This is an insightful and honest look at how people cope when life has dealt them a raw deal. Patterson has interviewed many people - some of which are public figures, most of whom are not - who give us their opinion on what kept them going through the most dreadful times. And some of these times are indeed heartbreakingly awful - the most poignant for me was the story of Patterson's parents' friends who had lost two children and how they had continued to live after this.
Patterson starts the book describing her resentment and anger at losing her job at The Independent. This coloured the first few chapters (and indeed is a recurring theme throughout the book). This did become a little wearing at points, but then as she explored other themes with other people - bereavement, being single, being married, having children, being childless, coping with terminal and chronic disease to name a few - I found myself more interested and involved in the book. The same interviewees appear throughout the book, which creates a sense of continuity.
Yes this is a terribly sad book in places. But it is also a wonderful affirmation of hope and survival and life. And I cannot agree more with Patterson when she states "I don't need a conference to tell me that the most important thing in life is to be kind."
Patterson starts the book describing her resentment and anger at losing her job at The Independent. This coloured the first few chapters (and indeed is a recurring theme throughout the book). This did become a little wearing at points, but then as she explored other themes with other people - bereavement, being single, being married, having children, being childless, coping with terminal and chronic disease to name a few - I found myself more interested and involved in the book. The same interviewees appear throughout the book, which creates a sense of continuity.
Yes this is a terribly sad book in places. But it is also a wonderful affirmation of hope and survival and life. And I cannot agree more with Patterson when she states "I don't need a conference to tell me that the most important thing in life is to be kind."