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The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room
Lessons and advice on navigating uncertainty while battling stage four cancer after divorce in midlife
Amy Low resides in a room that is her last—her medical team is clear-eyed with there is no cure for Stage IV metastatic colon cancer, and the odds of long-term survival are scant. Miraculously, she’s lived four years with her diagnosis, and that life between life has changed her.
Through the swirl of prolonged trauma and unbearable grief, a vantage point emerged—a window that showed her the way to relish life and be kinder to herself and others while living through the inevitable loss and heartbreak that crosses everyone’s paths. Instead of viewing joy and sorrow as opposites, she saw how both exist in harmony, full of mystery and surprise. Instead of seeing days as succeeding or failing, and physical selves as healthy or unwell, she’s learned to carry both achievements and afflictions in stride. And instead of bitterness and betrayal, forgiveness—toward her body, toward others, toward herself—became her wisest light.
Mapping her experiences to the words that St. Paul wrote in his own last room , The Brave In-Between is a sacred invitation to explore that space between triumph and tragedy. We all have a heart to marvel at miracles, a lightness to spot the absurdity, and an imagination to pause and extend empathy for others—even when tragedy strikes. Sometimes we just need a guide.
Amy Low resides in a room that is her last—her medical team is clear-eyed with there is no cure for Stage IV metastatic colon cancer, and the odds of long-term survival are scant. Miraculously, she’s lived four years with her diagnosis, and that life between life has changed her.
Through the swirl of prolonged trauma and unbearable grief, a vantage point emerged—a window that showed her the way to relish life and be kinder to herself and others while living through the inevitable loss and heartbreak that crosses everyone’s paths. Instead of viewing joy and sorrow as opposites, she saw how both exist in harmony, full of mystery and surprise. Instead of seeing days as succeeding or failing, and physical selves as healthy or unwell, she’s learned to carry both achievements and afflictions in stride. And instead of bitterness and betrayal, forgiveness—toward her body, toward others, toward herself—became her wisest light.
Mapping her experiences to the words that St. Paul wrote in his own last room , The Brave In-Between is a sacred invitation to explore that space between triumph and tragedy. We all have a heart to marvel at miracles, a lightness to spot the absurdity, and an imagination to pause and extend empathy for others—even when tragedy strikes. Sometimes we just need a guide.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2024
18 people are currently reading
2234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 6, 2024
Amy Low so generously invites us into her “last room,” a metaphor she weaves to describe the final phase of life that we all someday must occupy. A single Bay Area mom to two brilliant kids, her stage IV metastatic colon cancer diagnosis came as a shock. She graces us with her harrowing tale of motherhood, cancer, relationships, and scripture as she opens our eyes to the complexities and dualities of the world around us. Amy guides us to be fuller extensions of our true selves.
Do not be fooled, however. This is a deep read that unpacks heavy themes from adultery to radiation therapy – yes. Yet Amy manages to remain witty and charming throughout, and you will be dazzled by her turn of phrase. She is gripping, humorous, tragic, beautiful, and oh so authentically human all at once. I am a better human for having read her book. Thank you, Amy, for your humility. You must give it a read.
The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room
Do not be fooled, however. This is a deep read that unpacks heavy themes from adultery to radiation therapy – yes. Yet Amy manages to remain witty and charming throughout, and you will be dazzled by her turn of phrase. She is gripping, humorous, tragic, beautiful, and oh so authentically human all at once. I am a better human for having read her book. Thank you, Amy, for your humility. You must give it a read.
The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room
March 16, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Low's book before reading - some descriptions made it sound like a self-help book, others like a guide, some like a memoir.
Low frames her life after being diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer through advice that St. Paul wrote in letters. I wasn't interested in the religious framing, though she never appears to be proselytizing, and I found some of her interpretations of St. Paul's words to be a bit confusing (though, to be fair, I didn't spend a lot of time trying to grasp her extrapolations as I wasn't interested in the religious subtext).
I enjoyed the parts of the book that felt personal more (more like a memoir), though the bulk of these passages are about her relationships rather than her grappling with her diagnosis. She does try to maintain an extremely admirable positive outlook about her diagnosis, but the unfortunate flip side is that she doesn't really mine her negative emotions. Though Low will mention crying or asking a friend for advice she doesn't elaborate much on her deeper negative feelings - despair or heartbreak or grief. Low also discusses the anticipated impact of her death on her children (both teenagers when she was diagnosed) but similarly doesn't write much about the aspects of her children's lives that she may miss, and how those thoughts impact her.
Towards the end of the book, Low often frames her situation as being part of a larger, unseen picture, and I think those that identify with that viewpoint will be inspired by her ability to find beauty and hope in her "last room," as she calls it. I found the book uneven, but I'm probably not the target audience.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Low's book before reading - some descriptions made it sound like a self-help book, others like a guide, some like a memoir.
Low frames her life after being diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer through advice that St. Paul wrote in letters. I wasn't interested in the religious framing, though she never appears to be proselytizing, and I found some of her interpretations of St. Paul's words to be a bit confusing (though, to be fair, I didn't spend a lot of time trying to grasp her extrapolations as I wasn't interested in the religious subtext).
I enjoyed the parts of the book that felt personal more (more like a memoir), though the bulk of these passages are about her relationships rather than her grappling with her diagnosis. She does try to maintain an extremely admirable positive outlook about her diagnosis, but the unfortunate flip side is that she doesn't really mine her negative emotions. Though Low will mention crying or asking a friend for advice she doesn't elaborate much on her deeper negative feelings - despair or heartbreak or grief. Low also discusses the anticipated impact of her death on her children (both teenagers when she was diagnosed) but similarly doesn't write much about the aspects of her children's lives that she may miss, and how those thoughts impact her.
Towards the end of the book, Low often frames her situation as being part of a larger, unseen picture, and I think those that identify with that viewpoint will be inspired by her ability to find beauty and hope in her "last room," as she calls it. I found the book uneven, but I'm probably not the target audience.
December 30, 2023
So emotional, makes you think deeper about your own life. Full review to come.
March 14, 2024
An achingly human and honest memoir that illustrates Paul’s passage in a modern time; it gives wings to hope and comfort in the face of the last room.
September 22, 2024
Very well-done book. I heard Amy Low recently on a podcast and knew I needed to read her book about having stage 4 colon cancer. I appreciate that she was so transparent about her messy feelings, yet continued to believe in God. I also appreciated that she never got preachy and never used churchy words that are so often thrown around in similar situations. Yes, it’s a hard read, but still worth the read.
June 24, 2024
This was a book I couldn't put down. The story was captivating: beautifully honest and filled with hope, in spite of the devastating circumstances the author has faced/is facing. She walks us through her story--which exemplifies the fragility of our very existence--with uncommon vulnerability, courage, and humor. Amy's choice to look for the good--even in the midst of so much heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty--is extraordinary. I am humbled by her resilience and joy, even in what she calls, "her last room." I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to see what is possible even when life throws the seemingly impossible at us...
January 30, 2024
this was a beautiful memoir taking us deep into the grueling journey that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Amy Low is able to make the reader feel the highs, lows, despair, hope, confusion, and uncertainty that surrounds a cancer patients mind and life during this time. She is resilient and i always felt her hope and will through the pages. I think it is an important read to understand what this disease does to a persons personal, professional, and mental life.
June 14, 2024
I could not be more grateful that Amy chose to record and share some of her most vulnerable and profound moments in her cancer journey with us. Having a shared faith and somewhat similar background to the author, it is refreshing to hear the questions being asked out loud that sometimes we fear to ask - "how can a good God let such awful things happen?" From infidelity to a terminal cancer diagnosis, loneliness and fear to finding hope/rescue in the arms of someone who may or may not be God's desired best for us, to the bravery of our tribe who come alongside us and challenge us and say the hard things we need to hear, there is something in this memoir for every member of the human race. Thank you for writing.
January 11, 2024
* I read an advance copy and was not compensated
October 14, 2024
This tiny book stands out bravely as the author, a single parent of 2 teenagers, contemplates her stage 4 metastatic cancer diagnosis. What makes it unique is how she talks about being in the last room of her house, alone and honestly aware that there won’t be any more rooms after this one. While vibrantly alive currently, the cancer is stealthily winning and the author knows there is nowhere else to go. It’s remarkably not depressing but more of a gentle reminder that perhaps we should all live this away, acutely aware that none of us are going to escape deaths grasp so, how do we spend our time “ in between” ? Highly recommend not only for the authors faith which is real but so is her humanity as she falls in love ( with a dud) and has to learn, in this last room— to not sell herself short.
September 3, 2025
I feel bad saying this but near the end I just decided to DNF. I never really connected with the author and may she rest in peace, this just was not the book for me.
March 29, 2024
Amy Low has managed to survive four years of a Stage IV metastatic colon cancer that had spread to her liver and lungs once it was discovered. She is a working Mom raising two teenagers and divorced from a husband and distant from a lover; both of whom cheated on their relationships with her.
In this memoir of her unlikely survival, she has discovered a level of forgiveness and understanding that is almost Biblical. Oddly enough, St. Paul's words have helped to guide her journey.
We all have bad days, or weeks, or years, but her insights are truly helpful to so much of what we humans experience. Much love!
In this memoir of her unlikely survival, she has discovered a level of forgiveness and understanding that is almost Biblical. Oddly enough, St. Paul's words have helped to guide her journey.
We all have bad days, or weeks, or years, but her insights are truly helpful to so much of what we humans experience. Much love!
April 1, 2024
Love and hope are both illogical and unreasonable. Life is so frustrating when we refuse in our natural curiosity and anxiety to stop investigating "why" things happen--it's much more emotionally peaceful to radically accept that we're here to learn things and teach things and connect across the chasm of biology.
This book underlines, highlights and evidences this convincingly. BUT. This book made me so mad.
The author's writing is great. She's a successful working career woman and mom of two who has a shocking cancer diagnosis. She is dealing with A LOT and grappling with day to day stuff with aplomb. Seriously, she is a role model in a lot of ways.
But the romantic relationships in the book are a big part of the author's life, too, before and during the cancer's progression. These relationships and how the author analyzes them are the source of *all* of my frustration.
Meet Don. Don is the author's ex husband and father of her two kids. He has a terrible and lengthy affair, is caught and is contrite, but then the marriage dissolves anyway through some additional major betrayals on his part that affect the kids. The author comments at one point, "Truth's absence is the only way to measure its worth," then, later, "If truth is constant, a coherent plot emerges". She moves emotional mountains to co-parent and protect her kids from the damage their dad has done. At eight and ten years old I understand why she wanted to shield them, but I also wonder if she suppressed, to an extent, some natural and necessary grieving steps. What if the cancer was caused or exacerbated by the stress resulting from Don's affair? Forgiving is love's power to break nature's rule, she says. Well, I hope that's gonna happen for her, but her cancer is pretty advanced.
Second problematic romantic relationship: Sebastien. Reading, it's easy to imagine the author developing a massive crush on Sebastien, someone she began dating just before her diagnosis who also happens to be a surgeon AND volunteers to advise on her medical case. He also cooks gourmet dinners for her, travels with her, has deep intellectual conversations with her, and exhibits integrity of character. What a hunk. But then it's revealed that his intellect hid a cunning, a lack of earnestness (he's seeing someone else), and I felt so betrayed for the author again. Of course he's hesitant to commit, because she might only have a year or two to live. But he's so smooth about setting boundaries with her and seeking other options that it seems he didn't even struggle at all.
Fierce love is worth profound pain, but vulnerability requires trust. Closeness. Sacrifice. I know that I offer that to my husband, though imperfect, it's good. I'm never duplicitous. I treat him the way I want to be treated. God forbid either of us ever develops cancer, but medical challenges are doubtless much less lonely to grapple with when you have complete confidence in the fidelity of your partner! I'm so thankful for my boring life. Long may it continue this way!
(Amy, I'm rooting for you!)
This book underlines, highlights and evidences this convincingly. BUT. This book made me so mad.
The author's writing is great. She's a successful working career woman and mom of two who has a shocking cancer diagnosis. She is dealing with A LOT and grappling with day to day stuff with aplomb. Seriously, she is a role model in a lot of ways.
But the romantic relationships in the book are a big part of the author's life, too, before and during the cancer's progression. These relationships and how the author analyzes them are the source of *all* of my frustration.
Meet Don. Don is the author's ex husband and father of her two kids. He has a terrible and lengthy affair, is caught and is contrite, but then the marriage dissolves anyway through some additional major betrayals on his part that affect the kids. The author comments at one point, "Truth's absence is the only way to measure its worth," then, later, "If truth is constant, a coherent plot emerges". She moves emotional mountains to co-parent and protect her kids from the damage their dad has done. At eight and ten years old I understand why she wanted to shield them, but I also wonder if she suppressed, to an extent, some natural and necessary grieving steps. What if the cancer was caused or exacerbated by the stress resulting from Don's affair? Forgiving is love's power to break nature's rule, she says. Well, I hope that's gonna happen for her, but her cancer is pretty advanced.
Second problematic romantic relationship: Sebastien. Reading, it's easy to imagine the author developing a massive crush on Sebastien, someone she began dating just before her diagnosis who also happens to be a surgeon AND volunteers to advise on her medical case. He also cooks gourmet dinners for her, travels with her, has deep intellectual conversations with her, and exhibits integrity of character. What a hunk. But then it's revealed that his intellect hid a cunning, a lack of earnestness (he's seeing someone else), and I felt so betrayed for the author again. Of course he's hesitant to commit, because she might only have a year or two to live. But he's so smooth about setting boundaries with her and seeking other options that it seems he didn't even struggle at all.
Fierce love is worth profound pain, but vulnerability requires trust. Closeness. Sacrifice. I know that I offer that to my husband, though imperfect, it's good. I'm never duplicitous. I treat him the way I want to be treated. God forbid either of us ever develops cancer, but medical challenges are doubtless much less lonely to grapple with when you have complete confidence in the fidelity of your partner! I'm so thankful for my boring life. Long may it continue this way!
(Amy, I'm rooting for you!)
May 5, 2024
First, thank you to the publisher for sending an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Second, content/trigger warnings: cancer, chronic illness, divorce, infidelity, medical content, terminal illness, toxic relationship, religious content.
Third, the review. Truthfully, I almost stopped reading when I realized we would be revisiting St. Paul and his writings throughout. The author states that religion is important to her throughout her diagnosis and treatment, but the parallels to Paul's "last room" letters felt like a stretch. I definitely could have done without them.
The Sébastien elements of the story are the messiest. I just really struggled with the lack of accountability around what was going on, especially after it was revealed she was "the other woman." She struggled justifying and continuing the relationship, but not enough to stop, enforce boundaries, or reflect on how she felt after her own experience of having her ex husband cheat on her and not wanting to do that to another person.
I can empathize with wanting to take advantage of all the life she has left to live, but that doesn't mean your actions are consequence free.
Rating: 2.75 ⭐️
Second, content/trigger warnings: cancer, chronic illness, divorce, infidelity, medical content, terminal illness, toxic relationship, religious content.
Third, the review. Truthfully, I almost stopped reading when I realized we would be revisiting St. Paul and his writings throughout. The author states that religion is important to her throughout her diagnosis and treatment, but the parallels to Paul's "last room" letters felt like a stretch. I definitely could have done without them.
The Sébastien elements of the story are the messiest. I just really struggled with the lack of accountability around what was going on, especially after it was revealed she was "the other woman." She struggled justifying and continuing the relationship, but not enough to stop, enforce boundaries, or reflect on how she felt after her own experience of having her ex husband cheat on her and not wanting to do that to another person.
I can empathize with wanting to take advantage of all the life she has left to live, but that doesn't mean your actions are consequence free.
Rating: 2.75 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
'I am more troubled by cancel culture than I am by microaggresions' 😬
February 22, 2024
By turns reflective and visceral is the unexpected cancer journey shared here by first-person narrator Amy Low, a 40-something California mom of two, newly divorced and set to do great things in her up-and-coming career in the nonprofit sector when she gets the unwelcome news: she has colon cancer, and it’s full-blown Stage 4 (and soon to metastasize to her lungs). From typical 40-year-old concerns like car pools and work trips, she is thrown into a new world of ports (for infusions of drugs, not wines) and scans and doctor-shopping, all in a bid to stay alive for her son and daughter. In the process of navigating one health facility and treatment after another, Ms. Low draws some measure of comfort from the writings of St. Paul the Apostle, in particular his epistolary admonition to his far-flung disciples in the shadow of his own imminent assassination to fix their sights on “whatever is true. . .noble. . .right. . .pure. . .lovely. . .admirable. . .excellent or praiseworthy” as a roadmap for authentic Christian living. Thus, her “Notes from the Last Room” throughout the book grapple with one of Paul’s aforementioned virtues after another, combing through them for hints of what best to value (and what to throw out) in her own life vis-à-vis family, career, love life, friendships, etc. Thus, the unrelenting medical drama here gives way to hopeful bursts of clarity about mental and emotional well-being in the shadow of death. Ms. Low’s path into (and through) her cancer treatments may appear smoother than most, due to the privilege of her access to nationally acclaimed oncological surgeons and facilities, but the fright, anger, and periods of despondence are all too real. (And, yes, the reader will certainly make it a point to confirm at book’s end that the author is currently very much “alive to thrive,” with gratitude for modern medical trials and breakthroughs.)
November 22, 2024
"Lessons and advice on navigating uncertainty while battling stage four cancer after divorce in midlife." Gee. Sounds like an entertaining book, doesn't it? I'm not sure why I'm drawn to stories about people battling diseases, but as I glance at my "memoir" shelf on Goodreads, there are a few. Coincidentally, I was listening to another book, Left on Tenth (while reading this one), in which the author is dealing with the loss of her husband and leukemia.
As with my previous read, You Could Make This a Beautiful Place, Amy Low's memoir resonates on many levels: divorce and co-parenting with an ex-spouse, Covid lockdown and Zoom, the upsetting election of 2016, etc. It's not simply a cancer story.
On hope:
Growing up in San Diego and rooting for the Padres, my brother and sister and I knew a little something about hope. We'd earned PhDs in hope. Most years, the Padres were out of contention by Mother's Day, but still we scrambled to get to games, pinning all of our dreams on Tony Gwynn* and remembering that miracles had a way of showing up despite it all. With a stirring in our hearts, we'd sit in the cheap seats, so high I thought we were closer to touching the moon than the field. What might happen?
Cancer is everywhere. I have friends and relatives currently battling this awful disease. I also know survivors. My younger brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 40. He is now 60 and cancer-free. So, to jump on my soap box--get your screenings, especially colonoscopies and mammograms. Cancer treatments have advanced, along with new technologies such as immunotherapy and target drugs. Early detection is critical!
Part medical narrative, part spirituality and philosophy, The Brave In-Between is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Recommend.
You can follow Amy Low on Instagram and Substack (Postcards from the Mountain).
*Sadly, Tony Gwynn died from complications of cancer of the salivary gland at the age of 54.
I received an ARC from publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As with my previous read, You Could Make This a Beautiful Place, Amy Low's memoir resonates on many levels: divorce and co-parenting with an ex-spouse, Covid lockdown and Zoom, the upsetting election of 2016, etc. It's not simply a cancer story.
On hope:
Growing up in San Diego and rooting for the Padres, my brother and sister and I knew a little something about hope. We'd earned PhDs in hope. Most years, the Padres were out of contention by Mother's Day, but still we scrambled to get to games, pinning all of our dreams on Tony Gwynn* and remembering that miracles had a way of showing up despite it all. With a stirring in our hearts, we'd sit in the cheap seats, so high I thought we were closer to touching the moon than the field. What might happen?
Cancer is everywhere. I have friends and relatives currently battling this awful disease. I also know survivors. My younger brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 40. He is now 60 and cancer-free. So, to jump on my soap box--get your screenings, especially colonoscopies and mammograms. Cancer treatments have advanced, along with new technologies such as immunotherapy and target drugs. Early detection is critical!
Part medical narrative, part spirituality and philosophy, The Brave In-Between is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Recommend.
You can follow Amy Low on Instagram and Substack (Postcards from the Mountain).
*Sadly, Tony Gwynn died from complications of cancer of the salivary gland at the age of 54.
I received an ARC from publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 23, 2024
Amy Low, a divorced mother of two young teens, is diagnosed with colon cancer in her early 40s. The focus is on coming to terms with her illness and spending her time wisely in the "last room" of her life, the time before death.
In Amy's case treatments, while brutal and challenging, are surprisingly effective, and the last room stretches from months to four years and counting, years where she is able to embrace a rewarding career, watch her children grow into young adults, and take a chance at love. She focuses on truth, beauty, and positive experiences for herself and her children.
There is more religious content than I expected to find and she's very cagey about her relationship with Sebastian and how she resolved the conflict of wanting more that he was willing to give, but I enjoyed the insights into learning to live with and even embrace what could have been a devastating diagnosis.
In Amy's case treatments, while brutal and challenging, are surprisingly effective, and the last room stretches from months to four years and counting, years where she is able to embrace a rewarding career, watch her children grow into young adults, and take a chance at love. She focuses on truth, beauty, and positive experiences for herself and her children.
There is more religious content than I expected to find and she's very cagey about her relationship with Sebastian and how she resolved the conflict of wanting more that he was willing to give, but I enjoyed the insights into learning to live with and even embrace what could have been a devastating diagnosis.
April 20, 2024
A beautiful memoir, written by a woman who is "in the last room of her life", having been diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. I was thrilled to get an advance copy of this book and can't wait for it to release to find a wider audience. This is going on my forever bookshelf. Someday each of us will be in that last room and this book is for all of us.
In spite of it being short, just over 200 pages, I read it slowly because the sentence level writing was so good that I would go back and re-read the paragraph I just read again and again - it was that good. Amy Low is so generous with the details of her life - her divorce (which in some ways she says was harder than her illness), a romance, her friendships, the doctors she works with - and her feelings and thoughts throughout. It is written with humor and finishes with deep emotion that made me cry. And wait until you meet Bonnie (IYKYK!).
In spite of it being short, just over 200 pages, I read it slowly because the sentence level writing was so good that I would go back and re-read the paragraph I just read again and again - it was that good. Amy Low is so generous with the details of her life - her divorce (which in some ways she says was harder than her illness), a romance, her friendships, the doctors she works with - and her feelings and thoughts throughout. It is written with humor and finishes with deep emotion that made me cry. And wait until you meet Bonnie (IYKYK!).
September 11, 2024
Helps to put your life into perspective. I found myself considering how I could better spend my time and energy to get the most out of this life instead of getting stuck in this loop of doing what is expected, not truly sucking the marrow, magic, and miracles from my days rather simply waiting for the next day to begin. We only have one life. Make it count!
“AS IT TURNS OUT, THE LAST ROOM IS EXPANSIVE; THERE IS MORE room than you could imagine for visitors. When you knock on the door of a dear friend’s last room, know that he or she might be a mess inside. It may take a little while to tidy up the room for a visit, so do this—wait patiently just outside the door. It may open, and when it does, there will be a place for you to sit alongside your last-room friend. You may say the wrong thing. You may want to bring some kind of gift, and you may guess wrong (there are so many new socks in the last room!). Come anyway. Try anyway.”
“AS IT TURNS OUT, THE LAST ROOM IS EXPANSIVE; THERE IS MORE room than you could imagine for visitors. When you knock on the door of a dear friend’s last room, know that he or she might be a mess inside. It may take a little while to tidy up the room for a visit, so do this—wait patiently just outside the door. It may open, and when it does, there will be a place for you to sit alongside your last-room friend. You may say the wrong thing. You may want to bring some kind of gift, and you may guess wrong (there are so many new socks in the last room!). Come anyway. Try anyway.”
February 4, 2024
Beautifully written memoir about the author’s grueling journey trying to live with and cure her terminal cancer. She takes you on the journey with her as she undergoes multiple rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries, only to find out she has more “mets” in her lungs. She certainly doesn’t paint a rosy picture or shy away from discussing her feelings; however, she is resilient and consistently maintains hope. I was not aware that some of the book discusses her faith and Saint Paul, which may not appeal to everyone. Any Low has learned to come to terms with her illness and try to live her life to the fullest. She really makes one think about their own life and hardships.
Thank you to the author and Hachette Books for providing an advance reader copy. The review contains my own personal thoughts on this powerful memoir.
Thank you to the author and Hachette Books for providing an advance reader copy. The review contains my own personal thoughts on this powerful memoir.
May 31, 2024
Author Amy Low is diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer and writes a tale told from her perspective in “the last room” meaning, towards what she thinks is the end of her battle. As a Christian, I did find it interesting as she wove her story through Philippians 4:8 and Paul’s letter to the church as he is imprisoned it what would also be his “last room”. However, even if you have no knowledge of faith or Paul or any of that, don’t be afraid to pick this one up. Yes, it has the roller coaster of a terminal diagnosis, but it’s also a woman learning how to be divorcee, a mom, a dog owner, a friend, and a girlfriend within the confines of also being a patient. There is inspiration she exhibits in finding the ability to see the beauty and hope within your “last room” wherever that may be.
January 16, 2025
Many books I read very quickly and others I like to think and savor each word. This is a book for me to think carefully about each word, each awareness as this is written by a young woman fighting the battle of cancer.
With modern medicine she is given more years but still too few.
Leaving two teenagers, her own mother, and siblings; coming to an awareness and completeness as shared in this book.
Reading about someone’s struggle with cancer is not for everyone but Amy wove in the events of life and the decisions of living despite her illness.
Amy also gained strength and peace through her faith that she expresses through writing about St Paul.
Note: it appears Amy Low died last December 2024, six months after this book was published and over 5 years since her first cancer diagnosis.
With modern medicine she is given more years but still too few.
Leaving two teenagers, her own mother, and siblings; coming to an awareness and completeness as shared in this book.
Reading about someone’s struggle with cancer is not for everyone but Amy wove in the events of life and the decisions of living despite her illness.
Amy also gained strength and peace through her faith that she expresses through writing about St Paul.
Note: it appears Amy Low died last December 2024, six months after this book was published and over 5 years since her first cancer diagnosis.
February 15, 2025
No longer sure why I thought to request this book from the Library, but I'm glad I did. The last room is the last room of your life, when you know that you are going to die soon. For Amy Low, the time in that last room turns into 4 years. She writes clearly, poetically about that time, a time when she knows that the Stage 4 metastasized cancer will end her life. I don't recall her using the word, fight, as she describes the treatments, however she does look in depth at many words that come to her during this time. And she looks at that time and place from a faith-based perspective. She uses Paul's letters as a frame for her thinking, focusing on key words that he uses to describe his end-of-life experiences.
Sad, enlightening, open, I highly recommend this book.
Sad, enlightening, open, I highly recommend this book.
May 27, 2025
Thanks to goodreads, the author, and hachette books for this hardcover ARC experiance!
I am in awe of anyone who can write a book, let alone a book that puts a microscope on something as devastating as their own cancer! That takes a lot of bravery, to reopen all the micro traumas of such an ordeal. I rated this book three stars, because I feel this is more niche, the author did a wonderful job, but I personally don't have any experaince with cancer and don't want to risk making assumptions or being insensitive.
I think that more books focusing on the "last room" should be made more mainstream, so that maybe we can reach a point where humans can "die with dignity."
Readers looking for lights in a storm will find this illuminating.
I am in awe of anyone who can write a book, let alone a book that puts a microscope on something as devastating as their own cancer! That takes a lot of bravery, to reopen all the micro traumas of such an ordeal. I rated this book three stars, because I feel this is more niche, the author did a wonderful job, but I personally don't have any experaince with cancer and don't want to risk making assumptions or being insensitive.
I think that more books focusing on the "last room" should be made more mainstream, so that maybe we can reach a point where humans can "die with dignity."
Readers looking for lights in a storm will find this illuminating.
May 27, 2025
This book is a non-fiction of course, but reads like the fantasy ending scenes of :
Ghosts finishing their unfinished bussiness, becoming one with the force, or as Prof. Dumbledore said "...Board a train." Author Amy Low is matter-o-fact, and empathetic to readers both in and out of the "last room."
I would have rated this book higher, if I had some personal experaince with the struggles cancer patiants go through so I could make a better call on if the author is providing a complete picture of those kinds of struggles.
Anyone with even a hint or whisper of cancer history in the family should read this.
Ghosts finishing their unfinished bussiness, becoming one with the force, or as Prof. Dumbledore said "...Board a train." Author Amy Low is matter-o-fact, and empathetic to readers both in and out of the "last room."
I would have rated this book higher, if I had some personal experaince with the struggles cancer patiants go through so I could make a better call on if the author is providing a complete picture of those kinds of struggles.
Anyone with even a hint or whisper of cancer history in the family should read this.
May 27, 2025
Thanks to Goodreads and Hachette for providing this ARC!
In a word: "Whoa!"
I am a big fan of memoirs, and trial and tribulation historic fiction, and this work by Amy Low is anyhting but fictional, it hits hard and the whole time I was hoping for a bit of fantasy deus ex machina to make an apperance, but Cancer doesn't understand the concept of plot armor. If I have any complaints it is that I was not allowed to take a trauma break between chapters. The only thing that could make this a better life lessons story would be turning it into a childrens picture book, so that we are more accepting of the hard truths when we grow up.
Everyone should read Amy's words!
In a word: "Whoa!"
I am a big fan of memoirs, and trial and tribulation historic fiction, and this work by Amy Low is anyhting but fictional, it hits hard and the whole time I was hoping for a bit of fantasy deus ex machina to make an apperance, but Cancer doesn't understand the concept of plot armor. If I have any complaints it is that I was not allowed to take a trauma break between chapters. The only thing that could make this a better life lessons story would be turning it into a childrens picture book, so that we are more accepting of the hard truths when we grow up.
Everyone should read Amy's words!
September 3, 2025
I listened to an interview with Amy Low and was intrigued to read her book. I am also someone who lives in the last room, with a treatable but incurable cancer. I liked the way she organizes the text, telling us her story of diagnosis, treatment, family relationships and divorce. And then discovers that she can be her most authentic self in what she prepares for the last room of her life. She uses the wisdom of St Paul's letters to Philippi to organize the chapters. I found the book inspiring, not preachy or overly medical in its telling.
February 25, 2024
This is a moving account of the progression of terminal cancer and the interior strength Amy Low accessed to withstand the alternating hope and despair. I imagine that this book will provide comfort to others with a life threatening illness. I was unable to connect with the St. Paul through-line, but appreciate that her faith provided her with support.
May 31, 2024
Low, a divorced mother of teenagers, writes about life after her diagnosis of stage IV colon cancer. She frames it using St. Paul and his writings about the last room. I could have done without the parts where she dives into St. Paul and religion but the rest of the book was both fun and sad. Low felt like a friend sharing the stories of her life. ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.
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