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Now You See the Sky
This memoir—the first release on best-selling author Ann Hood’s Gracie Belle imprint—about the fathomless loss of a beloved child reveals how tragedy can transform us and make us more fully alive.
Now You See the Sky is a memoir about love, motherhood, and loss. When Catharine H. Murray travels to a small town on the banks of the Mekong River to work at a refugee camp, she falls in love and marries a local man with whom she has three sons. When their middle son is diagnosed with cancer at age five, their pursuit of a cure takes them from Thailand to Seattle, before they eventually return to Thailand, settling on a remote mountaintop. Full of honesty and grace, Now You See the Sky—the debut selection in Ann Hood’s new Gracie Belle imprint—allows the reader to witness the fathomless loss of a child and learn how tragedy can transform us, expand our vision, and make us more fully alive.
Now You See the Sky is the debut selection of Ann Hood’s new nonfiction imprint with Akashic, Gracie Belle. Modeled after her experience writing the memoir Comfort: A Journey Through Grief, and named after her daughter, Grace, Hood’s imprint reaffirms for authors and readers that none of us is alone in our journeys.
Now You See the Sky is a memoir about love, motherhood, and loss. When Catharine H. Murray travels to a small town on the banks of the Mekong River to work at a refugee camp, she falls in love and marries a local man with whom she has three sons. When their middle son is diagnosed with cancer at age five, their pursuit of a cure takes them from Thailand to Seattle, before they eventually return to Thailand, settling on a remote mountaintop. Full of honesty and grace, Now You See the Sky—the debut selection in Ann Hood’s new Gracie Belle imprint—allows the reader to witness the fathomless loss of a child and learn how tragedy can transform us, expand our vision, and make us more fully alive.
Now You See the Sky is the debut selection of Ann Hood’s new nonfiction imprint with Akashic, Gracie Belle. Modeled after her experience writing the memoir Comfort: A Journey Through Grief, and named after her daughter, Grace, Hood’s imprint reaffirms for authors and readers that none of us is alone in our journeys.
- GenresMemoir
280 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2018
3 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 16, 2018
I received an ARC of this book through Librarything in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't expecting to "enjoy" this book as it focuses on a very sad topic- that of a young child stricken with cancer. The writing was beautiful though, and I did find myself enjoying reading it. Murray's talent as a writer comes through in her descriptions of feelings, people, and particularly of nature. Much of the story takes places in Thailand. The slower pace of life, the community feel, the breezes blowing, the family bed, the teas and food, the friends and family who gather together to build things, cook things, play games, etc.. it was all so captivating, it made me want to travel there to see for myself! Interestingly, at some points in the book, I felt like the writer was nonAmerican. I can't determine exactly why I had that sense, perhaps it was just because Murray lived there for so long that she began to sound like a native.
A beautiful, though heartbreaking story. Murray's first book gets 5 stars.
I wasn't expecting to "enjoy" this book as it focuses on a very sad topic- that of a young child stricken with cancer. The writing was beautiful though, and I did find myself enjoying reading it. Murray's talent as a writer comes through in her descriptions of feelings, people, and particularly of nature. Much of the story takes places in Thailand. The slower pace of life, the community feel, the breezes blowing, the family bed, the teas and food, the friends and family who gather together to build things, cook things, play games, etc.. it was all so captivating, it made me want to travel there to see for myself! Interestingly, at some points in the book, I felt like the writer was nonAmerican. I can't determine exactly why I had that sense, perhaps it was just because Murray lived there for so long that she began to sound like a native.
A beautiful, though heartbreaking story. Murray's first book gets 5 stars.
May 7, 2019
I loved this book, especially the first half with all of her cross-cultural illumination and beautiful prose. I appreciated the reminder to be mindful, whatever it is that we're doing. And having just welcomed my first grandchild into the world, I really loved her MIL giving us the book's title when Chan was born, saying, "Now you see the sky. You're out here with us, and you finally get to see the sky." That. Sigh. Lovely.
October 22, 2018
Catharine H. Murray wanted a completely change her life, she wanted to be independent and live on her own.
She volunteered to work in a refugee camp in Thailand for two years. She met and after dating married Dtaw. They started a family and their own tour company. But she missed her own culture so they moved to Seattle and struggled to have enough money to live on.
Her middle son, Chan, who was only four years old started to have symptoms that seemed unrelated so they took him to a doctor. But when they got the final diagnosis. the whole family began a terrible journey of watching Chan go from a very athletic little boy to one struggling for his life.
This is a universal story of of parents and siblings caring and loving. Chan gives insights into his situation. You will feel the compassion of the whole community from his immediate family to the Buddist monks in the village to his aunts and his grandparents.
I urge you to read it.
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book as a win from LibraryThing from the publishers in exchange for a fair book review. My thoughts and feelings in this review are totally my own
She volunteered to work in a refugee camp in Thailand for two years. She met and after dating married Dtaw. They started a family and their own tour company. But she missed her own culture so they moved to Seattle and struggled to have enough money to live on.
Her middle son, Chan, who was only four years old started to have symptoms that seemed unrelated so they took him to a doctor. But when they got the final diagnosis. the whole family began a terrible journey of watching Chan go from a very athletic little boy to one struggling for his life.
This is a universal story of of parents and siblings caring and loving. Chan gives insights into his situation. You will feel the compassion of the whole community from his immediate family to the Buddist monks in the village to his aunts and his grandparents.
I urge you to read it.
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book as a win from LibraryThing from the publishers in exchange for a fair book review. My thoughts and feelings in this review are totally my own
October 25, 2018
The author graduates from college in the United States and is ready for an adventure. She travels to Thailand where she has agreed to work at a refugee camp for two years. She had no plans after that, but life has a way of getting in the way of plans anyway. Instead of returning to the U.S. she falls in love and marries a local man, opting to remain in this rural land and raising a family. However, when her second son is diagnosed with cancer, she and her family return to the U.S. in an attempt to save him. When that is not possible, they return to Thailand, where they hope the clean air, water and simple food will save him. It is a heartbreaking loss, one I found myself sharing as I sat on my couch with tears streaming down my face. This book is a wonderful look at what life is like in another country where maybe they do more right than we do.
November 2, 2018
An endearing story that gives us insight into Taiwanese culture from the viewpoint of an American woman who goes to Thailand, falls in love and makes a life there. I particularly liked the description of the rituals surrounding the birth of a child, and the gentle way in which the new mother is allowed to rest and regain her strength.
When incurable illness strikes a child, we see the agonizing choices that the parents have to make, the pain they suffer as their child suffers, the swings between hope and despair, the challenges around the illness for the siblings, and finally the loss of the child's life. Though it all there is uncertainly, and doubt, and love.
This book will be a comfort to families who must face similar illness and loss, and offers a way of understanding to others who may know of such families, or who just want to have a window into this world.
When incurable illness strikes a child, we see the agonizing choices that the parents have to make, the pain they suffer as their child suffers, the swings between hope and despair, the challenges around the illness for the siblings, and finally the loss of the child's life. Though it all there is uncertainly, and doubt, and love.
This book will be a comfort to families who must face similar illness and loss, and offers a way of understanding to others who may know of such families, or who just want to have a window into this world.
December 15, 2020
This book was part of a book group in which I am a member. I hesitated to read it thinking it would be too sad. Of course, it was sad, but I got more out of it than I thought I would. I listened to it on Audible. The reader is the author. Her voice was soft and gentle. She shared her journey of losing her son in a graceful manner. I had some biases about the need to talk about death before I started listening to it. The author helped me to see that addressing death is complex, particularly if one lives in a different culture that has a different way of looking at dying. So the best part of this book was the expansion of my mind in what has to happen as one dies. I appreciate that.
April 12, 2019
Although I haven't experienced tragic loss in my life yet, I found myself relating to and loving this book. The story is about grief, and I did cry while reading it, but there is so much hope in Murray's writing. She brings us through her trauma in a way that is full of life and light. She even adds doses of humor. I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through change--Murray's insights in dealing with great transitions cross boundaries of different types of grief and provide an uplifting roadmap for dealing with life. I truly loved this book.
October 26, 2018
Wow. Murray's story will break your heart. When her four year old son Chan is diagnosed with cancer, she moves back to the US from Thailand, where she has settled with her husband Dtaw and their boys. Modern medicine is no better for Chan and they return home. It truly did take a village to help this family and that's what so lovely about Murray's story. Never maudlin, this is beautifully written and will make you think. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.
December 18, 2018
Of all the book I've read this year, this is number ONE. It is a thoughtful sensitive deep memoir about moving to Thailand, falling in love, and having three sons. When tragedy strikes this loving family, the Thai culture teaches how to really live, love, and let go. This book touched me deeper than any book I've read in a very long time.
August 20, 2020
Catharine Murray's memoir is honest, compassionate, and achingly beautiful. The descriptions of Thailand are gorgeous, and the dive into the author's emotional experience is authentic and brave. I finished this book with a full heart, feeling a little more courage in tackling the experience of being mortal. Would highly recommend!
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March 11, 2021This powerful memoir initially enchants as the author relates her experience teaching in rural Thailand, then falling in love and marrying a Thai citizen. Her writing is crisp and descriptive, and the narrative flows along smoothly.
Once her son is diagnosed, I was hardly able to put it down,
By the end my heart was broken, but more deeply open at the same time.
Once her son is diagnosed, I was hardly able to put it down,
By the end my heart was broken, but more deeply open at the same time.
June 26, 2019
Loved reading this book. So sad. Knowing the author made this such an amazing read. I cannot even imagine the heartache Katie and her family went through. Loved reading about her Thailand life and hearing about the traditions expected.
March 24, 2020
Murray shows us the complexity of a mother grieving at the same time as she shoulders the burden of caregiving for a dying child. With courage and compassion, she chooses to not be a victim but to love and face her fears. This book is tenderly written and hard to put down.
September 16, 2022
I was transported to Thailand and felt deep sorrow as well as joy for the author and her family as I read this palpable artwork. I treasure my hard copy and I can feel it’s potency from my bookshelf. I give this author and her work the highest prize an avid reader can give. Superb!
November 18, 2018
I loved this memoir by my coworker at Portland (Maine) adult education. It tells about a part of her life before I knew her. It's incredibly sad and moving and just beautifully written.
November 19, 2018
A touching, heartfelt, and beautiful book.
July 30, 2019
Such a heartbreaking story, written with beauty, grace, and honesty. I was completely immersed in Catharine's journey.
April 29, 2020
A tough read, so very sad, yet so many insights and profound observations of our human condition. Well done Catherine Murray. Chan thanks you.
February 7, 2022
Powered through this in a weekend. What a heartbreaking book.
January 31, 2023
Powerful.Beautiful. Sad. Filled with Love
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December 5, 2024An emotional and potentially draining book about heartache and loss. It is a apersonal favorite of mine.
February 27, 2026
Beautiful memoir.
May 8, 2020
I read this novel over a year ago and it has stayed with me. Death is such a complicated issue and I find myself drawn to memoirs where people somehow learn to view the loss of a loved one in a way that honors their life and their memory. Catharine Murray accomplishes the near impossible by honoring her son and her family this heartbreakingly beautiful remembrance.
I listened to this book on audio and it is read by the author whose graceful tone is a wonder to hear.
Highly recommended.
I listened to this book on audio and it is read by the author whose graceful tone is a wonder to hear.
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2024
hmmm... I was sometimes kind of mad, I guess, with the author. Who am I to judge, when I haven't had to deal with anything so horrible as this? Maybe because she was so real, and admitted out loud things that others would keep to themselves? I don't know, but I definitely can't imagine the pain, stress, worry, and overall process of watching a child go through what Chan did. This was a very painful and sad book. In some ways frustrating, but in other ways beautiful. All in all, a good and meaningful read.
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April 11, 2019This is the story of a child's fight with leukemia, his death and the family's grief. It's a heartbreaking story, as stories that end with the death of a child are.
What makes it different from other such memoirs is that the family chose to return to rural Thailand for the final stages of their son's illness.
Author Catherine Murray, fresh out of college, headed to Thailand to work for two years in a refugee camp. She fell in love with the country, its landscapes and culture, and eventually with her soon-to-be husband, whom she met literally by the side of the road. Together they started a family as well as a tourist business.
They tried living in Seattle with their children but missed the Thai culture and supportive extended family bonds. When their five year old son, Chan, was diagnosed with leukemia, they again returned to Seattle to seek state of the art treatment.
But it failed.
And so they returned to Thailand where their extended family met them with open hearts and arms and unlimited support.
They were able to focus on their son in a beautifully peaceful rural environment, surrounded by the Buddhist culture including the awareness/mindfulness of each moment. Although healthcare was very limited, they had been told that only palliative care was possible, they decided it would be best for Chan to die among the people who loved him rather than in the hospital the little boy hated.
And yet, there are parts of this book that disturbed me deeply. This six year old boy spent a lot of time crying and in misery, which the mother believed was the boy working things out and removing toxins from his psyche. He would beg for morphine and she would withhold it. I won't judge this mother – I haven't walked in her shoes. Part of her believed that he might yet be cured. But I think I would have made different choices.
Well written and a look at a part of a culture that you don't usually see – this Thai/American family's experience with the Thai management of illness, Buddhist funerals, and grief.
What makes it different from other such memoirs is that the family chose to return to rural Thailand for the final stages of their son's illness.
Author Catherine Murray, fresh out of college, headed to Thailand to work for two years in a refugee camp. She fell in love with the country, its landscapes and culture, and eventually with her soon-to-be husband, whom she met literally by the side of the road. Together they started a family as well as a tourist business.
They tried living in Seattle with their children but missed the Thai culture and supportive extended family bonds. When their five year old son, Chan, was diagnosed with leukemia, they again returned to Seattle to seek state of the art treatment.
But it failed.
And so they returned to Thailand where their extended family met them with open hearts and arms and unlimited support.
They were able to focus on their son in a beautifully peaceful rural environment, surrounded by the Buddhist culture including the awareness/mindfulness of each moment. Although healthcare was very limited, they had been told that only palliative care was possible, they decided it would be best for Chan to die among the people who loved him rather than in the hospital the little boy hated.
And yet, there are parts of this book that disturbed me deeply. This six year old boy spent a lot of time crying and in misery, which the mother believed was the boy working things out and removing toxins from his psyche. He would beg for morphine and she would withhold it. I won't judge this mother – I haven't walked in her shoes. Part of her believed that he might yet be cured. But I think I would have made different choices.
Well written and a look at a part of a culture that you don't usually see – this Thai/American family's experience with the Thai management of illness, Buddhist funerals, and grief.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews