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Seven Days of SHIVA: Forty-six years of puppy love
An unforgettable memoir about a romance that will make you smile, laugh, and cry - not always in that order.Seized with grief at the loss of his beloved and vibrant wife, Barbara, after a thirty-year battle with breast cancer, Marc Gellman does the only thing he finds he can do. He starts telling stories. This unique memoir is much more than a tribute to a departed love. Their story shows how a cancer journey seamlessly entwines through a four decades-long love story.A lifelong raconteur and jokester, Marc spent their forty-six-year relationship making Barbara laugh. He'd do anything to make Barbara's gorgeous face break into the cute, dimpled smile he first saw once upon a time, in 1964, when a fourteen-year-old boy from Brooklyn met a twelve-year-old girl from The Bronx and they fell in love.Surrounded by family and friends for seven days of sitting Shiva, Marc recounts his fairytale love story with Barbara, from their teenage meeting in the 1960s Rockaway summer scene, to being early marrieds in New York City, to suburban parenting, and to life as an urban couple relishing their empty nest. Once it appears, Barbara's courageous, grueling, determinded, hope -filled fight against a brutal disease is unflinchingly depicted.With candor and humor, laughter and tears, Marc shares the tales of a life both wildly charmed and excruciatingly challenging. Theirs is a life of parties and singing and celebration, and a life of hard work raising three lively children while managing two demanding, deeply rewarding careers. It's a life of playful adventures and hijinks, of makng the most of every silly moment in even the most serious of times. A life of standing up to every challenge together, and dancing close whenever they can.Observing their singular, remarkable romance through "Shiva Eyes," Marc uncovers a depth to the love he'd never fully grasped, and a strength in Barbara he'd never fully understood. For all the trials that cancer brought into their lives, he discovers a happily-ever-after born of laughter, devotion, faith, and above all, a teenage puppy love that only grew with each passing year.
- GenresMemoir
570 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2021
295 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 27, 2022
This book was a wonderful story of a couple who fell in love as teenagers, and never lost that felling . It is a funny book, a heartfelt story of a marriage and a family. It will make you laugh and it will bring tears to your eyes.
July 19, 2022
Amazing Story
This was the most inspiring story. It made me laugh and cry. I recommend it to anyone who has faced adversity in their lives.
This was the most inspiring story. It made me laugh and cry. I recommend it to anyone who has faced adversity in their lives.
July 12, 2022
Touching and amusing moments driven by inner faith
When reading a memoir one should ask if there are any literary values in addition to the personal stories and sentiments. Indeed, moments of grieving, obstacles, and childhood anecdotes naturally intermingled with moments of happiness and diverting text, a blend most readers relate to in their own lives.
I felt sympathy with Marc from the beginning while reading his thoughts during the Shiva:
‘But why are they here? I was confused, thinking, “Why am I here with all these people, without Barbara?”’ Aren’t each of us feel the same when losing a loved one?
Barbara’s strong faith when she started treatment reveals the spirit of the whole book:
‘I believe in one God and that he hears ALL our prayers. So, let our voices rise, whether they be Jewish, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Muslim, Buddhist or any other, just keep on praying. God bless all of you with good health and happiness for many years to come.’
I liked Marc’s mother remarkable wisdom, stating her personal 10 commandments for being a good husband.
I found commandment 1 and 10 amusing:
Number 1: As a husband, you should learn to keep your mouth shut.
Number 10: You should be satisfied with what you and your wife have.
I found Marc’s reaction amusing as well: ‘I was very good at obeying two through nine and maybe even okay at number one.’ Later on, I laughed a lot reading his text on being sixty years old. Those ordinary life experiences and anecdotes make this book worthy.
Writing about those who are dearest to you can be both rewarding and scary experiences for a writer. In this book the feeling is a great reward for the author and for us. Marc Gellman was truly blessed being married to Barbara. I was blessed getting to know both of them while reading this moving memoir.
When reading a memoir one should ask if there are any literary values in addition to the personal stories and sentiments. Indeed, moments of grieving, obstacles, and childhood anecdotes naturally intermingled with moments of happiness and diverting text, a blend most readers relate to in their own lives.
I felt sympathy with Marc from the beginning while reading his thoughts during the Shiva:
‘But why are they here? I was confused, thinking, “Why am I here with all these people, without Barbara?”’ Aren’t each of us feel the same when losing a loved one?
Barbara’s strong faith when she started treatment reveals the spirit of the whole book:
‘I believe in one God and that he hears ALL our prayers. So, let our voices rise, whether they be Jewish, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Muslim, Buddhist or any other, just keep on praying. God bless all of you with good health and happiness for many years to come.’
I liked Marc’s mother remarkable wisdom, stating her personal 10 commandments for being a good husband.
I found commandment 1 and 10 amusing:
Number 1: As a husband, you should learn to keep your mouth shut.
Number 10: You should be satisfied with what you and your wife have.
I found Marc’s reaction amusing as well: ‘I was very good at obeying two through nine and maybe even okay at number one.’ Later on, I laughed a lot reading his text on being sixty years old. Those ordinary life experiences and anecdotes make this book worthy.
Writing about those who are dearest to you can be both rewarding and scary experiences for a writer. In this book the feeling is a great reward for the author and for us. Marc Gellman was truly blessed being married to Barbara. I was blessed getting to know both of them while reading this moving memoir.
March 24, 2023
What true love is
Oh my goodness.. I laughed and cried and fell in love with this couple. They were made for each other. Loved what the fortune cookie fortune said, because it's so true.
Oh my goodness.. I laughed and cried and fell in love with this couple. They were made for each other. Loved what the fortune cookie fortune said, because it's so true.
July 16, 2023
Seven Days of Shiva
Forty-six years of puppy love
By Marc Gellman
Memoir
Love and Romance
Book Review by Sylvia Jacobs
We will start off by saying that this book is 100%
true as told to me by the author. Upon opening,
in the book you will see these beautiful words “I
will tell our story to the world; that every day we
shared was special.” Their love story lasted four
decades. A beautiful photo of the couple is shown
on the very first page. One can see the love they
had for each other in their eyes.
Marc labeled a jokester, spent their 46 year
relationship, making his wife Barbara laugh.
Their romance started when a 14 year old boy
from Brooklyn met a 12 year old girl from the
Bronx and they magically fell in love.
As he is surrounded by his family and friends
for seven days of sitting Shiva, he tells all about
the romance he had with his wife. It is described
as something from the fairy tales. He goes
through their life, he starts in their teenage years,
meeting in the 1960s, to being married early in
New York City, to suburban parenting, and to
life as an urban couple relishing their empty
nest.
A positive about the book is that you will start to
feel many emotions as you read the happiness
the couple went through, and the sadness they
went through in their life. Barbara seemed like
a brave person. What a blessing it was that she
had a husband who was with her through it all.
One will adore the many photos in the book. One
will like the Jewish language of Yiddish that was
thrown into the book. One will especially like the
way Marc described and spoke about his wife.
One negative about the book was learning that his
wife had Cancer. However, their life was charmed,
but yet challenging.
This book deserves the rating of 5 out of 5 Stars
just from reading about the strength that Barbara
had even though she went through so much. Her
husband Marc was there with her through it all.
This book is recommended to all those that want
to read about a marriage, where both people
supported each other through the good times
and the hardships they endured. Their love and
strength got them through it all.
This book is being read around the world: Across
the USA, Toronto, Montreal, Paris, London,
Israel, Cape Town, Melbourne and more. One
will adore how Barbara’s daughter Kristen
described her mother. She was described
as “ the strongest, most courageous, most
optimistic, and loving person I’ve ever known”.
Forty-six years of puppy love
By Marc Gellman
Memoir
Love and Romance
Book Review by Sylvia Jacobs
We will start off by saying that this book is 100%
true as told to me by the author. Upon opening,
in the book you will see these beautiful words “I
will tell our story to the world; that every day we
shared was special.” Their love story lasted four
decades. A beautiful photo of the couple is shown
on the very first page. One can see the love they
had for each other in their eyes.
Marc labeled a jokester, spent their 46 year
relationship, making his wife Barbara laugh.
Their romance started when a 14 year old boy
from Brooklyn met a 12 year old girl from the
Bronx and they magically fell in love.
As he is surrounded by his family and friends
for seven days of sitting Shiva, he tells all about
the romance he had with his wife. It is described
as something from the fairy tales. He goes
through their life, he starts in their teenage years,
meeting in the 1960s, to being married early in
New York City, to suburban parenting, and to
life as an urban couple relishing their empty
nest.
A positive about the book is that you will start to
feel many emotions as you read the happiness
the couple went through, and the sadness they
went through in their life. Barbara seemed like
a brave person. What a blessing it was that she
had a husband who was with her through it all.
One will adore the many photos in the book. One
will like the Jewish language of Yiddish that was
thrown into the book. One will especially like the
way Marc described and spoke about his wife.
One negative about the book was learning that his
wife had Cancer. However, their life was charmed,
but yet challenging.
This book deserves the rating of 5 out of 5 Stars
just from reading about the strength that Barbara
had even though she went through so much. Her
husband Marc was there with her through it all.
This book is recommended to all those that want
to read about a marriage, where both people
supported each other through the good times
and the hardships they endured. Their love and
strength got them through it all.
This book is being read around the world: Across
the USA, Toronto, Montreal, Paris, London,
Israel, Cape Town, Melbourne and more. One
will adore how Barbara’s daughter Kristen
described her mother. She was described
as “ the strongest, most courageous, most
optimistic, and loving person I’ve ever known”.
Read
July 6, 2023I highly recommend reading Seven Days of SHIVA: Forty-six years of puppy love. It is such an inspirational story that I found myself wanting to emulate Barbara’s strength and courage in dealing with adversity, as well as her outlook on life. On another level, there was a touching love story, a type of real love that we should all strive to have. The story is funny, sad, and engaging. One quote from the author that I take with me is one where he is talking about how he misses his walks with his wife: “We can savor the precious moments that come upon us during our lives. We just need to slow things down and pause in order to recognize those precious moments, even if it’s just a walk in the rain. Clothes can be washed or replaced, but nothing will replace precious moments with our spouse.”
April 5, 2024
Inspiring and beautiful. I laughed and cried. The love both Marc and Barbara had for each other was so deeply felt. They met at such a young age, fell head over heels in love and, their love story continued to stay strong. Barbara’s 30 year battle with breast cancer showed, how strong her faith was, her resilient she was, how much she wanted to live life to the fullest each day. Marc stood by her side and his loss and grief brought me to tears throughout the book. The family bond that was shared with their three children Jonathan, Kristen and Brian was beautiful. Sometimes illnesses can tear a family apart. Their families deep love for one and other kept them fighting for Barbara health and for their families strong and unbreakable bond. Puppy love that could last for 40 years is a very beautiful thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
This is a true one of a kind Love Story. 2 young pre-teenish kids see each other for the first time & eh, go on with their lives. Each summer their lives cross until
Magically they realize they are meant to be together, & so they were. Through sickness & in health, till death do you part is so true of this story. Happiness, gleefulness, sadness are some of the emotions in this book. This is a recollection of memories that the author had of his dearly beloved. You too will surely have tears of your own as you share in the love of these 2 lives. Remember to always cherish Your memories of Your loved ones because those can Never Ever be taken from you.
Magically they realize they are meant to be together, & so they were. Through sickness & in health, till death do you part is so true of this story. Happiness, gleefulness, sadness are some of the emotions in this book. This is a recollection of memories that the author had of his dearly beloved. You too will surely have tears of your own as you share in the love of these 2 lives. Remember to always cherish Your memories of Your loved ones because those can Never Ever be taken from you.
June 23, 2024
A Love Story
I loved this book as it reminded me of my marriage to my wonderful husband. There were so many similarities between us and Barbara and Marc. We come from the Bronx, lived in Forest Hills when we first got married, Long Island and then Browser County Florida. So many parts of the story are so familiar. Thank God we do not have the horrific story of Barbara 's illness and death. We did have slot in common though. The love story is very much like our own. Thank you Mark for your beautiful story. I am so sorry it had this unhappy ending..
I loved this book as it reminded me of my marriage to my wonderful husband. There were so many similarities between us and Barbara and Marc. We come from the Bronx, lived in Forest Hills when we first got married, Long Island and then Browser County Florida. So many parts of the story are so familiar. Thank God we do not have the horrific story of Barbara 's illness and death. We did have slot in common though. The love story is very much like our own. Thank you Mark for your beautiful story. I am so sorry it had this unhappy ending..
November 30, 2024
Audio Review: Seven Days of SHIVA: Forty-six years of puppy love by Marc Gellman, Narrated by Noah Michael Levine and Erin Bennett
A celebration of life and love that tugs at the heart. Seven Days of Shiva is the type of life story that dares to get messy. Gellman brings tears to your eyes and joy to your soul with a depth of courage that is haunting in it's intensity. Levine and Bennett breathe new life into a real testament of what enduring love means. A breathtaking heartache that's not easy to forget.
A celebration of life and love that tugs at the heart. Seven Days of Shiva is the type of life story that dares to get messy. Gellman brings tears to your eyes and joy to your soul with a depth of courage that is haunting in it's intensity. Levine and Bennett breathe new life into a real testament of what enduring love means. A breathtaking heartache that's not easy to forget.
February 28, 2023
I read Seven Days of Shiva by Marc Bellman. This is written by a man whose wife died after having breast cancer. She survived various different stages, essentially fighting cancer for 30 years. It's heartbreaking. The family and time frame was very relatable to me. From New York, the kids, Jewish, etc. but of course, the illness was a sad recurring part of the family's life. Some parts make you laugh, some cringe, many cry. What else can you say?
November 22, 2023
Seven Days of Shiva is a heartwarming love story that spans over 40 years. The author is real and shares a coming of age love affair that started as a teen and follows the building of an amazing life together. In a world of so much disparity it is wonderful to remember what the words love and commitment really mean. Marc writes with great passion, detail and flow. I highly recommend this book.
August 30, 2024
Geography and profanity
Not having lived in New York I was quickly bored with all of the Brooklyn and Bronx addresses. I was also turned of with the constant use of the f word and the overly descriptive stories of their sex life. I also thought that the book was not particularly well written. If this were not for a book club I never would have read beyond the first fee pages.
Not having lived in New York I was quickly bored with all of the Brooklyn and Bronx addresses. I was also turned of with the constant use of the f word and the overly descriptive stories of their sex life. I also thought that the book was not particularly well written. If this were not for a book club I never would have read beyond the first fee pages.
January 22, 2023
With a title like Shiva, I was expecting this book to be a total tearjerker. And while I did shed some tears at some points, the major emotion I experienced was envy for the incredible relationship shared by Marc and Barbara. How blessed were they to share their lives- despite (or perhaps because of?) all the difficulties they faced together. This is a beautiful book that I was sorry to see end.
March 8, 2023
This memoir chronicles a lifetime love between two people who met as preteens and fell in puppy love. They went on to get married for almost 40 years. This book made me laugh and made me cry. I recommend this book to anyone who met their spouse at a young age, or had/have a long marriage, have been married short or long time, or lost their spouse and had to go on.
August 8, 2024
Artie G
As I read this story of true love I was able to relate. I brew up In Jackson Heights at the same time. I graduated from Newtown HS in 1962. I met my wife , a local girl in 1965. We married in December 1967. It will be 57 years this December2024. I used a box of tissues while reading about their life together. True love!
As I read this story of true love I was able to relate. I brew up In Jackson Heights at the same time. I graduated from Newtown HS in 1962. I met my wife , a local girl in 1965. We married in December 1967. It will be 57 years this December2024. I used a box of tissues while reading about their life together. True love!
November 12, 2024
Very good but tough! Maybe because cancer has hit too close for my family; however having said that, beautiful love story of puppy love that never grew old, the resilience of a 30 year battle with cancer and the Importance of family, a good partner, faith and the will to live! Coupled with always remembering to have fun!
August 15, 2024
A Shiva Remembrance
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful marriage and family. Shiva Eyes were a terrific way to remember both the good and bad times. You get to know the people as if they are your best friends. Recommended for anyone who likes romance and devotion.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful marriage and family. Shiva Eyes were a terrific way to remember both the good and bad times. You get to know the people as if they are your best friends. Recommended for anyone who likes romance and devotion.
November 28, 2023
What a true love story.
January 4, 2024
Beautiful love story!!
February 26, 2024
A heart warming book of a long marriage being torn apart by cancer. Written by the hubby based on his love story. Would love to read a sequel on how the author has moved on with his life
February 29, 2024
It was a beautiful love story but also very sad, cancer is a horrible disease.
March 16, 2024
Very emotional memoir. Too long and detailed.... Skipped to end after 40%.....
Read
April 3, 2024A little bit of a tear jerker, but I loved it. It made me think about our wonderful marriage.
July 26, 2024
Beautiful memoir. Makes you happy and sad. A book to be read
January 1, 2025
A beautifully written story.
January 12, 2026
Beautiful story. A bit too long, slightly repetitive
November 27, 2025
A LOVE STORY FOR THE AGES !!!!
Oh Marc ! You so silly , this short statement still resonates in my mind. Yes I laughed and I cried, the process continued till I finished ( but I’m very sure I’ll read this book again ). Thank you for letting all of us who read yours and Barbara’s life sharing the good and wonderful lifelong memories. But in a personal note, I feel that I’ve somehow been part of this in a long distance journey. Normally I finish most books in a few days, here it lasted 12 days, I was in no hurry to finish it. You two lived a beautiful life until the cancer took it away. As Jewish by from Brooklyn, Coney Island, our belief’s are the same . We will all be together again someday, but not too soon, there’s so much more to do.
As for Barbara , “ May her memory be a blessing “ RIP sweet lady
Oh Marc ! You so silly , this short statement still resonates in my mind. Yes I laughed and I cried, the process continued till I finished ( but I’m very sure I’ll read this book again ). Thank you for letting all of us who read yours and Barbara’s life sharing the good and wonderful lifelong memories. But in a personal note, I feel that I’ve somehow been part of this in a long distance journey. Normally I finish most books in a few days, here it lasted 12 days, I was in no hurry to finish it. You two lived a beautiful life until the cancer took it away. As Jewish by from Brooklyn, Coney Island, our belief’s are the same . We will all be together again someday, but not too soon, there’s so much more to do.
As for Barbara , “ May her memory be a blessing “ RIP sweet lady
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews