Jason B. Rosenthal

First of all, I think this book is a beautiful tribute to his wife. I would hope someone would write that glowing of a memoir for me! Like many others, I was stunned by the "perfection" of the family and extended family members. It is a shame that bothered some of the readers, because Jason was not under duress to provide any information that he didn't want to reveal. And this was a love story. So, I am envious that their lives were so peaceful until Amy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but was glad that he loved her in the short time that he had with her. I thought that for the most part, the book was very well-developed. The first part is introduction to Amy and their new relationship. I think most would feel a connection to Amy. She is portrayed as super-brilliant and very family-oriented. That is what you call balancing career with family, and is not a very easy thing to do. The second part deals with discovering the diagnosis, and everything leading up to her death. Sometimes, it is very hard to read. Those with a sympathetic heart will feel for all of them. The last part is the aftermath. I am actually surprised that section of the book is about equal in pages to the other two sections. What I had forgotten was how involved Jason was with all family, extended and on both sides. The only writing suggestion I would have is that Jason's love interest be more fully developed. We don't have to know all the details, and I do respect their privacy, as "she" may not want to be as public, as Jason and Amy were throughout their lives. But the "hazel eyed twin" reference is far too vague. I wanted to feel more of a connection with the new love interest, and that Jason felt good in his soul about moving on. Besides being a simple memoir, it is encouraging to know that this book is fighting against ovarian cancer, and may even save a few women who read this book, recognize the symptoms, and get to the doctor in time to be OK.… (plus d'informations)

If you missed Amy Krouse Rosenthal's essay "You May Want to Marry My Husband" published in the NYT Modern Love column in 2017, right before she died, start there. (included here pgs. 102-105) With Kleenex. This book will make much more sense! Her intention was to give her husband Jason space to move forward and that is the theme and focus of this book. Thankfully it was not about his foray back into the dating world! Instead it was about his efforts to live without the love of his life. Amy and Jason were married for 26 years (me too, this month! which feels timely, but hopefully a different trajectory) and raised 3 kids together and had great plans to proceed with an empty nest when Amy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This book is both a chronicle of their love story and an examination of grief and death in our culture. Jason frequently repeats his intention to be honest and open in speaking about his experience and does a good job narrating through illness, caretaking and the three years after Amy's death of trying to regain equilibrium. What is so endearing (besides their amazing relationship) is all the little artifacts that are included here: notes and photos and captions and drawings that show the deeply personal level of sharing with the world they were both accustomed to. Chicago connection is a plus too! And I am a big fan of AKR's children's book Little Pea and her memoir TextBook. This rounded out the picture for me.… (plus d'informations)