How to Save A Life by Kristin Harmel


Groundhog Day meets Grey’s Anatomy in this heartfelt novella with a hint of magic from the internationally bestselling author of The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended, in which a woman with only a short time to live discovers she can repeat the same day over and over until her life feels complete.

When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing secret: it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death. Kristin Harmel, whose work has been called “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), “absorbing…well-paced and warmhearted” (Kirkus Reviews), and “absolutely enthralling” (Fresh Fiction), infuses her poignant, uplifting novella with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of heart.
 

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Every now and then you meet an author that just speaks your language.  And, that's how I felt about this book because it was almost as if the author knew exactly what I needed to hear just at the right moment and wrote the book for me personally. 
If you are a regular follower of our blog then many of you already know that I was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer.  And, even though I am currently stable and have the potential for many years ahead of me, the message of this book hit very close to home for me and touched on some personal issues in which  I have been struggling.  The author did a wonderful job of highlighting the fears, emotions and disappointments that terminal patients face in a very magical and creative way.  I shed a few tears reading this...  it was like I was reading my own story in a way.  The only difference is that the main character has an inoperable brain tumor and she only has weeks to live whereas I have potentially many years.  Reading this book helped me in many ways to accept what lies ahead because death after all is a part of life.  And, it's never too late to go after what you want to feel complete. 
One thing that rang true in this story is that most people who are terminal learn very quickly that time is not to be wasted.  We are all living a life that will one day end, and once you are handed that notice that is the time you truly begin to take those words to heart. 
This was just beautiful storytelling!  I'm going to be thinking about this book for a while. This is the second book I've read by this author and I love the way she conveys life wisdom through her stories. In this book the message that LOVE is the most important thing we leave behind and also the only thing we take with us is so very profound.   Spreading love and treating people with sincerity is something that I truly believe in.  I don't think people realize how important it is to stop and take notice of the people around them.  To acknowledge their wants, needs and wishes.  In reality we do not need magic to make these things happen.  The magic lies inside of our hearts.  All we have to do is step up and do the work and then we can truly know the power that lies inside of us. 
Some people may read this story and think...  I don't get it!  But, for me being someone who is walking on the same road as the main character, it meant a great deal and touched me deeply. 
For me, this book was a gift...  and one in which I think everyone can learn some valuable life lessons. 

I love this author... just stinking love her... :)

If you are a fan of books that are full of inspirational life wisdom and don't mind shedding a few tears then this is one you will want to put onto your to-read pile.

5 Beautiful stars!

If you are feeling brave and would like to visit my blog that is dedicated to Metastatic Breast Cancer, you can read some of my personal blog posts and learn more about this disease that affects more than 40,000 men and women every year. 
Climbing the Mountain of MBC

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