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172nd out of 925 books
—
1,078 voters
The Truth About Butterflies: A Memoir
by
Nancy Stephan (Goodreads Author)
“The caterpillar dies so the butterfly could be born. And, yet, the caterpillar lives in the butterfly and they are but one.” - John Harricharan
They belong to each other. Nancy and Nicole—mother and daughter. They’re two halves of a whole, two facets of the same breath—until the day Nicole exhales. . . and never inhales again.
After the death of her daughter, and quickly l...more
They belong to each other. Nancy and Nicole—mother and daughter. They’re two halves of a whole, two facets of the same breath—until the day Nicole exhales. . . and never inhales again.
After the death of her daughter, and quickly l...more
Paperback, 177 pages
Published
June 24th 2011
by Rum & Baker Publishing
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I just got this today in the mail, I won it via the Goodreads FirstReads program. I got it very promptly, thank you Nancy!
I started reading it today, the preface itself got me crying. I have already read the first two chapters, and I am eager to finish it. Its going to be a tough one, but I'll get thru it.
I commend Nancy already! I can't wait to finish it. I will update again once I finish it.
Cheers!
I started reading it today, the preface itself got me crying. I have already read the first two chapters, and I am eager to finish it. Its going to be a tough one, but I'll get thru it.
I commend Nancy already! I can't wait to finish it. I will update again once I finish it.
Cheers!
What an amazing book! The sequence everything is told is perfect in order to draw you right in and keep a little suspence there. The book just has so much in it. I feel like I want more. I was able to see how the compassion of some and the cruelty of others affected their lives. I saw the deep faith and how much a part of their lives was enhanced by it. The last dream described in the book was truely wonderful. How amazing to have experienced such a thing. It's not very often that you find a boo...more
Sep 19, 2011
Nancy Stephan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
· (Review from the author)
Shelves:
memoir,
nonfiction
I wrote it, read it, and gave it two thumbs up.
view all 5 comments
I was so moved by Nancy Stephan's The Truth About Butterflies that when I finished reading it, I had to take some time to write the review.This is a gripping story of a young single mother whose only child, a daughter, Nicole is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and ultimately succumbs to end-stage renal disease. It is a story that will linger long after the book is finished.
Well-written and well-crafted, Nancy starts the story with her own childhood challenges of her mother's death and her event...more
Well-written and well-crafted, Nancy starts the story with her own childhood challenges of her mother's death and her event...more
I got this book from a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Thank you, Nancy, for getting it to me so promptly! With a couple of others I have ahead of this book on my queue, I decided to skip yours up to the front of the line.
What an inspiring read this was! Nancy Stephan has truly been through what most of us could never possibly imagine, only to come out on the other side with hope. It must have been cathartic to write this memoir and tell her story and that of her daughter. This book is a quick r...more
What an inspiring read this was! Nancy Stephan has truly been through what most of us could never possibly imagine, only to come out on the other side with hope. It must have been cathartic to write this memoir and tell her story and that of her daughter. This book is a quick r...more
So far, so good
...if good is really the word.
The mood is overwhelmingly stark. But, it is exactly this ability of the author to convey her experiences in crisp clarity that captivates me.
Although some individuals may read to escape from somber real-life circumstances, I personally find comfort in this artful reminder that distress is a shared experience of all humankind.
I recommend this memoir to readers bracing themselves for a somber mood, yet eager to appreciate the honesty of this author's...more
...if good is really the word.
The mood is overwhelmingly stark. But, it is exactly this ability of the author to convey her experiences in crisp clarity that captivates me.
Although some individuals may read to escape from somber real-life circumstances, I personally find comfort in this artful reminder that distress is a shared experience of all humankind.
I recommend this memoir to readers bracing themselves for a somber mood, yet eager to appreciate the honesty of this author's...more
WOW – I was speechless when I finished reading this book and then I had to pause before I could breathe again! What an incredible story and I commend the author for sharing this very personal journey with the world.
There are a few things that stuck with me long after I finished reading. I cannot imagine the pain Nancy felt when she lost her daughter but I can empathize with her feelings of being able to share her last moments. Having been with my brother when he took his last breath, it is hard...more
There are a few things that stuck with me long after I finished reading. I cannot imagine the pain Nancy felt when she lost her daughter but I can empathize with her feelings of being able to share her last moments. Having been with my brother when he took his last breath, it is hard...more
This book is so incredibly heartbreaking. No parent plans to lose a child, and Stephan puts the pain into a book focusing on some great memories of her life and her daughter's time with her. I was blown away by the raw honesty found in so many places.
Stephan is a good writer with a solid understanding of how to write a powerful memoir. I often felt like I was sitting with her in those hospital rooms sharing her pain. The book takes you into the depth of what having a sick child feels like (her d...more
Stephan is a good writer with a solid understanding of how to write a powerful memoir. I often felt like I was sitting with her in those hospital rooms sharing her pain. The book takes you into the depth of what having a sick child feels like (her d...more
This was a sad an mostly interesting book. It was a little too disjointed to be a really good book. And some of it seemed to be set up to be a shock or surprise.
The book also points out something that most of us don't ever realize -people who are on assistance or who are in the criminal system, even for minor crimes, are treated much differently by medical professionals than the rest of us are.
I saw this happen to someone that is vaguely connected to my life. Disturbing really, when all the dis...more
The book also points out something that most of us don't ever realize -people who are on assistance or who are in the criminal system, even for minor crimes, are treated much differently by medical professionals than the rest of us are.
I saw this happen to someone that is vaguely connected to my life. Disturbing really, when all the dis...more
I read books because I want happy endings and an escape from real life. This book was the real life that I am hiding from. The story was well written, and it was easy to read...the topic was the difficult part for me.
This is a story about a mother who was grieving the loss of her only child. Nancy's daughter, Nicole had been suffering from juvenile diabetes since age 8. The story begins while Nancy is making preparations to move Nicole to a hospice. Nancy begins to open up to the reader what a t...more
This is a story about a mother who was grieving the loss of her only child. Nancy's daughter, Nicole had been suffering from juvenile diabetes since age 8. The story begins while Nancy is making preparations to move Nicole to a hospice. Nancy begins to open up to the reader what a t...more
It's hard to explain how I can love this book when it deals with such a difficult topic. I listened to this book on my Kindle using the text to voice, and I couldn't get out of the car because I had to keep listening.
This book explains the ugly truth about grief and how it can destroy people, but also how our spiritual bonds to those we love are not broken by death. With the recent loss of both my parents, I'm filled with hope and peace and so many of my own questions have been answered. I reco...more
This book explains the ugly truth about grief and how it can destroy people, but also how our spiritual bonds to those we love are not broken by death. With the recent loss of both my parents, I'm filled with hope and peace and so many of my own questions have been answered. I reco...more
Oct 04, 2011
Margaret
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
biography, memoir or anyone
Recommended to Margaret by:
Nancy
Shelves:
on-my-ipod-touch
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
thanks to Nancy for my free copy of her first novel. i am not particularly adept at reviewing, but here is what i thought. the subject matter is so personal, i am in awe that the author was able to actually translate it to paper. i would like to have heard a bit more about nicole's personality and how it was shaped by her illness...though some of that was there, i would like to have been able to relate more to her. like another review i read, i really enjoyed hearing about nancy's own childhood,...more
This is a great book and without any doubt this is an incredible and wonderful memoir.
About the book:
The memoir is about the author and her late daughter Nicole. The author depicted the story about her late daughter in such a manner that it covered each and every stages of Nicole's life as a up and down roller coaster. I was fully touched with the emotions that was carried by the book.
Yes, at the end I can say the journey is beautiful. I also know the secret of a butterfly, but today I knew ab...more
About the book:
The memoir is about the author and her late daughter Nicole. The author depicted the story about her late daughter in such a manner that it covered each and every stages of Nicole's life as a up and down roller coaster. I was fully touched with the emotions that was carried by the book.
Yes, at the end I can say the journey is beautiful. I also know the secret of a butterfly, but today I knew ab...more
I thought this book was very powerful and insightful. It was an interesting read because it had moments of deep sadness alongside stories that made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed her vivid tales and appreciate the insight into how it possibly feels to lose a child. I was thankful for her honest look at deep depression and grief, but also her great hope while God rescued her through bitter darkness.Warning: a few words of profanity.
cannot believe i got this free on amazon. i neglected work and sleep for 2 days to finish it, it was that absorbing. i think as a nurse it was good for me to read this, shows the other side of the story of people who just can't let their loved ones go when all us medical people can clearly see it's time to stop. a sad story but ultimately uplifting. Christian (in the best and truest sense), spiritual but not religious or preachy.
Thank you for sharing your story. I felt like I got to know both you and Nicole through your book. You are an incredible, amazing person that has gone through more than most will ever know in this lifetime. God Bless you and Nicole. I am sure she is always with you.
I lost my mother last year and am still battling the everyday grief of her loss, yet I pray each and every day that she is happy and whole and pain free.
Blessings to you.
I lost my mother last year and am still battling the everyday grief of her loss, yet I pray each and every day that she is happy and whole and pain free.
Blessings to you.
My heart breaks for Nancy. I have a 9 year old son who has a terminal disease ( Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and I know someday I will have to face the same heartbreak that Nancy did. The story of her and Nicole was beautifully written. Many parts of this book made me tear up and want to give Nancy a big hug. I recommend everyone read this book. A story of love, loss and pulling through with faith.
I received this book in exchange for a written review. I love reading memoirs. Let's see if it holds my attention....
Not at all what I expected. Very engaging story! During the Preface and the first three chapters, I felt there were a lot of starts and stops, meaning I wish the author would have stayed in the moment a little longer. Once she found her rhythm, her story takes you on wild ride of emotions.
Not at all what I expected. Very engaging story! During the Preface and the first three chapters, I felt there were a lot of starts and stops, meaning I wish the author would have stayed in the moment a little longer. Once she found her rhythm, her story takes you on wild ride of emotions.
Great read! I would have given it 4.5 stars, but since Goodreads only allows full stars, I will give it 5! You can truly feel Nancy Stephan & every emotion she expresses in this heartfelt memoir! It is one of those books that once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. I commend Nancy for her steady faith during all her time of trouble; she never lost sight of the Lord.
What an amazing book! I cried several times while reading this book, really pulled at my heartstrings. Stephan did an incredible job of making the reader feel what she was feeling through out the loss of her daughter and the trials and tribulations she went through growing up. Highly recommend this book!!!!
Beautiful story of mother/daughter relationship. I can't imagine what it would feel like to loose your daughter at 27 and especially when she is the only family you have. Her honesty as she went through the illness and grief process was moving and inspiring.
What a good book. The author is an amazing person. She has gone through so much in her life and then her faith has still reaminded strong. As a mother my heart broke as I read about Nicole's struggles. As a mother I can not imagine anything harder than losing a child. Nancy did a wonderful job of telling about her life and this book would be so helpful to peole going thr the same struggles she went thru. SHe has a gift for writing.
It was very real. It made me cry and it made me greatful for the family I have, so I know that whatever happens to me or my husband, my children have real love and real support out there from family who love them unconditionally.
I'm not sure exactly what about this book was so moving to me, but it was. More than just a story about overcoming very difficult challenges, the deep spiritualism of the author's voice paints a powerful portrayal of God's love.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the story, but then there was more religion than I expected, and lost interest by the end. The box was introduced so soon and then dragged and dragged before we got back to it, and the payoff didn't feel worth it.
This book was heartbreaking as it chronicles a mother's journey with a daughter who has type 1 diabetes. Being a medical professional who has been on both sides of the bed, I appreciated what the mother went through.
This book is an amazing story of strength and faith! Makes you realize that the things you think are hard - someone is going through so much more. We all take so much for granted and we never know when we will go Home.
Sweet and sad story about the loss of a daughter, but full of hope in that those loving connections live forever with those who go before us. You only have to stay alert to see the signs and messages that our lost loved ones are only a breath away.
How does a mother come to terms with the illness and eventual death of her only daughter? This one is a tear jerker. Have tissues and hankie handy. Moving, beautifully told, and a tribute to one woman's faith in God.
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“This flesh in which we live is nothing more than a cocoon, and only when we step out of it do we truly begin to live.”
—
8 people liked it
“And this evening when I close my eyes against the darkness and think about her, I'll imagine iridescent wings fluttering, if only for a moment, against cloudless blue skies.”
—
7 people liked it
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