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These Fragments I Have Shored: A Memoir
When Jason Irwin visits his mother two days before Christmas, he finds her in bed, racked with pain. Later that night, at the ER, the doctor on duty delivers a diagnosis neither Jason nor his mother is prepared terminal cancer.
These Fragments I Have Shored tells of the unique bond between mother and son. One narrative chronicles Irwin’s role as caregiver during the final 35 days of his mother’s life, while the other tells of Jason’s fight to break free and live a “normal life” despite being born with multiple and life-threatening birth defects. While struggling to keep Jason healthy through a string of hospitalizations and surgeries, his mother internalizes feelings of guilt and shame, stemming from her unresolved childhood trauma, her failed marriage to Jason’s father, and her years working low-paying, part-time jobs to survive.
Jason’s growing independence, his moving away to attend graduate school to study poetry, coincides with his mother’s own deteriorating health and financial decline, forever changing the dynamic of their relationship. Yet, through all their ups and downs, a mutual love of music, reading, and the quirky absurdities of life holds them together.
These Fragments I Have Shored tells of the unique bond between mother and son. One narrative chronicles Irwin’s role as caregiver during the final 35 days of his mother’s life, while the other tells of Jason’s fight to break free and live a “normal life” despite being born with multiple and life-threatening birth defects. While struggling to keep Jason healthy through a string of hospitalizations and surgeries, his mother internalizes feelings of guilt and shame, stemming from her unresolved childhood trauma, her failed marriage to Jason’s father, and her years working low-paying, part-time jobs to survive.
Jason’s growing independence, his moving away to attend graduate school to study poetry, coincides with his mother’s own deteriorating health and financial decline, forever changing the dynamic of their relationship. Yet, through all their ups and downs, a mutual love of music, reading, and the quirky absurdities of life holds them together.
- GenresMemoir
278 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jason Irwin
9 books45 followersJason Irwin is the author of The History of Our Vagrancies (Main Street Rag, 2020), A Blister of Stars (Low Ghost Press, 2016), & Watering the Dead (Pavement Saw Press, 2008), winner of the Transcontinental Poetry Award. He is also the author of the chapbooks Where You Are (Night Ballet Press, 2014), & Some Days It's A Love Story(Slipstream Press, 2005). He grew up in Dunkirk, NY, and now lives in Pittsburgh.
www.jasonirwin.blogspot.com
www.jasonirwin.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 5, 2026
5+ Stars
Jason Irwin writes an intriguing and memorable memoir.
These Fragments I have shored is a masterful and heartfelt memoir that brings the emotions to the forefront. It's a grand story that is so personal, you can feel it. Each word paints a picture of love, loss, and family. The writing is remarkable, and Irwin brings to life his story and his mother's story. From one who is cared for becoming one who now takes care, is not always an easy transition, but unfortunately, this happens more often then not. Irwin shares memories, stories of family and generations, and the reality of life, illness, and caring for someone who needs that helping hand. It is never an easy transition, and I know from experience, and each transition is hard, especially when your caregiver also needs care. We all need that support and care, no matter our age. With life, there is hardship, no matter who you are, and when that hardship is illness, there is a sense of vulnerability, frustration, and the fact that death may not be too far away. What I really enjoyed about this memoir, was that it reminded me of my own family and personal connections, and I loved that where the author reflected on traditions, family history, there was that lingering hint of poetic beauty that gave the story that extra something special. 'I know that none of my successes could have been possible without my mother’s constant love and encouragement. She was the only person who saw me as the person I dreamed of being.' Jason Irwin thank you for sharing your story and your mother with us. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Simply masterful. This is definitely a five plus star story, and it will be one that I will go back and read again. These Fragments I have shored is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
Jason Irwin writes an intriguing and memorable memoir.
These Fragments I have shored is a masterful and heartfelt memoir that brings the emotions to the forefront. It's a grand story that is so personal, you can feel it. Each word paints a picture of love, loss, and family. The writing is remarkable, and Irwin brings to life his story and his mother's story. From one who is cared for becoming one who now takes care, is not always an easy transition, but unfortunately, this happens more often then not. Irwin shares memories, stories of family and generations, and the reality of life, illness, and caring for someone who needs that helping hand. It is never an easy transition, and I know from experience, and each transition is hard, especially when your caregiver also needs care. We all need that support and care, no matter our age. With life, there is hardship, no matter who you are, and when that hardship is illness, there is a sense of vulnerability, frustration, and the fact that death may not be too far away. What I really enjoyed about this memoir, was that it reminded me of my own family and personal connections, and I loved that where the author reflected on traditions, family history, there was that lingering hint of poetic beauty that gave the story that extra something special. 'I know that none of my successes could have been possible without my mother’s constant love and encouragement. She was the only person who saw me as the person I dreamed of being.' Jason Irwin thank you for sharing your story and your mother with us. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Simply masterful. This is definitely a five plus star story, and it will be one that I will go back and read again. These Fragments I have shored is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
June 17, 2026
Jason is a good friend, and he gave me a copy of his book.
I know Jason as a poet, and he is a very good poet, so I was curious about his new memoir. Some of the themes in his poetry—his disabilities, family, and hometown—can be found in his memoir, but here they are vastly expanded and elaborated upon, with scary, poignant, and funny details. The great achievement of this memoir, I think, lies in its orchestration of life's mighty minutia into an artful work. One is persuaded by this memoir that chance has a shape and love has a chance.
I know Jason as a poet, and he is a very good poet, so I was curious about his new memoir. Some of the themes in his poetry—his disabilities, family, and hometown—can be found in his memoir, but here they are vastly expanded and elaborated upon, with scary, poignant, and funny details. The great achievement of this memoir, I think, lies in its orchestration of life's mighty minutia into an artful work. One is persuaded by this memoir that chance has a shape and love has a chance.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews