Why do some people facing difficult circumstances find and sustain hope, while others do not? This is a journey of discovery, spanning some 30 years of Dr. Groopman's clinical practice during which he encountered many extraordinary people who sought to answer these questions.
A magic potion called hope? - Sounds to be a very interesting and informative book - hope it lives up to its potential -
What's the quote from Emily Dickinson "Hope is a feathered thing with wings" ?? -- not sure if that is the exact quote - will check it out to make sure -
AFTER SUFFERING A CARDIAC ARREST IN 1996 I WAS GIVEN LITTLE TO NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL. IT WAS THOUGHT BY ALL THE DOCTORS THAT I WOULD ENJOY NO QUALITY OF LIFE. YET, HERE I AM POSTING THIS NOTE FOR ALL THE READERS TO READ. I AM THE BEST EXAMPLE OF HOPE I KNOW!
YET, I AM FULL OF HUMILITY.I AM BLIND NOW; FOLLOWING ANOXIA TO MY BRAIN; ALSO, I AM WHEELCHAIR CONFINED. I AM GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND USE A WHEELED WALKER TO WALK AS I AM ABLE...TODAY I WALKED 55 FEET!
I HAVE BEEN REFERED TO AS A MIRACLE; YET, IT IS MY PERSERVERANCE AND DETERMINATION AND THE SUPPORT OF AN AMAZING HUSBAND THAT GIVE ME THE WILL AND COURAGE TO WORK TO BECOME ALL I CAN BE. HOPE IS IN ABUNDANCE IN MY LIFE.
I read this book in November, at the time my husband had just been diagnosed with oral cancer.
It helped me accept the diagnoses and I learned a lesson that has helped me go through his treatment. His doctor agreed that HOPE does help us to survive whatever we face in life.
With God's help and taking this journey a day at a time with faith and HOPE has been a positive way to face adversity.
I am up late doing papers for college-I see our Tuesday book selection is already here. I am really going to like this selection-a doctor, a surgeon, who is spiritual.
I felt intrusive reading today's bit about Esther (I think I am remembering her name...having just read it a few seconds ago). And empthized with her too. How annoying it is to have to re-tell everything to a student after going over it already for your doctor. Especially if it contains upsetting information. Still, students have to learn.
I'm really enjoying this book. It is easy to read, almost conversational. And I am drawn to Esther already. I can't wait to read more about her tomorrow!
I also appreciate the subject. I believe in hope. It does not disappoint.
I actually have great respect for these surgeons. Yes, it does seem horrible, but it would seem that they are only doing what is necessary to help Esther. Perhaps too often we take doctors for granted. Imagine the courage and discernment (not to mention the stomach) that is required to operate on another person! May God bless them and guide them in their work.
I HAVE CARED FOR MANY WOMEN IN THIS POSITION AS A R.N. IT IS HEARTBREAKING. YET, WOMEN ARE STRONGER THAN THE AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL! YES, I AM A NURSE WITH A MASTER'S DEGREE. OF COURSE, I CAN'T WORK NOW...YET I AM GETTING PREPARED TO BEGIN COUNSELING CLIENTS IN MY HOME...I AM A CERTIFIED CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST IN PSYCH-MENTAL HEALTH NURSING...HAD A LARGE PRACTICE BEFORE GETTING ILL. I WANT TO HELP WOMEN SEE WHAT HOPE CAN BRING TO THEM.
SOME ONE PLEASE SEND ME A COMPLETE COPY OF EMILY DICKENSTIEN'S POEM. -SP- SORRY! TALK WITH YOU TOMORROW.
I'm waiting to find out what the connection was between Esther & Groopman at the beginning, obviously something he was unaware of. Is that a usual thing, to invite the student doctor to a Sabbath meal? Or is Esther's husband trying to keep her happy? I really want to keep on reading this book.
What a book - reads like a novel - but more forceful because of the truth of it - am definitely getting it soon - got some comfort out of the surgeon's remark to the students pointing out the fact that the healing of the (stitches?) takes place more quickly in a woman of this young age -
My previous remark concerning the surgery was in no way a rebuke toward doctors or surgeons - but was indicative of my reaction to the description - a sign of good writing, I suppose, that could move me so -
YES, DORIS, I FEEL THIS BOOK IS SUPERBLY CRAFTED. EVERYTHING IS REALISTICLY PRESENTED.
I HAVE DEVELOPED RELATIONSHIPS WITH SOME OF MY CLIENTS.. NOT MANY, YET SIGNIFIGANT.
I FOUND THE BOOK ON AUDIO YET IT IS ABRIDGED...I TRY ONLY TO READ UNABRIDGED VERSIONS...I FEEL IT'S A MATTER OF AUTHOR RESPECT. BUT I AM GETTING THIS ONE NO MATTER!
THANKS FOR THE POEM! I LOVE IT...SSURE I READ IT IN COLLEGE OR SOMEWHERE.
Carol - I went searching on the web this morn (my favorite site is amazon) but I, too, could only find the audio in its abridged form - so perhaps it is not at all available unabridged -
I have now in my possession the book from the library so am anxious to read "the rest of the story" -
Glad you enjoyed the poem and that is indeed the entire poem - untitled as many of her poems are -
You are an inspiration to us all and "hope" for continued success in all your endeavors - -Doris-
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, it is the evidence of things not seen.
-Hebrews 2-
The author has allowed us to experience these stories of hope on the most human level. Today's excerpt- especially at the dinner table , were very descriptive and poignant. I must admit that I felt a little empathy for Esther.Here's another one to add to my list of books from " the club". Thanks chapter a day folks.
I AM GOING TO MISS ALL OF YOU ON THIS FORUM. I WILL TRY RANDOM HOUSE FOR AN UNABRIDGED VERSION OF THE BOOK. IT IS FRUSTRATING WHEN BECAUSE OF NO FAULT OF YOUR OWN YOU CAN'T GET THE WHOLE BOOK; NOT SOMEONE ELSE'S IDEA OF WHAT IS CRITICAL. .
I BELEIVE THAT SOME PEOPLE RESPOND TO VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES BECAUSE OF THER ELEVATED FEELINGS. THEY ARE ABLE TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES BECAUSE OF THE WAY THEY RESPOND, THEIR BELIEFS, ATTITUDES. WITH THESE ADJETIVES, SOME PEOPLE CAN OVERCOME SITUATIONS WITH THEIR COURAGE TO RISE ABOVE ADVERSITY.
This is the first book I've read with you. Here I am hanging on the edge of my seat, and it's over--that's it? My library is closed now...The suspense is killing me! (good book choice!)
I FEEL MUCH AS YOU DO...I WAS ABLE TO GET AN UNABRIDGED COPY AT RANDOM HOUSE.COM. I AM VERY EXCITED TO GET TO LISTENING AND READING IN MY WAY! AMY? DO WE KNOW EACH OTHER? THANKS FOR WHO EVER PUT FORTH THE IDEA OF RECORDING THIS BOOK FOR ME. YOU ARE A JEWEL!
Carol,
No, I don't think we know each other from anyplace other than right here. But what a neat place to meet! I'm so glad you found an unabridged copy of the book! I love to read, but now I realize that I take it for granted. God Bless you.
SORRY, AMY, I FELT WE KNEW EACH OTHER...GLAD WE MET HERE TOO! I READ ON AVERAGE ONE BOOK PER WEEK. ALWAYS ON AUDIO FORMAT OF SOME TYPE. I USED TO READ THE SAME AMOUNT BEFORE BECOMING BLIND. NOW, OFTEN MY HUSBAND AND I READ BOOKS ALOUD...HE READS TO ME. WONDERFUL MAN.
