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The Swing: A Muse's Memoir About Keeping the Artist Alive
After one heck of a first date with an ill artist, Susan was all in for a wild race against the clock. She knew what she was getting into...sort of. Charlie was frailer than she realized and only twenty-seven. But it was clear from day one that he was in search of his own brand of perfection. She'd watch his work magically evolve while his body slipped away. She'd summon unfettered wiliness, hope, and forgiveness, while still managing to find raw, wicked humor in almost every dark corner. Decades later, over a million images were shot in the field, thousands were carefully cataloged, and hundreds were printed by the artist before he died. Art won. Love won. Illness lost.
The Swing by Susan Dennis opens in the dangerous days of Detroit's 1980s gang wars, and spans the twenty-four-year marriage of a muse and a photographer - a man with an inexplicable illness, and an equally inexplicable lifelong passion for mastering the union of nature with a lens.
The Swing by Susan Dennis opens in the dangerous days of Detroit's 1980s gang wars, and spans the twenty-four-year marriage of a muse and a photographer - a man with an inexplicable illness, and an equally inexplicable lifelong passion for mastering the union of nature with a lens.
- GenresNonfiction
282 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 24, 2021
Susan Dennis truly outdid herself with this brilliant memoir. I admired Susan's resilience and dedication to her lover, even amid hospital visits and increasingly distressing diagnoses. While I never met Charlie personally, Susan describes him so well I felt I knew him as well as I do my best friend. By reading The Swing, I got a glimpse of the pain and frustration of seeing and being unable to help a loved one in agony. While the romance aspect is swoon-worthy, I felt that Charlie's passion for his art makes this book stand out. His story has me wondering whether I'm using my time for something worthwhile. Despite expecting to die young, Charlie fought relentlessly to pursue his dream of creating art and never gave up. Even if you are ill you can live out your dream. It might be short lived but it is worth it. A book I won't forget. Highly recommend.
June 13, 2024
This book resonated with me from the artist I muse for. This book is the memoir of a courageous woman who covets nothing more than covering an artist she loves. This book is a love story of unparallel beauty, more beautiful for its rarity, simplicity, and lucidity, a story revealing a beautiful soul.
September 11, 2022
Yes, this is a memoir, yet it is a powerful and emotional (like bring out the tissues) love story. I could end my review right there.
You must understand that Susan and Charlie did not have a fairytale life, and there was no happily ever after. When Susan met Charlie, a photographer, he was already suffering from a rare and painful disease. Susan would become his spouse, his caretaker, and his champion!
Susan writes with such authenticity; she’s honest about feeling second place to Charlie’s art at times and the frustration and fear that sat between them because of the disease. But it’s impossible to miss the love and unwavering support that Susan poured out to Charlie throughout his life.
She pressed hard to ensure that Charlie received dignity and respect - not just as a person with a chronic illness but as the artist he was.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @_susandennis_ for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
You must understand that Susan and Charlie did not have a fairytale life, and there was no happily ever after. When Susan met Charlie, a photographer, he was already suffering from a rare and painful disease. Susan would become his spouse, his caretaker, and his champion!
Susan writes with such authenticity; she’s honest about feeling second place to Charlie’s art at times and the frustration and fear that sat between them because of the disease. But it’s impossible to miss the love and unwavering support that Susan poured out to Charlie throughout his life.
She pressed hard to ensure that Charlie received dignity and respect - not just as a person with a chronic illness but as the artist he was.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @_susandennis_ for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
July 26, 2022
There are no words to describe how brilliant Susan Dennis' memoir is. Despite hospital visits and more distressing diagnoses, Susan's determination and devotion to her lover remained impressive to me, even amidst a growing number of hospital visits. Even though I have never personally met Charlie, Susan describes him so well. Having read The Swing, I had a glimpse of the sense of despair and fear that comes with seeing a loved one in pain. I was willing to do anything to help them. There is a swoon-worthy romance aspect to this book, but I think so far that Charlie's passion for his art is what makes it such an enjoyable read. As I read the story of this gentleman, I began to wonder whether my time was being spent in a productive way. Even after he expected to die young, Charlie was relentless in his pursuit of creating art. He didn't give up despite the fact that he thought he may not live very long. Whether you are well or ill, you can still achieve what you want in life. I think it is worth it to experience this moment even if it is short-lived. There is no doubt that this book will stay with me for a long time. It is highly recommended that you check it out.
October 14, 2022
TITLE: The Swing: A Muse’s Memoir About Keeping the Artist Alive
AUTHOR: Susan Dennis
PUB DATE: 07.10.2021 Now Available
GENRE: Memoir
SYNOPSIS: Swipe Above
This stunning and captivating memoir took my breath away. As a nurse this was a must read in understanding how illness affect the afflicted and their loved ones. Chronic illness is life changing - there is nothing like living in pain and knowing your life is short, to make the best of us give up on life, and our endeavors. Not Charlie.
Despite it all, he gave it his all - so passionately, and so fervently.
He made love.
He made art.
As if there was no tomorrow.
The Swing is a wonderful memoir for those who have experienced and are experiencing the sudden and unexpected ways chronic illness, caregiving, and dealing with loss affects affects all of us, this is the book for you. Those that serve, this book will inspire and allow to see what it’s like living with an illness.
Fantastic!
AUTHOR: Susan Dennis
PUB DATE: 07.10.2021 Now Available
GENRE: Memoir
SYNOPSIS: Swipe Above
This stunning and captivating memoir took my breath away. As a nurse this was a must read in understanding how illness affect the afflicted and their loved ones. Chronic illness is life changing - there is nothing like living in pain and knowing your life is short, to make the best of us give up on life, and our endeavors. Not Charlie.
Despite it all, he gave it his all - so passionately, and so fervently.
He made love.
He made art.
As if there was no tomorrow.
The Swing is a wonderful memoir for those who have experienced and are experiencing the sudden and unexpected ways chronic illness, caregiving, and dealing with loss affects affects all of us, this is the book for you. Those that serve, this book will inspire and allow to see what it’s like living with an illness.
Fantastic!
October 12, 2022
Holding true to my promise to read more memoirs, I gave this one a go. And, let me tell you. It was definitely a page turning read. Susan Dennis has woven this book in a touching, beautiful way!
This memoir is filled with moments of laughter & moments of tears, absolutely transferring those feelings to the reader. I followed Susan & her husband’s journey, feeling like I was living it myself. I felt emotionally captivated by the beauty & heartache of their journey!
I can’t imagine living with the pain Charlie did but his passion for photography was absolutely inspiring! This memoir, penned by talented hands, is one of my favorites. It’s definitely a 4★ read in my book!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This memoir is filled with moments of laughter & moments of tears, absolutely transferring those feelings to the reader. I followed Susan & her husband’s journey, feeling like I was living it myself. I felt emotionally captivated by the beauty & heartache of their journey!
I can’t imagine living with the pain Charlie did but his passion for photography was absolutely inspiring! This memoir, penned by talented hands, is one of my favorites. It’s definitely a 4★ read in my book!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
November 14, 2021
If you’ve ever loved and lost someone - If you’ve ever loved an artist - If you’re caring for someone and feel it’s going to break you - Read this book. You'll experience love, laughter, tears and then you’ll do it again and again and again. Funny as heck. Beautifully written. With it begins in the dark, dangerous streets of a 1980s Detroit where Susan and Charlie met and roamed. This is a love story on steroids.
September 4, 2021
The Swing by Susan Dennis is a beautifully written memoir of a long-lasting loving relationship. When that relationship is challenged by ill health and setbacks. This relationship defies the odds. I really felt for Susan and understood her self-denial. Her memoir will help many people facing similar obstacles in their lives.
July 21, 2022
This beautifully true story had me hooked from the first chapter. Thank you so very much to Susan for sharing Charlie’s and Your story. Thank you to Kate with Kate Rock Book Tours for having me on the tour.
Susan begins her story in the hallway of an emergency room. Her husband Charlie is in the ER again due to a flair up from his Rheumatoid Arthritis or the effects of the RA on his poor body. What I learned through this story was just how difficult and hard RA is on a persons body, or rather the effects on the body. Charlie has had this prognosis since way before they met, in Detroit, Michigan. After they meet and their first date, it’s love. Which I feel down to my core as that’s how it happened for my husband and I. Charlie was a photographer and not just any photographer, his life was taking pictures that came from his heart and soul. Even through years of unbearable pain, his work speaks for itself. His legacy is pure art from his ravaged body. He never let it affect his art, in times of hard he put his work before his health.
Susan tells their story with vividness that you can imagine that you’re in the room. You can hear him when their house is flooding due to a hurricane and he’s barking orders to get his cameras and film, to save them. When despite his legs not working right, he still wants that one image or to print that perfect picture. It’s a hard book, I’m sure not only for her to write but for us to read. You know the end result but, the story leading up to it is so full and not perfect but, good.
I enjoyed this read, I adored and I’m grateful for the realness that Susan relates to us with. She shared the good, the bad and even the ugly. It was true and it made me feel the feelings. It even brought back images of my own Dad’s struggle after a stroke and the grief that holds onto my Mom. Without a doubt, I’m recommending this to you, my friends. Charlie’s life had meaning, something we all aspire for: Love. Five stars all the way. Thank you Susan for sharing your story again.
Susan begins her story in the hallway of an emergency room. Her husband Charlie is in the ER again due to a flair up from his Rheumatoid Arthritis or the effects of the RA on his poor body. What I learned through this story was just how difficult and hard RA is on a persons body, or rather the effects on the body. Charlie has had this prognosis since way before they met, in Detroit, Michigan. After they meet and their first date, it’s love. Which I feel down to my core as that’s how it happened for my husband and I. Charlie was a photographer and not just any photographer, his life was taking pictures that came from his heart and soul. Even through years of unbearable pain, his work speaks for itself. His legacy is pure art from his ravaged body. He never let it affect his art, in times of hard he put his work before his health.
Susan tells their story with vividness that you can imagine that you’re in the room. You can hear him when their house is flooding due to a hurricane and he’s barking orders to get his cameras and film, to save them. When despite his legs not working right, he still wants that one image or to print that perfect picture. It’s a hard book, I’m sure not only for her to write but for us to read. You know the end result but, the story leading up to it is so full and not perfect but, good.
I enjoyed this read, I adored and I’m grateful for the realness that Susan relates to us with. She shared the good, the bad and even the ugly. It was true and it made me feel the feelings. It even brought back images of my own Dad’s struggle after a stroke and the grief that holds onto my Mom. Without a doubt, I’m recommending this to you, my friends. Charlie’s life had meaning, something we all aspire for: Love. Five stars all the way. Thank you Susan for sharing your story again.
August 12, 2022
This lovely, engrossing, totally heartbreaking memoir is one of the best I've ever read. As a team - artist and muse, patient and caretaker, husband and wife - Charlie and Susan faced the tribulations of his many and ever-increasing maladies with a sort of love that is uncommon. That's not to say there weren't moments of utter frustration, upset, anger and sharp, lashing tongues, but love was ultimately in charge. Love, in this case, may not have conquered the battle, but it won the war. It allowed this couple to persevere, carve out a life and really enjoy every second as best they could.
Also as much a memoir about illness as it was about art, Charlie's photography was the center focus of his existing years. He ached to capture so much of the world's beauty, which he did thanks to the assistance of his wife. Their spirit of teamwork against all odds was a beautiful testament to everything that is possible in life and in love. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about what true devotion - in both parties - looks like. It is a wonderful read and you will come away from it in tears, feeling better for having known of these two exceptional lives!
Also as much a memoir about illness as it was about art, Charlie's photography was the center focus of his existing years. He ached to capture so much of the world's beauty, which he did thanks to the assistance of his wife. Their spirit of teamwork against all odds was a beautiful testament to everything that is possible in life and in love. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about what true devotion - in both parties - looks like. It is a wonderful read and you will come away from it in tears, feeling better for having known of these two exceptional lives!
September 30, 2022
This memoir chronicles Susan’s 25 year relationship with her husband, Charlie.
Charlie who was chronically ill lived for his photography. From the rougher areas of Detroit to root balls from Hurricane Fran, Charlie never let his physical pain or limitations stop him from taking and developing his photos. Susan stayed by his side, cared for Charlie, loved him, and made sure that Charlie was able to do the art he was so passionate for.
As I read this book, I loved the way Susan spoke her truth on Charlie’s illness, his art, and her care of her family.
Charlie’s legacy lives on thanks to Susan.
A final thought on this memoir is that Charlie’s art is also Susan’s and their son’s, Sef. They worked together as a unit to keep Charlie creating.
Charlie who was chronically ill lived for his photography. From the rougher areas of Detroit to root balls from Hurricane Fran, Charlie never let his physical pain or limitations stop him from taking and developing his photos. Susan stayed by his side, cared for Charlie, loved him, and made sure that Charlie was able to do the art he was so passionate for.
As I read this book, I loved the way Susan spoke her truth on Charlie’s illness, his art, and her care of her family.
Charlie’s legacy lives on thanks to Susan.
A final thought on this memoir is that Charlie’s art is also Susan’s and their son’s, Sef. They worked together as a unit to keep Charlie creating.
July 22, 2022
I’m so glad that I read the beautiful memoir written by Susan Dennis- The Swing. I received a copy as part of @katerockbooktours.
The author has written a story about her life with her husband, a brilliant artist with rheumatoid arthritis and his amazing accomplishments and her devotion to him. It’s a beautiful story about love, pain, sacrifice, loss and determination. It’s poignant and heartbreaking and I was tearful several times but it’s such an unbelievable look into his life, his illness, and how it impacted their whole family.
The author has written a story about her life with her husband, a brilliant artist with rheumatoid arthritis and his amazing accomplishments and her devotion to him. It’s a beautiful story about love, pain, sacrifice, loss and determination. It’s poignant and heartbreaking and I was tearful several times but it’s such an unbelievable look into his life, his illness, and how it impacted their whole family.
September 30, 2022
This memoir is a story of love, devotion and art. Susan and Charlie's love story but, it's much more than that. Charlie is a photographer that suffered from a debilitating illness and inspite of it all keep on going with this art. Susan often took a back seat to his art and struggled with all the difficulties of having a partner that is ill. It can take a toll yet she has written a beautiful love story with this memoir. This was emotional, humorous and I could feel it all. Beautifully written.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
October 3, 2022
This memoir is an incredible love story. Susan wrote with such authenticity and I cried a lot while reading this book. I also laughed out loud then cried some more. Her husband's passion for his art and Susan's love for him truly kept him alive. Their love story was not the happy ever after tale of rom coms. But their story is beautiful and real and shouldn't be missed.
As someone with RA, it was scary to read in many ways. I’m thankful that treatments have come a long way but it was enlightening and humbling.
As someone with RA, it was scary to read in many ways. I’m thankful that treatments have come a long way but it was enlightening and humbling.
April 19, 2024
The Swing by Susan Dennis is a beautifully written memoir of a relationship that is challenged by health issues and setbacks. Love, tears and laughter is what comes to mind when I think of this book. There were definitely a lot of tears but I couldn't put it down. Susan's determination and devotion to Charlie was an inspiration. I truly enjoyed this story. Susan shared the good, the bad and the ugly and that couldn't have been easy to do. It's vivid, real and emotional! Thank you Susan for sharing Charlie's story with me and thank you Kate Rock Book Tours for having me on this tour!
July 30, 2022
I’ve been looking forward to this one. Ever since reading and being on tour for #TheSecretField, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the tour for this beautiful memoir, also by #SusanDennis. It’s worth the wait. Both emotional and unputdownable, Dennis writes with all her heart, making the reader feel like they’re with her & Charlie in this love story with a heartbreaking journey. A true 5 stars of excellence.
October 30, 2022
𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨!
Oh my heart! It took me a bit to read this memoir, that first chapter was brutal for me, but I kept going and even though it was a hard read, stories about loss are not easy to read after the way my mom passed, I end up loving this beautiful story.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 by Susan Dennis Author released July 10, 2021.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
Oh my heart! It took me a bit to read this memoir, that first chapter was brutal for me, but I kept going and even though it was a hard read, stories about loss are not easy to read after the way my mom passed, I end up loving this beautiful story.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 by Susan Dennis Author released July 10, 2021.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
June 19, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a personal roller coaster. I was hooked from the first page. I always love memoirs and their ability to suck you in to the life of complete strangers and this book did just that. It has highs and lows, serious and light hearted. It was full of sacrifice and love.
October 25, 2022
This book is very powerful and raw. I will carry it with me forever.
July 25, 2022
I was originally drawn to this book because of it being featured in Detroit. Having grown up an hour outside Detroit I am always curious to read stories from Michigan. I was not expecting this book to affect me as much as it did. I had to get out of bed three times at the end of this book to get tissues. 😅
I hope I can do this review justice because I could feel the love and loyalty from Susan to her husband Charlie the entire book. Through good and bad times (there were a lot of tough times) she was there for him. Charlie was a very ill man from his teen years on. Most doctors thought he wouldn’t live into his 30s as he was struggling with a very severe case of arthritis which left him chronic pain. From day one, Susan knew Charlie was special. His illness had made his life so difficult but he was such a determined soul. He found solace and contentment with his life through his art which was photography. You would never find Charlie without a camera in his hands. I found that such an inspiring way to deal with the cards he had been dealt, his pain and certain family members. As they grew up and overcame so many obstacles it was so refreshing to see the love, kindness, loyalty and determination this couple had for each other. The ending was 😭 heart wrenching so get ready. Thank you Susan for allowing me to have a peek into your life. I wish you continued healing as well as I know that Charlie is looking down on you know that his art has made a difference in this world!
I hope I can do this review justice because I could feel the love and loyalty from Susan to her husband Charlie the entire book. Through good and bad times (there were a lot of tough times) she was there for him. Charlie was a very ill man from his teen years on. Most doctors thought he wouldn’t live into his 30s as he was struggling with a very severe case of arthritis which left him chronic pain. From day one, Susan knew Charlie was special. His illness had made his life so difficult but he was such a determined soul. He found solace and contentment with his life through his art which was photography. You would never find Charlie without a camera in his hands. I found that such an inspiring way to deal with the cards he had been dealt, his pain and certain family members. As they grew up and overcame so many obstacles it was so refreshing to see the love, kindness, loyalty and determination this couple had for each other. The ending was 😭 heart wrenching so get ready. Thank you Susan for allowing me to have a peek into your life. I wish you continued healing as well as I know that Charlie is looking down on you know that his art has made a difference in this world!
October 31, 2022
What an emotional but powerful memoir. As someone who doesn’t read a lot of this genre, I love the way it was written. It did not feel like non fiction, but a story coming to life. That first chapter sucked me right in and at times I couldn’t believe this actually happened to someone, too be in pain for as long as Charlie was just breaks my heart to think about. I could really tell they loved each other and I loved how vulnerable Dennis got showing not only the happy memories but the difficult ones as well. There were some great life lessons on relationships and navigating careers. The photography sounded like it was beautiful and I was happy to find out there is a website where you can view Charlies work. It really brings the whole story full circle. Be ready to have tissues close by for this one, I got teary eyed multiple times.
Thank you @_susandennis_ and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @_susandennis_ and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
January 9, 2022
A must read! Full review coming! A top Read of mine for the year!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews