Through a Daughter's Eyes

by Mary DeJong

What do you say when someone apologizes for the death of your dad? "It seemed like we were watching a sad movie that we were really invested in, but it could be turned off by the click of a remote. Life would automatically switch back to normal, and everything would be okay again. Looking into the faces of my best friends, I saw that it wasn't going to happen." Thirteen-year-old Mary, the middle of three girls, tells the raw and honest account of her family's journey when her dad is diagnosed with cancer. Through a Daughter's Eyes is a heart-wrenching true story about family, strength, and persevering through hardship.

138 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[Kelly (UnshelvedEdition) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very nervous going into this book because the topic of cancer and loss of a family member is something so painful and so real that many of us have felt. Losing a loved one is hard. Reading about someone else losing one of the people they love the most, isn’t much easier however this beautiful story gives you a sense of comfort and support

What I loved most about this book was the authenticity and overall genuine emotion that came through Mary’s writing. As someone who also has a father who has suffered cancer, there are so many real emotions that people don’t get to see as you process such as anger, acceptance, defeat and love, however Mary shares those with her readers

Her writing was flawless, I did a little happy dance when I read that she was an English teacher, and it definitely came through. I felt like I was a member of the DeJong family anxiously awaiting updates on Tom, and feeling the heartbreak as the family did especially as e-mails from Tom surfaced

This book was an emotional journey that was worth taking

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[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through A Daughter's Eyes is a quick but emotional read. In her first published work, Mary DeJong does an excellent job of getting back in the mindset of her teenage self and reliving a very difficult part of her life. With impressive writing and a non-linear timeline, the story is told largely from the perspective of young Mary but also includes some communications from both her parents as well as an afterword from her mom and sisters.

The flow of the book is perfect. Rather than focusing entirely on suffering and loss, DeJong's story begins with a basketball game and includes boys and school and even a very honest dose of anger, because illness and death don't happen in a vacuum.

This story will bring you to tears but also make you laugh and empathize. It's an immensely personal narrative of love and loss and family that I highly recommend.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Dawn Hummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ashamed that it took me so long to read this incredible book

Mary—you captured so many emotions through your eloquent words

Truly loved the entire book

Your Dad was really such a nice man…he undoubtedly is watching over all 4 of you and smiling from ear to ear ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Leah | Bookshelf.jpg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one a bit ago now and am finally getting around to getting caught up on reviews. I feel as if re-visiting Through a Daughter's Eyes is exactly what I needed right now. 2020 has brought a lot of loss and hardship to everyone I know and I feel like the emotions and perspectives in this book works right alongside everything I'm feeling right now. Through a Daughter's Eyes is a beautifully written account of a family coming to terms with losing a husband and father. The whole book we feel personally connected closely with Mary and the family as we watch their journey with Tom's cancer unfold. There's every single emotion within these pages and it's all worth feeling. I believe that no matter what type of loss you've experienced, this book offers something for everyone and will stick with me for a long time.


I received a free ARC to review from Mary. All opinions are my own!

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my owns*
Through a Daughter's Eyes was the book I needed in my life right now. It is perfect for anyone who has ever lost or almost lost a loved one.

I was a bit nervous to read a story that dealt with the loss of a family member because it is like opening an old wound for me. I too am experiencing something similar to Mary's story. My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 liver disease about 7 years ago and I have seen him face some of the hardest things in his life. This is one of the hardest times of my life, but this book made me feel like I am not alone in this.

I thought this was book was heartfelt and beautifully written. It reads like 'diary entries' and I really enjoyed it. It put into perspective how draining both physically and mentally going through cancer or any serious illness truly is.

I felt the pain, the curiosity, the love of a father, and the feeling of coming to peace with death. I think everyone can connect with this story like I did.

One of my favorite parts about the story was the constant faith throughout. I believe it's important to be hopeful no matter what. You may be disappointed at times, but your faith will get you through it all.

I give Through a Daughter's Eyes 5 stars. It is such a moving and affecting story about dealing with loss. Mary DeJong wrote an incredible story that will hold a special place in my heart.

[Ashley]

I recieved a free e-book ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

"Through a Daughter's Eye's is a heartbreaking, beautiful story about a family's journey as they navigate life with their husband and father who is battling cancer. Mary shows how an amazing support system and strong faith guides them as they face some of their toughest challenges and come out stronger in the end." ❤

TW: cancer, death

[Jordyn Roesler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biased review having went to school with the author... but this is such an emotional, powerful book even being so short. I loved the format, going back and forth between memories and emails from different points before, during, and after her dad’s battle with cancer. I was totally immersed and feel like I’ve been given some new perspective on family and life.

[Kathy Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful


A thoughtful perspective of a time that had so many sides. The varied views brought great depth, caring and emotion.