Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Review: GOOD NIGHT, BRIAN by Steven Manchester

Story: Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino, who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.

An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love, and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving up is not an option.




My thoughts: This is a story about love and family fueled by the good ole' fashion country dialogue you feel when sinking your teeth into a heaping slice of apple pie--full of heart and warmth. You can't help but feel the same mother's instinct Joan feels--the overbearing concern over Brian's waning health, the pounding struggles in trying to figure out the cause, and the frustration of nobody taking her seriously (especially the doctors.)

After the invasive medical tests and lab works, we discover that Brian has a rare disease that will prevent him from walking, talking, and perhaps even living. A powerful force of anger and tears barrels the reader in a quick instant, leaving no chance to breathe. It was overwhelming.

Overall, the book was well-written and endearing, but, at the same time, it was emotionally draining and sad--perhaps a bit too sad. It was just one depressing hurdle after another, a pattern I found rather difficult to get through. I made every attept to trudge through it, often skipping some of the hopeless infractions along the way. By the end, I was left with nothing more than a pitter patter of lassitude and despair.

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