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Maybe You Die: The True Story of a Couple Living the All-American Nightmare
"Moving, gripping, engaging." –Amazon Reviewer
Nina, a new graduate from fashion design in college, gladly accepts the offer to have her palm read as a graduation gift. Smiling, the palm reader tells Nina that she has a long lifeline, as she traces it on her hand. As soon as the words are uttered, the palm reader’s facial expression turns to one of fear. In broken English, she whispers, “Break – very bad break in middle of life. Maybe you die.”
Nina does come close to death at age thirty-four when she and her family are involved in a serious auto accident. She assumes she has successfully cheated the death that the palm reader prophesied. Unfortunately, the sinister and tragic break in the lifeline and its deliverer are yet to be revealed.
Nina, a new graduate from fashion design in college, gladly accepts the offer to have her palm read as a graduation gift. Smiling, the palm reader tells Nina that she has a long lifeline, as she traces it on her hand. As soon as the words are uttered, the palm reader’s facial expression turns to one of fear. In broken English, she whispers, “Break – very bad break in middle of life. Maybe you die.”
Nina does come close to death at age thirty-four when she and her family are involved in a serious auto accident. She assumes she has successfully cheated the death that the palm reader prophesied. Unfortunately, the sinister and tragic break in the lifeline and its deliverer are yet to be revealed.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2020
75 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 4, 2022
I liked the way this story is told with a build up to what happens. The author’s writing is enjoyable, despite the topic. I had a hard time putting it down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2022
Maybe You Die is a memoir written by a woman- a wife and mother- detailing her marriage and shocking events that transpired. With the way the book is structured, the beginning is vague and not much is revealed as it slowly fills in the background of their life as newlyweds starting out, flashing from the ‘present time’- in the hospital, back to snippets of everyday life. I kept expecting drama round every corner for the first part of the book but it was mostly normal memories. At first, I found this a little frustrating as I wasn’t sure where it was going and had no idea what the book was actually about. However, before long I couldn’t stop reading as true characters and intentions started to reveal themselves and piece by piece she told her story in her own way. I’m glad I kept with it because, by the end, the details had given me a feel for her and their life. Since putting it down, I actually can’t stop thinking about it and feel that this must have been different times because I can’t really fathom the injustice. I hope she makes a ton of money from this book, she deserves it.
February 17, 2022
"Maybe you die" - that was what Mary Kubbiachi, a palm reader said to Nina/Nancy many years ago. And at age thirty-four, she and her family was involved in a serious accident.
This memoir begins with Nancy waking up in the hospital, confused and trying to make sense of what was happening to her. As she details the many days she spends in the hospital recovering, she also recounts the many years of her marriage to Bob - from their dating days, wedding and birth of their children - there were many subtle red flags in their relationship but Nancy disregarded them until it was too late.
The story buildup in this memoir was pretty intense. I have not heard of this case before so I had zero clue of what this memoir is about. I had to keep reading and when it was revealed in the last 20% of the memoir, what Bob did to Nancy was really shocking!
While the writing was engaging with a pretty steady pace, it did slow down in the middle and there were parts that was a bit confusing for me. They felt disjointed. But overall, this was a good read, a heart-wrenching memoir written by a woman, mother, and survivor.
Pub. Date: Out now (Feb 27th, 2020)
***Thank you Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
This memoir begins with Nancy waking up in the hospital, confused and trying to make sense of what was happening to her. As she details the many days she spends in the hospital recovering, she also recounts the many years of her marriage to Bob - from their dating days, wedding and birth of their children - there were many subtle red flags in their relationship but Nancy disregarded them until it was too late.
The story buildup in this memoir was pretty intense. I have not heard of this case before so I had zero clue of what this memoir is about. I had to keep reading and when it was revealed in the last 20% of the memoir, what Bob did to Nancy was really shocking!
While the writing was engaging with a pretty steady pace, it did slow down in the middle and there were parts that was a bit confusing for me. They felt disjointed. But overall, this was a good read, a heart-wrenching memoir written by a woman, mother, and survivor.
Pub. Date: Out now (Feb 27th, 2020)
***Thank you Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
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May 3, 2020I didn’t read the book but I will. I listened to the podcast and this woman is an inspiration to all women who are abused. I am so sad that she had no choice but to let her ex husband continue his life after what he did to her so she could continue to look after her four children.
As a woman I cannot believe another
Woman could take up with this person. I always say men treat women badly enough so us women should stick together so when another woman takes up with a shit like this I want to scream “what are you doing” he should have gone to prison and they
Should have thrown away the key.
Nancy u lived a sentence if 21 years alone because of this ass hole and I think u are amazing and sorry that you went through what you did. Much love xx
As a woman I cannot believe another
Woman could take up with this person. I always say men treat women badly enough so us women should stick together so when another woman takes up with a shit like this I want to scream “what are you doing” he should have gone to prison and they
Should have thrown away the key.
Nancy u lived a sentence if 21 years alone because of this ass hole and I think u are amazing and sorry that you went through what you did. Much love xx
May 5, 2022
This is a pretty crazy and messed up book and I normally love that, even if it isn't fiction, but this was written in such an odd manner that I couldn't focus on it very well.
May 21, 2022
This story was all over the place, I couldn’t keep the timelines straight and I just did not connect with the writing.
July 17, 2020
After a brief introduction, where we learn that the lead character once had her palm read and was told, "maybe you die," we jump into the present when the protagonist has arrived at a hospital suffering from terrible injuries (she refers to the cause as "an accident") that she is convinced will kill her. As she drifts into sleep, she also drifts back in time to the first year of her marriage, wondering when everything went wrong. As she spends several days in the hospital recovering from her injuries, each day she remembers the next year in her marriage and relays how her life progressed. This powerful technique slowly reveals the truth behind her injuries, and allows her to find her inner strength to move past her trauma. Realising that this book is the true story of the author and that she actually lived the whole experience was amazing and I am blown away by what she survived.
July 2, 2024
I enjoyed the flow between timelines but I will say overall this book is poorly written and edited. Also misleading. I went into it with little info. It’s left vague and by reading reviews that seemed to add to the build up of the story but I didn’t find that to be true. The title indicating “a true story of a COUPLE living the all American nightmare” left me very curious about what it was all about. I wasn’t expecting it to be “simply” (sorry, to use that word) a domestic violence story. This isn’t a COUPLE living it, it’s her nightmare as a victim of DV. The title set it up for something different so it was frustrating to realize that was the story and not something more affecting them both.
The writing is so juvenile and overly explains everything. It’s not how people talk. It’s used to give tons of scheduling actions or introducing details in an awkward way.
“We are going to dinner tonight with the Costello’s. The Costello’s are among the many friends we’ve acquired when we joined the local kennel club. They also have a boarding kennel and are breeders of dogs. Then we’re going to play pinochle at their home afterwards. Just a nice evening out with friends.” This is said to her child.
The whole book is written this way. Editing issues also meant some things were half quoted or missing quotation marks and you weren’t sure if you were reading awkward conversation or awkward narration. The book could have cut half of the writing the same kind of content and it’s often that too much time and detail is spent explaining about dogs. I would have been much more interested in her recovery, how the family coped. How the kids are doing. What happened with him (it’s ridiculous there were no charges. How is that real life? If he does it again, there’s nothing on his record).
I trudged through this when I realize it really wasn’t going anywhere and finally started skipping entire dog show and explanation sections to get it finished.
The writing is so juvenile and overly explains everything. It’s not how people talk. It’s used to give tons of scheduling actions or introducing details in an awkward way.
“We are going to dinner tonight with the Costello’s. The Costello’s are among the many friends we’ve acquired when we joined the local kennel club. They also have a boarding kennel and are breeders of dogs. Then we’re going to play pinochle at their home afterwards. Just a nice evening out with friends.” This is said to her child.
The whole book is written this way. Editing issues also meant some things were half quoted or missing quotation marks and you weren’t sure if you were reading awkward conversation or awkward narration. The book could have cut half of the writing the same kind of content and it’s often that too much time and detail is spent explaining about dogs. I would have been much more interested in her recovery, how the family coped. How the kids are doing. What happened with him (it’s ridiculous there were no charges. How is that real life? If he does it again, there’s nothing on his record).
I trudged through this when I realize it really wasn’t going anywhere and finally started skipping entire dog show and explanation sections to get it finished.
February 10, 2022
I would rate this as a 3.5 stars.
While the writing style was breezy and engaging I felt at times as though it was a tad immature. Nina had some weird dialogue... Example: Constantly inserting the name of the person she was talking with "well Bob" or "well Daddy" several times during THE SAME conversation. It was annoying.
Obviously, this poor woman ended up suffering greatly and there is no doubt he should have been put in jail - no doubt. Nina did NOT deserve any of what she got.
Having said that, Nina had her own issues. She alternated between being selfish (calling her doctor at home in the middle of the night, from her hospital bed) to working non stop so her family could eat. I felt as though Nina did not know who she was. Having all these children when it was dangerous for her to do so..... It felt as though she was trying to fill an emotional hole. Letting Bob decide on their future. What happened to her dream of designing?
At times I felt this book did not do well with emotion. The characters often *said* their feelings instead of making the reader *feel* the emotion. I never connected to Nina's pain while in the hospital. It felt forced.
Bob, was portrayed in an odd way. I never felt his darkness, but rather was "told" about it. My head knew he was despicable, obviously, but the author did not makee feel invested emotionally.
Nina is inspirational having survived the ultimate betrayal. This is the message here.
As a side note, it is weird to read a book that was set at a time where cell phones did not exist and doctors still did home visits.
Overall, a good book.
While the writing style was breezy and engaging I felt at times as though it was a tad immature. Nina had some weird dialogue... Example: Constantly inserting the name of the person she was talking with "well Bob" or "well Daddy" several times during THE SAME conversation. It was annoying.
Obviously, this poor woman ended up suffering greatly and there is no doubt he should have been put in jail - no doubt. Nina did NOT deserve any of what she got.
Having said that, Nina had her own issues. She alternated between being selfish (calling her doctor at home in the middle of the night, from her hospital bed) to working non stop so her family could eat. I felt as though Nina did not know who she was. Having all these children when it was dangerous for her to do so..... It felt as though she was trying to fill an emotional hole. Letting Bob decide on their future. What happened to her dream of designing?
At times I felt this book did not do well with emotion. The characters often *said* their feelings instead of making the reader *feel* the emotion. I never connected to Nina's pain while in the hospital. It felt forced.
Bob, was portrayed in an odd way. I never felt his darkness, but rather was "told" about it. My head knew he was despicable, obviously, but the author did not makee feel invested emotionally.
Nina is inspirational having survived the ultimate betrayal. This is the message here.
As a side note, it is weird to read a book that was set at a time where cell phones did not exist and doctors still did home visits.
Overall, a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
Terrifying, Devastating True Story
This is a terrifying, devastating true story about Nina, a new graduate from fashion design which she received from college. Nina falls in love with Bob, and they marry, and Bob goes to collage to become a medical professional. Nina is a stay-at-home mum who takes care of their children, and their dog breeding business. Unfortunately, there is problems in the marriage as Bob is having an affair and wants to get rid of Nina by telling her she is going mad. Nina try’s confronting Bob over mysterious phone calls day and night and Bobs strange behaviour when she finds him whispering on the phone and disappearing during the night and coming home late, but Bob always has an answer and Nina seems to dismiss her feelings and the cycle carries on.
I enjoyed the way this book was structured as it went back and forth between the past and the present with the protagonist in the hospital and the next chapter in the past reliving her marriage from the first year which I found to be very effective and engaging. I found it is hard to imagine how one person can endure so much in just one lifetime whilst reading Nina’s story from the days in the hospital to the marriage to bringing the story to its conclusion.
This was an amazing read. Nina's life had many ups and downs, many tears and fears and laughter and love. Eventually The good triumphs over evil. Personally, I would have felt safer with Bob in prison, and I would have sold up and started life with the children elsewhere. Saying that the book is Well worth the read!
I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a terrifying, devastating true story about Nina, a new graduate from fashion design which she received from college. Nina falls in love with Bob, and they marry, and Bob goes to collage to become a medical professional. Nina is a stay-at-home mum who takes care of their children, and their dog breeding business. Unfortunately, there is problems in the marriage as Bob is having an affair and wants to get rid of Nina by telling her she is going mad. Nina try’s confronting Bob over mysterious phone calls day and night and Bobs strange behaviour when she finds him whispering on the phone and disappearing during the night and coming home late, but Bob always has an answer and Nina seems to dismiss her feelings and the cycle carries on.
I enjoyed the way this book was structured as it went back and forth between the past and the present with the protagonist in the hospital and the next chapter in the past reliving her marriage from the first year which I found to be very effective and engaging. I found it is hard to imagine how one person can endure so much in just one lifetime whilst reading Nina’s story from the days in the hospital to the marriage to bringing the story to its conclusion.
This was an amazing read. Nina's life had many ups and downs, many tears and fears and laughter and love. Eventually The good triumphs over evil. Personally, I would have felt safer with Bob in prison, and I would have sold up and started life with the children elsewhere. Saying that the book is Well worth the read!
I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2021
This was one of the saddest and most harrowing books I've read in a long time. Although the author calls it a novel, the cover says that it is a true story, and after reading the author's background, I believe that it is. The text alternates between each day in the hospital following a brutal beating (that resulted in actual death from which she was resuscitated) and each year of her marriage to this man. This book could serve as a valuable textbook for women on how not to avoid all the warning signs to avoid narcissistic partners. Every time the main character asks if it was somehow her fault that her kind, sweet husband changed into a monster who nearly beat her to death, I cringed. Every time she considered whether she should stay with him for the sake of the children, and wondered whether she would ever feel safe again, I hoped she would not. The main action of this book is set in the early 70s, so it's not surprising that she had these attitudes. The text could have used a good editor; there are plenty of typos and words out of order, but the emotion of the story is so strong and compelling that I just kept reading.
December 19, 2023
In my permanent library
Due to a medical diagnosis a few years ago, I have a lot of non active time, about 5 years ago I rediscovered my love of literature- almost all kinds. In the last 5 years I have consumed over 1,600 books. This one is one of two modern era books that I will remember forever. The author is on the level of Grisham or Steinbeck in terms of characters and development - you truly forget you are reading and get lost in an immersive experience, like an iMax movie only better. I hope this author has more books, I will read anything she writes - it’s that good. By the way this is the first review I’ve ever written so that should probably mean something. Just read it, scenes in it will just pop into your mind frequently and unexpectedly but are oddly apprapo. Not sure if this is some type of white magic but it’s an incredible read. It should be taught as a writing model like Brown, Grisham, Steinbeck and King - how to tell an immersive story with an economy of words, every word is crucial to the whole but extremely efficient.
Due to a medical diagnosis a few years ago, I have a lot of non active time, about 5 years ago I rediscovered my love of literature- almost all kinds. In the last 5 years I have consumed over 1,600 books. This one is one of two modern era books that I will remember forever. The author is on the level of Grisham or Steinbeck in terms of characters and development - you truly forget you are reading and get lost in an immersive experience, like an iMax movie only better. I hope this author has more books, I will read anything she writes - it’s that good. By the way this is the first review I’ve ever written so that should probably mean something. Just read it, scenes in it will just pop into your mind frequently and unexpectedly but are oddly apprapo. Not sure if this is some type of white magic but it’s an incredible read. It should be taught as a writing model like Brown, Grisham, Steinbeck and King - how to tell an immersive story with an economy of words, every word is crucial to the whole but extremely efficient.
August 28, 2020
I received a free copy of this book as part of LibraryThing's early reviewer program.
I enjoyed the way this novel was structured. Spending one chapter on the present with the protagonist in the hospital and the next chapter in the past reliving her marriage was very effective.
However, this story could have used an extra set of eyes to go through and catch the many typos present. Mostly they are innocuous and easy to read around but they also just slow the story down with the confusion caused.
I also didn't enjoy the way the story was wrapped up with the protagonist moving on to a new possible relationship. I felt like not enough time was spent focusing on her healing from her trauma, I imagine this mostly happens off screen as she does seem very happy in the end but I would have liked to read more of it as this is what the novel is centered around.
I enjoyed the way this novel was structured. Spending one chapter on the present with the protagonist in the hospital and the next chapter in the past reliving her marriage was very effective.
However, this story could have used an extra set of eyes to go through and catch the many typos present. Mostly they are innocuous and easy to read around but they also just slow the story down with the confusion caused.
I also didn't enjoy the way the story was wrapped up with the protagonist moving on to a new possible relationship. I felt like not enough time was spent focusing on her healing from her trauma, I imagine this mostly happens off screen as she does seem very happy in the end but I would have liked to read more of it as this is what the novel is centered around.
October 6, 2020
NOTE: I won a free eBook copy of this book in MOBI format from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers (June 2020).
I am still in disbelief that this was a memoir and not a "novel," because it read like the latter. The book proper opens in medias res, and readers are left to decipher what happened along with the narrator. The flashbacks between the hospital scenes and the years of the author's marriage work to keep the reader in suspense. As the truth is revealed, the story grows a bit more surreal. Lee's memoir of abuse details the sacrifices that many women make in their lives and the mixed results that occur when they take to overcome them.
I am still in disbelief that this was a memoir and not a "novel," because it read like the latter. The book proper opens in medias res, and readers are left to decipher what happened along with the narrator. The flashbacks between the hospital scenes and the years of the author's marriage work to keep the reader in suspense. As the truth is revealed, the story grows a bit more surreal. Lee's memoir of abuse details the sacrifices that many women make in their lives and the mixed results that occur when they take to overcome them.
September 7, 2021
Nina's courage and stamina is inspiring knowing it's a true story lends another fold to this heartbreaking story that needs another book surely the ex and his girlfriend can't get off scott free
I gave this 5 stars because it's the highest level available. I would recommend this book for mature readers only (sexual situations and violence) that enjoy reading stories that are a mixture of funny stories, suspense, and a true nightmare. Warning once you start reading you won't be able to stop.
I gave this 5 stars because it's the highest level available. I would recommend this book for mature readers only (sexual situations and violence) that enjoy reading stories that are a mixture of funny stories, suspense, and a true nightmare. Warning once you start reading you won't be able to stop.
November 6, 2021
Good but long and ends abruptly
This book is well-written and I like the back and forth style used by the author in telling her story. I wish it hadn't just stopped as it did. Does Bob get better? What happens with Ken? How do the kids wind up? Pretty crazy what her husband did but I understand her reasoning for not wanting him in jail. I hope it all didn't leave her with PTSD.
This book is well-written and I like the back and forth style used by the author in telling her story. I wish it hadn't just stopped as it did. Does Bob get better? What happens with Ken? How do the kids wind up? Pretty crazy what her husband did but I understand her reasoning for not wanting him in jail. I hope it all didn't leave her with PTSD.
October 5, 2020
Wow!
Young woman, married the love of her life. Before she did, she went to a palm reader. After reading Nancy's palm, she said "maybe you die." He became a medical professional. She took care of the kids, and their dog breeding business. Unfortunately, there is problems in the marriage. Husband is a cheater, and wants to get rid of the wife. Not by a divorce, either.
Young woman, married the love of her life. Before she did, she went to a palm reader. After reading Nancy's palm, she said "maybe you die." He became a medical professional. She took care of the kids, and their dog breeding business. Unfortunately, there is problems in the marriage. Husband is a cheater, and wants to get rid of the wife. Not by a divorce, either.
July 26, 2020
First thought when i reach sufficient chapters to have an opinion: this 16 years of marriage in front of my parents 40 ones are a piece of a cake. Too much soft but there are couples who awake in time.
A story like many others and in this time others closer will come
A story like many others and in this time others closer will come
August 22, 2021
Slow,slow
This book is really boring. It is written in an amateurish way and tells stories from the subjects past which are not interesting at all. The storyline is good but it’s written in such a way that I struggled to finish it, I did manage but only by missing bits out.
This book is really boring. It is written in an amateurish way and tells stories from the subjects past which are not interesting at all. The storyline is good but it’s written in such a way that I struggled to finish it, I did manage but only by missing bits out.
September 22, 2021
Maybe?
It's easy for us to say she should have filed charges, or should have left sooner, but you do not know how you will react to a situation, until you live it. do I think he should have gone to jail? Of course I do, but I understand why she let him get away with it.
It's easy for us to say she should have filed charges, or should have left sooner, but you do not know how you will react to a situation, until you live it. do I think he should have gone to jail? Of course I do, but I understand why she let him get away with it.
February 20, 2022
So as a graduation gift, Nina gets her palm read. All goes good until the end. Imagine what you would feel with the whispered words of an uncertain accident. So now this young lady goes through life wondering and pondering when or is something has already happened.
December 27, 2023
Should be titled differently
The book description sounded promising. That is where it stopped though for me. This book should have been titled “I” as it seemed every sentence or two or even three started with “I”. It felt like a first grade reader.
The book description sounded promising. That is where it stopped though for me. This book should have been titled “I” as it seemed every sentence or two or even three started with “I”. It felt like a first grade reader.
August 15, 2020
This book was really good. The story is full of every kind of emotion possible. The good triumphs over evil.
October 7, 2020
Amazing Story
It is hard to I understand how people can go from crazy in love to just plain crazy , but this story shows it hsppens
It is hard to I understand how people can go from crazy in love to just plain crazy , but this story shows it hsppens
July 17, 2021
Review
Wow, what a wonderful and courageous woman you are! What you had to go through I cannot even imagine. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your story.
Wow, what a wonderful and courageous woman you are! What you had to go through I cannot even imagine. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your story.
August 18, 2021
Amazing
This was an amazing read. Nina's life had many ups and downs, many tears and fears and laughter and love
This was an amazing read. Nina's life had many ups and downs, many tears and fears and laughter and love
August 27, 2021
WOW, what an incredible book. This was a terrifying, devastating true story,but Nina is such a beautiful, strong woman. Shed lots of tears, but would highly recommend this book
October 13, 2021
Review
Enjoyed this book and felt her pain as she went through her terrible ordeal. No one knows what someone is capable of surviving.
Enjoyed this book and felt her pain as she went through her terrible ordeal. No one knows what someone is capable of surviving.
November 21, 2021
Good book
Not your typical true crime but a well written very easy to read book. Lots of interesting moments, more of a diary than a crime story. Would recommend
Not your typical true crime but a well written very easy to read book. Lots of interesting moments, more of a diary than a crime story. Would recommend
February 6, 2022
Great characters. Captivating read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews