Leaving the Life: A true story of love, loss and gratitude - Softcover

Smith, Patrick McKenna Lynch

4.57

14 ratings by Goodreads

9780989008693: Leaving the Life: A true story of love, loss and gratitude

Softcover

ISBN 10: 098900869X ISBN 13: 9780989008693

Publisher: Chimalis LLC, 2013

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WARNING: THIS IS NOT FICTION. You may wish it was, as then these events would not actually have happened. Leaving the Life is a brutally honest account of true love, loss and the struggle for survival. It is a beautifully written, tragic love story filled with courage, compassion and

hope.

This page-turner will move, touch and inspire you. Go inside the private lives of an ordinary couple as their world is turned upside down by a terrifying diagnosis. Their journey will leave you grateful for what you do have, and for what you do not have. You will cling closer to your loved ones. There is a surprise happy ending that not even the author saw coming.

Here is what readers are saying about Leaving the Life:

"...the book hooked me from the introduction and I loved the writing. It read like a novel... It was hard to read knowing these were real people and how life is so unfair and cruel--even though we all know that." ~ Beth Schwaner

"I don't have words to express my gratitude, my awe, not only for what you have lived through, but the elegant humanity of your writing. You take us with you into the dark terror of a living hell, without ever losing your humanity or Claudia's dignity. I am moved to tears." ~ Lisa Davidson

"I couldn't stop reading it, but felt so much sorrow - there was no mercy. It's such a sad love story.... I loved the poetry." ~ Claire C., Cancer Survivor

"I read [most of] the manuscript in one sitting, with only a break for lunch. I wish I could say I loved it, but I hated it. I hated reading about two people ...having their lives torn apart.... It has made me question my somewhat solitary and self-directed existence.... [The book] made me do some thinking, although (or because?) it was somewhat disturbing. Perhaps this is what good writing is all about...." ~ Alan D., Librarian

"I'm not sure how to categorize this non-fiction book - probably as a true romance. It is very sad, but also extremely well written. The book really made me think about what marriage vows really mean, about sickness and health, about courage, and how I want to live my own life. I couldn't put it down - I finished it in a day and a half. The ending was surprising and heartwarming." Kay G, Cancer survivor

"Patrick writes in a visceral way.... It is intensely personal, which really draws the reader in.... It is a personal odyssey and would definitely appeal to those who have loved and lost, have had to deal with tragic, senseless life circumstances .... at this point in my life, I find it both depressing and uplifting - almost opposite emotions - and strangely compelling...." ~ Kim Reed, Teacher

"I devoured the book, stayed up late, and wanted to take it everywhere." ~ Vicki Butler

This compelling odyssey should be required reading for:
- Anyone who wants to see what it's REALLY like when life as you know it unravel
- The millions of people whose lives have been affected by serious illness, including the caregivers

- Anyone who has experienced loss, including widows and widowers in search of a story they can relate to

- Friends and family trying to understand what caregivers and the bereaved experience

- Medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, hospice workers, clergy, social workers and counselors.

(NOTE: You do NOT need an Amazon Kindle to read this eBook. Amazon offers free apps that will let you read this eBook on just about any computer, tablet or smartphone.)

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Author:

"I wrote this book to save my life. I hope it will move, touch and inspire others. While, in the end, it was an honor and a privilege to have the experience I wrote about, I hope to never have another one like it."

From the publisher: "I couldn't put it down" has been a typical response from readers. For book clubs: Finding the right book for your book group can be frustrating and challenging. Leaving the Life: A true story of love, loss and gratitude offers an opportunity to introduce members to an author and book that most will be unfamiliar with. The three-dimensional characters deal with life issues any reader can relate to. The manner in which the tale is told creates a profound sense of kinship between reader and writer. You will feel as if you know these people. The author lets you see inside their hearts and minds, as they are forced to make difficult choices under difficult circumstances. This haunting memoir will insinuate itself into your experience with its heart-wrenching story and thought-provoking perspectives. This is a good book for discussion as it is extremely well written, and explores basic human truths.

About the Author:

Born under a bad sign in Boston, Patrick McKenna Lynch Smith grew up in Connecticut. After attending the Protracted School, the author worked at many jobs, and many other jobs, including belaboring the point. On several occasions, he arrived where he started and knew the place for the first time. He was married, widowed, and rose again to slouch towards Bethlehem. He also ate sour grapes and drank life to the lees.

His articles and poems have never been published in The New Yorker.

Patrick Smith graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.S. in Anthropology. In between writing, he has worked as a commercial fisherman and in the building trades. He currently lives in Northeastern Connecticut.

Smith served as a guest lecturer at Laurelynn Martin's "Write Your Life" seminars, was selected for a scholarship for the prestigious Bread Loaf Writer's Conference, and has written copy for catalogs.

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