Heaven Is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy by Stephanie NielsonOn the library stacks: Adult Biography
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I should say up front that I know Stephanie and her sweet family. We lived in the same area in New Jersey for a couple of years and we went to church together. In August 2008, Stephanie (a popular blogger), her husband Christian, and their friend and flight instructor Doug were in an airplane crash. Doug passed away after a short time, Christian broke his back and has burns on 30% of his body, and Stephanie has burns on nearly 80% of her body.
This book starts out talking some about the crash. Then it goes back in time to Stephanie's upbringing, her love story with Christian, and then chronicles their life together until the time of the crash. After the crash, Stephanie discusses how hard it was to accept her new self, to connect with her children again after being in a coma for months, and to move forward in a different life to the one she had planned.
I think the highest recommendation I can give this book is that I can hear Stephanie's voice throughout the book. Not only is it well-written, but the sentiments are authentic and genuine. I read the book in one sitting, both laughing and crying as I read. I think this would make a great book club pick and a great gift. I've already purchased one for a friend.
Source: Library
1 comment:
I think I'm the only person (mormon) on the planet that doesn't read CJane or Nie Nie at all. I certainly know her story...but was reluctant to spend money on this book. Fortunately, I WON it on a giveaway. I've heard good things about it from all genres of book blogs. I think I will give it a try.
Post a Comment