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ALS Saved My Life...until it didn't Book Review

Sometimes life throws us a life changing twist.  Sometimes we are personally faced with the unthinkable--sometimes, we must face the unthinkable with someone we love.  Today, I have an amazing book (and an amazing author) to share with our readers!  Author Jenni Berebitsky turned a terminal medical prognosis into an inspirational life story that I am excited to share with readers today.  What did I think of ALS Saved My Life...until it didn't by Jenni Berebitsky?

 
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author or publisher for use in my review.
All opinions are my own. 
 
About the Book

Most people know life will not necessarily go as they planned, but what do we do when nothing even goes as we had hoped? In her vulnerable, humorous book ALS Saved my Life...until it didn’t (March 18, 2018, PB & J’s Publishing, LLC.), Dr. Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky shares her story of life with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), outlining both the practical and existential changes needed to adapt and thrive in the face of life-altering events.

One month out of her naturopathic medical residency, two years into her marriage, and just 15 months into life with her son, Jenni Berebitsky received the diagnosis: ALS. Given 18-24 months to live, life was certainly not what Jenni had planned or hoped for. Ten years later, Jenni’s life is changed, but not over by any stretch of the imagination. Embodying the idea that courage does not always roar, Jenni reveals the combination of self-reflection, radical acceptance, grit, and social support that have allowed her to remain true to herself while living her life to the fullest.

Now on a mission to help others move forward after life-changing events, Jenni looks to the future with excitement and anticipation of new adventures, as the documentary about her life, “Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story,” is screened in film festivals around the world.

The audio book of ALS Saved My Life...until it didn’t is set to release exactly ten years after she was diagnosed with ALS.

My Review

Dr. Berebitsky writes with humor and realism.  As a medical professional, the author was well aware of the magnitude her ALS diagnosis would have on her life.  Turning her bleak prognosis into a life story brings readers (and those touched by an ALS diagnosis) an inspirational story of life and hope.  The author relays genuine challenges, feelings, and emotions from the very first pages of her story.  While the story could certainly be a sad one (and may bring forth some emotions from page to page)--the author can keep humor, hope, light, and inspiration woven into the book throughout.  The author tells her story in a conversational, easy to read manner that readers will not want to put down.

This book combines an emotional memoir with an inspirational self-help book.
   The author is a remarkable woman who took a difficult situation and sought to not only live her changed life to the fullest--but to offer pieces of her experiences and advice to others facing the illness.  Readers will gain so much from Jenni's story.  The author shares her fears, doubts, and challenges--but, also shares the resourcefulness and personal acceptance that allowed her (and her family) to thrive in spite of the difficulties. 

Would I Recommend ALS Saved My Life...until it didn't by Jenni Berebitsky? 
If you are facing an ALS diagnosis or will be a caregiver or support person for someone who is facing this diagnosis--I highly recommend this book.  In fact, I recommend this book for anyone facing any terminal illness.  The author offers tips for self-realization and acceptance along with a story of triumph against the odds from which most all of us could gain positive life insights.   Along with her personal reflections and advice--readers will also read honest, real observations and stories from Jenni's family and caregivers. This novel is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time.  I think it is impossible to read Jenni's story without feeling yourself change and grow just a little too. 
Buy the Book

About the Author


Dr. Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky is a 43-year-old mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. She received her BA in psychology and art therapy from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1998. In 2001, she studied Social Theory at Melbourne University in Melbourne, Australia, and then went on to receive a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2007. Jenni looks to the future with excitement and anticipation of new adventures, including screenings of a documentary about her life, “Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story” is film festivals around the world. She currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Visit her at ALSSavedMyLife.com.



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1 Comments

  1. Wow, talk about turning lemons into lemonade! Thanks

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