cheerleaders, fully supporting and encouraging him to get his list of goals completed.
Despite the cancer, and the effects it has on him, Don manages to make peace with many things in his life. He makes peace with the memories of the time he spent in Vietnam, with an old friend with whom he had a falling out, and with the fact that he won't be around for as long as he would like. He also does a lot of good with the time he has left. Even when he is not feeling so well himself, he volunteers his time to other cancer patients, children, to share with them, to let them know they are not alone. There is one particular patient, Sophia, who he bonds with quickly. Although the scenes between them are brief, they are powerful. Sophia is wise beyond her years, and is a force of goodness for Don just as much as he is one for her.
Books like this one could be told from a negative, or downtrodden perspective, but this book remains positive, and enlightened throughout. Don could have dwelt in sorrow,and pain, but he chose not to. I have to say that is one thing I found surprising is that the anger stage of his grieving process didn't appear to be all that strong. He mentioned that he went into a funk and he needed space, but didn't really express much anger at his situation.
One of my other favorites about this book is the small details that are included. There's a spot on page 41 where Don starts talking about puzzles and how much he enjoys them. The puzzles play a significant role throughout. Don works on them with his grandkids while he imparts stories and life lessons as they put it together. I won't say how, but the puzzle plays a significant role at the end of the book.
One thing that I want to mention just as something I noticed, is that there is a spiritual element to this book as Don does pray at times, and they do go to church. Some books can be overly "preachy" and be too involved in the religious/spiritual aspect, but I'm happy to say that is not the case here. The spirituality is just an added detail that comes up naturally and balances out the story nicely.
I have to warn anyone who is easily prone to crying at books that tug at your heartstrings, be sure to have a box of tissues handy for this one. I cried my way through I would say, at least the last 50 pages or so of the novel. Although you are prepared for it, the emotional events of this book are so strong that it's impossible (or it was for me anyway) not to cry. And the wonderful thing is, although I was crying, there were still moments where I was laughing as I cried.
To me, that is a sign of excellent writing. If you can cry your eyes out because you feel so attached to the character, and yet still be able to laugh, the author definitely knows what they're doing. This book is about not taking life for granted, because you never know when you may run out of time. It teaches you to enjoy each moment, to make peace with old demons, to not be afraid to conquer your fears, no matter what your age. The small details, the intimacy between the characters, the weaving of the past with the present, the life lessons are all wonderful parts in their own right, and they combine to form a beautiful, heartwarming, novel.
I am so glad to have read this. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt story.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
February 6, 2021
Warning....if you’re mourning any sort of loss this book will make you cry the big ugly multi tissue puffy eyed messy cry. It may cause this reaction anyway, but I think that this may have exacerbated my reaction. This was a touching story of a man who when diagnosed with terminal cancer decides not to wallow (though pretty sure most would need some serious wallowing time) and make the best of the 12 months he has been given. It is his tribute to the woman and family he loved with every fiber of his being. Everyone should love and be loved like he did. What would you do if you knew you had an expiration date? It was both a beautiful, heart wrenching and emotional listen. Treat yourself to this beautiful love story about a life well lived. I cried HARD, but truly am glad I experienced this book.
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