There are some books that hook you within the first chapter and some that hook you with the first paragraph. This hooked me in the first paragraph and I couldn’t put it down. This memoir is the story of Melissa Malcolm-Peck and her journey through multiple heart attacks, surgeries, and the roller-coaster of physical and emotional recovery for both herself and her family and friends. Throughout the pages, love pours out, refusing to hide. Same with the emotional turmoil.
Melissa eloquently expresses her doubts, fears, and the darkness she finds shrouded around her at times, and carefully explains her journey to those and through to the other side. “…when you remember who you are, when you remember you are God’s child, in that instant, fear and its heavy net of illusions lose all power over you… I know this truth… Living the truths you uncover is the biggest challenge. This is the fight.” (pg 72)
Each page possesses Melissa’s love for her family and dear friends, her love of a life well lived, and her fighting spirit. Readers will easily connect with her plight and fight, her hopes and fears, and the mantra she finds in the darkest moments: “I choose not to be afraid. I trust in God.”
This book was an enjoyable read and I wish it had continued beyond the final pages. I recommend this book for the connectivity the author brings; the unfiltered agony she faced, her struggles and triumphs, and the love that changes everyone involved.