How To Save A Life by Kristin Harmel: Book Review

How To Save A Life is a beautifully-written story about a pediatric oncology nurse and the lessons she learns from her patients. I loved it!

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From The Publisher:

When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing secret: it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death. Kristin Harmel, whose work has been called “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), “absorbing…well-paced and warmhearted” (Kirkus Reviews), and “absolutely enthralling” (Fresh Fiction), infuses her poignant, uplifting novella with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of heart.

My Thoughts:

Do you know the feeling your get when you read a book and know you’re going to remember it for the rest of your life? That’s how I feel about How To Save a Life. While the subject matter is emotional, the writing is beautiful and the story is magical. I am a sensitive reader and shy away from books I feel will be depressing. Let me assure you this is an uplifting read and one I encourage readers to consider.

I enjoy reading Kristin Harmel’s books as she does a wonderful job of taking life challenges and turning them into something positive and moving. How to Save a Life takes a pediatric oncology nurse who learns of her inoperable brain tumour. She learns from her young patients with terminal illnesses of their own about the magic of the tree in the hospital’s lobby which provides them with the ability to repeat the current day over and over.

The selflessness of this nurse facing her impending death is remarkable. She takes it upon herself to improve the last days of her terminal patients and begins examining all she would like to accomplish in her remaining days. There is clear messaging here about living in the moment and making every day count.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Christina Sivrich. Her performance was excellent – I enjoyed the sweet and compassionate way she delivered each word. The audiobook was published recently, while the original novella was published in 2016. I would recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.

I would like to add that on the day I am writing this (January 4) the author released on social media her own cancer diagnosis and need for chemotherapy. In addition to being a successful author, she is a co-host of the Youtube and Facebook live weekly production of Friends & Fiction. Please join me in wishing her a full and speedy recovery.

What I Liked:

• The compassion and love experienced by the characters towards one another
• The key messaging of living each day to the fullest
• The use of magical realism to tell the story

Acknowledgments:

I used an Audible credit to purchase this audiobook.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed by Kristin Harmel:

The Forest of Vanishing Stars

The Book of Lost Names