Being Brett: Chronicle of a Daughter's Death
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Book Overview
Being Brett is, in the bravest sense of the word, pitiless -- a necessary book about a terrible and savage experience. -- Philip RothDouglas Hobbie recounts the harrowing account of his daughter's struggle with Hodgkin's disease. From the beginning, and despite every shattering setback and disappointment in the course of her ordeal, Brett was determined to prevail.Being Brett is a record of courage and perseverance that pushes past the myths and unreality that often insulate us from death and dying. To open this extraordinary book is to undertake an unforgettable journey that will provoke in every reader a deeper contemplation of what it means to be alive.A moving portrait. -- Out magazine
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0805025200
ISBN13:9780805025200
Release Date:January 1996
Publisher:Henry Holt & Company
Length:317 Pages
Weight:1.12 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 5.8" x 8.5"
Related Subjects
Biographical Biographies Biographies & History Biography & History Cancer Death & Grief Diseases & Physical Ailments Grief & Bereavement Health Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting Internal Medicine Medical Medical Books Medicine Parenting & Relationships Special Needs Specific Groups WomenCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
Heart wrenching account needs a large box of tissues
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
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.
Brett and her family have a permanent place in my heart!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
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".
Thank You for this book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
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.
What a gift.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
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.
A sad and joyful tribute to an extraordinary life.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
Brett Hobbie was one of my closest friends. She was a skilled poet, a mesmerizing speaker, and an intoxicating person to spend time with. I felt giddy alive with her and this book almost manages to convey her spirit to those who never had the good fortune to know her. Doug Hobbie has crafted what must have been a difficult book to write: a eulogy of sorts, but also a chronicaling of a life written by a parent with a very keen sense of his child's wit and humor and struggle. A small, quiet triumph
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