Please give me back the lost hours of my life!

Of all of the books that have been recommended to me in the last 2 years, this one was the most difficult to finish and my least favorite of all. I found the author difficult to sympathize with as she was overly hard on others trying to be there for her in a difficult time. She wanted to prove how stupid and foolish people are in the things they say as they try to comfort her, and she complained about the lessons they tried to teach her, as she breaks her own rule and preaches to the reader. Very egocentric thinking and writing. Her writing was also very pretentious, filled with an angry and negative energy. We get it, you are dying and aren't happy about it and no one understands. She spoke of herself and her experience as though she is a part of some special club that "gets it" because of what she's been through. We get how you sooo get it because you are dying at a faster rate than the rest of us. We get that your suffering gives you special leeway to be angry and miserable, but others should really button their lips to spare you more discomfort. Maybe people do say the stupid things they do more to comfort themselves then to really comfort you, but who gives a shit how they feel right? They aren't the ones who are dying, your thoughts and feelings should be considered foremost. I guess her entitlement to judge others rubbed me the wrong way, along with the book having no solid aim or purpose. Her inconsistencies of perspective and beliefs concerning what was happening in her life were very unsatisfying to trudge through. Overall I wish this book hadn't been reccomend to me, I hadn't invested money or time in it, and that I didn't have a personal standard of finishing every book I begin reading.

45 people found this helpful

Exceptionally human

I have never felt more understood. Kate’s capacity for articulating the human experience in dealing with “life in-between” is exceptional. It was all I could do not to weep the entire time. She has so beautifully captured what it is like to simultaneously need to be weary, while needing to also summon the strength to carry on. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone dealing with prolonged illness, medical mysteries, dying, not dying, living, not living, or one who loves others who are. Basically everyone.

37 people found this helpful

Brutiful

I’m broken open after listening to Kate. This was beautiful and painful. I laughed too loud and cried too much all the way through. I’m so grateful Kate Bowler was willing to share herself and her experience with the world.

29 people found this helpful

Life is absurdly hard and pretending it isn’t is exhausting

Kate Bowler’s memoir is gripping, succinct, and well narrated. She invites the listener in with her dynamic and articulate voice. Her voice can and will take you to the brink of tears and laughter.

14 people found this helpful

it's an inspiring story

it's an inspiring story, if you can get past all the Prospect Gospel nonsense. Actually, just jump to the final very short chapters; read them repeatedly until you absorb her advice ... all the truly important lessons are there.

12 people found this helpful

An Author You'll Want to Hold in your Arms

What made the experience of listening to Everything Happens for a Reason the most enjoyable?

The author of Everything.....is also the reader and no one else could have read with the humanity that she does.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kate is more than a character in her book. She is so well developed that the reader both laughs with her and cries with her.

What does Kate Bowler bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I first heard about the book when Kate Bowler was interviewed on NPR. I loved her at once and knew I wanted to hear her read the book herself. When I checked Audible and found that she was Everything....'s narrator, I bought it immediately and have already listened to it twice!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I finished nearly all of the book the first day I had it. I expect to listen to it often through the years to come.

Any additional comments?

I will be referring to her "Appendix" sections often. The "Never Say" list, ie."Everything happens for a reason," etc. is a must read. Hugs, presents, chocolate, "you are wonderful"s are the things I would like to give Kate Bowler for her brave and amazing book!

11 people found this helpful

The pain is real.

So inspirational, I'm hungry and I can't get full is exactly how feel also when you lose someone that you are close to. I hear het struggles on the other side and they really are not that much different from one another. We want eternity with the people we love

8 people found this helpful

Insightful, meaningful, humorous

Worth it for the appendices alone on what not to say and what to say/do to cancer patients

6 people found this helpful

honest and insightful

I loved it. She is refreshingly honest and touching. Glad the book was narrated by the author herself.

4 people found this helpful

A plus /smiley face, Kate will understand this....

Would you consider the audio edition of Everything Happens for a Reason to be better than the print version?

Odd question, did not read the book however hearing this book from Kates tender voice is to experience Kate as she is a wife, a mom, a daughter a friend, a person of painful truths.

What other book might you compare Everything Happens for a Reason to and why?

Her book is unique.

Which scene was your favorite?

how can an undesirable life changing event have a favorite moment? these questions are mostly inappropriate for this particular audible book. fine if I had to say , it would be Kate giving herself permission to use curse words promising God she will stop after lent. Good luck with that Kate. seriously WTF.......

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the whole book was moving. Kates transparency

Any additional comments?

"Aging is a F@#$%!ing privilege".

9 people found this helpful