A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope

Growing up, Tom Brokaw and his nightly newscast on NBC was a staple in my house. Out of the “big 3” national networks, he was my favorite anchor. I suppose it was the calm, steady way in which he presented the news of the day. Despite the fact that he’s had several bestsellers before this latest title, this was the first one that I’ve actually listened to (audiobook). A couple of things drew me to this title. I was curious to know how a seemingly invincible (at least to me) public figure that I admire has coped with such a crisis. I also have a personal friend who is fighting his own battle with Multiple Myeloma; I didn’t know much about the disease and I wanted to understand it better.

Learn about Multiple Myeloma, I did. Mr. show more Brokaw gives a detailed account of his diagnosis and treatment. Along with factual information, he puts his human touch on it, describing how his illness has turned his life upside down, going from an active, on-the-go 70-something to having to slow down his pace of life significantly and having to rely more on his family for support, both practical and emotional. As frustrating as it was for him, it gave him the opportunity to reflect on his life and to define those things that matter to him most. Along the way, he makes detours in his story relating to his career as a journalist—specifically the fall of the Berlin Wall, his visit with the Dalai Lama, and the events of September 11, 2001. He also gives his wife a lot of the credit for helping him deal with his illness and makes another detour, chronicling the story of how they met and married.

It is obvious that although retired and dealing with a potentially life-threatening illness, Tom Brokaw’s passion for journalism is still alive and well. While the book isn’t very long (230 pages), it makes a satisfying, thought-provoking weekend read. With this, I plan on reading (or listening) to more of his titles. show less

A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope by Tom Brokaw is a thought provoking, and tender book. I have always admired Tom Brokaw for his honest and unbiased ways and this book goes into his personal life and shows what a truly wonderful and strong character he is. A powerful message, esp to those of us that battle against problems. Maybe not cancer but other problems too that are life changing and dramatic. He gives a hope and encouragement with his calm and soothing manner. I got this book from the library and got the audio version.

This memoir is about so much more than just his experience with multiple myeloma. He writes about his family and his South Dakota origins. He tells about his wife, their children and grandchildren. He recalls memories from his news career. He writes clearly and descriptively; his account and Mark Bramhall’s narration held my attention.

Even the best life can become fraught with challenges; and this is what happened to Tom Brockaw. Brockaw had the perfect life, strong marriage, great children and grandchildren. Nothing could be better till he heard the dreadful pronouncement - you have multiple melanoma. Yes, cancer can change any life dramatically. Brockaw talks candidly about his battle and his roller coaster emotions. Given his background as a broadcaster, the memoir is interspersed with narrative and editorializing of events and issues like 9/11 and the health care plan. All this makes for excellent reading. It is above all a memoir of hope.

Journalist, Tom Brokaw, reflects on his life during the first year he is diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Interesting and readable!

A Lucky Life Interrupted, a memoir of Hope by Tom Brokaw
Have followed this news journal reporter for many years and like how he tells the news and his stories.
Follows his story of his life, back pain and his medical conditions. Love how he started the journal and love the little things that kept him going. so good to laugh.
So many have crossed his path and he tells you of them and his treatment plan along with all his travel and awards he earned.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

This was really an interesting book learning about what Tom Brokaw went through when he found out about his cancer. I've always admired Tom so I really wanted to know this information.