Missing Andy

by Lori A. Moore

In her latest book, Missing The Journey from Grief to Joy, author Lori A. Moore explains how to view the loss of a loved one as a celebration instead of a final event. After unexpectedly losing her ex-husband, who was also her best friend, due to a fatal blood clot, Lori found herself lost and numb, but working her way through the five stages of grief helped her rediscover true happiness. Now, Lori writes about her experiences to help those dealing with grief come to a place of understanding and acceptance. Take this journey with Lori and find out how Missing Andy furthered her relationship with God and showed her how to truly live again. Come out of a place of inconsolable sadness and discover the joy that can only be found through Christ Jesus.

72 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published March 2, 2010

About the author

Lori A. Moore is an award-winning author and professor who doesn’t take herself too seriously and believes her greatest gift to be silliness. A public speaker and consultant, Lori has four graduate degrees in business. Lori, her husband, and their cat, Grady, live in Louisville, KY. An avid traveler, she has explored much of the globe, finding and bringing silliness to all places.

Reviews

[Caitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as a Good Read's First Read. I commend Lori Moore for writing this story as I'm sure it was a very therapeutic experience, however would not recommend it to a grieving friend. However, I realize that there are all types of people in the world and perhaps this is would be great for others.

The book is simple and if it were longer I'm sure it would be difficult for a grief stricken person to read. I felt that the religious beliefs were a bit simplistic. Every detail that was somewhat beneficial was a "God incident." For example God knew that the author would be devastated if she was on another continent when Andy died so this was a "God inciden.t" A lot of people die when their loved ones simply can't be there... does that mean that God cared less for them. I just find that a very overly simplistic way of looking at Christianity, death, and the events of life. Also any negative thoughts were explained as Satan trying to take hold which I just find problems with. I don't think every time someone expresses grief or sadness (natural emotions in life) that satan is trying to take hold.

There are a lot of non sequitors as well. I felt like the conclusions didn't follow logically from the analogies or examples given as the book. The chapters were very simplistic and quick but sometimes I think this caused them to not really lead up to the conclusion that was being attempted. I think all the chapters could have been rewritten with out some of the details that weren't very supportive and been just as concise but much more logical.

It was an interesting read I'm also just not sure I really buy that this was a story from grief to joy as much as the natural progression from grief to remembering good times with a loved one and being able to smile about at as time progresses. I'm sure this book has a place with a certain group of people, but this just wouldn't be a book for me or even my family and friends.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Missing Andy’ by Lori A. Moore is a well written story that gives you an unusual view point in grieving the loss of a loved one. Lori puts her grief, and how she handled it, in this heartfelt story. Not only that, she does it from the view point of someone most people never consider, the ex-wife. Lori shares her pain and the unexpected events that were caused by Andy’s death in a way that shows her faith, love, strength and, yes, her weaknesses. With her love of God and the strength He provides, along with the support of her husband, Lori allows herself to grieve. Lori shows that it’s okay to cry, to grieve, to mourn and to do it at your own pace. The dreaded words, ‘it’ll get easier as time passes’ isn’t what ‘Missing Andy’ is about. It is about learning to deal with the loss and to come to terms in your own way and by continuing to honor your loved one’s wishes…It’s about love. I recommend this book to anyone that has suffered loss of a loved one; it just might be what they need.

Review by Ursula Gorman, author of Old Acquaintances, a mystery/romance released Dec 2010/Jan 2011

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a GoodReads First Reads Giveaway. I loved Moore's writing style. It was concise and it sounded like I was listening to her thoughts or she was speaking to me. I laughed aloud at a few references to Seinfeld and My Cousin Vinny which were made to book very approachable. I appreciated that while the book may be spiritual/religious in nature, that aspect was not stuffed down your throat. The relationship with Andy was different from many you see every day, but it shows you that even if your marriage doesn't work out, the ex can still be a part of your life in a very important way. I would particularily recommend reading this book if you are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Reading the process from an outsider's view, may help you in your own journey.

[Alyssa Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't put a question mark where God has put a period."

This is a quote that Lori Moore uses it in her book, Missing Andy, and I think it pretty much sums up the message that she tries to get across to her readers. Missing Andy is a memoir that pulls the reader into a pretty unusual situation. Andy was Moore’s ex-husband-but also her best friend. Even after Moore remarried, Andy remained a huge part of her life. They would talk almost every day and spend most of their time together. When Andy dies suddenly due to surgical complications, Moore finds herself in the midst of grief and family drama. How will she be able to keep peace in the family? More importantly, how will she be able to cope without her best friend in her life? A quick read, I recommend Missing Andy for anyone needing an inspirational story to help them overcome their own grief.

[Jim Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Missing Andy" is a love story that transcends life circumstances and life itself. Author Lori Moore takes us inside her heart as she grieves over the death of her ex-husband and eternal friend, Andy. Lori shares about a love lost, love grieved, love intertwined, and love enduring. We discover that true love does last a lifetime and beyond. If you have ever grieved over the lost of a loved one, you will discover here that there is no one way to grieve. Each of us handles grief a different way, and it's okay. A must read for anyone who is struggling with processing grief or knows someone who is. Lori's testimony of God's faithfulness and grace along with her Scripture quotes will truly bless your heart.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Journey From Grief To Joy,” the subtitle for this book, describes exactly what the book is about.

The author, Lori A. Moore, tells about her friend Andy and his salvation journey. It is told in a loving and open manner. As she recounts her interactions with Andy she is very candid and you feel like she is sitting right there talking to you.

I liked how she placed scripture at just the right places. The writing style was easy to follow. Although the book is about the death of a friend it is not sad or depressing. It is definitely worth reading.

I was given this book by christianreviewofbooks.com to review.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lori Moore tells a story of heartbreak and loss. When I first obtained a copy of Missing Andy, for some reason I assumed it was about the loss of a child, I was mistaken. Lori's Andy is in fact her ex-husband. After twelve years of unresolved issues, Lori and Andy's marriage ends in divorce. While this may have been the end of a marriage, it was not the end of a lasting friendship. When Andy dies unexpectedly, Lori finds herself grieving the death of a close friend. I recommend Missing Andy if you have experienced loss in your life, no matter what that loss might be. Lori gives words of encouragement in Missing Andy.

[Amy Binkerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book (a very quick read at only 67 pages). It details a very unique and special bond between the author and her ex-husband. Unique because typically ex's don't typically continue to be best friends following the divorce and a re-marry.

I think it's awesome that the authors current husband was secure enough in himself and their relationship to allow her relationship to continue. Also, that he was comfortable enough to let her "grieve" for as long as she needed. Her relationship with her current husband must be pretty special too, to have that kind of security and trust!

[Annika Paxman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book of Goodreads-Firstreads, and did enjoy it. While a very short read, taking less than an hour, Moore shared some personal and deep religious insight into the uncommon relationship with her ex-husband, and her sense of loss at his death. While I wish she would have had a little more 'spiritual depth' she does a fantastic job sharing key religious points to the loss of a loved one and finding joy again.

[Toni Nelson]

This book was such a short read and I felt like there was so much more to be said by the author. I honestly can't rate the book as I felt like I was reading someone's personal journal or diary. The author has a great sense for writing but I would like to see more detail and I'm hoping to find that in her second book, From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years.