Second Half Book: Surviving Loss and Finding Magic in the Missing

by Kelsey Chittick

Kelsey Chittick was in a great place. Her husband, the love of her life since college at the University of North Carolina, had finished a grueling six years in the NFL and had successfully transitioned into a new, fulfilling career in finance. They lived in a charming town in California with their children Jack and Addison, and everyone was flourishing.
Then one day, tragedy struck. On 11/11/17, her husband Nate-a huge, happy, intense, and passionate man-dropped dead at 42 in front of their kids. Kelsey's biggest fear had come true, and she had to decide how to move forward.
In Second Half , Kelsey Chittick pays a heartfelt and hilarious tribute to Nate Hobgood Chittick's tremendous spirit, muses about marital life and co-parenting, and shares her own dark and inspiring journey through heartbreak and loss. Second Half is Kelsey's story of turning his death into an affirmation of life as well as the power of love and the pursuit of peace and gratitude.

246 pages, Paperback

Published August 30, 2021

Reviews

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a memoir that chronicles a widow's immense grief after her husband Nate—a huge, happy, intense, and passionate man—dropped dead at 42 in front of their kids. But it also talks about how she dealt with grief, helped her kids through the tragedy, and found a little happiness every day. The author talks about her marital life and co-parenting, but she also shares her dark and inspiring journey through heartbreak and loss to celebrating life and the power of love, peace, and gratitude.

This is one of the best grief-related books I have ever read. If you want to know what it's like to have the most devastating loss ever and survive, this book is for you. This book is for anybody who thinks they can't move forward and don't know how to, even if they could. I loved seeing how the author had her friends and family show up for her, not just in the beginning but repeatedly. It reminds us that we never make it through grief alone.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/kel...

[Julie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book, an incredible story about surviving loss, showing up in life and living on with purpose. My heart goes out to Kelsey and her family and thank you for sharing your story!

[Kaitlyn Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally found kelsey from her episode of Ladygang, which prompted me to buy her book. It’s devastating and beautiful and human and I loved it so much.

[Joanne Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half of this book was mostly about football, which didn't do much for me. But the story soared when Chittick got to the meat of the book -- the part about her husband's death, the reaction of Chittick and her friends and family, the aftermath. I was very impressed with Chittick's Michael-Beckwith-inspired attititude., and I think we would all benefit from a similar approach to grieving.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Kelsey Chittick for writing the words that are in my heart, my soul and my head everyday since my husband passed away. I will hold on to so much of what you wrote when the pain and darkness set in. I wish I could learn more from you.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly raw and real. Kelsey led me (the reader) through her unimaginable loss and through "finding the magic in the missing"

[Anita P.]

good read - tragic topic - eye opening & brutally honest - her podcast is fun too