Review: Marrow by Elizabeth Lesser

Marrow

by Elizabeth Lesser

Publisher: Harper Wave

Pages: 320

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  A mesmerizing and courageous memoir: the story of two sisters uncovering the depth of their love through the life-and-death experience of a bone marrow transplant. Throughout her life, Elizabeth Lesser has sought understanding about what it means to be true to oneself and, at the same time, truly connected to the ones we love. But when her sister Maggie needs a bone marrow transplant to save her life, and Lesser learns that she is the perfect match, she faces a far more immediate and complex question about what it really means to love—honestly, generously, and authentically.

Hoping to give Maggie the best chance possible for a successful transplant, the sisters dig deep into the marrow of their relationship to clear a path to unconditional acceptance. They leave the bone marrow transplant up to the doctors, but take on what Lesser calls a "soul marrow transplant," examining their family history, having difficult conversations, examining old assumptions, and offering forgiveness until all that is left is love for each other’s true selves. Their process—before, during, and after the transplant—encourages them to take risks of authenticity in other aspects their lives.

But life does not follow the storylines we plan for it. Maggie’s body is ultimately too weak to fight the relentless illness. As she and Lesser prepare for the inevitable, they grow ever closer as their shared blood cells become a symbol of the enduring bond they share. Told with suspense and humor, Marrow is joyous and heartbreaking, incandescent and profound. The story reveals how even our most difficult experiences can offer unexpected spiritual growth. Reflecting on the multifaceted nature of love—love of other, love of self, love of the world—Marrow is an unflinching and beautiful memoir about getting to the very center of ourselves.

Kritters Thoughts:  Two sisters of a family of four sisters, the two in the middle of the pack who were polar opposites and now as adults they never really connected, but when a disease enters their family, they find a place to bond and it changes each of them forever.

I described this book to my sister (who reads a lot of self help and inspirational books) that this was the perfect combination of the science and feeling of cancer and disease and then how family can be there to lean on.  And even more - how the trials in your life can either build you or bring you down its all how you approach them.  So if you are a self help/inspirational reader you will like this, but if you don't tend to read those and you like memoir - try it, it had enough plot for me to feel like it was still a story.

Maybe as a spoiler/warning, do not read the last two chapters in any sort of a public place.  I don't completely outwardly cry often in books, this one brought tears but not sad cancer tears more of wow, sisterhood tears!  If you are a sister whether you have or had a good relationship, it is great to read a story of the ups and downs of sisterhood.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from  HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.