ALS Saved My Life Until It Didn’t by Dr. Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky with Joyce Kleinman & Elizabeth Flynn

Stars: ****

PB & Js Publishing (2018)
Memoir
278 pages

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

Summary: Most people know life will not necessarily go as they planned. But what do we do when nothing goes as we had hoped? How do we cope with unpredictable changes in body and spirit – changes that require constant shifting of our view of ourself, other people, and the world? Jenni, diagnosed in 2009 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), has been forced to find answers to these questions every day. With the hope of helping others move forward after life-altering events, Jenni shares her story of life with ALS, outlining both the practical and existential changes needed to adapt and thrive. Embodying the idea that courage does not always roar, Jenni reveals the combination of self-reflection, radical acceptance, grit, and social support that have allowed her to remain true to herself while living her life to the fullest.

ALS Saved My Life

My husband’s cousin was diagnosed with ALS so I was very interested in this book when it was offered to me. I’m glad I read it. It tells the story of Jenni Berebitsky who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in March 2009. It chronicles her ups and downs and shows how she has made it was past what her original prognosis was. She shares tips on living with ALS as well as the rocky emotions she and her family have had to make it through.

This book was better than most memoirs in that it wasn’t only written from the perspective of the main person. Most of the book was written by Jenni (or dictated when she could no longer write.) However the end of the book has interviews with her child and a section written by her husband and her mother which gives a more whole perspective of what it’s like living with ALS than it would have been if it was only written by Jenni. The book is punctuated by photos (unfortunately they are small and black and white though) that help give a view of her life.

I have read lots of memoirs but this is the first one that really gives tons of tips to anyone in a similar situation. If you or a loved one have ALS, you may want to pick up this book to find out how to make your life easier as life gets tougher.

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