“A Short History of Falling” is Joe Hammond’s unflinchingly honest and deeply moving memoir of living and dying with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). More than a chronicle of illness, it’s a poignant exploration of love, family, and the preciousness of life, written with surprising humor and profound wisdom. Hammond confronts his physical decline while cherishing his relationships with his wife and sons, offering a rare glimpse into navigating mortality with grace and courage. Comparable to “When Breath Becomes Air,” this heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting read illuminates the beauty that can be found even in the darkest of times, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
A Short History of Falling: Everything I Observed About Love Whilst Dying
32,71 $
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A Short History of Falling like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and When Breath Becomes Air is a searingly beautiful, profound and unforgettable memoir that finds light and even humour in the darkest of places.
We keep an old shoebox, Gill and I, nestled in a drawer in our room. Its filled with thirty-three birthday cards for our two young sons: one for every year Ill miss until theyre twenty-one. I wrote them because, since the end of 2017, Ive been living with and dying from motor neurone disease.
This book is about the process of saying goodbye. To my body, as I journey from unexpected clumsiness to a wheelchair that resembles a spacecraft, with rods and pads and dials and bleeps. To this world, as I play less of a part in it and find myself floating off into unlighted territory. To Gill, my wife. To Tom and Jimmy.
A Short History of Falling is about the sadness (and the anger, and the fear), but its about whats beautiful too. Its about love and fatherhood, about the precious experience of observing my last moments with this body, surrounded by the people who matter most. Its about what it feels like to confront the fact that my family will persist through time with only a memory of me. In many ways, it has been the most amazing time of my life.
**A Short History of Falling: Everything I Observed About Love Whilst Dying - A Profound Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss** Discover a powerful and deeply moving memoir in "A Short History of Falling: Everything I Observed About Love Whilst Dying" by Joe Hammond. This hardcover edition, published by Fourth Estate, offers a raw and unflinchingly honest account of Hammond's experience living with and dying from motor neurone disease (MND). More than just a story of illness, this book is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Hammond, a husband and father of two young sons, confronts his mortality with remarkable courage and grace. He shares his journey from the initial unsettling symptoms to the profound adjustments required as his body gradually fails him, offering an intimate glimpse into the physical and emotional challenges of MND. Hammond's writing is reminiscent of critically acclaimed works such as "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "When Breath Becomes Air," seamlessly blending moments of heartbreak with surprising humor and unwavering hope. The poignant narrative explores the complexities of saying goodbye to his physical abilities, to the world as he knows it, and most heartbreakingly, to his beloved wife, Gill, and their sons, Tom and Jimmy. The book's impact resonates far beyond the medical realm. Hammond's reflections on fatherhood, marriage, and the preciousness of each moment offer profound insights into the human condition. He eloquently captures the emotional turmoil of grappling with a terminal illness while simultaneously cherishing the love and connections that sustain him. One of the most touching aspects of the memoir is the glimpse into the practical and emotional preparations Hammond makes for his family's future. The "shoebox of birthday cards," mentioned in the book, represents a tangible expression of his love and a poignant reminder of the milestones he will miss. "A Short History of Falling" delves into the complexities of grief, fear, and anger that accompany such a diagnosis, but it ultimately emphasizes the beauty and resilience of the human heart. It's a testament to the enduring power of love, the importance of living each day to the fullest, and the ability to find meaning and connection even in the face of unimaginable adversity. This book is perfect for readers interested in memoirs, self-help, grief & bereavement, or those looking for a moving story. A truly unforgettable read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Additional information
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Binding | |
| Condition | |
| ISBN-10 | 0008339902 |
| ISBN-13 | 9780008339906 |
| Language | |
| Pages | 256 |
| Publisher | |
| Year published | |
| Weight | 320 |
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