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What We Leave Behind
This is a story about struggle, a story of hope, and mostly, a story about love. A journey with a unique young girl who is so sure of what is out there waiting for her, that she never compromises her belief in finding it. It isn't always an easy path, but Jane Rawley Solomon's humor, character, and passion for others, keep her moving towards her goals - despite life throwing obstacles in her way. What she's left with is truly beautiful.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2014
34 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Alan
15 books19 followersHello everyone -
My name is Matthew Alan and I just finished publishing my first novel entitled "One Degree". One Degree is a work of fiction that I started writing about seven years ago. I've worked on three other books during that time period (and the next will be coming out later this fall), but this is the story I kept coming back to. I hope you like it!
I am a college swimming coach/teacher living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and writing on the side. As a coach and educator, I have been fascinated in teaching and balancing learning with humor. These goals have sparked the passion in my writing for some time, and I hope to share that passion with other readers as much as possible.
All the best!
Matt
My name is Matthew Alan and I just finished publishing my first novel entitled "One Degree". One Degree is a work of fiction that I started writing about seven years ago. I've worked on three other books during that time period (and the next will be coming out later this fall), but this is the story I kept coming back to. I hope you like it!
I am a college swimming coach/teacher living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and writing on the side. As a coach and educator, I have been fascinated in teaching and balancing learning with humor. These goals have sparked the passion in my writing for some time, and I hope to share that passion with other readers as much as possible.
All the best!
Matt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 2, 2014
I am typically what I refer to as a book snob. If I'm not drawn in within the first chapter or two, I'm out. This book...Wow. I was personally invested from the get go. I found my heart leaping, aching, breaking, healing....right along with the characters. As well as with the author. I would put the book down to do other things yet could almost feel it calling to me...willing me to read more. To open my own heart and become part of this remarkable family unit.
What We Leave Behind inspired me to create a collection on my Kindle called "MUST read again"...and I will. Again and again.
What We Leave Behind inspired me to create a collection on my Kindle called "MUST read again"...and I will. Again and again.
August 12, 2016
This has to be one of the most heartfelt and beautiful stories that I've read in a love time.
This isn't a story about hot, passionate, steamy love. This is a story about true love. Both between parents and their child as well as between a man a woman. This is a story about how powerful that pure, unconditional love truly is.
Jane was adopted at the age of 10 by Willa and Jason. Their connection was immediate and the difference in the color of their skin was never an issue to them. That wasn't the case with everyone, however, as Jane had to deal with looks and whispers all the time.
This book is Jane's story. It goes back and forth between the present, when she's an adult, and the past so we can learn about her as a child, teen, and young adult. She is truly an amazing woman who is not only totally selfless, caring, and all around just a GOOD person.
She meets and later marries Max. Their love is as pure and real as her parents love. Unconditional.
A visit to the doctor changes their whole lives and none of them will ever be the same again.
I am so honored to have been given a copy of this book. Jane is truly an inspiration as is Matthew Alan for being able to write such a heartfelt story.
I give this one 5 stars and will definitely look forward to reading more from this author!
This isn't a story about hot, passionate, steamy love. This is a story about true love. Both between parents and their child as well as between a man a woman. This is a story about how powerful that pure, unconditional love truly is.
Jane was adopted at the age of 10 by Willa and Jason. Their connection was immediate and the difference in the color of their skin was never an issue to them. That wasn't the case with everyone, however, as Jane had to deal with looks and whispers all the time.
This book is Jane's story. It goes back and forth between the present, when she's an adult, and the past so we can learn about her as a child, teen, and young adult. She is truly an amazing woman who is not only totally selfless, caring, and all around just a GOOD person.
She meets and later marries Max. Their love is as pure and real as her parents love. Unconditional.
A visit to the doctor changes their whole lives and none of them will ever be the same again.
I am so honored to have been given a copy of this book. Jane is truly an inspiration as is Matthew Alan for being able to write such a heartfelt story.
I give this one 5 stars and will definitely look forward to reading more from this author!
December 25, 2014
The most beautiful, heartfelt, amazing story. Jane is wonderful. Everything about her story is inspiring. Love it.
February 7, 2016
Jane Kincaid was feeling on top of the world, she finally has fallen pregnant after so many years trying with her husband Max. She goes in for a routine check-up, and what they discover, changes their world forever.
This story is so touching and heart felt. It is one you will need tissues for. Jane goes on such a roller coaster, she and Max have plenty to deal with.
I enjoyed reading this book, even though it fell a little flat at times, but it deals with such tender and compassionate issues. It was a bit jump with the time line. I would prefer the chapters to indicate periods, of at least - past or present. We needed to know the past, to appreciate the wonderful woman that Jane became.
If you are in the mood for a tear jerker, give this one a try. The bond between Jane and Max is special, as are her parents.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
This story is so touching and heart felt. It is one you will need tissues for. Jane goes on such a roller coaster, she and Max have plenty to deal with.
I enjoyed reading this book, even though it fell a little flat at times, but it deals with such tender and compassionate issues. It was a bit jump with the time line. I would prefer the chapters to indicate periods, of at least - past or present. We needed to know the past, to appreciate the wonderful woman that Jane became.
If you are in the mood for a tear jerker, give this one a try. The bond between Jane and Max is special, as are her parents.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
February 6, 2015
This was a great book about the most likeable character, Jane. It's an inspiring story of hope, courage, tolerance of differences, acceptance of difficult situations, unconditional love, and moving on. Great story written by a male author, too. That's always a nice change of pace.
September 30, 2014
A fantastic story that had me laughing, crying, daydreaming, soul searching, so many emotions and thoughts were provoked through this story. Jane is a true aspiration and how blessed anyone would be to have been touched by her presence.
November 29, 2014
This book was very very good. An highly emotional read. Had me in tears through the whole end of the book.
September 6, 2014
An excellent read--great story--wonderful characters.
Read the GR review--tells enough to make you want to read the book.
Read the GR review--tells enough to make you want to read the book.
January 5, 2015
What We Leave Behind is written Matthew Alan. The book starts out with a woman named Jane. The book goes back and forth between her past and present. Jane is pregnant and during a routine visit to her doctor a mass is found on Jane's breast which turns out to be cancer. So one of the happiest times of her life is now turned much more complicated, but this isn't the first time Jane has had to deal with a tough situation. When Jane was younger her parents died and she had to live at Bright Futures, where she waited and hoped to be adopted. The day finally came where the right family found her. But even though she finally had a family, it wasn't always smooth sailing. There were kids in school that would make fun of her because she had white parents, or that she was bigger than other girls her age, or that she was a different color than most of the other kids at her school. But Jane rarely let any of that get to her, she never held anything against anyone, and tried to never feel down about things. In college while working on her master's Jane meet Max, her shy neighbor. Max was just what Jane needed after some of her other didn't work out so well, he saw Jane for the amazing person she was, and Jane brought fun and excitement to him, which was something that he was lacking in his life. Jane and Max end up getting married. They have the type of amazing relationship that makes others take notice, the type of relationship that others with they had. When her cancer turns out to be worse than originally thought Max is by her side the whole time, and through all her treatments. At one point when he knows that things aren't getting any better for his wife and he is alone in their house, he breaks down, he begs God to let him take her place instead. Sadly Jane continues to get worst. But the amazing thing about her is that through all the sickness and the pain, her outlook on life is so positive, she never snaps at anyone, and always goes out of her way to make someone feel better if she can. Right before the end, Jane has a conversation with her husband, which I will not get into details about because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but it was possible one of the most moving things that I have ever read.
What We Leave Behind is an amazing book with a wonderful message. Within the first few pages I was hooked which is extremely rare for me. The way Matthew Alan wrote this book reminded me of the way Jodi Picoult would draw you in, but the message and inspiration that you are able to find in this story reminds me of Mitch Albom. I love when a book is able to make you take a step back and think, this is exactly what happened when I was reading this story. The author did an amazing job make the characters in this book so relatable and believable. There is no way to read this book without feeling an emotional connection to Jane and Max, so make sure that you have plenty of tissues when reading this book. I don't care what type of book you normally read, THIS is the must read book of the year! I absolutely loved this book and will recommend it to anyone! Matthew Alan is an amazing author, and one to keep an eye out for!
What We Leave Behind is an amazing book with a wonderful message. Within the first few pages I was hooked which is extremely rare for me. The way Matthew Alan wrote this book reminded me of the way Jodi Picoult would draw you in, but the message and inspiration that you are able to find in this story reminds me of Mitch Albom. I love when a book is able to make you take a step back and think, this is exactly what happened when I was reading this story. The author did an amazing job make the characters in this book so relatable and believable. There is no way to read this book without feeling an emotional connection to Jane and Max, so make sure that you have plenty of tissues when reading this book. I don't care what type of book you normally read, THIS is the must read book of the year! I absolutely loved this book and will recommend it to anyone! Matthew Alan is an amazing author, and one to keep an eye out for!
May 19, 2016
This book was incredible. The beauty of really well written fiction is that on some level, it ceases to be fiction in the mind of the reader. Lines blur and you really become connected to the characters and what they are going through. That was certainly the case with this book. The characters were extremely well developed and the story was so real that it was hard not to get lost in it. I will point out for the sake of anyone who goes on to read the book based on this review that it is both heartbreaking and cathartic. There is a very good chance you will cry as you feel pain and loss right along with these characters. But you will also walk through the start of their healing, which is a wonderfully soothing experience, as well, as if you heal right along with them.
A lot of authors prefer to steer clear of difficult subjects, particularly those that are tied to political issues. One thing I especially appreciated in this novel was that the issues of race, interracial relations, and interracial adoption were not taken lightly. They were also not sugar-coated or painted in an artificial light where everything was sunshine and roses all of the time. The real issues associated with these situations were explored honestly, which gave the story that much more credit as realistic fiction. Likewise, the subjects of illness, death, loss, and grief were dealt with very realistically. The author remained true to the stages of grief that people go through and healing did not happen miraculously in a matter of moments.
There were moments when this story was painful, when I had to put it aside and take a break from reading just to let go of the difficult emotions characters were attempting to cope with. It was a beautiful and very well written story, though, and I highly recommend it. The only thing I wish was different was the level at which readers are able to connect with each character throughout the story. Personally, I found Jane much easier to connect with than Max. As their history is laid out, it does become clear that this is probably due to the personalities of each character. Jane is much more open and outgoing, and Max is a bit more closed and has difficulty with self-expression. I would, however, have liked to connect with Max earlier in the story simply because it would have allowed me to better understand his feelings and what he was going through at any given time. All the same, though, the book is fantastic as it is. It is easily one of the best pieces of realistic fiction I have read in quite some time.
A lot of authors prefer to steer clear of difficult subjects, particularly those that are tied to political issues. One thing I especially appreciated in this novel was that the issues of race, interracial relations, and interracial adoption were not taken lightly. They were also not sugar-coated or painted in an artificial light where everything was sunshine and roses all of the time. The real issues associated with these situations were explored honestly, which gave the story that much more credit as realistic fiction. Likewise, the subjects of illness, death, loss, and grief were dealt with very realistically. The author remained true to the stages of grief that people go through and healing did not happen miraculously in a matter of moments.
There were moments when this story was painful, when I had to put it aside and take a break from reading just to let go of the difficult emotions characters were attempting to cope with. It was a beautiful and very well written story, though, and I highly recommend it. The only thing I wish was different was the level at which readers are able to connect with each character throughout the story. Personally, I found Jane much easier to connect with than Max. As their history is laid out, it does become clear that this is probably due to the personalities of each character. Jane is much more open and outgoing, and Max is a bit more closed and has difficulty with self-expression. I would, however, have liked to connect with Max earlier in the story simply because it would have allowed me to better understand his feelings and what he was going through at any given time. All the same, though, the book is fantastic as it is. It is easily one of the best pieces of realistic fiction I have read in quite some time.
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January 19, 2016We like to think that we will live forever. But the sad reality is that we won’t.
Matthew Alan’s “What We Leave Behind” explores the essence of living and dealing with the realities of death. In a style that mirrors the twin characteristics of life and death, the novel juxtaposes Jane’s, the main protagonist, past and present.
In the present, the thirty-five-year-old Jane’s ecstatic happiness upon knowing that she’s with child has been immediately doused by the knowledge that she has a cancer. And as her life crumbles, the story pauses and brings us back to a time of childhood, of happiness, of living. We get to know the young Jane as she faces life head-on, refusing to let the reality of being an orphan stops her from enjoying life. Pretty soon, the little girl’s energy find a new home and a new family, in the person of Jason and Willa. It’s a home filled with love and happiness.
In this novel, we see a girl who dares to stand-up to racism, who makes the people all around her happy, who loves fully and without regret. We see an athlete who runs faster to anybody else, who pushes her body until she wins marathon after marathon.
I guess this is the only thing that I would have wanted the novel to improve on. More often than not, the novel tells the story. Sometimes, I want it to show the story. As a reader, I want to feel the cold wind flashing through Jane’s face. I want to feel the blood coursing through her body as she blocks off all the sound, bends her knee, and sprints forward. I want to see her face split into a wide smile when her body touches the finish line.
Notwithstanding, the novel provides an interesting parallelism of Jane’s battle here and now. As she battles for her life, we see a determined lady that simply refuses to give up. Life itself is the greatest battle. It might be the most important battle we will ever have to fight.
***NOTE: To read the entire review, you might want to visit: http://maryherbel.com/2016/01/19/book...
Matthew Alan’s “What We Leave Behind” explores the essence of living and dealing with the realities of death. In a style that mirrors the twin characteristics of life and death, the novel juxtaposes Jane’s, the main protagonist, past and present.
In the present, the thirty-five-year-old Jane’s ecstatic happiness upon knowing that she’s with child has been immediately doused by the knowledge that she has a cancer. And as her life crumbles, the story pauses and brings us back to a time of childhood, of happiness, of living. We get to know the young Jane as she faces life head-on, refusing to let the reality of being an orphan stops her from enjoying life. Pretty soon, the little girl’s energy find a new home and a new family, in the person of Jason and Willa. It’s a home filled with love and happiness.
In this novel, we see a girl who dares to stand-up to racism, who makes the people all around her happy, who loves fully and without regret. We see an athlete who runs faster to anybody else, who pushes her body until she wins marathon after marathon.
I guess this is the only thing that I would have wanted the novel to improve on. More often than not, the novel tells the story. Sometimes, I want it to show the story. As a reader, I want to feel the cold wind flashing through Jane’s face. I want to feel the blood coursing through her body as she blocks off all the sound, bends her knee, and sprints forward. I want to see her face split into a wide smile when her body touches the finish line.
Notwithstanding, the novel provides an interesting parallelism of Jane’s battle here and now. As she battles for her life, we see a determined lady that simply refuses to give up. Life itself is the greatest battle. It might be the most important battle we will ever have to fight.
***NOTE: To read the entire review, you might want to visit: http://maryherbel.com/2016/01/19/book...
March 12, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and I went in completely blind. I am more than thrilled that I took the chance.
What We Leave Behind is a book that brought out so many emotions in me. Overall the sadness felt during the last chapters of the book made me cry big old ugly tears. I admit it gutted me. But when I read the very last line, I truly felt the hope that the author was trying to convey by telling us this at times very heartbreaking story.
Jane is the epitome of what a heroine should be. She started out life not knowing what her future would look like, even at the tender age of 10. The loss she suffered was so wonderfully soothed by her adopted parents and they never, ever let her be anything than what she was. Jane always found the good in situations. She never faltered. Her radiance lit up the world and no one, not even those who tried to bring her down, could dampen that light.
I loved that she kept things positive even when she could've drowned in her less than stellar circumstances. From her parents to her besties to her husband, they were all the better for knowing this woman. I wanted at times to jump right in the pages of my ereader and hang out with her too. The way the author went back and forth between the past and present flowed smoothly for me and I loved getting the entire story. Finding out and reliving her past and seeing how she became the vivacious woman that enamored everyone around her. The fun flirty encounters with a shy Max made me smile and her Dad and his gruff ways were simply adorable. Everyone around our Janie were better just for being in her presence. She is a no nonsense, live my life the way I want kind of woman. Just the best.
I closed my ereader with a truly satisfied grin on my face and I know in my heart that this book will stay with me for a long time to come. It is well worth your time and you I know you will enjoy as much as I did. Do grab some tissues though, they will come in handy.
A huge 5 stars!
What We Leave Behind is a book that brought out so many emotions in me. Overall the sadness felt during the last chapters of the book made me cry big old ugly tears. I admit it gutted me. But when I read the very last line, I truly felt the hope that the author was trying to convey by telling us this at times very heartbreaking story.
Jane is the epitome of what a heroine should be. She started out life not knowing what her future would look like, even at the tender age of 10. The loss she suffered was so wonderfully soothed by her adopted parents and they never, ever let her be anything than what she was. Jane always found the good in situations. She never faltered. Her radiance lit up the world and no one, not even those who tried to bring her down, could dampen that light.
I loved that she kept things positive even when she could've drowned in her less than stellar circumstances. From her parents to her besties to her husband, they were all the better for knowing this woman. I wanted at times to jump right in the pages of my ereader and hang out with her too. The way the author went back and forth between the past and present flowed smoothly for me and I loved getting the entire story. Finding out and reliving her past and seeing how she became the vivacious woman that enamored everyone around her. The fun flirty encounters with a shy Max made me smile and her Dad and his gruff ways were simply adorable. Everyone around our Janie were better just for being in her presence. She is a no nonsense, live my life the way I want kind of woman. Just the best.
I closed my ereader with a truly satisfied grin on my face and I know in my heart that this book will stay with me for a long time to come. It is well worth your time and you I know you will enjoy as much as I did. Do grab some tissues though, they will come in handy.
A huge 5 stars!
April 24, 2015
An Emotional, Inspirational Read
This is the story of Jane, it is touching and heartfelt and very emotional. Jane was adopted into a loving home, by the ideal of the perfect set of parents, the kind who give nothing less than unconditional love. We look and learn about Jane from the time she was a child, through her youth and into adulthood. Jane is a beautiful on the inside as well as outside, loving, giving, person. She meets a wonderful man, who she ends up marrying, and having another chance at true, deep, and unconditional love. Then one day Jame gets news that changes everything. This book is about dealing with a difficult situation in the best possible way. It is written so well, the characters so well created, believe able, and relatable. You feel for them, WITH them. This book will definitely bring about some tears, so I recommend keeping tissues at hand. The book inspires you to be thankful for every day we have, to live life to the fullest. It shows you that you need to make each moment count, to live like each day might be your last. It makes you think about what am I leaving behind? It made me realize that when I am gone from this plane of existence, I want people to remember me in a good way, not to focus on all of the mistakes I've made, but to have plenty of good things to remember. This is a book that I recommend for anyone, everyone.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Jane, it is touching and heartfelt and very emotional. Jane was adopted into a loving home, by the ideal of the perfect set of parents, the kind who give nothing less than unconditional love. We look and learn about Jane from the time she was a child, through her youth and into adulthood. Jane is a beautiful on the inside as well as outside, loving, giving, person. She meets a wonderful man, who she ends up marrying, and having another chance at true, deep, and unconditional love. Then one day Jame gets news that changes everything. This book is about dealing with a difficult situation in the best possible way. It is written so well, the characters so well created, believe able, and relatable. You feel for them, WITH them. This book will definitely bring about some tears, so I recommend keeping tissues at hand. The book inspires you to be thankful for every day we have, to live life to the fullest. It shows you that you need to make each moment count, to live like each day might be your last. It makes you think about what am I leaving behind? It made me realize that when I am gone from this plane of existence, I want people to remember me in a good way, not to focus on all of the mistakes I've made, but to have plenty of good things to remember. This is a book that I recommend for anyone, everyone.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2016
This is a contemporary romance. This is a stand alone, a heart wrenching but inspiring story. Even though this story is about loss, it is also about love.... true love. I really enjoyed Jane and her boundless energy, and the relationship with her parents is beyond compare. Cancer sucks... I have two family members whom have recently passed from it and this book touches that grief first hand. I really feel this book would be so much more enjoyable if it was properly edited, but it is a great story.
Jane has a wonderful personality, and a great smile to match. Losing her biological family at a young age, she never gave up that she would have a adoptive family to call her own. She tries to never allow people to get the best of her, but when they do she learns from her mistakes. Jane makes the most out of her life, what she had of it, I was so sad to see it end.
favorite passages:
"Dedicated to those that come and go in our lives - but change us forever." <3
"I'm just trying to keep my light under a bushel, if you know what I mean?"
"The day greeted Jane like a personal symphony this particular morning."
"The moon's reflection created a perfect silhouette of the waves tapping onto the shoreline."
"If your love for me wasn't so strong, you wouldn't be so sad to see me sick and to lose me. That makes what we share so special, such a gift."
Jane has a wonderful personality, and a great smile to match. Losing her biological family at a young age, she never gave up that she would have a adoptive family to call her own. She tries to never allow people to get the best of her, but when they do she learns from her mistakes. Jane makes the most out of her life, what she had of it, I was so sad to see it end.
favorite passages:
"Dedicated to those that come and go in our lives - but change us forever." <3
"I'm just trying to keep my light under a bushel, if you know what I mean?"
"The day greeted Jane like a personal symphony this particular morning."
"The moon's reflection created a perfect silhouette of the waves tapping onto the shoreline."
"If your love for me wasn't so strong, you wouldn't be so sad to see me sick and to lose me. That makes what we share so special, such a gift."
April 24, 2015
The author definitely has a nice story, but I'm baffled at how he wants me to get to know someone AFTER I discover she's most likely going to die of cancer in the first sections of the book. If there was some hope given somewhere in the story that lead me to believe she might make it, then I'd love to hear about her heroic childhood and loving adoptive family and their relationship with her, etc. But I think some editing of the order of revelations to the reader is in order for this story to be a five star. There was a nice bit of curiosity planted in the reader's mind as to her original family and if there was any further back-story there, but it was never realized. A few minor editing overlooks but not many for a self published book. That's why it gets three stars instead of two. This book appears to be self-published and, as such, I think it's author did a fine job in packaging, editing, and presenting it to the public!
I write reviews for everything I read but as per the rules, I did receive this via a Goodreads Giveaway.
I write reviews for everything I read but as per the rules, I did receive this via a Goodreads Giveaway.
December 14, 2014
This was an amazing book! I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster (including sobbing) throughout the entire book. Anger at the way people treated Jane because they thought she was "different", sadness that Jane had to endure so much pain and heartache at a young age, laughter at the way she handled her tormentors and still managed to keep her head held high, and utter heartache for the way that life sometimes goes. Jane and Max shared a love that some people can only hope to experience in their lifetime. They were soulmates. This story taught me so much about not taking things for granted, treating people with kindness and respect, and always making sure that nothing is ever left unsaid. It showed me that it's the love, memories, and impressions we make with and on others that really matters most. What we leave behind is a reminder of how we lived our life. This book and it's message will stay with me.
November 23, 2014
I want to say I could not put this book down. I really did not want to, but I had to. Several times through out the story I had to stop, take off my glass, wipe my eyes and get a grip on my emotions to read some more. A very powerful, very well written, story of a young girl wanting a family and to be loved. She got every thing she wanted and more. All of her dreams were fulfilled until a cruel twist of fate takes it all away. The out pouring of her love for others and their love for her in return, made this a truly heart wrenching read. Love can conquer and heal all. Read this book and learn how.
March 9, 2015
Best. Book. Ever
I was sceptic at first. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and I'm glad I had no more information than I did. This is more than a story. This is pure emotion in the written form. Not only is the writing style perfect, but it is beautifully written. Jane's story will steal your heart and make you believe that "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." Every emotion; happiness, wonder, pride, pain and sorrow. I experienced them all. This book broke me down and put me back together again. I dont think there's many people who can't identify with this wonderful story on one level or another. Read it, it will change your life.
I was sceptic at first. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and I'm glad I had no more information than I did. This is more than a story. This is pure emotion in the written form. Not only is the writing style perfect, but it is beautifully written. Jane's story will steal your heart and make you believe that "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." Every emotion; happiness, wonder, pride, pain and sorrow. I experienced them all. This book broke me down and put me back together again. I dont think there's many people who can't identify with this wonderful story on one level or another. Read it, it will change your life.
September 19, 2015
Beautiful story! A must read!
You meet Jane as a young child with an incredible spirit who is living in an orphanage. When Willa and Jason have a meeting this vivacious little girl, they fall in love instantly. You grow up with Jane. You follow her through elementary and high school, college, and graduate school. You quickly realize that she is simply a beautiful person. I won't go into too many details, but you must read about what Jane leaves behind!
You meet Jane as a young child with an incredible spirit who is living in an orphanage. When Willa and Jason have a meeting this vivacious little girl, they fall in love instantly. You grow up with Jane. You follow her through elementary and high school, college, and graduate school. You quickly realize that she is simply a beautiful person. I won't go into too many details, but you must read about what Jane leaves behind!
January 28, 2015
Amazing and beautiful story. Makes you think and appreciate what you have. This story is going to stay with me and grow. I'm also an avid runner and and can relate to a mixed relationship which the story drew me more. The story takes you from a hard life in an orphanage and find a beautiful family to love. Thank you.
May 19, 2018
Awesome
I don't read many books by male writers, this story so touched me. I have lost three family members all to different forms of cancer. Matthew Alan thank you for giving me the memories of them again. This book ought to be in every family that is struggling with the emotions brought by this catastrophic disease. Thank you Mr Alan..
I don't read many books by male writers, this story so touched me. I have lost three family members all to different forms of cancer. Matthew Alan thank you for giving me the memories of them again. This book ought to be in every family that is struggling with the emotions brought by this catastrophic disease. Thank you Mr Alan..
January 2, 2016
4-4.5
I knew I was going to cry while reading this book just from reading the Foreword alone. The subject matter, paired with the insight into Jane’s life, makes for quite an emotional read; yet there’s something uplifting about it as well as the story continues.
I knew I was going to cry while reading this book just from reading the Foreword alone. The subject matter, paired with the insight into Jane’s life, makes for quite an emotional read; yet there’s something uplifting about it as well as the story continues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2014
What an inspirational story, a story of love and loss. Jane overcame losing her family and finding unconditional love from her new parents. Her journey includes overcoming obstacles which drove her to fulfilling her dreams of finding true love. A cry, but a good cry!
December 16, 2014
Hmm.. this was an incredibly heartfelt story. I almost wish it had been ghostwritten, but I appreciate the fact that someone intimately tied to the story wrote it. Would have loved to see more exploration of the adoption angle.
August 12, 2018
What We Leave Behind
This is one of the most inspiring and loving books that I think I have ever read. The ending brought me to tears, even knowing how it had to end. Five stars to the author for giving me this awesome book to enjoy.
This is one of the most inspiring and loving books that I think I have ever read. The ending brought me to tears, even knowing how it had to end. Five stars to the author for giving me this awesome book to enjoy.
October 22, 2014
A strong, heartfelt look at the legacy (in other folks' lives) which someone can leave behind. The book could use a little editing, but it's a fine story.
March 12, 2015
This book is absolutely beautiful! This book will captivate you and make you reflect on your life. So glad I read this book!
April 22, 2018
You will need a box of tissues for this one. I was totally invested in the strength, hope and love of this story. Life seems so capricious, but this story helps to embrace the joys as they happen.
April 28, 2021
The story opens with Jane Kincaid at what should have been a routine prenatal visit to her obstetrician. The story rolls back to her childhood, and swings back and forth throughout the book with strong character development. It's a gripping tale with themes of love in its many forms - romance, family and friendship. Underlying themes of loss, perservance and resilience are threaded throughout the story.
"Are these bad events catalysts for change, which bring out the resiliency and best in us? A cosmic wakeup call that reminds us to enjoy the good times because they can be taken away so easily?"
What holds me back from giving it five stars is that the dialogue, encounters and scenic descriptions read somewhat like a TV daytime drama: good versus evil with the good being too perfect. Jane, her parents, and her husband, Max, are the epitome of ideal human beings. The characters lack the dimension that would make them realistic. Having said that, I enjoy a good TV daytime drama, and I couldn't put the book down. I think the author teaches us valuable lessons about how to love yourself and guide others to do the same, how to celebrate life and how to cope with challenges.
"You only have control over a few things in this world - your attitude, your desire and your focus are among them. Even if you fail, in the end, if you made the process count, you will have won...those lessons - the ability to see past the obstacle and into the unshakable power of the process, regardless of the outcome."
If you enjoy tear-jerkers as I do and want some perspective on managing what life throws your way, I highly recommend this book.
"Are these bad events catalysts for change, which bring out the resiliency and best in us? A cosmic wakeup call that reminds us to enjoy the good times because they can be taken away so easily?"
What holds me back from giving it five stars is that the dialogue, encounters and scenic descriptions read somewhat like a TV daytime drama: good versus evil with the good being too perfect. Jane, her parents, and her husband, Max, are the epitome of ideal human beings. The characters lack the dimension that would make them realistic. Having said that, I enjoy a good TV daytime drama, and I couldn't put the book down. I think the author teaches us valuable lessons about how to love yourself and guide others to do the same, how to celebrate life and how to cope with challenges.
"You only have control over a few things in this world - your attitude, your desire and your focus are among them. Even if you fail, in the end, if you made the process count, you will have won...those lessons - the ability to see past the obstacle and into the unshakable power of the process, regardless of the outcome."
If you enjoy tear-jerkers as I do and want some perspective on managing what life throws your way, I highly recommend this book.
February 21, 2019
Gets you hooked early but then disappoints.
Protag dealing with cancer, interesting
Backstory about them overcoming the adoption/foster system, ok nice
Look at how perfect and inspirational this girl is! ok you lost me.
I love overcoming adversary stories but when every chapter is "Look how narrow minded the world is compared to our amazing, talented, world changing protagonist" it becomes obnoxious.
Humans are innately flawed. When you are given a character that is perfect in attitude, temperament, and action even when dealing with overt racism, and oh man they are the superhero that will save the college track team, it makes them completely unrelatable. It doesn't help that all we get are small snapshots of them growing up and all descriptions are of her overcoming the odds. We don't see her grow.
It's just, age 10 kid is amazing because personality, energy, orphan who got adopted
age ? guess who has super grades and a great attitude even though a classmate is a dick
age teen? look how well she deals with her first break up which is caused by her race. Isn't she an inspiration?
I want background, I want context, I want a reason to connect with her. If i wanted Superwoman there are years of comics i could be reading instead
Protag dealing with cancer, interesting
Backstory about them overcoming the adoption/foster system, ok nice
Look at how perfect and inspirational this girl is! ok you lost me.
I love overcoming adversary stories but when every chapter is "Look how narrow minded the world is compared to our amazing, talented, world changing protagonist" it becomes obnoxious.
Humans are innately flawed. When you are given a character that is perfect in attitude, temperament, and action even when dealing with overt racism, and oh man they are the superhero that will save the college track team, it makes them completely unrelatable. It doesn't help that all we get are small snapshots of them growing up and all descriptions are of her overcoming the odds. We don't see her grow.
It's just, age 10 kid is amazing because personality, energy, orphan who got adopted
age ? guess who has super grades and a great attitude even though a classmate is a dick
age teen? look how well she deals with her first break up which is caused by her race. Isn't she an inspiration?
I want background, I want context, I want a reason to connect with her. If i wanted Superwoman there are years of comics i could be reading instead
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