My rating:
add to my books
Loading...
Notes Left Behind
by
Brooke Desserich,
Keith Desserich (Goodreads Author)
Elena Desserich dreamed of becoming a teacher. Although her time on this earth was far too short to fulfill her dream, she left behind an enlightening lesson plan on life. Wise beyond her years, Elena never stopped teaching those around her to appreciate the miracle of everyday living even as the innocent six-year-old battled a rare form of brain cancer.
Through personal
...moreHardcover, 250 pages
Published
November 1st 2009
by William Morrow & Company
(first published 2008)
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
821)
Elena terdeteksi menderita tumor di otak dan divonis hanya akan bisa bertahan hidup selama 135 hari. Tapi Tuhan memberikan hidup 120 hari lebih lama dari yang divoniskan. Mungkin hidup terasa singkat selama 255 hari, tapi jika diisi dengan penuh rasa syukur, 255 hari menjadi hari-hari yang singkat namun indah.
Kisah ini ditulis oleh Ayah dan Ibu Elena. Saya lebih tertarik saat dikisahkan melalui sudut pandang Ayah. Di beberapa bagian, hati saya tersentuh hingga ingin menitikkan air ma...more
Kisah ini ditulis oleh Ayah dan Ibu Elena. Saya lebih tertarik saat dikisahkan melalui sudut pandang Ayah. Di beberapa bagian, hati saya tersentuh hingga ingin menitikkan air ma...more
view all 3 comments
Two ordinary parents write their candid reactions to their daughter's journey through cancer. Specifically, an incurable, rare form of brain cancer called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Their elder daughter, Elena, was diagnosed with this disease, leaving them to grapple with the implications. They started a journal of their experiences for their younger daughter, Grace, hoping they could preserve some of Elena for her sister as well as document what they felt, but since they shared...more
How do you say goodbye to a child? The journal of this family walks us through the intimate experience of losing a child. The sudden onset of Elena's particular cancer and the fact that it was considered "incurable" from first diagnosis startles and upsets us, the readers. The Desserichs writing is so compelling that we want to know how each day will be completed. Elena's determination and her "notes left behind" remind all of us of the power of communication. The Desse...more
Jennifer0172
added it
How can anyone begin to make sense of something so tragic? I don't believe you can. Keith and Brooke penned this beautiful book as a tribute to their daughters…both of them, the one they lost and the one they kept. With every turn of the page you can see the deep love they hold for their daughters and for each other, and through it all they learned about tough choices, priorities and the strength they held within. Never before have I read such a book that spoke directly to me about life, lov...more
Though the writing wasn't sophisticated or "challenging," this book is still an important work. The Desserich family's journal does much more than just portray the obvious physical struggles associated with cancer. Elena's courage and never-ending perseverance has to be acknowledged, when so many of us give up on small tasks because of silly obstacles like a lack of energy or FEAR. This is the story of a 6 year old girl who wants to maintain the normalcy of childhood, but understands t...more
I decided to read this book because I am interested in pediatric nursing, and I got more out of it than I expected. This extraordinary and heartbreaking story of Elena and her amazingly supportive, and strong family is a must read for everyone. This book not only tells the story of Elena, but describes the stories of so many just like her. It breaks my heart that people like Elena are lost during our search for a cure for cancer. But through their extraordinary stories, the love of their familie...more
It's really impossible to not be touched by this story, considering what it is about. But does that mean it is excellent literature? Not necessarily.
I entered to win this book knowing it would be either beautifully written or a little flat. I am not surprised to say it was the latter. While I was first reading this book, I found the writing style a little irritating. Compared to the books I usually read, it was too obviously cheesy and witty (that is, so witty that it's not actu...more
I entered to win this book knowing it would be either beautifully written or a little flat. I am not surprised to say it was the latter. While I was first reading this book, I found the writing style a little irritating. Compared to the books I usually read, it was too obviously cheesy and witty (that is, so witty that it's not actu...more
I finished Notes Left Behind by Brooke Desserich, a journal written by the parents of Elena Desserich. Faced with the worst fear a parent could experience, Keith and Brooke Desserich chronicle the numbered days they have with their truly remarkable six year old after being diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. The grace, hope, resilience and thanksgiving they experience along this journey is a stunning story of love. The Desserich, along with their daughter, Grace, have started The Cure Begins ...more
The lessons learned from this book are invaluable. As a parent, it is easy to let the days, weeks, or months pass by in auto-pilot. We're all busy, we're all spread too thin. And what happens is that before we know it, our children have grown up and milestone moments have past. This book puts life into perspective. It calls for parents to stop and really cherish the time we have together. Even with the loss of their own daughter, Elena, Keith & Brooke Desserich find it in themselves to tea...more
This book, I found on clearance at a Border's that was going out of business. I had heard of this book a while back but chose to read Letters To God instead. However I saw it again, and decided I wanted to read it. Again, its a story about a little girl with cancer. It was heartbreaking to hear the struggles this family endured in order to care for their family, while staying positive for their daughter. In the end, it seems the little girl taught the family, her parents a little something. She ...more
this is by far the book that has touched me the most. my heart goes out to brooke, keith, and especially gracie. following elena's troubles and triumphs made me realize exactly how precious life is and how to care for my children when i have them. this is a book i think everyone should read because once you finish it, you are going to look at life with a different understanding on the term living life to the fullest. no life should be cut as short as elena's has and i hope all parents going thro...more
What an absolutely heartbreaking book! Notes Left Behind is a memoir about every parent's worst nightmare, the death of their child. Brooke and Keith Desserich's beautiful 6 year old daughter Elena died of diffuse brain stem glioma, a form of brain cancer, and this book details 9 months of their life from Elena's diagnosis on Nov 29th to her death the following August. From the beginning they knew that the odds were not in their favor, but they all faced their battle with strength and courage. ...more
Elena was a beautiful and sweet 6 year old with a brain tumor. She loved to write notes with hearts drawn on them. They often said, "I love Mom Dad Gracie." Elena's mom and dad wrote in a journal all through her diagnosis, treatment, and progression. They lovingly and unselfishly share their innermost thoughts, fears, desires, and emotions recorded in this journal, and they titled it "Notes Left Behind." I enjoyed getting to know Elena while reading this book, and I defi...more
Notes Left Behind is the compilation of a journal kept by Elena Desserich's parents during the months of her illness. At Six-years-old Elena was diagnosed with an advanced form of brain cancer which has only a 10% survival rate. From the beginning her parents were fighting a losing battle. With grace, courage, anger, frustration, love and acceptance, Elena's family fought for every day of her life. Their journal, started for Elena's younger sister Grace as a way to share Elena's life with her la...more
This book was a wonderful story with a sad ending. There are so many good causes out there. This particular kind of cancer is just heart breaking. I went onto the internet and looked up the cancer and there were many noteworthy stories on the web, the kids all seem to look the same when they finally pass. One thing that is hard to take is our children being sick and suffering. I applaud this family and this precocious little girl for leaving all these notes behind and sharing the story with us, ...more
How can anyone begin to make sense of something so tragic? I don't believe you can. Keith and Brooke penned this beautiful book as a tribute to their daughters…both of them, the one they lost and the one they kept. With every turn of the page you can see the deep love they hold for their daughters and for each other, and through it all they learned about tough choices, priorities and the strength they held within. Never before have I read such a book that spoke directly to me about life, lov...more
Elena, malaikat yang dikirimkan Tuhan untuk keluarga Desserich. Meskipun hidupnya hanya sampai 6 tahun, tapi dia mengajarkan dan meninggalkan pesan dan kesan yang sangat mendalam pada berjuta-juta orang. Saya sangat terkesan dengan betapa pintarnya Elena menarik perhatian dan rasa sayang dari semua orang. Anaknya kalem dan berpemikiran sangat dewasa. Orangtuanya pasti sangat bangga memiliki anak seperti Elena dan adiknya, Gracie. Keduanya sangat menggemaskan. Setelah membaca buku ini saya jadi p...more
This book is both sweet and depressing. I feel for authors Keith and Brooke for the loss of their little daughter. I definitely wept as I read the stories of heartache that this family endured. At the same time, I felt like I was peering into the private, personal lives of this little family and it felt somehow wrong to be looking in. I found Elena's notes to be sweet and touching. I hope that the book helps raise lots of money for cancer research and that someday cancer will be wiped from the f...more
This book was incredible. It's a journal written by parents of a six year old girl with cancer. They began the journal originally to keep friends and family updated, but it turned into much more than that. Included are love letters written from their daughter and left behind for them to find after she was gone.
I first thought this would be heartwrenching, and don't get me wrong, it was. But more than that, it was a story of hope. It was a reminder to hang onto every minute, to s...more
I first thought this would be heartwrenching, and don't get me wrong, it was. But more than that, it was a story of hope. It was a reminder to hang onto every minute, to s...more
Notes Left Behind is a book I won't soon forget. It's a journal written by two parents going through the most difficult time in their lives. The journal, which was meant fo their youngest daughter, was too powerful not to share.
Brooke and Keith Desserich introduce you to their lovely daughter Elena at age 5. What a precious little girl. Not only is she absolutely adorable (yes, there are pictures), she is also clearly the sweetest thing ever. She's kind, loving, and well behaved. She...more
Brooke and Keith Desserich introduce you to their lovely daughter Elena at age 5. What a precious little girl. Not only is she absolutely adorable (yes, there are pictures), she is also clearly the sweetest thing ever. She's kind, loving, and well behaved. She...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
What an inspiring book and family. The way Keith and Brooke shared their experiences and feelings and welcomed the world into their lives shows what courageous parents and remarkable people they must be. I also checked out their foundation, The Cure Starts Now. What a tribute to their daughter Elena and all the other kids facing the same battle.
This is a must read and an excellent reminder to embrace each day and remember what is truly important in life.
This is a must read and an excellent reminder to embrace each day and remember what is truly important in life.
This is a true story of a six year old girl that is diagnosed with brain cancer. Her family kept a diary starting from the day of diagnosis. You read about the struggles, the depression, the joys, the determination and how people respond to dealing with cancer. By the time you finish this book, you want to hug your own children and family. I feel this book was giving a rare glimpse into the horrors and joys of dealing with cancer.
Jenny
marked it as to-read
I have not read this yet. My husband and I have been together for 15 years. And in those 15 years, I have not been able to convince him to read a single book. One of his instructors has handed him this book and said, "read it." Now he lays in bed and reads while I read. Our daughter is a leukemia survivor. And this book hits him hard. It's a good thing, and I can't wait to read it myself.
Won this through the First Reads giveaway.
I thought it was a truly heartwarming yet heartbreaking story. The courage, inspiration, and love this family has is simply amazing. It makes you appreciate life more and not take things for granted. In addition to the wonderfully told story, the book is filled with numerous photos that make you connect to Elena and her family much more than words alone.
I highly recommend this book....just make sure you have tissues on hand!
I thought it was a truly heartwarming yet heartbreaking story. The courage, inspiration, and love this family has is simply amazing. It makes you appreciate life more and not take things for granted. In addition to the wonderfully told story, the book is filled with numerous photos that make you connect to Elena and her family much more than words alone.
I highly recommend this book....just make sure you have tissues on hand!
This is a book filled with moments extraordinary and ordinary that make up the final days of a six year old's life as told by her heartbroken parents who see every second as a second to be treasured.
You already know how the story ends, so to read this book without a box of tissues by your side is foolishness.
I can honestly say that this book reminded me to rush less, be patient more, and enjoy my children. There's always "later" for mundane things, but children...more
You already know how the story ends, so to read this book without a box of tissues by your side is foolishness.
I can honestly say that this book reminded me to rush less, be patient more, and enjoy my children. There's always "later" for mundane things, but children...more
Having had the opportunity to work with kids with cancer for many years, I knew this book would touch my soul in ways that I had started to allow to fade away (changed careers 3 years ago).
Really, a beautiful book - written as a journal to their 2nd daughter...and written honestly and in heartbreaking fashion to remind any parent that time with their children is fleeting.
Really, a beautiful book - written as a journal to their 2nd daughter...and written honestly and in heartbreaking fashion to remind any parent that time with their children is fleeting.
Don't ever take a day for granted. I hate cancer. Cancer is all forms of awful. I have lost grandparents, and 3 uncles because of it. There needs to be a cure! While I can't imagine having to watch your younger daughter go through that. . . I do know that I try to love something about every day. Even on my worst days - there is something good to look forward to.
An amazing book, I could not put it down. It reminded me to cherish every moment I have with my children.
The story is about a child, Elena, who has pediatric brain cancer. The book was written by her family and documents their journey though this horrific disease. Yes, this book did make me cry, but it also made me laugh - and hope for a cure.
The story is about a child, Elena, who has pediatric brain cancer. The book was written by her family and documents their journey though this horrific disease. Yes, this book did make me cry, but it also made me laugh - and hope for a cure.
"Notes Left Behind" gives readers a glimpse into the very private struggles of one family's dealings with their child's struggle with a rare form of brain cancer. While "an easy read," there are those who will only be able to read a few of the journal entries at any one sitting. This will be the first book discussed at my newly formed book club.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
