Welcome to my stop on the How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences blog tour sponsored by Suzy Approved Book Tours! Thank you to Suzy for the invitation!
About the Book:
Many are haunted and obsessed by their own eventual deaths, but perhaps no one as much as Sue William Silverman. This thematically linked collection of essays charts Silverman’s attempt to confront her fears of that ultimate unknown. Her dread was fomented in part by a sexual assault, hidden for years, that led to an awareness that death and sex are in some ways inextricable, an everyday reality many women know too well.
Through gallows humor, vivid realism, and fantastical speculation, How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences explores this fear of death and the author’s desire to survive it. From cruising New Jersey’s industry-blighted landscape in a gold Plymouth to visiting the emergency room for maladies both real and imagined to suffering the stifling strictness of an intractable piano teacher, Silverman guards her memories for the same reason she resurrects archaic words—to use as talismans to ward off the inevitable. Ultimately, Silverman knows there is no way to survive death physically. Still, through language, commemoration, and metaphor, she searches for a sliver of transcendent immortality.
My Thoughts:
Do you ever fear your own death? Sue William Silverman does, and so much so, you might say she’s obsessed with it.
Silverman was sexually assaulted, and many of her fears are fed by experience. In a series of essays peppered with insight and humor, Silverman confronts her biggest fear head on.
In more ways than I can list, Silverman is a survivor. If you’ve ever thought you might be a hypochondriac, or just that you worry too much about your own inevitable death, there’s so much reassurance and insight here.
It’s beautifully-written and it helps us confront that taboo subject we don’t like to talk about but we NEED to talk about. Don’t worry- it’s not all about death. It also covers love and loss and has hope and humor in it as well to add some balance. Overall, it’s hard to describe but easy to read.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Have you read How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Great review 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Priyasha! ❤️
LikeLike
This sounds like my kind of book, Jen. This is something I definitely think about. Excellent review as usual! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, M! I could see you enjoy this- lots to think about and ponder. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretty picture, wonderful review, and blog tour, Jennifer! I added this memoir to my TBR. Happy Tuesday! ❤️📚💐😘💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Virginia! It’s a great one to add! Happy Tuesday to you! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review ! Sounds like a really interesting read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks pmts, Nicki! It really was! ❤️
LikeLike
Her story sounds powerful and you’ve done it justice, Jennifer💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jonetta! It definitely is a powerful story! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Living through a traumatic event would certainly change your outlook on life. This sounds like an interesting read, Jennifer, thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jacquie! It was a really thought-provoking book for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like a fascinating read and psychologically very plausible – great review, Jennifer:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sarah! It was definitely thought-provoking and interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really sounds interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was definitely thought-provoking, Carol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It so important to have writers like this who can be so candid in confronting or discussing taboo topics like this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is, LP! We have to think about these issues sometimes!
LikeLike
This sounds like an interesting but challenging book to read. Glad that you enjoyed it! Great review as always, Jennifer! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jee! It was definitely thought-provoking and powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you have to be in the right frame of mind to tackle this one. Nice review, Jennifer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marialyce! That is definitely true!
LikeLike