Life, Death, Grace & Humor

I think about life and death a lot, sometimes too much. This little book brought so much light and humor into my thoughts about it, it's unreal. Here are wonderful stories about fishermen with tough lives who are remembered for putting holes in their nets so some salmon can break free; a young mother dying of cancer who'd very much like a say in what her obit will be; one woman so broken by her son's death she can only answer questions by slipping notes under the door; and even a brain-damaged cat who saw children from potty training to the prom whose death is a quiet and merciful gift. This is about beauty and friendship, about trying to live your life and leave it still under construction, leave it filled with surprises for those who are left behind.
You can listen to this all in one sitting, you'll want to, but I recommend coming back to it also. It's filled with little stories that Lende has turned into touching and beautiful metaphors, and it's narrated in a very engaging, very warm style. Then too, it's a great book filled with humor that will have you chuckling. 'Cause life, and death, are funny if you're doing it the right way.
You can't have love without loss, that's the gift of it all, the many blessings. But "Find the Good" reminds us that you can't have loss without embracing it and coming out with more love than you thought possible. Wonderful little book!

51 people found this helpful

This obit writer writes with her heart

Find the Good, written by Heather Lende. This is the only book I finished this year. I didn't want it to end. Lende, who was the narrator, is an excellent storyteller.

Listening to Lende read her book was like sitting in a cafe with my one of my besties just hanging on each word that fell out of her mouth in each chapter. Since she was an obituary writer in a small town she knew almost every one she wrote about. It was riveting and compelling, especially if the obit she wrote was about a friend.

This book, however, wasn't a tearjerker - OK I did tear up once or twice - the book left me feeling positive and optimistic. The book's title was spot on.

31 people found this helpful

Great

Great story!!! Liked the personal touch of her life woven around stories of the deceased

15 people found this helpful

A mental Holiday for me

If you could sum up Find the Good in three words, what would they be?

Relaxing Warm Friendly

Who was your favorite character and why?

Everyone Heather spoke about because she brought them to life in such a natural way.

What about Heather Lende’s performance did you like?

I loved the fact that she read this book like she was living it. Actually, Heather spoke the whole book to the reader. It was as if you'd known her all her life and you and her were sitting having a cuppa together. It was as if she had been away and stayed in a small country town for a while and she was back, and telling you, her best friend, all about her stay and the people she met who lived there. It was real. It was real because it was spoken in a real and natural way.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Find the Good?

My main insight application would come from the writers aspect. I learned from Helen's dialogue sections. I learned from her ways of introducing certain aspects and linking others.
However, I will remember the name of the book because I enjoyed the whole story and the way it was told. This in itself will move me to remember to apply it's title when I find myself sliding into anything that resembles the critical. I'll probably smile to myself and think - find the Good here instead dear.

Any additional comments?

I rarely read or listen to novels. My choice is usually self-help, psychology, inspirational, biography, religious or just plain non-fiction. I chose this book to walk along side an Obituary writer and explore her mind knowing her occupation was one that draws heavy on the emotions.
I know now, that Heather's coping medication is "Find the Good" and it was very inspiring to journey along with this through the different characters. Thanks Heather, for a wonderful light and friendly telling of the people in that town.

4 people found this helpful

Simple yet important message

I enjoyed this book because it was a lovely reminder to value of the truly important things in life and not to miss opportunities. I enjoyed the stories of the small town in Alaska and how all of the inhabitants bump up against one another while they're doing life. It was just a simple and sweet book but very worth reading.

3 people found this helpful

A heart-warming book

Heather is a heart warming author and a great narrator. There was times when she was about to cry, you can hear that in her voice, such a genuine woman, it made the book really better.
I'm a Muslim and I do not agree with certain views about death and the lack of view on afterlife, but never the less, I really enjoyed the book.

3 people found this helpful

How to make 3 hours fly by with tears and laughter

What did you love best about Find the Good?

I loved everything about this audio book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Find the Good?

This was one of the most authentic readings that I have ever listened to. There is something really magical when an author reads his/her own book this well.

Have you listened to any of Heather Lende’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was an excellent reading. I felt like I was sitting at her kitchen table with a cup of tea in my hand and she was just talking to me. This reading is full of authentic emotion-- joy and sorrow.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself driving down the road crying at several points. But not in a devastating way. There was always laughter as well. At certain points the author/reader cracks up authentically. It made me smile as well.

Any additional comments?

One of my favorite listens ever.

18 people found this helpful

Ousting the Curmudgeon Within

Author and narrator, Heather Lende, is so insightful and really funny. And so genuine. I enjoyed every minute of her short, just under 3 hour book. I have been thoroughly entertained and not only that. I have been reminded of the importance of looking on the bright side of things. Seems too simple, doesn't it? I have a feeling it is just as easy to be positive and look for the good, as it is to be negative. Yet negativity is a more easily formed habit. Particularly for me.

What first comes to mind? I was sure I would hate living in Alaska. The cold, the darkness, the very brief summers . . . . This author made the decision to move to Alaska, raised 5 children, made a wonderful life for herself and her family, has a job she loves, has many friends and really seems to enjoy her life. Much of which involves writing obituaries and going to funerals. In Alaska yet!

Highly recommended if you need a shot of good now and then. Heather's got it!

6 people found this helpful

Thanks, I needed this book!

Find the Good is a short listen packed with love, positivity, and an appreciation for life.

2 people found this helpful

Wonderful

Enjoyed everything about this book more than I can say. I was enveloped in humor, wisdom, warmth, tears, friendship, love, joy, peace...absolutely a wonderful read. Buying manylcopies for gifts.

2 people found this helpful