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How to Save a Life
Groundhog Day meets Grey’s Anatomy in this heartfelt novella with a hint of magic from the internationally bestselling author of The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended, in which a woman with only a short time to live discovers she can repeat the same day over and over until her life feels complete.
When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death. Kristin Harmel infuses her poignant, uplifting novella with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of heart.
When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death. Kristin Harmel infuses her poignant, uplifting novella with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of heart.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2016
267 people are currently reading
3555 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Harmel
37 books15.7k followersKristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Daughter, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife, and a dozen other novels that have been translated into more than 30 languages and are sold all over the world.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
May 10, 2016
I don’t normally read books about characters who know they are dying. However, I love Kristin Harmel's writing and I knew she’d handle the topic in a sensitive and beautiful way. She exceeded this expectation. Not only does the story have a Groundhog Day feel (and I loved that movie, so definitely a bonus), but it also tackles a heavy issue while talking about the important things in life. The dialogue and interactions between characters was perfect and description was not needed as I felt like I was right there in the story, visualizing everything as it was happening. I got teary-eyed a few times and also found myself smiling. And just when I thought I knew what was coming, she pulled a game changer. I only wish this story were longer so I could spend more time with these characters. Just be sure to have a suspension of disbelief (and some tissues) while reading it.
Dream movie cast:
Jill: Anna Friel
Jamie: Sam Jaeger
Logan: Sean Giambrone
Dream movie cast:
Jill: Anna Friel
Jamie: Sam Jaeger
Logan: Sean Giambrone
April 25, 2016
4 Life Saving Stars
This is my first Kristin Harmel read. I wouldn’t call this book super romance, but a sweet melt your heart contemporary read I enjoyed greatly. When you finish reading How to Save a Life you will question life choices and want to live your life to the fullest. It’s a harm-warming story about second chances, saving lives and making a lasting impression. You will be left speechless.
What would you do if you knew you were sick and you could re-do your day?
Jill is a nurse and she just found out she is dying. It’s a sobering thought and I was instantly interested in the book. She’s pretty clinical and although she does cry, she kind of reflects on her life and she still has so many more things she wants to do.
1.) To fall in love
2.) To have children
3.) To reconcile with her father
How can Jill do what she wants to do with only months to live? Logan, a ten year old boy, she treats, has the answer to her question. Jill soon realizes she can re-do her days and Logan helps her with it since he’s been doing it for three years. The plot of the book was different and I really enjoyed it. I really liked Jill. I liked how she was smart about her situation and I loved how kind her heart was. I love the relationship she has with Logan and the little boy makes her really see her life.
Jill does have a love interest and meets Jamie every day, but every time she re-does her day everyone around her, except for Logan and two other patients reset and forget everything happens. Jamie and Jill’s relationship is innocent and harmless, but it’s not a focal point of the book and it’s sprinkled throughout the read, so it’s kind of a treat when we get to read about Jamie. I really liked Jill’s love interest and Jamie is really cute.
Overall, I really like the message How to Save a Life conveys and you wonder throughout the read how it all ends. Well, you will just have to read and find out. It’s a great book with a great concept and a great message.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON 99 CENTS
This is my first Kristin Harmel read. I wouldn’t call this book super romance, but a sweet melt your heart contemporary read I enjoyed greatly. When you finish reading How to Save a Life you will question life choices and want to live your life to the fullest. It’s a harm-warming story about second chances, saving lives and making a lasting impression. You will be left speechless.
What would you do if you knew you were sick and you could re-do your day?
Jill is a nurse and she just found out she is dying. It’s a sobering thought and I was instantly interested in the book. She’s pretty clinical and although she does cry, she kind of reflects on her life and she still has so many more things she wants to do.
1.) To fall in love
2.) To have children
3.) To reconcile with her father
How can Jill do what she wants to do with only months to live? Logan, a ten year old boy, she treats, has the answer to her question. Jill soon realizes she can re-do her days and Logan helps her with it since he’s been doing it for three years. The plot of the book was different and I really enjoyed it. I really liked Jill. I liked how she was smart about her situation and I loved how kind her heart was. I love the relationship she has with Logan and the little boy makes her really see her life.
Jill does have a love interest and meets Jamie every day, but every time she re-does her day everyone around her, except for Logan and two other patients reset and forget everything happens. Jamie and Jill’s relationship is innocent and harmless, but it’s not a focal point of the book and it’s sprinkled throughout the read, so it’s kind of a treat when we get to read about Jamie. I really liked Jill’s love interest and Jamie is really cute.
Overall, I really like the message How to Save a Life conveys and you wonder throughout the read how it all ends. Well, you will just have to read and find out. It’s a great book with a great concept and a great message.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON 99 CENTS
November 18, 2022
A beautiful short story (just 5.5 hours long) that was poignant, raw, and full of emotion. Kristin Harmel has a way of handling sensitive topics with grace and does just that in this novella. I enjoyed the magic realism element to the story as the protagonist was living on a time loop in the days leading up to her death. It was during this time where she got to look at her life in a new perspective and accomplish what she wanted to do knowing the end was near. The audiobook made for easy listening and was extremely well done.
April 25, 2016
4 - "This was worth every minute." Stars!
Sometimes a book comes along, that you know when you read it, you are going to end up a snotty whimpering mess. How to Save a Life is definitely in that category for me. And although it had me sobbing into a tissue while reading the latter part of it and for a little while after finishing, it is the kind of book that also leaves to with a good feeling inside as well.
Kristin Harmel is a new author to me, the blurb was what immediately grabbed me, as Jills’ situation is one that no-one ever wants to find themselves in, and its one of those questions that no-one ever wants to really answer - What would you do when you if given a short amount of time to live?
One day more…
There are so many things Jill could have done, I loved that the main role of her life was as a carer to often terminally sick children in that she was a Oncology nurse at Atlanta Children’s Hospital, this is a woman who is quite intimately acquainted with death, so when her own is diagnosed and the number of days she has left are confirmed as few her immediate focus is still on the children that she cares for on a day-to-day basis.
"Time is never a guarantee."
But Logan and a few other children on her floor are doing more than just marking the days until their clock runs down, and with the help of a tree, they show her that you can make right and repair what you thought was broken in your life, before you say your final goodbyes.
"True love only takes a moment. And then your heart belongs to someone else forever."
I like that the love aspect in the book wasn’t the main focus, but Jill’s budding relationship with Jamie as she understood what the time she was given was for did add another layer to the emotional roller-coaster that you are on as a reader. But I think it was her relationship with Logan, the terminally ill, orphan that really grabbed my heart and squeezed hard.
"Some things just are. Some things you just have to believe in."
I suppose some people would think reading about someone who is dying would be depressing, but for me the book wasn’t massively about that until the last few chapters, it was more about Jill having the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a woman whose clock is counting down, and what she chose to do with those precious minutes she had left.
My only niggle, was the end was a little easy-way-out in its direction, and I don’t mean Jill’s dying, you know that is going to happen anyway, it was the resolution of certain other aspects of the story. One thing that I did like was Logan’s ending, I sort of hope that the author has a story for him, because dead, isn’t always the end.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, that’s for sure!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Sometimes a book comes along, that you know when you read it, you are going to end up a snotty whimpering mess. How to Save a Life is definitely in that category for me. And although it had me sobbing into a tissue while reading the latter part of it and for a little while after finishing, it is the kind of book that also leaves to with a good feeling inside as well.
Kristin Harmel is a new author to me, the blurb was what immediately grabbed me, as Jills’ situation is one that no-one ever wants to find themselves in, and its one of those questions that no-one ever wants to really answer - What would you do when you if given a short amount of time to live?
One day more…
There are so many things Jill could have done, I loved that the main role of her life was as a carer to often terminally sick children in that she was a Oncology nurse at Atlanta Children’s Hospital, this is a woman who is quite intimately acquainted with death, so when her own is diagnosed and the number of days she has left are confirmed as few her immediate focus is still on the children that she cares for on a day-to-day basis.
"Time is never a guarantee."
But Logan and a few other children on her floor are doing more than just marking the days until their clock runs down, and with the help of a tree, they show her that you can make right and repair what you thought was broken in your life, before you say your final goodbyes.
"True love only takes a moment. And then your heart belongs to someone else forever."
I like that the love aspect in the book wasn’t the main focus, but Jill’s budding relationship with Jamie as she understood what the time she was given was for did add another layer to the emotional roller-coaster that you are on as a reader. But I think it was her relationship with Logan, the terminally ill, orphan that really grabbed my heart and squeezed hard.
"Some things just are. Some things you just have to believe in."
I suppose some people would think reading about someone who is dying would be depressing, but for me the book wasn’t massively about that until the last few chapters, it was more about Jill having the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a woman whose clock is counting down, and what she chose to do with those precious minutes she had left.
My only niggle, was the end was a little easy-way-out in its direction, and I don’t mean Jill’s dying, you know that is going to happen anyway, it was the resolution of certain other aspects of the story. One thing that I did like was Logan’s ending, I sort of hope that the author has a story for him, because dead, isn’t always the end.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, that’s for sure!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
May 17, 2018
ספר ממש חמוד, למרות שקצת בנאלי. קריאה נעימה שעושה טוב בלב.
May 1, 2016
Beautiful storytelling... so many feels... touched me in a very personal way. I'm going to be thinking about this book for a while. I love this author and the way she conveys life wisdom through her stories. I love the way she conveyed the message that Love is the most important thing we leave behind and also the only thing we take with us. And, she did it in a very magical way that was just so touching. I want to go out right now and hug a tree and spread some love!
I love this author... just stinking love her...
If you love books that are full of inspirational life wisdom and don't mind shedding a few tears then this is one you will want to put onto your to-read pile.
I received a copy of this book for review as a member of the XOXperts Street Team.
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I love this author... just stinking love her...
If you love books that are full of inspirational life wisdom and don't mind shedding a few tears then this is one you will want to put onto your to-read pile.
I received a copy of this book for review as a member of the XOXperts Street Team.
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KT Book Reviews
July 15, 2016
I loved this novella. I got it on Kindle & read it on my phone when I would have spare time while out & about. I love Kristin Harmel's writing and liked this main character. It was short and sweet with great messages about living your life to the fullest.
February 18, 2019
I love Kristin’s writing! this is a heartbrokenly but kind of hope story about life and the simple things that we forgot
March 26, 2022
This was a beautiful story. I loved all the characters and definitely wanted more towards the end and a different ending, I’ll definitely look out for more by this author.
May 6, 2018
ספר מקסים וכואב על מוות שידוע מראש. הספר גרם לי לחשוב על החיים המון ואני שמח שנתקלתי בו.
April 27, 2016
4.5 Stars
I am now a HUGE Kristin fan. Her writing is brilliant, her story just so very different from others I've read. I had this preordered and dove in immediately (thank you spring break)!!! I was a little nervous going by the synopsis, but I'm so glad I read this beautiful story.
I love when a books reminds me of all the important aspects of life.
Love with your whole heart. Cherish every moment. Treat each day as if it were your last. Always tell your loved ones how much you love them and PROVE it. Actions speak louder than words. If you want something, go for it. Don't wait till tomorrow, it's never a guarantee.
Kristin made a novella feel like a novel. Be sure to grab this one, what a fantastic story!!!
I am now a HUGE Kristin fan. Her writing is brilliant, her story just so very different from others I've read. I had this preordered and dove in immediately (thank you spring break)!!! I was a little nervous going by the synopsis, but I'm so glad I read this beautiful story.
I love when a books reminds me of all the important aspects of life.
Love with your whole heart. Cherish every moment. Treat each day as if it were your last. Always tell your loved ones how much you love them and PROVE it. Actions speak louder than words. If you want something, go for it. Don't wait till tomorrow, it's never a guarantee.
Kristin made a novella feel like a novel. Be sure to grab this one, what a fantastic story!!!
January 7, 2025
⭐️
This was terrible. A magical tree that grants wishes for additional days of life to terminally ill cancer patients but the tree talks to them using the spirit of a young girl who died of a heart issue six years ago. Then a nurse falls in love with the dad of the young girl who died but he forgets her every night & she has to re-earn his love. Then it ends with them all dying together in a car accident so they’re never separated. What did I just read?!? This book was *awful*.
This was terrible. A magical tree that grants wishes for additional days of life to terminally ill cancer patients but the tree talks to them using the spirit of a young girl who died of a heart issue six years ago. Then a nurse falls in love with the dad of the young girl who died but he forgets her every night & she has to re-earn his love. Then it ends with them all dying together in a car accident so they’re never separated. What did I just read?!? This book was *awful*.
February 27, 2021
A sappy parable
This simplistic story is about living life to the fullest since you don’t know how much time is left. There are decent lessons but the story itself isn’t very good
This simplistic story is about living life to the fullest since you don’t know how much time is left. There are decent lessons but the story itself isn’t very good
July 7, 2024
Rozumiem przesłanie, ale bardzo abstrakcyjna i być może za krótka żeby dobrze wszystko rozwinąć.
April 29, 2016
a sweet sad story...that I can't begin to explain..you will have to read it for yourself...
January 4, 2023
4.5 stars
Do you know the feeling your get when you read a book and know you’re going to remember it for the rest of your life? That’s how I feel about How To Save a Life. While the subject matter is emotional, the writing is beautiful and the story is magical. I am a sensitive reader and shy away from books I feel will be depressing. Let me assure you this is an uplifting read and one I encourage readers to consider.
I enjoy reading Kristin Harmel’s books as she does a wonderful job of taking life challenges and turning them into something positive and moving. How to Save a Life takes a pediatric oncology nurse who learns of her inoperable brain tumour. She learns from her young patients with terminal illnesses of their own about the magic of the tree in the hospital’s lobby which provides them with the ability to repeat the current day over and over.
The selflessness of this nurse facing her impending death is remarkable. She takes it upon herself to improve the last days of her terminal patients and begins examining all she would like to accomplish in her remaining days. There is clear messaging here about living in the moment and making every day count.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Christina Sivrich. Her performance was excellent – I enjoyed the sweet and compassionate way she delivered each word. The audiobook was published recently, while the original novella was published in 2016. I would recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.
I would like to add that on the day I am writing this (January 4) the author released on social media her own cancer diagnosis and need for chemotherapy. In addition to being a successful author, she is a co-host of the Youtube and Facebook live weekly production of Friends & Fiction. Please join me in wishing her a full and speedy recovery.
Do you know the feeling your get when you read a book and know you’re going to remember it for the rest of your life? That’s how I feel about How To Save a Life. While the subject matter is emotional, the writing is beautiful and the story is magical. I am a sensitive reader and shy away from books I feel will be depressing. Let me assure you this is an uplifting read and one I encourage readers to consider.
I enjoy reading Kristin Harmel’s books as she does a wonderful job of taking life challenges and turning them into something positive and moving. How to Save a Life takes a pediatric oncology nurse who learns of her inoperable brain tumour. She learns from her young patients with terminal illnesses of their own about the magic of the tree in the hospital’s lobby which provides them with the ability to repeat the current day over and over.
The selflessness of this nurse facing her impending death is remarkable. She takes it upon herself to improve the last days of her terminal patients and begins examining all she would like to accomplish in her remaining days. There is clear messaging here about living in the moment and making every day count.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Christina Sivrich. Her performance was excellent – I enjoyed the sweet and compassionate way she delivered each word. The audiobook was published recently, while the original novella was published in 2016. I would recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.
I would like to add that on the day I am writing this (January 4) the author released on social media her own cancer diagnosis and need for chemotherapy. In addition to being a successful author, she is a co-host of the Youtube and Facebook live weekly production of Friends & Fiction. Please join me in wishing her a full and speedy recovery.
May 28, 2022
Este libro lo leí en ingles, tiene un ingles muy sencillo y fluido, trata acerca de una enfermera a la que le diagnostican una enfermedad terminal, y donde se le concede la oportunidad de revivir un mismo día varias veces, la premisa me gustó, todo lo que pasa y lo que decide hacer en esas oportunidades que tiene, y como se va desenvolviendo todo, el final no lo vi venir en ningún momento, así que fue una buena lectura la verdad.
November 27, 2022
Although only 5 hours long, this story is packed with emotion, and it has all the components of a full length book. It was sweet yet devastating. Time loop plot lines don’t always work for me, but this one did.
October 6, 2024
Kristin Harmel is one of my favorite authors & I’ve been wanting to read more of her books. This was such a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story! The ending was so unexpected-sad, but happy at the same time! Such a good book. I definitely recommend it!
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May 31, 2022Dobrze jest od czasu do czasu przeczytać książkę, która sprowadza do myślenia "A co by było gdybym umarła w ciągu miesiąca?".
November 5, 2022
Loved this book
March 15, 2025
Touching, a bit sappy, a little beyond reality, but a nice read.
July 31, 2025
I very rarely dislike a book enough to DNF, especially early on, and I also very seldom write reviews. but it was already irredeemable at 5%. There is ALREADY a completely insufferable, contrived attempt at a meet cute, a young cancer patient who also happens to be in foster care who dispenses age inappropriate wisdom and is presented as possibly also telepathic or psychic, and the protagonist has " let out a breath she didn't know she was holding" DNF.
May 11, 2022
This short story is an amazing story. Please read it as it might even change your life. Remember it when times are tough. Go back to it as often as you need to. I guess this is one of the reasons that reading is so important to us all.
September 4, 2025
Before all of the beautiful historical fictions novels we have come to love by Kristin Harmel came HOW TO SAFE A LIFE.
Groundhog Day meets Grey’s Anatomy in this heartfelt novella with a hint of magic about a woman with only a short time to live discovers she can repeat the same day over and over until her life feels complete.
When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing secret: it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death.
The takeaway from this story is that “love is the answer to everything”
“These lines on my face, they mean that I have laughed and cried and lived. These arms of mine aren’t strong as they used to be but they are still strong enough to hold onto the woman I love”.
Groundhog Day meets Grey’s Anatomy in this heartfelt novella with a hint of magic about a woman with only a short time to live discovers she can repeat the same day over and over until her life feels complete.
When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing secret: it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death.
The takeaway from this story is that “love is the answer to everything”
“These lines on my face, they mean that I have laughed and cried and lived. These arms of mine aren’t strong as they used to be but they are still strong enough to hold onto the woman I love”.
February 22, 2023
“Love is selfless, it’s true. And it’s possible to love when that love is unrequited. But the strongest love in the universe is the kind that becomes part of a cycle. Loving and being loved in return, that’s one of life’s greatest gifts.”
March 15, 2024
1,5⭐/5
Nie wiem, jak zacząć tę opinię, ponieważ nie chcę swoimi słowami obrazić autorki, jej ‘dzieła’ czy fanów tej powieści. Być może wystarczy, gdy napiszę, że książka ta zupełnie mi się nie podobała i czytanie jej sprawiło mi nie lada trudność (mimo, że powieść składa się z ledwo ponad dwustu stron!). Kristin Harmel dała mi się poznać jako autorka bardzo mierna, która wręcz pretensjonalnie i zupełnie nie smacznie żeruje na emocjach czytelników biorąc na warsztat bardzo ciężkie, głębokie i niezwykle smutne tematy. Nie będzie również przesadą gdy napiszę, że „Jeszcze jeden dzień” jest bardzo nieumiejętnie splagiatowanym dziełem, połączeniem ‘Dnia Świstaka’ z ‘Oskarem i Panią Różą’ (co prawda wydawca nie bał się napisać o podobieństwie tych trzech dzieł na tyle okładki, jednak to, ile motywów i w jaki sposób Harmel sobie z tych dwóch historii ‘zaczerpnęła’ nie jest już rzeczą ani trochę śmieszną, a wręcz tragiczną i niesmaczną).
Podczas lektury czytelnik powinien odczuwać złość, smutek i frustrację przez wszelkie niesprawiedliwości tego świata, ja jednak w żaden sposób nie odczułam żadnych z tych emocji, no poza frustracją, ale nie na tematykę, a bardziej na sposób realizacji ów ‘dzieła’. W wielu fragmentach tejże opowiastki miałam ochotę się śmiać i często to robiłam, przez co ‘książki’ nie mogę zaliczyć do najgorszych przeżyć (jakkolwiek udało jej się na mnie wpłynąć). Niestety, „Jeszcze jeden dzień” jest również powieścią, która pokazuje nielogiczne zachowania dorosłych (z nazwy) bohaterów. Autorka nie zrobiła najprostszego resarchu dotyczącego najcięższych chorób onkologicznych, o których pisała na kartach tej opowieści, przez co ten zbiór literek można uznać za parodię książki. Główna bohaterka była postacią całkowicie antypatyczną dla czytelnika, a na jej zachowanie w żaden sposób nie wpłynęła choroba, jak też kobieta mimo praktycznie paliatywnego stanu (o którym świadczyły jej objawy, wedle słów lekarza) mogła robić wszystko, co uznała za stosowne. Książka jest również napisana pompatycznym językiem, a występujące w niej dialogi można opisać jako infantylne i zwyczajnie żenujące.
Nie jestem również pewna w jaki target autorka próbowała wstrzelić się z tą ‘książką’, ponieważ choć ów dzieło zawiera w sobie jakąś cząstkę realizmu magicznego, działania bohaterów i przedstawiony świat jest zwyczajnie za bardzo papierowy i nudny. ‘Książka’ ta reprezentuje sobą tak wysoki poziom infantylizmu oraz braku jakiejkolwiek klasy czy zwykłego poczucia smaku, że to wręcz zakrawa o literacki żart. Ponadto jest typową zrzynką z dwóch wcześniej wspomnianych tytułów (połączenie ‘Dnia Świstaka’ z ‘Oskarem i Panią Różą’),co dla mnie jest zwyczajnie obrzydliwe i nieeleganckie. Czuję również zdenerwowanie oraz jakiś niesmak do autorki, ponieważ nie rozumiem, jak można tak lekceważąco podejść do wielkiego dramatu, jakim jest choroba dziecka. Dawno nie czytałam tak złej, trywialnej ‘książki’, która traktuje czytelnika jak zwykłego głupka, któremu wszystko trzeba podać na tacy, nawet to, jakie emocje powinien odczuwać (przesadna emocjonalność w wielu fragmentach).
Zakończenie tej ‘powieści’ niezwykle mnie rozśmieszyło. Nie przesadzam, naprawdę śmiałam się na finale tej historii. Po przeczytaniu końca tej opowieści poczułam również zażenowanie i wstyd, że w jakiś sposób dobrnęłam do zakończenia. Pod żadnym pozorem, nie bierzcie się za przeczytanie tego ‘dzieła’. Nie warto, całkowicie Wam to odradzam.
Nie wiem, jak zacząć tę opinię, ponieważ nie chcę swoimi słowami obrazić autorki, jej ‘dzieła’ czy fanów tej powieści. Być może wystarczy, gdy napiszę, że książka ta zupełnie mi się nie podobała i czytanie jej sprawiło mi nie lada trudność (mimo, że powieść składa się z ledwo ponad dwustu stron!). Kristin Harmel dała mi się poznać jako autorka bardzo mierna, która wręcz pretensjonalnie i zupełnie nie smacznie żeruje na emocjach czytelników biorąc na warsztat bardzo ciężkie, głębokie i niezwykle smutne tematy. Nie będzie również przesadą gdy napiszę, że „Jeszcze jeden dzień” jest bardzo nieumiejętnie splagiatowanym dziełem, połączeniem ‘Dnia Świstaka’ z ‘Oskarem i Panią Różą’ (co prawda wydawca nie bał się napisać o podobieństwie tych trzech dzieł na tyle okładki, jednak to, ile motywów i w jaki sposób Harmel sobie z tych dwóch historii ‘zaczerpnęła’ nie jest już rzeczą ani trochę śmieszną, a wręcz tragiczną i niesmaczną).
Podczas lektury czytelnik powinien odczuwać złość, smutek i frustrację przez wszelkie niesprawiedliwości tego świata, ja jednak w żaden sposób nie odczułam żadnych z tych emocji, no poza frustracją, ale nie na tematykę, a bardziej na sposób realizacji ów ‘dzieła’. W wielu fragmentach tejże opowiastki miałam ochotę się śmiać i często to robiłam, przez co ‘książki’ nie mogę zaliczyć do najgorszych przeżyć (jakkolwiek udało jej się na mnie wpłynąć). Niestety, „Jeszcze jeden dzień” jest również powieścią, która pokazuje nielogiczne zachowania dorosłych (z nazwy) bohaterów. Autorka nie zrobiła najprostszego resarchu dotyczącego najcięższych chorób onkologicznych, o których pisała na kartach tej opowieści, przez co ten zbiór literek można uznać za parodię książki. Główna bohaterka była postacią całkowicie antypatyczną dla czytelnika, a na jej zachowanie w żaden sposób nie wpłynęła choroba, jak też kobieta mimo praktycznie paliatywnego stanu (o którym świadczyły jej objawy, wedle słów lekarza) mogła robić wszystko, co uznała za stosowne. Książka jest również napisana pompatycznym językiem, a występujące w niej dialogi można opisać jako infantylne i zwyczajnie żenujące.
Nie jestem również pewna w jaki target autorka próbowała wstrzelić się z tą ‘książką’, ponieważ choć ów dzieło zawiera w sobie jakąś cząstkę realizmu magicznego, działania bohaterów i przedstawiony świat jest zwyczajnie za bardzo papierowy i nudny. ‘Książka’ ta reprezentuje sobą tak wysoki poziom infantylizmu oraz braku jakiejkolwiek klasy czy zwykłego poczucia smaku, że to wręcz zakrawa o literacki żart. Ponadto jest typową zrzynką z dwóch wcześniej wspomnianych tytułów (połączenie ‘Dnia Świstaka’ z ‘Oskarem i Panią Różą’),co dla mnie jest zwyczajnie obrzydliwe i nieeleganckie. Czuję również zdenerwowanie oraz jakiś niesmak do autorki, ponieważ nie rozumiem, jak można tak lekceważąco podejść do wielkiego dramatu, jakim jest choroba dziecka. Dawno nie czytałam tak złej, trywialnej ‘książki’, która traktuje czytelnika jak zwykłego głupka, któremu wszystko trzeba podać na tacy, nawet to, jakie emocje powinien odczuwać (przesadna emocjonalność w wielu fragmentach).
Zakończenie tej ‘powieści’ niezwykle mnie rozśmieszyło. Nie przesadzam, naprawdę śmiałam się na finale tej historii. Po przeczytaniu końca tej opowieści poczułam również zażenowanie i wstyd, że w jakiś sposób dobrnęłam do zakończenia. Pod żadnym pozorem, nie bierzcie się za przeczytanie tego ‘dzieła’. Nie warto, całkowicie Wam to odradzam.
February 1, 2025
Przesłuchałam książkę tydzień temu, ale dopiero teraz "na sucho" jestem w stanie ją ocenić.
Magiczny realizm to nie jest totalnie mój klimat, ale sięgnęłam po "Jeszcze jeden dzień", bo zachwyciła mnie inna pozycja autorki - "Księga zapomnianych imion".
Nie wiem, może książka była za krótka, żeby spełniła swoją rolę. Autorka porusza tematykę życia, śmierci i doceniania codzienności, ale na dobrą sprawę, nadal nie wiem jaki był cel autorki w napisaniu tej książki.
Uroniłam kilka łez, oczywiście. Śmierć, choroby, szczególnie te u dzieci, wydaje się być bardzo niesprawiedliwe. Dlatego czytanie o ich zbliżającym się końcu, coś tam w moim sercu poruszyło...
Natomiast jeśli chodzi o główną bohaterkę Jill, wydała mi się taka nijaka, papierowa, nie mogłam wczuć się w jej emocje..
Kolejną gwiazdkę odjęłam za zakończenie... Nie będę tego nawet komentować.
Magiczny realizm to nie jest totalnie mój klimat, ale sięgnęłam po "Jeszcze jeden dzień", bo zachwyciła mnie inna pozycja autorki - "Księga zapomnianych imion".
Nie wiem, może książka była za krótka, żeby spełniła swoją rolę. Autorka porusza tematykę życia, śmierci i doceniania codzienności, ale na dobrą sprawę, nadal nie wiem jaki był cel autorki w napisaniu tej książki.
Uroniłam kilka łez, oczywiście. Śmierć, choroby, szczególnie te u dzieci, wydaje się być bardzo niesprawiedliwe. Dlatego czytanie o ich zbliżającym się końcu, coś tam w moim sercu poruszyło...
Natomiast jeśli chodzi o główną bohaterkę Jill, wydała mi się taka nijaka, papierowa, nie mogłam wczuć się w jej emocje..
Kolejną gwiazdkę odjęłam za zakończenie... Nie będę tego nawet komentować.
April 26, 2016
Normally, I wouldn't pick up a book that looks anything like this. The cover reminds me of a woman's contemporary novel and I'm just not drawn to that kind of drama. I need happy ever afters and I want them sweet and perfect. Here's what I saw in the synopsis of How to Save a Life:
"When a PEDIATRIC oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to LIVE—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient."
- no, just NOOOOO ... don't make me do it!!
So why did I read this story?!?! Here's why:
Jill is 39 years old and has been living for her job. Her mother passed away five years ago and her relationship with her father is extremely strained. She has no boyfriend but she's sure she has time to make that family she's always wanted. I've been there and felt that way. Don't we all? Status quo is good enough, why try harder for a dream? Why bother forgiving, we have all the time in the world...
Jill's patients, the kids in the pediatric oncology ward, are absolutely incredible and it rips my heart out when I hear or think about any child having a debilitating disease, let alone a terminal disease. But in reading this incredible story by Ms. Harmel, she gave me knowledge and insight into the world of hope, love, and acceptance that I would hopefully never be able to relate to in the future personally. Ms. Harmel dedicated this book to her father, a pediatric surgeon, a truly noble career.
This story had a touch of "magic" in it - the entire "Groundhog Day" effect that Jill was able to take advantage of. Jill, with help from some special friends, was able to live part of a life she was going to miss out on. But what is the life you want to live? Better yet, what is the life you should live if you only have days to live? Those were the kind of questions that Ms. Harmel was able to touch on in this pretty short story. And she even managed to not go over my head with her discussion of the answers. It helped that the dialogue was between an adult and a child. I can relate to kid-thinking :)
Finally, this story is SHORT! At only 208 ebook pages, I read this in a day. No huge commitment, no loss if the story sucked. And closure was quick.
By the way, the ending was abso-freaking perfect! Many, MANY tissues were harmed in the reading of this story...
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