Elizabeth Lesser

This book had me under its spell from the first page. The intersection of mythology, feminism and history is both powerful and infinitely unnerving.

Lesser writes with grace, humour and uncanny insight. She describes the lives of women—both internal and external—in such a compassionate and understanding way. Her storytelling skills are remarkable, as are her observations about the culture we live in.

It’s clear that a long history of misogyny impacts every aspect of our lives. Yet rather show more than simply pointing fingers, Lesser provides suggestions for creating a path forward—one that’s equitable and just, and considers both the male and female experiences as we move through the world. show less

This book was recommended to me by a dear friend who is a palliative care physician. It was recommended to her by a secular nun. These are the 2 threads that run consistently through this touching memoir: faith and medicine. Elizabeth Lesser's younger sister Maggie was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in middle age. Liz turns out to be the perfect donor match. This isn't about her decision process -- there isn't any as she instantly agrees to do this for her sister. It's about the hope for show more healing -- not just body, but relationships, spirit and mind. "Hoping to give Maggie the best chance possible for a successful transplant, the sisters dig deep into the marrow of their relationship..." In many ways this is Liz's story as much as Maggie's as she recounts the work on her own side that she must do (mentally, spiritually) to make this happen. She includes some family history: 4 sisters total (Katy & Jo) with shifting alliances, somewhat liberal parents and definitely quirky and unconventional parenting in the 60s, growing up in Vermont. All these factors shaped them, and some of them need to be un-done and released. Liz is a former midwife and current leader at Omega Institute, a mind, body, spirit Center with a few locations around the world. If spirituality makes you uncomfortable, then this isn't the book for you, because it is such an essential part of the story. But it is written so well, almost poetic in the introspection it invites, that it doesn't ever feel preachy or new-agey. Clearly this is the approach that worked for Liz and Maggie and she is not proselytizing, but bearing witness. Though the transplant goes well, ultimately the cancer returns, so this also bears witness to Maggie's life and then her death. Very touching and hopeful despite the outcome. show less

You would think a 5 star rating would mean a perfect book for me, but this was not the case here. This book was a roller coaster for me. One sentence would jump off the page and speak directly to my mind or my heart. The very next sentence would make me feel defensive or argumentative. I think the important thing here is that every sentence engaged me on some level. I can't remember the last time I was so thoroughly connected to a text and I binged my way through this book. That justifies 5 show more stars for me. I would love to have a coffee with this author. show less

I was hoping for something different from this book; the writer is the founder of the Omega Institute (with her now-ex-husband). While she does appear to be telling her own story honestly and bravely, I disagree with many of her conclusions and the points she's chosen to illustrate. Most damningly (for me as reader) I had read the same things in other places, said much better.
It was a little too new-age healy-feely for me, and didn't really address what happens when people actually do show more break: soul-shattering traumas, inexplicable destructions. Perhaps it should have been titled, "Self-concept Changing Moments, Open". Nah-- doesn't have a good ring to it. show less