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Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life
Become empowered to face your own messy, complicated life with fresh courage and bravery.
Undone is author Michele Cushatt's quest to make peace with a complicated life. It is an honest confession of a diagnosis of cancer and the joys and disappointments of motherhood and marriage, ripe with regret over what is and, yet, still hopeful for what could be.
With enough humor to ease the rawness of the story, Undone takes you on a roller-coaster two-year journey through the unexpectedness of life. A look back makes Michele long for a do-over, the chance to make fewer mistakes and leave less of a mess to clean up. A look forward makes Michele wonder if all her attempts to control life have robbed her of the vibrancy of it. And, in the middle of this internal chaos, she finds her once-pristine house filled with the sights and sounds of three small, uncontainable children who just want to be loved.
In the end, Undone turns complication into a beautiful canvas, angst into joy, and the unknown into an adventure, revealing that sometimes life's most colorful and courageous stories are written right in the middle of the mess.
Undone is author Michele Cushatt's quest to make peace with a complicated life. It is an honest confession of a diagnosis of cancer and the joys and disappointments of motherhood and marriage, ripe with regret over what is and, yet, still hopeful for what could be.
With enough humor to ease the rawness of the story, Undone takes you on a roller-coaster two-year journey through the unexpectedness of life. A look back makes Michele long for a do-over, the chance to make fewer mistakes and leave less of a mess to clean up. A look forward makes Michele wonder if all her attempts to control life have robbed her of the vibrancy of it. And, in the middle of this internal chaos, she finds her once-pristine house filled with the sights and sounds of three small, uncontainable children who just want to be loved.
In the end, Undone turns complication into a beautiful canvas, angst into joy, and the unknown into an adventure, revealing that sometimes life's most colorful and courageous stories are written right in the middle of the mess.
Audible Audio
First published March 10, 2015
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About the author
Michele Cushatt
10 books135 followersA lover at heart, Michele Cushatt communicates with a rare warmth and transparency that draw people in. Within minutes, men and women feel like they’re hanging out with an old friend, often laughing one moment and tearing up the next. A three-time head and neck cancer survivor and parent of “children from hard places,” Michele is a (reluctant) expert of trauma, pain and the deep human need for authentic connection. Thus, she’s absolutely committed to sharing her honest struggles, experiences and questions, so you know you’re not alone in yours.
As an experienced communicator, Michele has spoken internationally to a wide variety of audiences including LifeToday TV, Compassion International, Hope House of Colorado, Women Of Faith, Ziglar Family, Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31, She Speaks, Family Life Blended, Dynamic Communicators International, as well as numerous other corporate and ministry events and various podcast, radio, video and audio recording mediums.
From 2014 to 2016, Michele joined leadership expert and mentor Michael Hyatt as the weekly cohost of his popular podcast, This is Your Life With Michael Hyatt. In addition, she and Michael produced Get Published, a 21-session audio program for aspiring writers. Currently, Michele can be found weekly with her buddy Kathi Lipp on their hilarious and practical Communicator Academy podcast, “helping writers and speakers become the communicators God made them to be.” And, coming Fall 2018, Michele will launch her brand new This Undone Life Together podcast, a series of honest conversations about real faith and real relationship in the hard places.
Since 2007, Michele has worked closely with Ken Davis and the SCORRE Conference, filling multiple roles including emcee, presenter, and coach. With a solid understanding of what makes for excellent communication, Michele coaches multiple leaders and speakers to discover, develop, and deliver powerful presentations. In addition, she leads the intensive, application-based Inspired Life Mastermind for women who desire to live their best life—in business, relationships and personal growth.
Pulling from her uncommon life story, Michele released her first book, a memoir titled Undone: A Story of Making Peace With An Unexpected Life, with Zondervan Publishers in 2015. Her second book, a devotional written in the brutal months after her third round of cancer, is titled I Am: A 60-Day Journey To Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is, and it released January 2017. Currently, she is neck-deep in researching and writing two more books, slated to release in 2019 and 2021.
Michele and her husband, Troy, live in Colorado with their six children, ages 11 to 26. She enjoys a good novel, a long hike in the mountains, and a kitchen table filled with people.
And donuts. Lots of donuts.
As an experienced communicator, Michele has spoken internationally to a wide variety of audiences including LifeToday TV, Compassion International, Hope House of Colorado, Women Of Faith, Ziglar Family, Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31, She Speaks, Family Life Blended, Dynamic Communicators International, as well as numerous other corporate and ministry events and various podcast, radio, video and audio recording mediums.
From 2014 to 2016, Michele joined leadership expert and mentor Michael Hyatt as the weekly cohost of his popular podcast, This is Your Life With Michael Hyatt. In addition, she and Michael produced Get Published, a 21-session audio program for aspiring writers. Currently, Michele can be found weekly with her buddy Kathi Lipp on their hilarious and practical Communicator Academy podcast, “helping writers and speakers become the communicators God made them to be.” And, coming Fall 2018, Michele will launch her brand new This Undone Life Together podcast, a series of honest conversations about real faith and real relationship in the hard places.
Since 2007, Michele has worked closely with Ken Davis and the SCORRE Conference, filling multiple roles including emcee, presenter, and coach. With a solid understanding of what makes for excellent communication, Michele coaches multiple leaders and speakers to discover, develop, and deliver powerful presentations. In addition, she leads the intensive, application-based Inspired Life Mastermind for women who desire to live their best life—in business, relationships and personal growth.
Pulling from her uncommon life story, Michele released her first book, a memoir titled Undone: A Story of Making Peace With An Unexpected Life, with Zondervan Publishers in 2015. Her second book, a devotional written in the brutal months after her third round of cancer, is titled I Am: A 60-Day Journey To Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is, and it released January 2017. Currently, she is neck-deep in researching and writing two more books, slated to release in 2019 and 2021.
Michele and her husband, Troy, live in Colorado with their six children, ages 11 to 26. She enjoys a good novel, a long hike in the mountains, and a kitchen table filled with people.
And donuts. Lots of donuts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 5, 2016
This was a book club book. Let me start with I am a Christian woman, daughter of an Army chaplain. So no faith-bashing.
The first third to half of the book drags. The author needs a good editor to reign her in. She could have ended this book many times over and yet... it didn't. Not sure if she was intentionally combining several "books" into one or if the start and stop thing was accidental. The writing style was uneven and set me on edge from the beginning.
2nd thing: I have an issue, my issue, with cancer patients talking about prayer healing. The reason is over 20 years ago I sat with a friend who had been battling inflammatory breast cancer for, at that point, over 3 years and had exhausted all of her treatment options. She knew she was going to die, and die soon (within months). She, too, was a woman of unwavering faith. We went to a breast cancer rally and several women got up to praise Jesus for healing them. My friend burst into tears because to her, they were saying that she hadn't prayed enough. I have never gotten over that flip side to the heal... there's always someone who hasn't been and it makes those people and their families feel bad. Praise God, but maybe not in a place where it will be a slap to someone else. So that section of the book (which was also unevenly written).
Lastly, I had a big problem with how she wrote about the children she is fostering. I grew up with 2 adopted brothers, both of whom have severe reactive attachment disorder--except that wasn't a diagnosis in the 70s. Instead, "Christians" told my mother she was a bad parent. Now, as an adult, one of my dearest friends adopted 4 special needs children (all now adults) who have reactive attachment disorder and her church turned against her and her husband criticizing their parenting. In my opinion, glossing over the severe issues that go along with RAD is a major disservice. We in the US are an incredibly judgmental society and in my experience oftentimes it is the very people who SHOULD be the most sympathetic are the quickest to judge. The author is not judgmental, and she even mentions in one sentence that some of her church friends were friends no longer. THIS needs to be highlighted. This hypocrisy makes me furious. And so, this part of the book elicited in me major emotions, all negative.
Did I like the book? I did not. But, like all books, I am glad to have read it. There is always something to be gleaned from reading even a book you dislike.
The first third to half of the book drags. The author needs a good editor to reign her in. She could have ended this book many times over and yet... it didn't. Not sure if she was intentionally combining several "books" into one or if the start and stop thing was accidental. The writing style was uneven and set me on edge from the beginning.
2nd thing: I have an issue, my issue, with cancer patients talking about prayer healing. The reason is over 20 years ago I sat with a friend who had been battling inflammatory breast cancer for, at that point, over 3 years and had exhausted all of her treatment options. She knew she was going to die, and die soon (within months). She, too, was a woman of unwavering faith. We went to a breast cancer rally and several women got up to praise Jesus for healing them. My friend burst into tears because to her, they were saying that she hadn't prayed enough. I have never gotten over that flip side to the heal... there's always someone who hasn't been and it makes those people and their families feel bad. Praise God, but maybe not in a place where it will be a slap to someone else. So that section of the book (which was also unevenly written).
Lastly, I had a big problem with how she wrote about the children she is fostering. I grew up with 2 adopted brothers, both of whom have severe reactive attachment disorder--except that wasn't a diagnosis in the 70s. Instead, "Christians" told my mother she was a bad parent. Now, as an adult, one of my dearest friends adopted 4 special needs children (all now adults) who have reactive attachment disorder and her church turned against her and her husband criticizing their parenting. In my opinion, glossing over the severe issues that go along with RAD is a major disservice. We in the US are an incredibly judgmental society and in my experience oftentimes it is the very people who SHOULD be the most sympathetic are the quickest to judge. The author is not judgmental, and she even mentions in one sentence that some of her church friends were friends no longer. THIS needs to be highlighted. This hypocrisy makes me furious. And so, this part of the book elicited in me major emotions, all negative.
Did I like the book? I did not. But, like all books, I am glad to have read it. There is always something to be gleaned from reading even a book you dislike.
March 10, 2015
Disclaimer: Zondervan provided me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Michele Cushatt’s delightful, heart-wrenchingly honest memoir Undone released today 3/10/15, and I had the great privilege of reading an ARC this week. I must confess that I’d put it off a little bit; I’m a contingency reader, with three or four books going at any given time. And when I suddenly remembered that its release date was coming, I sighed, Oh, goodness, I’d better get on that.
It quickly turned into one of those reads. I read; I paused; I read a little more; I went back and re-read some earlier parts.
This book is a joy. That doesn’t mean that it’s happy; it’s certainly not “happy” – in the easy sense. Michele had mouth cancer. And lots of doctor appointments, and surgeries, and heartache. But there is joy radiating on every page of this book. And that is what I take with me every day as I walk by my bookcase and see Undone out of the corner of my eye.
There are so many pearls of wisdom in this book … I wish I could share them all with you. :) Go buy the book for yourself and see what I mean. (And automatic win; she includes a quote or two at the beginning of every chapter, and Chapter 14 has one of my favorite JRR Tolkien quotes: “Not all who wander are lost.”)
I’ve been to several Women of Faith conferences, and sincerely wish I’d had the chance to hear Michele speak. Her engaging writing style gripped me from the beginning, and I did have to work not to read the entire thing in one sitting. Undone is a book you need to sit with, enjoy, let the words seep into your soul; it merits a re-read – or two – to fully appreciate the story, the wisdom, and God’s heart, which leaps off the page at you with every word.
Michele is incredibly relatable and very honest; she makes no secret of the struggles she went through, and the times that she went in her closet, shut the door, and cried. And cried. And that takes guts to share.
Michele Cushatt’s delightful, heart-wrenchingly honest memoir Undone released today 3/10/15, and I had the great privilege of reading an ARC this week. I must confess that I’d put it off a little bit; I’m a contingency reader, with three or four books going at any given time. And when I suddenly remembered that its release date was coming, I sighed, Oh, goodness, I’d better get on that.
It quickly turned into one of those reads. I read; I paused; I read a little more; I went back and re-read some earlier parts.
This book is a joy. That doesn’t mean that it’s happy; it’s certainly not “happy” – in the easy sense. Michele had mouth cancer. And lots of doctor appointments, and surgeries, and heartache. But there is joy radiating on every page of this book. And that is what I take with me every day as I walk by my bookcase and see Undone out of the corner of my eye.
There are so many pearls of wisdom in this book … I wish I could share them all with you. :) Go buy the book for yourself and see what I mean. (And automatic win; she includes a quote or two at the beginning of every chapter, and Chapter 14 has one of my favorite JRR Tolkien quotes: “Not all who wander are lost.”)
I’ve been to several Women of Faith conferences, and sincerely wish I’d had the chance to hear Michele speak. Her engaging writing style gripped me from the beginning, and I did have to work not to read the entire thing in one sitting. Undone is a book you need to sit with, enjoy, let the words seep into your soul; it merits a re-read – or two – to fully appreciate the story, the wisdom, and God’s heart, which leaps off the page at you with every word.
Michele is incredibly relatable and very honest; she makes no secret of the struggles she went through, and the times that she went in her closet, shut the door, and cried. And cried. And that takes guts to share.
February 20, 2015
Fantastic Insight Where To Turn When You Encounter Life’s Challenges
Each of us face times of incredible difficulties with our lives—but how do you face repeated bouts with cancer and then the addition of three more small children when your children are almost out of the house? As a reader, you plunge into these challenges of cancer and growing family in speaker and author Michele Cushatt's well-crafted memoir. I found the writing compelling and page-turning. As Cushatt searches for answers, the reader also gains insight and answers.
I loved what Michele writes toward the end of her book, "I wouldn't make promises that I couldn't keep. The irony? Cancer taught me this. Eight months before, she (Princess) arrived, an unexpected diagnosis forced me to ace the undoneness of life. Not an easy revelation when life hangs in the balance. But in my wrestling for peace, I'd found a peace that transcends control, that runs deeper and stronger than any assurances or answers. The presence of a God who would see me through." (page 231)
This transparent and eye-opening memoir has valuable lessons for every reader. I highly recommend it.
Each of us face times of incredible difficulties with our lives—but how do you face repeated bouts with cancer and then the addition of three more small children when your children are almost out of the house? As a reader, you plunge into these challenges of cancer and growing family in speaker and author Michele Cushatt's well-crafted memoir. I found the writing compelling and page-turning. As Cushatt searches for answers, the reader also gains insight and answers.
I loved what Michele writes toward the end of her book, "I wouldn't make promises that I couldn't keep. The irony? Cancer taught me this. Eight months before, she (Princess) arrived, an unexpected diagnosis forced me to ace the undoneness of life. Not an easy revelation when life hangs in the balance. But in my wrestling for peace, I'd found a peace that transcends control, that runs deeper and stronger than any assurances or answers. The presence of a God who would see me through." (page 231)
This transparent and eye-opening memoir has valuable lessons for every reader. I highly recommend it.
March 10, 2015
This is a must read. For anyone who has struggled with why God is allowing things to happen in your life and then you find out He was there all along- You will relate to this book! The book is very encouraging!
Michele shares REAL stories of her life as a divorced, single parent, the perfectionist mother or wife, the blended or new foster family, the career professional, the struggling faith walker and yes even the cancer patient.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“I hear the whisper of God: If I had sent anyone else, you would have called a coincidence. I sent her, the one person you’d never expect, so you’d know it was me. I’m with you, Michele. I’m with you!”
“In the process, I corrected my theology. A PET scan doesn’t determine the days of my life. The Great Thou Art does.”
“I do believe healthy lifestyle habits have a huge impact on mental health and quality of life. Food, exercise, spirituality, positive self-talk, and quality relationships impact our emotional and physical health far more then we realize. In many cases, these lifestyle habits can elevate mood, change perspective, and renew energy.”
“For we have no power to face the vast army that is attaching us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. “ 2 Chron 20:12
In two sentences, the king of Judah looks outside himself for help. He takes the crown off his head and puts it squarely on the only one who deserves to wear it.”
Pick it up for yourself and a friend...it's worth sharing with those you love !
Michele shares REAL stories of her life as a divorced, single parent, the perfectionist mother or wife, the blended or new foster family, the career professional, the struggling faith walker and yes even the cancer patient.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“I hear the whisper of God: If I had sent anyone else, you would have called a coincidence. I sent her, the one person you’d never expect, so you’d know it was me. I’m with you, Michele. I’m with you!”
“In the process, I corrected my theology. A PET scan doesn’t determine the days of my life. The Great Thou Art does.”
“I do believe healthy lifestyle habits have a huge impact on mental health and quality of life. Food, exercise, spirituality, positive self-talk, and quality relationships impact our emotional and physical health far more then we realize. In many cases, these lifestyle habits can elevate mood, change perspective, and renew energy.”
“For we have no power to face the vast army that is attaching us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. “ 2 Chron 20:12
In two sentences, the king of Judah looks outside himself for help. He takes the crown off his head and puts it squarely on the only one who deserves to wear it.”
Pick it up for yourself and a friend...it's worth sharing with those you love !
July 16, 2019
The author experiences Job-like tribulations when she’s diagnosed with cancer. What she and her family go through would break the strongest of us, but Cushatt uses her ongoing ordeal (she is not cured) to strengthen her faith walk. Inspiring and beautifully written. 5/5
August 22, 2016
2nd read-thru: March 2016-8/21/2016
I think this a book I need to read once a year because the things Michele shares are so applicable to my struggles even though they aren't the same.
1st read: 2/17/15
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy through Michele's launch team last Friday (February 13th). It was exactly what I needed to read right now in the middle of my undone life. Michele's story is a true one, very honest, and reflects the up and down roller-coaster that life is. And the roller-coaster that faith rides when humans try to take control of unfortunate circumstances. My own struggles aren't on the serious level of cancer or family loss or divorce, but Michele's words are universal to everyone's struggles. It was an uplifting, yet convicting book to read. Thank you, Michele, for writing this book, and for her launch team for providing her fans - everyday, regular people - to help you launch this book.
I think this a book I need to read once a year because the things Michele shares are so applicable to my struggles even though they aren't the same.
1st read: 2/17/15
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy through Michele's launch team last Friday (February 13th). It was exactly what I needed to read right now in the middle of my undone life. Michele's story is a true one, very honest, and reflects the up and down roller-coaster that life is. And the roller-coaster that faith rides when humans try to take control of unfortunate circumstances. My own struggles aren't on the serious level of cancer or family loss or divorce, but Michele's words are universal to everyone's struggles. It was an uplifting, yet convicting book to read. Thank you, Michele, for writing this book, and for her launch team for providing her fans - everyday, regular people - to help you launch this book.
April 5, 2017
Overall a really good book. The first part was a little slow, but overall the book was filled with inspiration to have faith, let go of control and embrace life no matter what is thrown at you.
March 10, 2015
Michele’s timeless book, Undone: A Story of Making Peace with an Unexpected Life, takes us on a 2-year journey where she comes to the end of herself. Where she eventually discovers that complicated can be beautiful, joy can replace fear, and the unexpected is really an invitation for adventure.
Her memoir chronicles a journey through cancer as well as unexpected turns in motherhood and marriage. Yet, this book is not just about the author.
Michele’s story is our own. A story of unexpected twists and turns in a messy life and the faithfulness of a sovereign and loving God.
In all honesty, the events in Undone at times feel disjointed as references to cancer surgeries and doctor calls pop in to set up the next scene. The jumping around in time left me a bit confused. How many cancer diagnoses? Where did the littles fit in the timeline?
But then again, I guess that is often how real life seems.
Michele Cushatt’s memoir is vulnerable, captivating, relevant, and inspiring. I found myself nodding along as she described yet another scene of being undone.
Not just a book on surviving cancer or the messiness of parenting, Undone is a treasury of experiences that all point to one eventual realization, there is beauty and peace to be found not in conquering this difficult and messy life, but in the midst of it.
A gifted writer, Michele led me into her story and showed me how it applied to mine. Her thoughts and revelations matched what I’ve felt but didn’t have the words to express. The lessons she has learned through her unexpectedly messy life, although gleaned while walking a vastly different path, still somehow parallel each of ours.
She writes raw and honest, with profound insights.
“Somewhere in my thirty-nine years, my love affair with this life had eclipsed my anticipation of the next. Living had become my idol, more the object of my worship than the Lifegiver himself….To think only of heaven is to miss out on the gift of life. And to dwell on this life is to miss out on the grandeur–and anticipation–of what is yet to come.”
Throughout this journey with Michele, I rejoiced in her break-throughs and wept in her struggles.
And coming out the other end of the book, I found my spirit emboldened to embrace this adventure God has planned for me. Not in a naive, whatever-will-be-will-be way, but in a real, vulnerable, let-go-and-trust-the-Almighty-Provider one.
Undone has ignited in me a desire to allow myself to experience life, not control it. To allow myself to enjoy the adventure God’s leading me on. To trust Him with both my forever and my now.
To invite God in to “show me [His] glory.”
Pros: Vulnerable, captivating, relevant, and inspiring: a book for anyone who desires to find peace in the midst of their complicated life. You won't want to put it down, and it will change how you view your life.
Cons: The events at times feel disjointed as references to cancer surgeries and doctor calls pop in to set up the next scene. The jumping around in time left me a bit confused. How many cancer diagnoses? Where did the littles fit in the timeline?
*I received an Advanced Reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Her memoir chronicles a journey through cancer as well as unexpected turns in motherhood and marriage. Yet, this book is not just about the author.
Michele’s story is our own. A story of unexpected twists and turns in a messy life and the faithfulness of a sovereign and loving God.
In all honesty, the events in Undone at times feel disjointed as references to cancer surgeries and doctor calls pop in to set up the next scene. The jumping around in time left me a bit confused. How many cancer diagnoses? Where did the littles fit in the timeline?
But then again, I guess that is often how real life seems.
Michele Cushatt’s memoir is vulnerable, captivating, relevant, and inspiring. I found myself nodding along as she described yet another scene of being undone.
Not just a book on surviving cancer or the messiness of parenting, Undone is a treasury of experiences that all point to one eventual realization, there is beauty and peace to be found not in conquering this difficult and messy life, but in the midst of it.
A gifted writer, Michele led me into her story and showed me how it applied to mine. Her thoughts and revelations matched what I’ve felt but didn’t have the words to express. The lessons she has learned through her unexpectedly messy life, although gleaned while walking a vastly different path, still somehow parallel each of ours.
She writes raw and honest, with profound insights.
“Somewhere in my thirty-nine years, my love affair with this life had eclipsed my anticipation of the next. Living had become my idol, more the object of my worship than the Lifegiver himself….To think only of heaven is to miss out on the gift of life. And to dwell on this life is to miss out on the grandeur–and anticipation–of what is yet to come.”
Throughout this journey with Michele, I rejoiced in her break-throughs and wept in her struggles.
And coming out the other end of the book, I found my spirit emboldened to embrace this adventure God has planned for me. Not in a naive, whatever-will-be-will-be way, but in a real, vulnerable, let-go-and-trust-the-Almighty-Provider one.
Undone has ignited in me a desire to allow myself to experience life, not control it. To allow myself to enjoy the adventure God’s leading me on. To trust Him with both my forever and my now.
To invite God in to “show me [His] glory.”
Pros: Vulnerable, captivating, relevant, and inspiring: a book for anyone who desires to find peace in the midst of their complicated life. You won't want to put it down, and it will change how you view your life.
Cons: The events at times feel disjointed as references to cancer surgeries and doctor calls pop in to set up the next scene. The jumping around in time left me a bit confused. How many cancer diagnoses? Where did the littles fit in the timeline?
*I received an Advanced Reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 10, 2015
Life is a journey in which the story of our life unfolds – a page at a time. Much like a good mystery, those very pages of our lives contain circumstances and events which are completely unexpected. No time is given to prepare, we just roll on through holding on hoping to survive it all.
I recently had the joy of reading Michele Cushatt’s memoir, Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life.
Michele’s life is a complicated one which includes divorce, remarriage, the challenges of a blended family, and a cancer diagnosis. She honestly and transparently tells of days and experiences which will make you laugh, cry, and scratch your head. Through it all, in the midst of it all, she will always point you to Jesus.
I never doubted I would enjoy this book. However, I was not prepared for how it would touch my heart and buoy my faith ….
A boat anchored to itself is not anchored at all.
Shoring up your faith in the right place is far more important than simply claiming to have it. If I believe only in what I can see, manage, and control, sooner or later something will come along to rock my boat. When that happens, I’ll scream into the wind, “I’m going to drown!”
Instead, I must secure my faith where it cannot be unmoored.
Faith is choosing the anchor of your focus. It’s about turning your eyes away from the questions that lead to fear, and instead locking eyes with the one who knows the answers.
(excerpt taken from pages 201-202)
This book truly was my companion the last few weeks in my own unexpected journey. It came with me everywhere I went and at this point, I have read it several times through. During those moments when I thought I myself would come undone, I found Michele’s words infusing me with courage to continue on.
This is a book for everyone, no matter where life may find you. Michele has written in the middle of her own mess. It therefore, speaks right into the middle of any mess breathing life back into that very mess. And it it right there, in the middle of it all, when we are undone, that we discover His Presence is with us – loving us, holding us, leading us.
We may feel undone, but Jesus is never done with us.
This book quickly touched my heart and became one of my favorite memoirs. This is a book in which the pages will become worn as I turn to its pages again and again. Trust me – it will quickly become a favorite of yours as well.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to review in exchange for my honest opinion. It was a joy to read this book. An even greater joy to share about it with you all.
I recently had the joy of reading Michele Cushatt’s memoir, Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life.
Michele’s life is a complicated one which includes divorce, remarriage, the challenges of a blended family, and a cancer diagnosis. She honestly and transparently tells of days and experiences which will make you laugh, cry, and scratch your head. Through it all, in the midst of it all, she will always point you to Jesus.
I never doubted I would enjoy this book. However, I was not prepared for how it would touch my heart and buoy my faith ….
A boat anchored to itself is not anchored at all.
Shoring up your faith in the right place is far more important than simply claiming to have it. If I believe only in what I can see, manage, and control, sooner or later something will come along to rock my boat. When that happens, I’ll scream into the wind, “I’m going to drown!”
Instead, I must secure my faith where it cannot be unmoored.
Faith is choosing the anchor of your focus. It’s about turning your eyes away from the questions that lead to fear, and instead locking eyes with the one who knows the answers.
(excerpt taken from pages 201-202)
This book truly was my companion the last few weeks in my own unexpected journey. It came with me everywhere I went and at this point, I have read it several times through. During those moments when I thought I myself would come undone, I found Michele’s words infusing me with courage to continue on.
This is a book for everyone, no matter where life may find you. Michele has written in the middle of her own mess. It therefore, speaks right into the middle of any mess breathing life back into that very mess. And it it right there, in the middle of it all, when we are undone, that we discover His Presence is with us – loving us, holding us, leading us.
We may feel undone, but Jesus is never done with us.
This book quickly touched my heart and became one of my favorite memoirs. This is a book in which the pages will become worn as I turn to its pages again and again. Trust me – it will quickly become a favorite of yours as well.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to review in exchange for my honest opinion. It was a joy to read this book. An even greater joy to share about it with you all.
November 9, 2015
My aunt loaned me this book because she wanted me to read Cushatt's description of an historic Denver church. I'm hoping to visit Denver one day and she knew I'd be interested to see this church. I went ahead and read the whole book and through Cushatt's journey with cancer found many good reminders to not take life for granted. To find joy in the little things. And as a parent of teenagers I was encouraged by Cushatt's struggles and honesty in this area. Adoptive parents would also relate to this book as Cushatt describes her journey with adopting and parenting 3 hurting siblings. But as an outsider looking in it was hard for me not to wonder at some of Cushatt's decisions. To me, adopting 3 kids with emotional baggage would be a full time job in itself. Cushatt was juggling cancer (including frequent mouth surgeries), struggling teenagers, adopting, career demands, frequent travel for speaking engagements, mission trips, exotic vacations (including deep sea diving) and panic/anxiety attacks. I kept expecting her to cut something out of her schedule in order to preserve her health and sanity but she never did. So I couldn't relate to her fast-paced, don't-stop, jet-setting lifestyle and honestly it made me tired just reading it! But there's always more to the story and I'm sure, just like all of us, she was making the best choices she knew at the time and there's no doubt she loves her family.
May 9, 2015
Undone by Michele Cushatt – Adult, Memoir- Interesting book about a woman’s life journey. The journey included the distractions from cancer and also adoption of three young children just when her older boys move out of the house. I had a little bit of a difficult time with the heavy Christian perspective, distracted me from the story, but appreciated the devotion and dedication in the story.
Appreciated lines: “Cancer, as heinous and evil as it was, had delivered an unexpected gift.
It taught us how to live. Not in regret over all the ways we wished we could go back and do it over.”
“Cancer- in both its presence and absence- had taught me the immeasurable value of today.”
“Spontaneity and randomness show evidence of artistic design. Though appearing undone, it hints that imperfection could turn into the makings of an incredible story, and perhaps a breathtaking work of art.
Appreciated lines: “Cancer, as heinous and evil as it was, had delivered an unexpected gift.
It taught us how to live. Not in regret over all the ways we wished we could go back and do it over.”
“Cancer- in both its presence and absence- had taught me the immeasurable value of today.”
“Spontaneity and randomness show evidence of artistic design. Though appearing undone, it hints that imperfection could turn into the makings of an incredible story, and perhaps a breathtaking work of art.
April 13, 2015
Life often goes in directions we never expected and many times that is a place we would not have chosen to go. Michele Cushatt ended up traveling through divorce, remarriage, merging families, dealing with cancer and adding three unexpected children to the mix in the middle of it. Talk about the unexpected life!
Taking the risk to share her story so others can be inspired by it will take you into her life, the challenges she faced and how God walked the journey with her though at times seemed distant. While the journey was difficult and at times overwhelming you will find yourself drawn into her story.
Well worth reading for anyone that faces challenges in life so I guess that doesn't leave many of us out!
Taking the risk to share her story so others can be inspired by it will take you into her life, the challenges she faced and how God walked the journey with her though at times seemed distant. While the journey was difficult and at times overwhelming you will find yourself drawn into her story.
Well worth reading for anyone that faces challenges in life so I guess that doesn't leave many of us out!
August 14, 2017
I hate to be critical of a memoir because I appreciate how hard it can be to put your life out there like that. However, many of the stories in this book felt exaggerated for maximum effect, and therefore, it didn't come across as authentic to me.
March 12, 2016
Oh, my heart. Loved, loved, loved this book, beginning to end. That I am finished is bittersweet.
March 16, 2015
Excellent read. Michele is a compelling storyteller who weaves in spiritual insight with ease. Undone is a raw, vulnerable portrait of life and faith.
April 18, 2015
The best book (& gift) I have read on this journey of mine. It is not only for those of us on the cancer journey but all on life's faithful journey. Especially, a mother.
August 19, 2015
Thanks Krystal Kalderhead for recommending this book to me!
September 26, 2018
LOVED! Cushatt is so real and honest about her journey... like talking with a good and wise friend.
January 12, 2019
Hurt and the Healing process
Are you worried, stressed, lonely, isolating yourself from reality and life? Pick up this book! Let the healing begin. Today!
Are you worried, stressed, lonely, isolating yourself from reality and life? Pick up this book! Let the healing begin. Today!
July 24, 2021
Love love and love this book!
August 23, 2017
Undone is a thought-provoking memoir by Michele Cushatt. "Undone is Michele's story of discovery, of learning that all her attempts to control her life were robbing her of its vibrancy, and that faith in the midst of the unknown is the only real kind of faith at all. It is her call for each of us to relinquish perfection and embrace what is. To lean in. Because right here, right now, in your own unfinished story with its missteps and misfortunes, there is peace. And there is Presence. Because sometimes life's best stories are written right in the middles of the mess." Powerful. Real. So incredibly good for me to read, and be reminded of what really matters. Even in the middle of the mess.
November 16, 2017
Michele's story touched me in a personal way. We took in two 'littles' of our own at about the same stage of parenting our own children. Our littles did not stay with us beyond a year. The social worker wanted to try to gain permanent custody and thought she might have a chance if we would give them a forever home. Though we wanted to say yes, we did not have the same confidence that God was calling us to give the children a forever home. The littles were extended family, and they had been removed from their parents home, not voluntarily given. We wanted to see the family reunited. Eventually the family was reunited.
February 28, 2018
I appreciate the honesty with which this story was told and can't imagine having to go through the circumstances Cushatt endured. She was faced with challenge after challenge to her health (physical, emotional, mental, etc.) as well as changes in her family and kept her hope in the right place. She acknowledges her shortcomings, specifically her tendency towards perfection, and what she had to do to make adjustments along the way. This is a story of courage in the face of obstacles and knowing when to ask for help. I am interested in the continuation of this story and will likely check her blog from time to time.
August 20, 2020
I have often thought my life has turned out differently than I expected, so I was intrigued by the making peace of it all. I found this book a precious personal story of how Jesus teaches a lady his sufficiency in being utterly undone. The story was never suppose to be about us. Over and over again the church can pretend there are unacceptable sins like ruined marriages and the speck they see in the churchgoer's eye is awful big to the plank in their own. Though this book delves into living free from censure, because Christ took the ultimate condemnation, there is a painful struggle which endures that is healing and then broken open again. True to life are self-doubts and hurtful labels. The universal need to find our peace in God make this book contend for some real muscle building.
March 18, 2019
Michele Cushatt, the author of "Undone," calls the book "a story of making peace with an unexpected life." Her story, though unique, mirrors all our stories, as each of us, I think, finds that our life is "unexpected" in big and small ways. Michele is honest about her mistakes in handling the surprises life hands her, but she also reveals the ways she has learned from those mistakes and moved on in her life. Her story is inspiring and challenging.
July 25, 2021
As Undone as Anyone can be He is never undone with us....
Nothing compares to the loss of hope or the arms of love cradling us through it. Timely words, richly written for everyone, as we all come undone everyday and can only imagine knowing hope, peace, joy ....in remembering being undone doesn't mean we are DONE. A beautiful reminder of all that was created to show us a love beyond understanding. Read and be reminded.
Nothing compares to the loss of hope or the arms of love cradling us through it. Timely words, richly written for everyone, as we all come undone everyday and can only imagine knowing hope, peace, joy ....in remembering being undone doesn't mean we are DONE. A beautiful reminder of all that was created to show us a love beyond understanding. Read and be reminded.
July 2, 2025
This was an easy 5-star review for me. I’m not a huge fan of memoirs, but I loved this one! She was so real and honest, and her way with words deeply encouraged my soul. There were two chapters in particular that were really challenging for me to read—but in the very best way! Maybe this book was just what my heart needed in this particular season of my life… but it was helpful and comforting and I’m so glad that someone passed it my way.
February 11, 2019
Real and Raw! Michele allows God to shine through her brokenness. With her admission of struggling with faith and release of control (that she never had in the first place), she walks alongside the women who try so hard to "have it all together". Her biblical insight and storytelling weave together to leave you hopeful and at peace in the presence of a compassionate and capable God!
March 18, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Michele's honest take on faith in an unpredictable life. Her storytelling was easy to read and follow, illustrated and interwoven beautifully with hard-won truths of God's presence. Definitely a book I'd recommend to any friend trying to come to terms - and find peace in a trustworthy God - with an undone life!
July 24, 2019
This is Michele's story of dealing with cancer, remarriage, raising teenagers and three additional unexpected kids. She is honest about her struggles and shows how God and her friends continue to help her. She walks you through her struggles with anxiety and perfectionism to get to a place of loving her messy life. Easy read- I enjoyed it!
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