The Parts We Share: A Saga of Family, Humor & Health

by Marty Monical

A beloved husband and father. A gamble to avoid doctors. A medical nightmare. Reggie Nichols knows pain. Suffering from a leg ailment since birth, he still works hard and puts family first. Even before his own health. When a fainting spell forces him to seek help, he learns he needs a new kidney and is thrown into the desperate and unfamiliar world of organ donation. Why is it so hard to ask for help? Enter his healthy brother, Lucas. A busy professional who rarely slows down and keeps too much on his plate, Lucas wrestles with all the ramifications of donating an organ. So much to consider. Could he be the one to step up and donate a kidney? He is sure to be approved as a kidney donor. Or is he? Revered for its emotional journey and blasts of humor, The Parts We Share explores what we choose to share with our spouses, doctors, family -- even ourselves, and the complicated decision to sacrifice an organ to save a life. "Absolutely outstanding! A rare, insightful dive into the complete family dynamic!" -- Kimberly Summers "Powerful story, incredible tone and dialogue! -- Author Stephen Larson "Well written, moving narrative of love, humor, and what truly matters in life." -- Susan Pellegrine

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2020

Reviews

[Li Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Parts We Share is a moving story about love, generosity, and the real-life struggles families face. Blending humor, family dynamics, and personal sacrifice, it explores what it truly means to give — not only in material ways, but emotionally and relationally as well. Through reflections on family life, health challenges, and the difficult decisions that arise when loved ones need support, the book gently invites readers to see how generosity unfolds in everyday moments.

The story feels like a healing journey, touching both physical health and emotional well-being. The writing is warm and heartfelt, and the characters are vividly drawn, making it easy to care deeply about their lives and choices.

Warm, truthful, and quietly inspiring, The Parts We Share reminds us that kindness often appears in life’s hardest moments. What we choose to give — time, compassion, or selflessness — becomes part of our shared human story.

[Sarrie Paguirigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story following the journey of not just physical but emotional healing. So touched by how openly shared the emotions felt by both the donor and receiver during the process.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Parts We Share. My interest in this book was reading a local author. I do not have any chronically ill friends or family. However, if a reader did have a loved one who may face a transplant, this would be a 'must read."
Marty Monical has written a thought-provoking book on the subject of a kidney transplant without sadness and pity. In fact, it is uplifting and evokes understanding and admiration in the reader for the characters. I was especially impressed at Monical's ability to describe and develop a wide variety of conflicting feelings in his characters. Each one had contradicting emotions and questioned the motives of themselves and others. Yet these feelings evolved and changed with the progress of the story.
This story does not get bogged down in medical terminology or spend long periods of time in medical settings. Instead there are rich relationships and activities between family and friends. A good sense of humor helps balance the serious issues.

[Elizabeth Demboski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story of two brothers and their family based on facts. One brother donates his kidney to another brother and I learned a lot about living transplants. It's a quick read but very good. And I love the family dynamic, the author really explores the feelings of such a sacrifice. I also read his first book, 17 Little Miricals, and was amazed at life in a family with 17 children. I recommend it as well.

[Laura Baumgardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, heartfelt story

I enjoyed reading this book so much. Well written, Marty tells a serious story with just the right amount of humor. I feel I now have an understanding of the process of kidney donation. The story leaves the reader with the hope that there is good in our world and that we all make a difference. I highly recommend!

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by the way Marty brings compassion and empathy to his writing. I laughed and cried.

[Heidi Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully detailed true story about family, brothers, a community that rallied around an unlikely superstar and a kidney transplant.