Catamaran

Compelling story, insightful

Revisado: 04-12-25

The experience of the author and the way she told this story held my attention, and proved entertaining and educational.

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Boring, tedious, preachy

Revisado: 04-12-25

I am very interested in the story of the illness that look over the life of this author. However, the topic of healthcare in the U.S. is not new, and it doesn’t lack an abundance of statistical data and debate that is longstanding and ongoing. The author did herself no favors by quoting hundreds of statistics, while ignoring benefits that exist for everyone in this country. There are over 7 million people who collect social security disability benefits, and there was no mention of the many welfare benefits and access to free healthcare that’s available. Further, there are many individuals who don’t receive care because they refuse to see a doctor, or who are noncompliant with the treatment plan necessary for their recovery, so they suffer the consequences…but that’s not because they couldn’t access care. The lack of a balanced analysis, combined with the endless list of issues that went far beyond her own experience left me with the feeling of being lectured. Worse, I expected to hear a story of her individual experience, and not to be used as a receptacle for the incessant complaining and tedious explanation of issues that illuminated only one side of a complex topic . I tried very hard to finish this book, but I was so bored by the recitation of data that I could not bear waiting for her personal story to resume. I don’t doubt her suffering, and her writing captured and held my attention right up to the point where she veered into the arena of complaining without any meaningful insight. I wish there were a version of this book that focused solely on her story and first hand experiences.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Insightful, helpful, entertaining

Revisado: 01-23-25

I loved the story progression and intricate details of different lives. I had read this title some time ago and just listened to it for a second time. I had forgotten most of the stories but even where it sounded familiar, I gleaned much more than I did the first time around. The different characters and problems were all, in different ways, relatable and I finished this title with a better sense of how to handle some of my own bumps in the road. Very well done, enjoyed it from beginning to end.

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Exceeded my (high) expectations

Revisado: 01-19-25

I've always been a Tom Selleck fan, and this book did not disappoint. The background, history and personal stories were fascinating, and of course, the narration was perfect. I loved this book from start to finish, and the gems of wisdom along the way were exactly what I would expect from such a decent and successful man. Well done, and thank you for this treasure!!

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Excellent story, heartbreaking read

Revisado: 01-19-25

This was an excellent book that was told with honesty and candor. It's very sad, but the author did a great job showing the reader the impact on the family, especially in light of how things were in the sixties and seventies. I grew up during that time, and it was very relatable in terms of how parents raised their kids. This is a warm, loving and close family that stayed together in spite of the worst trauma...the loss of a child. Very well done, and I wish the author and his family peace.

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Well written, honest, flawed

Revisado: 01-19-25

This book did a good job relating the chaos and suffering endured when mental illness strikes. The story is heartbreaking, and anyone who knows someone with a mental illness will relate. However, the constant justification and backtracking were difficult to put into perspective. I don't presume to understand the position of the parents, but there seemed to be a lot of "lines in the sand" that were sometimes held fast, and other times, adjusted. I don't have all the answers, and I'm sure it's easier to be critical when it's not my son, but at some point, you have to let go of what was, and accept the reality of what's in front of you. There's just no happy ending with a story like this one.

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I was torn on this one

Revisado: 01-18-25

Loved previous books, so I had high hopes for this one. Good stories but much too repetitive in terms of “surveys” and “experts say…”. Also, I am really tired of hearing how women are to be revered because they are female. Inequality exists but it’s not exclusive to women. I don’t understand how meeting with “Ms. Whoever” was so wildly better than a male counterpart because in the real world, it’s always a mixed bag. It undermines women to keep harping on how superior women are and how males are the dopes that just don’t get it. Treat every person as a PERSON and you may be surprised how there are great, smart and qualified individuals of both sexes. Everyone talks about “inclusion and diversity” but immediately point out how “women are better” and the average male is sexist. This was an opportunity squandered on the same rhetoric that will continue to divide us. Lastly, I’m glad this came at the end of the book, but the reference to receiving an invitation from the Duchess of Sussex was a perfect example of the lopsided thinking in this topic. I cannot think of a single redeeming quality Meaghan possesses, and her desperate, never ending self promotion is so cringey I am shocked she’s still at it in spite of the multiple failures she’s racked up. Also, the fact that she’s known only because of who she married is the ultimate insult to the intelligence of readers. Brooke Shields appears to be a smart, thoughtful woman with a healthy dose of self-awareness, and I hope she looks at this entire topic from a different perspective instead of jumping on the “I am woman hear me roar” bandwagon. I’m a woman who is the same age as as Brooke, and I don’t enjoy the current thinking that is simply placing a bigger wedge between ALL of us.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

This book is insufferable

Revisado: 12-19-24

It’s pretentious, pointless and self indulgent. Incessant name dropping without any relevant connection. Very disappointing based on expectations.

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Engaging story, funny, heartfelt

Revisado: 05-06-24

Loved this book. I kept wishing it was longer. Very relatable story, along with great narration

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Interesting story, but incessant “name dropping”

Revisado: 04-24-24

It’s a good story and informative, but this author is obsessive about describing otherwise mundane items by dropping obnoxious brand names (Mercedes, Range Rover, Patagonia, etc.......). Also, the descriptions of people in her life focus on physical attributes so much that it starts to sound made up. Good looks and luxury brands all fade with time. Less “look at me” and more substance. The over the top descriptions for a head of hair or a pullover sweater was both annoying and distracting

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