Worth the Pain: How Meningitis Nearly Killed Me — Then Changed My Life for the Better

by Andy Marso

Born at the beginning of the millenial or “me-first” generation, Andy Marso grew up believing he was smart, talented and entitled to his dreams. He coasted through school with minimal effort, but weeks before he entered the “real world,” Marso was struck down by a bacterial infection that changed everything. In this first-person narrative, Marso, a professional journalist who has written for the Washington Post and the Topeka Capital-Journal, details a transformative months-long hospitalization in which he fights for his life and then his limbs. By the time he leaves the hospital, Marso will face a choice: continue to grasp futilely at the easy, comfortable life he knew, or embrace a new life more challenging than he ever imagined.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

266 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2013

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So...The Meningitis...I have been feeling VERY alone after battling The Meningitis in February of 2012. Although it did not have NEARLY the physical effect on me that it had on Andy, I have been feeling disconnected and wanting to connect to other "survivors".

This book has been both upsetting and refreshing. Refreshing? To know I am not the only one. I am still mad at The Meningitis for fucking with my life and the daily pain is getting old.

I am hoping to reach where Andy has, where he thinks his life is better, I want to see how to do it, because right now I am just angry at what The Meningitis has taken from me (and it didn't take as much from me as it did Andy!).

I need to find peace with The Meningitis and I need to find other adult survivors to talk to...

[Haley Junod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this almost 300 page book within a day. It was inspiring . I also learned a lot about meningitis that I didn’t know before.

[Diane Yannick]

Andy deserves my respect rather than a rating. I was touched by his honesty and careful retelling of his battle with a horrific strain of meningitis. I found the book tough to read as it spared the reader none of his agony. Some nights I dreamed that I had to go into "the tank" to get necrotic skin sliced off. Yet, I couldn't stop reading his story. I knew from the title and his interview on NPR that he would come out the other side with a new understanding and I had to see that happen. As a journalist, he was able to write his experience with a depth that I think will be a gift to many who must undergo similar challenges. I appreciate that he didn't try to whitewash his not so proud moments. His gumption allowed him to become mobile and independent. He is now an activist for meningitis vaccinations on college campuses. Don't read this book unless you're ready to spend some time in intensive care in a hospital in Kansas. Haunting, for sure.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book club selection, and I'm glad that Liz chose it. I guess her son knows Andy. I really knew nothing about meningitis, and Marso goes into detail on what he experienced. Even though I will cringe and cover my eyes when watching medical dramas and traumas I never really had to look away. Maybe, because it was real - hey I could even eat lunch when reading it. I appreciate his honestly over the experience even on those things most people wouldn't be willing to share. I hope more people are encouraged to be vaccinated against meningitis and others that face this or other trauma will read this book. Very honest yet positive.

[Gustavo Sudre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read. Andy is a fantastic writer whose words make you feel like you're right there with him in every step of his emotional story. His journey will make you laugh and cry, feel compassionate and angry, and learn several lessons along the way. Most importantly, Andy's story puts many of the hardships we face in life into perspective, and teaches us that regardless of the initial plan we had in mind, we need to be able to be strong and adapt to detours. You never know what you'll find in the end.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! Andy takes you through his pain and shows how he grew through it. His descriptions are so realistic it was hard to read at times. He is now a great advocate for vaccination. I appreciate his work for this worthy cause!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational. Educational. Honest. A first rate autobiography that will have you cringing, rereading and laughing out loud.

[Madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite as inspirational as I thought it would be but it very real and honest.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this on NPR, I didn't think I'd like it at all but I trust their book reviews. I loved it. I loved it so much, I finished it in less than 24 hours. Truly inspiring.