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Far Outside the Ordinary
If anybody had told Prissy, a Southern housewife, she would one day be driving around town with a stoned, drunk man named Willie in her backseat while she begged--no, ordered--him into her house for the night, she would have told them they were nuts. But it happened. Far Outside the Ordinary follows a personal journey of life interrupted by one of life's greatest fears...cancer.
An emotionally honest account it chronicles the period in Prissy's life when, during a routine physical, her fifty-year-old husband is given less than a year to live. Never one to take no for an answer, she is determined to save her husband. She exhausts Western lifesaving treatments. When they fail, she puts faith in prayer and Eastern alternative treatments- from medicine men to an FDA-indicted doctor. Her optimistic nature infuses her with hope and a positive outcome. Despite all her efforts, Boone's health deteriorates.
Prissy calls in help: black caregivers move into her home in Tallahassee, Florida, and work around the clock to aid her family. Soon, Prissy finds herself a spectator in her own home, observing events far outside the boundaries of her once ordinary life. This is a story of people from different cultures and how love and respect for each other's differences grew from the work of supporting a man at the end of his life.
A memoir which shares a universal message: living through tragedy, resurrecting from despair, and rediscovering love, joy and happiness. Prissy opens her heart and reveals the unfolding of her once ordinary life with raw truth and brave honesty. It is told with candor, emotion, and a sprinkle of humor. Sometimes, unanswered prayers are answered, just in a different way.
An emotionally honest account it chronicles the period in Prissy's life when, during a routine physical, her fifty-year-old husband is given less than a year to live. Never one to take no for an answer, she is determined to save her husband. She exhausts Western lifesaving treatments. When they fail, she puts faith in prayer and Eastern alternative treatments- from medicine men to an FDA-indicted doctor. Her optimistic nature infuses her with hope and a positive outcome. Despite all her efforts, Boone's health deteriorates.
Prissy calls in help: black caregivers move into her home in Tallahassee, Florida, and work around the clock to aid her family. Soon, Prissy finds herself a spectator in her own home, observing events far outside the boundaries of her once ordinary life. This is a story of people from different cultures and how love and respect for each other's differences grew from the work of supporting a man at the end of his life.
A memoir which shares a universal message: living through tragedy, resurrecting from despair, and rediscovering love, joy and happiness. Prissy opens her heart and reveals the unfolding of her once ordinary life with raw truth and brave honesty. It is told with candor, emotion, and a sprinkle of humor. Sometimes, unanswered prayers are answered, just in a different way.
257 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2014
About the author
Prissy Elrod
5 books17 followersAn artist at heart, new novelist, Prissy Elrod lives in Tallahassee, Florida with her husband while her treasured family lives within four miles of her.
Writing her first novel, ‘Far Out of the Ordinary’ was an exercise of courage. It took four years to write, three computers, two espresso machines, 48 how-to writing books, a Florida State University memoir-writing class, 24 blog subscriptions, a half-dozen periodical journals and 14 revised drafts. Elrod kept the manuscript to herself, not allowing anyone to read it for the first three years of writing her story and finally, in 2013, she sent the draft to a Pushcart Prize–winning writer in Texas, engaging him to read the manuscript and provide feedback. Elrod is currently working on her second book.
Writing her first novel, ‘Far Out of the Ordinary’ was an exercise of courage. It took four years to write, three computers, two espresso machines, 48 how-to writing books, a Florida State University memoir-writing class, 24 blog subscriptions, a half-dozen periodical journals and 14 revised drafts. Elrod kept the manuscript to herself, not allowing anyone to read it for the first three years of writing her story and finally, in 2013, she sent the draft to a Pushcart Prize–winning writer in Texas, engaging him to read the manuscript and provide feedback. Elrod is currently working on her second book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 23, 2014
After reading the description of this book I imagined that I would be struck by such an emotional event in someone's life but I found myself annoyed by how selfish the author was being during the whole ordeal. I realize that unexpectedly losing your husband would be immensely horrible but the way it was written I felt like she was blaming him for giving up and not being considerate of how she felt.
When I read I normally try to reserve judgement of a character but I really disliked how pretentious and selfish she came off. Then it led me to feel bad because she's a real person.
I hope this book was just highlighting a difficult time in her life and now she's moved on.
When I read I normally try to reserve judgement of a character but I really disliked how pretentious and selfish she came off. Then it led me to feel bad because she's a real person.
I hope this book was just highlighting a difficult time in her life and now she's moved on.
July 7, 2014
her story is touching but it reads like a 14 year old's diary. it's self-indulgent, poorly written and poorly edited.
June 22, 2014
Prissy Elrod led a full life in Tallahassee, Florida. Her two daughters were heading into adulthood, and her husband, Boone, was a successful attorney. One day when Boone had a medical check up, her life was flipped upside down. He was told there was a brain tumor, and was given less than a year to live! In her new book, “Far Outside the Ordinary”, Prissy shares the emotional roller coaster and extreme lifestyle changes that the family had to make during her husband's convalescence and eventual passing away. She particularly explores her own feelings and reflects upon the decisions she made during that surreal period of her life – she experienced the stages of grief, fighting the prognosis with all her might. She was forced to come to grips with the fact that some things are just out of our control.
Prissy's story, however, does not end with the death of her husband, of course. She went on to work for the state, before reconnecting with her high school flame. Throughout the story, this strong Southern woman opens up her heart to her readers. She is not afraid to let us see her imperfections. I think that this book would be an excellent choice for those who have lost a loved one to a tenacious disease. It is perfectly okay to grieve, to go through the denial and to do unorthodox things in order to eventually make some sort of peace with what is going on. That is all part of the healing process for survivors.
The book was published through Leather Leaf Publishing in 2014. For the paperback edition, ISBN 978-0-9912420-1-6, suggested retail price is $14.99. You can find out more about Prissy at www.prissyelrod.com.
Prissy's story, however, does not end with the death of her husband, of course. She went on to work for the state, before reconnecting with her high school flame. Throughout the story, this strong Southern woman opens up her heart to her readers. She is not afraid to let us see her imperfections. I think that this book would be an excellent choice for those who have lost a loved one to a tenacious disease. It is perfectly okay to grieve, to go through the denial and to do unorthodox things in order to eventually make some sort of peace with what is going on. That is all part of the healing process for survivors.
The book was published through Leather Leaf Publishing in 2014. For the paperback edition, ISBN 978-0-9912420-1-6, suggested retail price is $14.99. You can find out more about Prissy at www.prissyelrod.com.
January 2, 2015
I did not like this book because the more I read, the more I disgusted I was with the selfish acts of the author. From refusing her dying husband an embrace, to dragging her grief-stricken daughters to Europe so she could revisit the places she had been with her (now) deceased spouse. I never saw an ounce of compassion for what OTHERS might be going through, no effort to prepare her daughters for the inevitable, nor therapy after. But boy! She sure loved all the new high heels she bought to wear to a job that was GIVEN to her and not earned. I have never read a book by someone so superficial, shallow and selfish.I agree with another GoodReads reviewer; the prose is written in a style that makes me think a 14yr old wrote it. By the time I got to the end of the book, I was convinced that she wrote the book solely for the purpose of adding "published author" to her egotistical biography.
March 26, 2015
I love memoirs. It is probably my favorite category to read. This one ... not so much. It was ok. I picked this book because the author's husband struggled with brain cancer and eventually died from it. I wanted to read about how a woman handled her husband's death, and to be honest, this was so very poorly written that I cringed throughout the entire book. Not only that, she failed to move sympathy from me. It was all about her and her struggles with the domestic help during that time.
I am surprised I actually finished this book. I didn't think I was going to be able to. There were some good parts in it but not very many.
I am surprised I actually finished this book. I didn't think I was going to be able to. There were some good parts in it but not very many.
April 7, 2014
I read this book in two days! I would laugh then cry and then do both at the same time. I love Southern Fiction and this is definitely one of the best! What makes it even more special is that I know Prissy. I was fortunate enough to babysit for Garrett and Sara Britton. I always remembered Boone as a perfectionist and reading this made me appreciate why I made sure the house was spotless before they came home. I have enjoyed getting to know Dale and absolutely LOVE the fairy tale ending. I recommend that everyone read this...it's definitely inspiring and entertaining!
February 5, 2015
I wanted to like it but I did not! I found the author to be pretentious and so selfish at times. Just what the South needs, another spoiled white lady giving voice to the plight of the black help as it pertains to her own privileged circumstances. The only reason she is published is because she is well connected. While I'm happy for anyone to find love after loss, I was not fooled by the authors attempts to persuade me that her life has been much more than a bunch of people taking turns tending to her whims. I'm sorry that I read this book.
June 17, 2014
I won this in a book giveaway and the subject was interesting to me. As a cancer survivor and a person who experienced loss from cancer I can relate to some of what the Author went through. Well written and compelling, I cringed at some of the choices she made which she realized in the end were not the best. One can read about Cancer but till you experienced it first hand you really have no idea so try not to judge.
April 5, 2014
This will touch your heart as Prissy lives through heartbreaking times & then finds a fairy tale story ending to the heartbreak! Very well written!
May 21, 2015
I felt this book was not very well written, there was nothing that made you become invested in any of the characters, nor much exploration of what made them the people they were. The story was told in a very elementary way, it read more like someone reading from their diary. I tried very hard not to be judgmental, as I cannot imagine going through the experience of suddenly losing a spouse to such a hopeless situation. That being said, the author came across as selfish and self absorbed as she told her story. I am sure these are very real emotions, given the situation and maybe I should be congratulating her for being so honest. Overall, I thought this was an easy read, but if you are looking for any life lessons or incite on how to deal with the death of a spouse, this is not the book to read.
September 17, 2019
Honestly, the ending of the book made me excited and hopeful which is a great way to leave the reader. However, my poor rating is due to personal issues with the way the author portrays herself throughout the memoir. As a native Tallahasseean, I am all to familiar with upper echelon residents such as the author but I hoped that Elrod would’ve chosen this big platform to prove that she wasn’t an out-of-touch white woman and instead she reinforced all the terrible stereotypes society has about white people. I know that wasn’t the intention of the book. But as a white woman myself, I cringed when Elrod mentioned feeling unsafe while driving through the streets of Houston. While I can’t imagine suffering the pain of losing a spouse so tragically, I still feel that there should’ve been some better editing of this memoir especially since it was released decades after these events occurred.
May 3, 2014
Wow. So memoirs have never been my preferred reading. I generally like fiction because I find often in fiction I can experience things that I will never be able to in my life (like aliens, fairies, and everything that goes bump in the night). Far Outside the Ordinary is certainly something I hope to never experience in my own life.
The full review can be found at http://katetilton.com/october-2014-k8...
The full review can be found at http://katetilton.com/october-2014-k8...
July 8, 2014
I feel like this could have been a lovely book about losing a spouse and finding oneself. Instead, I felt like I was reading about a rich girl who had been taken care of her whole life and just felt sorry for herself. I'm sure this is not how it was but that's about all I've taken away. Additionally, the writing lacked depth. She breezed over events and people. A big disappointment.
August 19, 2014
This is an excellent memoir of a woman who is forced to deal with her husband's illness and pending death. It is one of those funny and sad books all wrapped into one. Although it is a true story it reads like a novel, which to me, is a good thing! I had the opportunity to meet Prissy at our book club and she is a delightful woman! I'm looking forward to her next book.
July 7, 2014
I recieved this book in the mail Saturday afternoon and by Sunday morning I had finished this quick, captivating read that spoke to many of the things we all deal with.
Highly recommended (plus there is a happy ending!)
Highly recommended (plus there is a happy ending!)
April 16, 2014
Friends mother wrote this- first time I have been able to read a book by someone in which I can see their faces as I read- was a beautiful love story from start to finish
July 10, 2014
Great summer book club read!
September 4, 2017
About half way through I realized I just didn't care anymore.
August 16, 2018
Okay, but nothing special. And while the story of her meeting her second husband was cute, it was so emphatically predictable, that any engaging 'mystery' was lost.
July 5, 2025
This woman is so incredibly privileged and unbearable. The story is supposed to be about her husband of 25 years getting a brain tumor and slowly succumbing to it which should be a harrowing story about grief and overcoming. However, she writes it like it's supposed to be a sitcom, like after every scene there's supposed to be a laughing track. The entire story is me, me, me and also about how rich she is compared to the two black caretakers who end up caring for her husband. She owns a 4,800 square feet house, a beach house and goes to 'Europe' twice in an effort to recover after her husband's death. You know, 'Europe', the one encompassing country. Her black caretakers struggle to keep the lights on and she casually mentions "yes yes, very sad. Black people in Tallahassee have it so hard. Anyway..." She also feels the need to mention that when the two caretakers get married, she is the only white person there and all the other black people are SO jealous of her because she is the bride's best friend! And also they dedicate the first dance to her and her husband! She mentions how the bride spends a whole year saving money to pay for her wedding dress, while in the next few chapters she talks about going to 'Europe' for 20+ days to 'find herself'. How marvelous and nice of Prissy to spend time with the poors! Anyway...
After her husband dies she casually gets a job working for Jeb Bush. She goes in for the interview and her boss asks her to write a "blind letter" or something like that to a judge. It's supposed to be a 'test' because you see, she lied and claimed she worked as a secretary before when she actually was a stay at home mother for decades. Obviously she fails the 'test' but her boss just goes "oh Prissy! You silly goose!" and she gets the job anyway. Cue the laughing track now. Then she is mildly annoyed at her coworkers because they're not friendly to her because she 'came out of nowhere and stole the job'. Which she kinda did. What does she do at her job? No mention of it. She talks about getting this job like one decides to get a cactus. Whether the plant survives or not is not a big deal because it's just a hobby anyway. And if it dies, she'll just get a new one! Easy, peasy!
Then she goes on about getting back in touch with an old boyfriend. You see, while she went on and married a powerful lawyer, had two kids and enjoyed being rich, he was stuck on her for decades. Never married, never moved on, just sat there waiting for her. They talk through emails and organize a meeting in Memphis. The whole time she goes on about how out of the ordinary and STRANGE it is that they talk through emails! How unconventional! How absolutely new and DIFFERENT! He books her a first class ticket to Memphis where she will stay at an ultra rich hotel waiting for him. This is an actual quote from a message she sent him: "I am delighted not to have to ride the Greyhound with all the ex-convincts, through I would have - maybe." God, EYE ROLL.
Prior to meeting him, she quits her job because she no longer needs it, I guess. She talks about how her sisters think she only got the job because she felt guilty spending her dead husband's money. I feel like this was thrown in there to make us sympathize with her, which doesn't really work because she just goes on and on about how her new boyfriend owns this company and how she goes on all these vacations and bla bla. You get it.
Overall, this felt like it was written by a 14 year old. It feels like one day she decided she wanted to be an author and her new boyfriend (or husband, I don't know, I don't care enough to research her life after this book was published) paid for this monstrosity to be published. There's nothing to be gained from reading this other than a sense of disgust at how filthy rich, privileged and out of touch this woman is. I bought this book (signed by the author with its own bookmark with the author's email address and photo) for $0.50 cents and yet, I still feel like I overpaid. 1/5.
After her husband dies she casually gets a job working for Jeb Bush. She goes in for the interview and her boss asks her to write a "blind letter" or something like that to a judge. It's supposed to be a 'test' because you see, she lied and claimed she worked as a secretary before when she actually was a stay at home mother for decades. Obviously she fails the 'test' but her boss just goes "oh Prissy! You silly goose!" and she gets the job anyway. Cue the laughing track now. Then she is mildly annoyed at her coworkers because they're not friendly to her because she 'came out of nowhere and stole the job'. Which she kinda did. What does she do at her job? No mention of it. She talks about getting this job like one decides to get a cactus. Whether the plant survives or not is not a big deal because it's just a hobby anyway. And if it dies, she'll just get a new one! Easy, peasy!
Then she goes on about getting back in touch with an old boyfriend. You see, while she went on and married a powerful lawyer, had two kids and enjoyed being rich, he was stuck on her for decades. Never married, never moved on, just sat there waiting for her. They talk through emails and organize a meeting in Memphis. The whole time she goes on about how out of the ordinary and STRANGE it is that they talk through emails! How unconventional! How absolutely new and DIFFERENT! He books her a first class ticket to Memphis where she will stay at an ultra rich hotel waiting for him. This is an actual quote from a message she sent him: "I am delighted not to have to ride the Greyhound with all the ex-convincts, through I would have - maybe." God, EYE ROLL.
Prior to meeting him, she quits her job because she no longer needs it, I guess. She talks about how her sisters think she only got the job because she felt guilty spending her dead husband's money. I feel like this was thrown in there to make us sympathize with her, which doesn't really work because she just goes on and on about how her new boyfriend owns this company and how she goes on all these vacations and bla bla. You get it.
Overall, this felt like it was written by a 14 year old. It feels like one day she decided she wanted to be an author and her new boyfriend (or husband, I don't know, I don't care enough to research her life after this book was published) paid for this monstrosity to be published. There's nothing to be gained from reading this other than a sense of disgust at how filthy rich, privileged and out of touch this woman is. I bought this book (signed by the author with its own bookmark with the author's email address and photo) for $0.50 cents and yet, I still feel like I overpaid. 1/5.
October 23, 2017
I enjoyed this novel immensely. The author describes the difficulties of dealing with caring for a dying husband, and she has a way of telling things that will make you both cry and chuckle. A very good book.
May 30, 2017
3.75 rating. I really did enjoy this book, but the first half was so sad. I find such inspiration from people who have gone through hell, grieved, and continued living.
June 3, 2017
I enjoyed the book but the ending killed me!
May 16, 2023
In her memoir, “Far Outside The Ordinary,” Prissy Elrod, a Southern housewife from a privileged background, recounts a time in her life when her 50-year-old husband, Boone, is diagnosed with a brain tumor and given less than a year to live. The reader learns this information in the first few chapters. I was uncertain whether I wanted to continue reading because it was pretty clear how Boone’s story would end. I’m glad I decided to proceed.
“Far Outside The Ordinary” chronicles Prissy’s journey as Boone’s caregiver and the ensuing events (that are anything but ordinary) that occur as she tries anything and everything to save her beloved husband of nearly 25 years. Prissy is fierce in her resolve to find a cure for Boone even though doctors have told her his condition is terminal. When Boone’s health continues to deteriorate and he wants to end the treatments and go home, Prissy fills her house with an unlikely and diverse group of people united in their quest to care for Boone. Over time, they develop a close bond with Prissy and her two teenaged daughters and become like family.
Prissy’s memoir, which at times reads like a diary, is poignant and insightful. She experiences pain and heartache, frustration and despair, yet she still manages to find some humor in her circumstances. At some point in our lives, many of us, or people who are close to us, will experience similar adversity. Prissy’s story offers lessons on how to navigate through these difficulties, hold on to hope and eventually find love and happiness again.
“Far Outside The Ordinary” chronicles Prissy’s journey as Boone’s caregiver and the ensuing events (that are anything but ordinary) that occur as she tries anything and everything to save her beloved husband of nearly 25 years. Prissy is fierce in her resolve to find a cure for Boone even though doctors have told her his condition is terminal. When Boone’s health continues to deteriorate and he wants to end the treatments and go home, Prissy fills her house with an unlikely and diverse group of people united in their quest to care for Boone. Over time, they develop a close bond with Prissy and her two teenaged daughters and become like family.
Prissy’s memoir, which at times reads like a diary, is poignant and insightful. She experiences pain and heartache, frustration and despair, yet she still manages to find some humor in her circumstances. At some point in our lives, many of us, or people who are close to us, will experience similar adversity. Prissy’s story offers lessons on how to navigate through these difficulties, hold on to hope and eventually find love and happiness again.
July 7, 2014
How did this book receive such high reviews? I cannot believe how many women praised this piece. I read some of their comments, and people called this "southern fiction". It's not fiction, ladies. It's a memoir. It's non-fiction, which is a genre I happen to really love. But this story was a total waste of my time.
Prissy's story is unfortunate and heartbreaking, but her writing style lacked substance. It was not emotionally driven. It reads like a personal journal- very elementary and self conceded. I felt disconnected from her the entire story. I rolled my eyes as she complained nonstop. And I was especially annoyed that she had to list the prices of everything. Obviously she is financially set (she specifically mentions her 4200 square foot home and beach house), yet she has to throw in the price tag of everything! Like money is another burden to bare.
Overall, I think her intentions are honest. BUT just because she experienced a tragic life event (as many of us do), it does not qualify her to write a book. She did a poor job developing her characters and her storyline. She comes across as very matter-of-fact. Almost cold and robotic. She could've elaborated on some specific moments and made this a much meatier, emotionally-charged story. But alas, Prissy is far from a talented writer. And maybe that's why she appeals to so many women? It's just that simple and easy to read?!
Prissy's story is unfortunate and heartbreaking, but her writing style lacked substance. It was not emotionally driven. It reads like a personal journal- very elementary and self conceded. I felt disconnected from her the entire story. I rolled my eyes as she complained nonstop. And I was especially annoyed that she had to list the prices of everything. Obviously she is financially set (she specifically mentions her 4200 square foot home and beach house), yet she has to throw in the price tag of everything! Like money is another burden to bare.
Overall, I think her intentions are honest. BUT just because she experienced a tragic life event (as many of us do), it does not qualify her to write a book. She did a poor job developing her characters and her storyline. She comes across as very matter-of-fact. Almost cold and robotic. She could've elaborated on some specific moments and made this a much meatier, emotionally-charged story. But alas, Prissy is far from a talented writer. And maybe that's why she appeals to so many women? It's just that simple and easy to read?!
June 3, 2014
Full disclosure: I received this book as a Shelf Awareness giveaway.
Writing candidly about the trials and tribulations of dealing with her husband Boone's brain cancer, Prissy Elrod takes the reader on an emotional ride. Always hopeful of a cure, she and Boone travel to the southwest, try alternative treatments, and more. She develops deep friendships with his caregivers while still trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. At times humorous, at times sad, the story is not without hope as she has a network of family and friends who are there for Boone, their daughters, and her.
Even after his death, she and her family slowly recover as she re-enters the work force, the girls finish their education, and she re-discovers an old boyfriend. When they meet, well, the story is to be continued, but it looks like a fairy tale ending for Prissy.
Writing candidly about the trials and tribulations of dealing with her husband Boone's brain cancer, Prissy Elrod takes the reader on an emotional ride. Always hopeful of a cure, she and Boone travel to the southwest, try alternative treatments, and more. She develops deep friendships with his caregivers while still trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. At times humorous, at times sad, the story is not without hope as she has a network of family and friends who are there for Boone, their daughters, and her.
Even after his death, she and her family slowly recover as she re-enters the work force, the girls finish their education, and she re-discovers an old boyfriend. When they meet, well, the story is to be continued, but it looks like a fairy tale ending for Prissy.
March 25, 2015
Would it be bizarre to describe a book about a wife whose husband gets brain cancer, watches her daughter's car flip on its top and crush it flat, whose house fills with 2 inches of water when she is gone on vacation, would it be bizarre to say this book is delightful? I know it would but it is that.
Prissy Elrod is a delightful woman who writes about tragedy after tragedy with a constant underlying hope for the future, even when the stock market causes her husband's life insurance to drop by 40%.
There were moments in the book when I did just cry for Prissy, for her two daughters, for her very sick husband; but beyond that there was always this sort of light-hearted ability that Prissy Elrod maintained that made me love her.
Prissy Elrod is a delightful woman who writes about tragedy after tragedy with a constant underlying hope for the future, even when the stock market causes her husband's life insurance to drop by 40%.
There were moments in the book when I did just cry for Prissy, for her two daughters, for her very sick husband; but beyond that there was always this sort of light-hearted ability that Prissy Elrod maintained that made me love her.
November 17, 2014
I would have given this book five stars if it didn't have so many proofreading errors. Prissy Elrod is a delight - her writing is well-paced, there is actual humor in what is a heart-rending story, and she's written a page-turner. I kept getting stopped short at the weird errors - "last rights," for instance, a strange occurrence in a book written by a woman raised in the Catholic church. And there are many more, the constant misspelling of "fluorescent" being the strangest. A simple spell-check should have caught that one.
At any rate, I highly recommend this book, and trust that what stops me short won't bother everyone. A great read.
At any rate, I highly recommend this book, and trust that what stops me short won't bother everyone. A great read.
July 22, 2014
Prissy Elrod is one of the best Indi authors to come along in a long time. She tells her story with passion and flair. Her story should be read. You will be amazed at her strength of character, her fortitude, her willingness to sacrifice everything for her family and do whatever it takes to triumph over death and life's hard knocks. This book deserves six stars but I am only allowed five.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews