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After Anna
After Anna
Lisa Scottoline | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Maggie and Noah have been married for a few years. Noah has a son from a previous marriage and Maggie has a daughter, but Maggie hasn't seen her daughter, Anna, since she was 6 months old. When Anna, decides she wants to be a part of Maggie's life, Maggie is over the moon. This is something she has wanted for the past 16 years. But as soon as Anna enters their lives, everything gets turned upside down. Noah is accused of molesting and killing Anna and Maggie isn't sure who to believe, her husband of a few years or the daughter who she has desperately has wanted in her life.

In the past couple of years, I have discovered Lisa Scottoline books and I have fallen in love. The stories are unbelievable and they always leave you on the edge of your seat.

This story is told from the perspective of Noah and Maggie. Noah's story starts, as he is on trial for Anna's death. His story goes back in time from day 10 of the trial to day one, then back to the verdict and life after. Maggie's story starts from the day she gets a phone call from Anna asking to reconnect and continues through the end of Noah's trial and the aftermath. We learn about why Maggie hasn't been in Anna's life and what has happened in Anna's life.

Anna is far from a normal teenage girl and that is obvious from the time she and Maggie meet. Trying to encourage her to try and lead a normal life now that she is in their lives, proves to be very difficult for Noah and Maggie. Noah is a pediatric allergist and his life is totally unraveled when Anna enters it. This story will have you guessing until the very end and it will show you a mother's resilience.

Highly recommended!
  
IT
In the Midst of Life
Jennifer Worth | 2017 | Biography
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
When I picked up this book to read, it was because I wanted something far removed from what I would normally turn to. Usually I'm very much a 'chick-lit' reader. But I've been finding these magazine/tabloid style novels all follow the same formula and are so predictable. Time for something new.

I hadn't previously heard of Jennifer Worth but was aware of Call the Midwife, although I hadn't read it or seen the series.
These memoirs show what a full and rewarding life Jennifer has lived. A simple and loving life, but she made quite an impact. The way Jennifer can recall so many interesting characters, people and tales from over the years during her nursing career just goes to show how much she cared. Plus the fact that she obviously inspired her nieces to follow her footsteps in the career path.

She talks about her experiences with life and death and how procedures, and perhaps opinions, have changed in her lifetime.
It often gave a very detail and graphic insight to health problems and what occurs in the lead up to end of life as we know it. I have had health issues myself, so to me this didn't come across as too out of the ordinary or gruesome but I can understand that it might be quite horrific to others.

In reading this book I feel more of a sense of calm of what I will one day face. We all will die. This is a fact. Whether it comes about from some unfortunate accident or illness or simply 'growing old' we will all one day breathe our last breath.
It gives new incentive to make the most of life and those we share it with.
I had always seen death as something terrifying. I felt that dying was a personal event and that the individual should be allowed privacy. I felt this gave the most dignity. But I now believe I was wrong. You repeatedly hear how having a loved one there can bring on a sense of calm and peace. It is a very spiritual, and almost intimate time, that helps both the one who is passing and the people left behind.

I would recommend this book to everyone who works in the medical field. I have seen time and time again the heartless doctors Jennifer talks about but the caring nurses and assistants who brighten your day.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has had medical issues. It gives a sense of calm about death when you know your life expectancy isn't quite as long as you had hoped.
I would recommend this book to those with depression or suicidal feelings. I have been suffering myself for the past year but reading this helped me see that others are suffering more than myself.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a heart and soul. It is a very touching read.