Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
14th out of 44 books
—
49 voters
Barefoot in November
by
Benjamin J. Carey (Goodreads Author)
Running a marathon is much more than just a metaphor in Benjamin Carey’s powerful memoir Barefoot in November. His inspiring story, beautifully told, encourages us to take charge of our own fate. This book captures his emotional, physical and spiritual journey to the finish line and beyond. Benjamin Carey’s world is understandably rocked when he discovers that he is living...more
Paperback, 190 pages
Published
March 15th 2011
by Center Street Publishing
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,148)
I read this book because I usually love books with a medical aspect to them. Looking at all of the reviews I thought that I was going to love it, and be unable to put it down….I was so very wrong!
I can understand how people who have been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm could relate to this memoir. And I hope that the author meant to only engage those people, because this book totally lacked interest and emotion. Both something that I feel is important in writing a good book.
It is so important...more
I can understand how people who have been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm could relate to this memoir. And I hope that the author meant to only engage those people, because this book totally lacked interest and emotion. Both something that I feel is important in writing a good book.
It is so important...more
view 1 comment
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
While it is difficult for me to relate to Carey's predicament (no major medical problems, so far *knock on wood*), his memoir Barefoot in November contains one element that draws me to all memoirs: candid honesty. Carey's words are often harsh and bitter, but they are always honest. In spite of this occasional bitterness, Barefoot in November is ultimately a success story. Ben is a survivor, and proud of it. He is also living proof that "good health" is a holistic lifestyle change and not just "...more
I found "Barefoot in November", by Benjamin J. Carey, while doing some research on aortic aneurysms. Just a couple of days before this, I found out what the doctor was initially calling an enlarged aortic root had increased in size, and now I was hearing the word aneurysm. Combine this with a leaky bicuspid aortic valve, and I was told by my doctor that we were getting close.
I came across Heartosaurus.com, and could not stop reading. This is where I found Benjamin's book "Barefoot in November"....more
I came across Heartosaurus.com, and could not stop reading. This is where I found Benjamin's book "Barefoot in November"....more
Carey's brash prose and honesty should not be taken for "arrogance". His fierceness and ambition are to be admired, and his imperfections are answered with as many instances in which he pours out his heart and shows his sensitive side. I was intrigued after seeing the author's interview on the Larry Davidson show and was not surprised to find dozens of good reviews on the book. It never ceases to amaze me though when a handful of people refer to someone who's almost lost their life as "arrogant"...more
Hi folks,
I read this book a while ago, and as a fellow aortic aneurysm sufferer I can relate to his story. Here is the review I placed on Amazon at that time, and my opinion of the book and the author are extremely favorable. An inspiration:
Amazon Review (just after reading the book):
5.0 out of 5 stars Great First Book, Great First Marathon, Great First Open Heart Surgery - Book Review: `Barefoot in November', April 12, 2011
By
Old Dog in Training "Kevin Morgan" (Carrboro, NC, USA) blogging at ht...more
I read this book a while ago, and as a fellow aortic aneurysm sufferer I can relate to his story. Here is the review I placed on Amazon at that time, and my opinion of the book and the author are extremely favorable. An inspiration:
Amazon Review (just after reading the book):
5.0 out of 5 stars Great First Book, Great First Marathon, Great First Open Heart Surgery - Book Review: `Barefoot in November', April 12, 2011
By
Old Dog in Training "Kevin Morgan" (Carrboro, NC, USA) blogging at ht...more
Aug 10, 2011
John Thurmon
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Heart Patients, People facing a terminal illness
This book changed my life. I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm on May 4, 2011, and I found the author's blog heartosaurus.com and the book while I was scouring google for information on the condition. I am only 27 years old and I identified with the author's story immediately and am so grateful that he shared his experience. I felt all of the same feelings of denial, anger, and fear. The book is very candid and often profane but the story could not be told any other way. If you're religious...more
Simply put: This book can change your outlook on life. If you are dealing with a life-threatening situation of your own, have a loved one that is, or are simply looking for some answers to what the meaning of life is... this book is for you! During this read, at different points in the book, I found myself laughing, nodding my head, shaking my head, and in near tears. The author does a great job of painting the picture of a man who, like most, made some mistakes in life, but learned so much in a...more
Wow! This is one of those books that I feel the need to share with friends because it's just that good.
Normally it takes a while for me to truly get into a book, but not this one. I was captivated within the first couple of pages, and it continued until the very last page. I could truly experience the ordeal Carey's family was going through, despite it being based on a health scare that I knew only a little about prior to reading this.
The characters are fully developed, allowing you to really in...more
Normally it takes a while for me to truly get into a book, but not this one. I was captivated within the first couple of pages, and it continued until the very last page. I could truly experience the ordeal Carey's family was going through, despite it being based on a health scare that I knew only a little about prior to reading this.
The characters are fully developed, allowing you to really in...more
Benjamin Carey was living the American dream when due to fatigue, he goes in for a routine physical. He discovers he has an aortic aneurysm and is facing the possibility of saying goodbye forever to his pregnant wife and two young children. Carey describes his journey through diagnosis, denial, anger, frustration, acceptance, surgery, and recovery. On the one year anniversary of his heart surgery, Benjamin and his wife Nicole run the New York City marathon.
This uplifting and inspirational story...more
This uplifting and inspirational story...more
The list of "things" that I can't remember is growing at a faster pace than my fast-growing to-read list. A scary realization. That I can't remember why I bought Benjamin J. Carey's BAREFOOT IN NOVEMBER does not surprise me. When I took it off one of my actual to-read shelves, the title and cover scene must have kept me from putting it back and moving on to another unread book. Since I did not recall anything that I may have read about the work, the sepia image of a little barefoot boy in motion...more
5 likes · like · see review
This is a very reflective book. It makes you stop and think about what is important in your life and why and what would happen if you got sick and didn't have tomorrow. I got this book in the Goodreads Giveaways.
Barefoot in November was an outstanding book. I could not put it down once I started I read it. It is a true page turner. It is an inspiring, emotional memoir of his life while going after the "American Dream" he is suddenly faced with his own mortality. It takes you on his amazing journey as if you are right there. It is filled with fear, sorrow, joy and ultimatey triumph. It has left me thinking for days. It shows how truly important families and spouses are and how they all pulled together i...more
AMAZING! Such an uplifting and inspirational book. Couldn't put it down.
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. It was captivating, inspirational and informative. It provides the reader with a story of a typical man with a young family dealing with a life threatening condition in the prime of his life. His courage throughout his medical procedures and his determination in the year following, give everyone hope that they can survive and live life to the fullest regardless of what they may face. The lessons he learned and shared with the reader are ea...more
REVIEW PENDING
1 like · like · see review
Jun 12, 2012
Lyn M (readinghearts)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Lyn M (readinghearts) by:
Sisterhood of the Traveling Book
Barefoot in November is not the type of book I usually read. Although I have been know to read almost any genre, memoirs and self-help books are probably the ones that I read the least of. The premise for this book sounded interesting, though, and it was loaned to me by a friend. Since it was only 190 pages I figured I would give it a try. What I found here was a well written account of the author's journey through his illness and recovery from an aortic aneurysm. I found Benjamin J. Carey's abi...more
BAREFOOT IN NOVEMBER is a real life account of Ben Carey. His wife is Nicole. He is as heathy as an ox, always takes care of himself, and is as stubborn as a bull! There is a history of heart disease in his family. After feeling fatigue for a while and it not being the norm for Ben, his wife finally gets him to make an appointment for a stress test. He is diagnosed with a aortic aneurysm. The same thing that killed John Ritter. Ben refuses to believe it is that bad until he talks with some life...more
Great story..a must read for any stubborn patient going through an illness. I actually found the dynamics between Carey and his wife pretty humorous, as I am sure that is the same way my husband and I would be! More than for the basis of the story, I liked it more for what Carey had written between the lines related to familial dynamics and work ethic, as well. I thought he made some very important points whether a person has a life threatening illness or not!
While I enjoyed this book and the story line, the author is very arrogant and that detracted from my overall opinion. I wanted so much to like him, but he made it very hard. Every time he mentioned his children he named them and stated their ages. He was irritatingly redundant about his children and his neighbors and friends. It got very old. I would still recommend this read, but I am not a fan of his writing.
An incredibly emotional story of the author's experience facing a life threatening diagnosis at a young age. At different points in the book I loved him, hated him, laughed at him, and ultimately admired him and his wife. I found the book to be chock full of many interesting incidents. I could relate to in the familial dynamics he describes, and I found the story to be very uplifting overall.
This is the type of book that will have you staying up late and thinking about coming home to read. The story is engaging, motivational, inspirational and full of heartfelt honesty. The writing will take you to the exact moment that the author describes and when you look up from the book, you won't believe how long you've been reading! An amazing read hands down!
I can't finish this book. I only made it to page 45. It was eminently readable but I so much disliked the author, writing his memoir, that I gave up in disgust. I hope he lives to be 100 and maybe he will learn humility and wisdom. If he found it by books end, I will never know.
from start to finish this book was a page turner. The story keeps you hungry for the next paragraph. An inspiring story of obstacles, fears and ultimately triumph...this book should be read by anyone who needs to be uplifted.
This book has pure raw honesty and felt as though I was listening to the author telling me his story over coffee. It literally drew me in at the preface. I was anticipating an emotional journey as this man and his family overcome a battle with aortic aneurysm however it is also full of wit and charm. Truly inspirational!
3 likes · like · see review
Uplifting, thought provoking. Reminder that life is uncertain so cherish each day.
I think this book was a great read! The authors journey was raw & genuine.
Apparently, I am the only reviewer so far that felt this book was overrated. I felt that the book was poorly written and was just a jumble of diary entries. How many times does the author have to remind the reader the ages of his children? It is as if each section of the book is to be read separately yet it is all bound together.
I had a hard time finding this book either to purchase or borrow from a library. I could not find it locally so ordered it online. Perhaps I had too high of hopes for i...more
I had a hard time finding this book either to purchase or borrow from a library. I could not find it locally so ordered it online. Perhaps I had too high of hopes for i...more
A MUST READ : FEAR / STRENGTH / COURAGE / LOVE
I received this book from GoodReads firstbook giveaway. The book is a memoir, and I just could not get past my dislike of the author, who comes off as pompous. His tone is annoying, everything he touches is wonderful, everyone he meets is perfect (and he'll tell you their hair color), he over uses italics and under uses commas. If you have been touched by aortic aneurism, you will probably find meaning in the book, but I was just annoyed.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sisterhood of the...: Barefoot in November by Benjamin J. Carey | 25 | 25 | May 14, 2013 06:30am |
![Barefoot in November by Benjamin J. Carey [book trailer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8HVn1qtIdhg/0.jpg)
We didn't have heat in our house when I was a kid, and that's not one of those "we walked 200 miles uphill to school both ways in a snowstorm" joke. We simply didn't have a furnace, so my old man put a 50 gallon steel drum in our kitchen and we burned wood in it for heat. We scorched our pajamas lining up in front of it to get warm on cold mornings. Lo and behold I decided at 5 years old that when...more
More about Benjamin J. Carey...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“At the end of the day your ability to connect with your readers comes down to how you make them feel.”
—
22 people liked it
“It's amazing how we wake up every day and just take for granted that life will go on. We know the reality that it will end at some point, yet we still wake up every morning believing deeply, that we will live forever.”
—
16 people liked it
More quotes…
