Being Brett

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Summary: A must read for anyone coping with cancer. Read this book!!
Review: As a person recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, I was natually drawn to Brett's story. I laughed and cried reading this book, not because of the cancer, but because of the amazing individual that was Brett Hobbie. Doug Hobbie eloquently captures the range of emotions of both the afflicted and their care givers. The prose is so rich and potent, I immediately reread the novel upon completing it initally.

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Summary: Heart wrenching account needs a large box of tissues
Review: Douglas Hobbie has probably done the best job possible in conveying to another human being what the loss of a child is like. I shudder to think what the rest of his days are like, knowing his beautiful Brett will never be there with him face to face again. Even though I knew how the book would end, I found myself hoping again and again that the treatments would work, all their pain and suffering would be relieved. A heartbreaking tale, and yet one that must be shared, so more of the world can have a piece of Brett in it. For Mr. Hobbie, his family, or anyone out there that has lossed a loved one, I would just like to quote Flavia Weedn, "We can't feel saddened over the loss of those we love without first remembering the joy they brought us. The real loss would have been never having had them in our lives at all". Be happy for the time you had with her and the memories you will carry with you always. And kudos to Beth, who stayed with her through thick and mostly thin. Their love for each other shines throughout the book.

Rating:
Summary: Heart wrenching account needs a large box of tissues
Review: I have not read the book, out of fear. My daughter is age 24 and also has Hodgkin's Disease and is having relapse problems also. I wonder if you could send this to Mr. Hobbie and ask him to contact me by email. I need to talk to someone who went through this agony. I am hoping he can help me and my daughter with his past experience with this disease. I am truly saddened and sorry for his loss, and God knows, I know his pain...but am desperate for a letter or advice from him. Need to know if chemotherapy and radiation are advisable for the second time. First time, didn't work. PLEASE HELP!! I am so afraid to read the book.

Rating:
Summary: Frightened Mom
Review: I have not read the book, out of fear. My daughter is age 24 and also has Hodgkin's Disease and is having relapse problems also. I wonder if you could send this to Mr. Hobbie and ask him to contact me by email. I need to talk to someone who went through this agony. I am hoping he can help me and my daughter with his past experience with this disease. I am truly saddened and sorry for his loss, and God knows, I know his pain...but am desperate for a letter or advice from him. Need to know if chemotherapy and radiation are advisable for the second time. First time, didn't work. PLEASE HELP!! I am so afraid to read the book.

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Summary: Thank You for this book
Review: It has been nearly nine months since I read this book and I think about it, and Brett, often. I cannot help but be changed by what I have read; Mr. Hobbie, thank you for sharing your daughter with those of us who did not have a chance to know her. I feel as if we could have been good friends, and I do feel close to her, and to your family, in spirit. Thank you again for your immense generousity.

Rating:
Summary: What a gift.
Review: My expectations were high, as I began this book on a cross country flight -- because I had read others' reviews. They were met and more. This lovely, thought provoking, sad, glorious, funny, wonderful gift of a book is one of my all time favorites. The unique relationship between father and daughter, as well as all of the other relationships and individual characters -- all deftly created in written form -- I can't say enough. Thank you.

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Summary: Brett and her family have a permanent place in my heart!
Review: This is the first book I have ever read that as soon as I finished it I started right over again. What a heartbreakingly intense journey Brett struggled through! I felt so close to her and her family and will forever be enriched from this reading experience. Thank you Mr Hobbie, for sharing your family and especially your amazing daugther Brett with us. I plan to visit her memorial bench someday. I will always remember the joyous spirit of "Santa Bretta".