Read What?
Between Two Kingdoms – A Memoir of a Life Interrupted – by Suleika Jaouad.
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Read Where?
Kindle copy. Also available as a Hardback, Paperback, and in an Audiobook, on Amazon.
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Language. Genre. Pages:
English. Memoir. 368
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What’s it about?
At the age of 22 the author, Suleika Jaouad, developed an itch all over her body coupled with intense exhaustion. At 23 a routine blood work leads to a diagnosis of Leukemia.
Soon Cancer took over everything. Her life, her job, her love, her relationship with friends and family, and more importantly her relationship with herself.
4 years of intensive treatments and hospital visits ravaged not only her body but her mind as well, till finally, Cancer Free Suleika realized that she had no idea how to live ‘normally’.
She had survived the Kingdom of the Sick but did not know how to move to the Kingdom of the Healthy. Her transition from one Kingdom to the other is what this book is about.
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What did I think of it?
If you think a book about someone recovering from Cancer is likely to be depressing, you couldn’t be further away from the truth. Between Two Kingdoms is not only exquisitely written but a very inspiring read. It is a book you ‘feel’. I hungrily devoured page after page as I accompanied Suleika on her journey. This book is studded with wisdom and insight that makes the reader pause, ponder and count their blessings. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone who needs it if you’re going through a phase where you question yourself and the future awaiting you.
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Wow or Not Now?
Reading Between Two Kingdoms – A Memoir of a Life Interrupted – by Suleika Jaouad was a cleansing experience. I laughed, I wept, I ruminated over what it makes me think, even realize. It helped me realign my life and my gratitude list.
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What Else?
I am on the fence when I say this, but I think a bit of crisper editing in the latter half of the book would have made it a better read.
****4 Stars to Between Two Kingdoms – A Memoir of a Life Interrupted – by Suleika Jaouad
My rating chart;
*Use it as a doorstop.
**Read it if you have nothing better to do.
***You may like it if you like this particular genre.
****Must read!
*****What! You haven’t read it YET?!
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla and powered by Deyga.
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Counting our blessings and being thankful to the Almighty is something people learn through such readings 🙂
Every story has a moral to teach .
Ghazala
Beautifully said, Ghazala.
This review gives me a goosebump, I do not know what to say when it comes to cancer and how people survive or live with it. It is indeed a tough journey and this book gives a fair idea about it. I will read this book as soon as possible.
Thank you, Pamela.
The cover of the book looks quite interesting. After reading your thorough review on the book it made me curious enough to give it a try. Will order my copy soon.
Thank you, Smita.
How much pain is there in the world? I am trying to cope with mine and see how people fight cancer. If the book is a must-read then why use it as a doorstopper, Mayuri?
Harjeet, I guess you misread my rating chart.
I always enjoy your book reviews, Mayuri. This one reminds me of When Breath Becomes Air. It is the kind of book I love reading. I will surely be checking it out. Thanks for recommending the book. I see that it is available as an audiobook. Time to put the next credit to good use 🙂
Thank you, Ritu. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed reading it.
I would be wary of picking up a book like this because I’m easily affected by low or negative energy and sadness. But from your review, it seems like this is an uplifting read. I admit I’m not fond of such books because it reminds me of how unpredictable and unfair life can be. Aaj hai, kal nahi.
Yes, and the unpredictability of life is just a reminder to live in the moment, Satabdi.
Amazing book review ma’am. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that “recovering from cancer can be depressing”. Makes me think.
Thank you, Raghav.
I have lost quite a few close relatives to cancer. And their grit to overcome it was so strong. I will surely read this book. Thanks for sharing the review.
Thank you, Madhuji.
I am afraid to read whenever it comes to anything cancer related. Last two books I read on cancer story and I must say it gives out the way to live life. But while reading it gives out more tears.
This one left me with a smile on my face, Neeta.
Sounds like a lovely & inspiring book. I especially love the picture – something that I can see myself doing : travelling to find / understand myself and life with my doggie for company.
Yes, the cover is very eye-catching, Vasumathi.
The book must be an inspiring journey of the author from the kingdom of the sick to the kingdom of the healthy. I admire such people who motivate us through their own life experiences.
It was truly inspiring, Aditi.
I think it’s a must-read after reading your review. Sounds like an inspiring read. I will try to read a kindle version of this book.
Thank you, Abha.
Truly inspiring. I am glad that people come forward and share such inspiring stories.
Thank you, Mehul.
This book must be read by everyone. I liked the way you reviewed it.
Thank you, Bhawna.
Every story has a little inspiration for all. So is it !!! Reading and reviewing such books can bring a change in someone’s life
Didn’t know of this book, so happy to have found it. It is exactly the kind of subject that interests me in my present phase of reading. Reading your book review is such a delight!
Thank you, Ninu.
Wow what a fighter! I would read her book just on the basis of her incredible journey.