Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversitiesby Elizabeth Edwards
None Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. I admire Elizabeth very much. I liked her first book better, but her resilient nature showed through in both her books. Her ability to keep moving forward through it all is nothing short of amazing. I did sense bitterness in this book - mostly over the public humiliation of her husband's affair. It comes through in statements like the one she made 2/3 way through the book that if you bought the book for details of the affair you could stop reading right then. I think in the end it seemed she directed her anger at his mistress and the public because she needed to forgive him for many reasons. He was at her bedside at the end, because he needed her for just as many. ( ) This is an honest book written by a woman who endured much pain, both physically and emotionally. Presidential hopeful John Edwards was a family man who seemed to love married life. Trusted by his wife and emotionally supported by her when he ran both for a senate seat and as a presidential hopeful, he systematically destroyed that trust when he lied, claiming a one night stand with Rielle Hunter was the extent of his relationship with her. Tragically, his lie was compounded when Elizabeth discovered that the relationship was ongoing. While it may have cost Edwards his political career, the emotional price his wife paid was much higher. Battling breast cancer, sadly, she died in 2010. This is not a sour grapes book, rather it is a story told of loss of a son who died suddenly in a car accident at the age of 16. Then, struggling to survive extreme grief, she discovered a mass which lead to the diagnosis of breast cancer. Bad news came in three for Elizabeth when her fortitude and faith was again challenged upon learning of her husband's very public lies and deception. All these topics are dealt with in a non-bitter fashion. This is a woman to be emulated and admired. She dealt with her adversities head on with dignity and grace. The harshest comment was that John's choices were very poor, leading the reader to know that Elizabeth felt Rielle was not a person of high moral caliber. I was suprised how this book got my attention from the first few pages. Very well written, honest. Elizabeth put into words many of the thoughts I had and feelings I experienced, after losing my young husband when I was 31 and left with two little girls to raise. The loss of her son is tragic. It is interesting how she found support through the internet - something I have been doing for years - and was glad to see the benefits of internet support written about in such a positive light. It was sad when she inevitably lost her battle with cancer, but she knew you have to life to the fullest with whatever time you are given. I also thought it was interesting how he talked about her marriage with John; perhaps she never fully understood (or wanted to) the depth of his infidelity anymore than she wanted to believe the likelihood of her father's indiscretion. It's hard to accept betrayals by those we love and trust because it makes a lie out of the life we think we are leading. An excellent, fast read. I read this book for my book club. I am not a real fan of nonfiction but I really liked this book. It was easy to read and encouraging. I didn't know anything about the author's background or story before reading this book either. Although the subject matter is sad, I would recommend this book to others. I was sad to hear the author lost her fight with breast cancer but the message of her book will live on.
Distinctions
Biography & Autobiography.
Politics.
Nonfiction.
HTML:Elizabeth Edwards is one of the most beloved political figures in the country and, on the surface, she seems to have led a charmed life. In many ways, she has. Beautiful family. Thriving career. Supportive friendships. But sheâ??s no stranger to adversity. Many know of the strength she showed after her son, Wade, was killed in a freak car accident when he was only sixteen years old. She would exhibit this remarkable grace and courage again when the very private matter of her husbandâ??s infidelity became public fodder. And when her own life was on the line. Days before the 2004 presidential electionâ??when her husband, John, was running for vice presidentâ??she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After rounds of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, the cancer went awayâ??only to recur in 2007. In Resilience, Elizabeth Edwards crafts an unsentimental and ultimately inspirational meditation on dealing with lifeâ??s biggest challenges. This powerful and inspirational book makes an ideal gift for anyone dealing with difficulties in their lives, to draw strength from the kind of attitude that Elizabeth has developed, and find peace in knowing that t No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)973.931092History and Geography North America United States 1901- Bush Administration And Beyond George W. BushLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |