I Met Death on the Avenue Road Bus: A Memoir

by Samantha Albert

“Samantha Albert’s memoir glitters with joyful love, humour, and grace beyond measure. It is not just a delight to read, it is a literary gift.”
—Alison Wearing, bestselling author of Confessions of a Fairy’s Daughter

“The last time I thought I was dying, I made pickles.”

So opens Samantha Albert’s powerful, tenderly humorous memoir of a life lived in the shadow of death. Like most young couples, Sam and her husband had plans and fulfilling careers, a beautiful home, a baby or two, family camping trips. Everything was going according to plan until a single sentence overturned their “I have your results back.”

Sam’s rare, life-threatening illness devastated both her body and her plans. Over the ensuing two decades, she managed to outlive dire prognoses again and again. But she also became a stunning embodiment of grace who chose to offer kindness in every gesture and exchange. To use her strength to make others laugh. To weave her love into a tapestry of beauty. And to make pickles.

I Met Death on the Avenue Road Bus is not a book about illness but rather an answer to the question so many people must How do we live the life we have rather than the one we hoped for?

Genres: Canada

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2022

Reviews

[Susan Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is the best example of how "knowing the ending" doesn't necessarily spoil the book. In fact, I think it made every single word and paragraph even more meaningful.

There were so many unexpected takeaways for me that involved the sharing of how she got through her life when its ending could rarely be ignored. She was able to reveal her growing wisdom while still remembering how she felt before she knew any better, something that any one of us can relate to.

The "lists" at the end were surprise resources for any aspiring writer, and her recipes for those pickles and chicken soup would be of interest to many others.

I especially appreciated how she shared details of her Jewish faith and culture along with her reliance on Tai Chi to strength and bolster both physical and emotional strength.

It is a beautifully written and illustrated memoir from a perspective that few will ever have. I'm so thankful I read this.

[Roxanne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely beautiful book! Albert's writing style was enchanting and so easy to read. She writes with such heart!

[Afsaneh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would finish this book in just a few days, especially since I had recently left a few books unfinished. It reminds me of reading *Harry Potter*—the same impression: the sentences are crafted with care, not a word more, not a word less. It’s incredibly gripping. The author has poured her heart and soul into the book, and it shows. She beautifully illustrates a lifelong story of happiness and struggles, capturing the emotions within her extended family and friends in just a few well-crafted sentences.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and very sad. I live in the Stratford area and recognized some of the names which peaked my interest even more. What she endured to try and prolong her life and spend more time with her husband and son were remarkable.

[Sara Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.