Marrow: A Love Story Hardcover – Deckle Edge, September 20, 2016

there's a very compelling story here focusing on the author and her critically ill sister, maggie, who requires a bone marrow transplant. the author turns out to be a perfect match and this story, along with their evolving relationship, form the core of this book.when the book was focused on the two sisters, i was completely engaged in the story. however, the author frequently veers off the road and spends a lot of time on self-help and mystical detours, all in flowery language i found a bit too precious. while i'm sure a lot of people probably appreciated these inserts, i found them somewhat cloying and distracting.ironically, i felt the most vivid writing was done by maggie herself, via entries she made in either a journal or diary. i thought it was an excellent idea by the author to include these excerpts strategically throughout the book.in summary, a good book overall, but it could have been even better with some editing in certain areas that were not directly related to the main storyline.

Overall, this is a good read. The foundation for the book is the Author's relationship with her dying sister Maggie. The overall theme is Authenticity. How to be truly authentic and have the courage to bare your soul to the people you love the most. Lesser claims that it is sometimes easier to be open and real with individuals whom we don't share a true connection- intimate strangers rather than our true friends and family. This concept and what to do about it had a profound effect on me. It was worth the cost and I'm really glad I read it. I do have one complaint: Lesser seems overly fond of herself and tends to go on and on about a concept for pages when it could have been summarized in one paragraph. Sometimes too much explanation can cause attention to wander and main points to be lost. Keep it simple!

Several people told me about Marrow: A Love Story, but I really didn't feel like reading something that was going to be depressing. I'm so glad I read it anyway! Far from depressing, it was uplifting and inspirational. The honesty with which Lesser tells the story combined with the life lessons she has learned are encouraging. There were so many truths throughout the sisters' journey that resonated with me. Here's an example, "We are made from the past, and for the future. Both are embedded in the present moment. Without the pain and sweetness of what came before, and the enticing lure and heart-pounding fear of what comes next, we cannot celebrate the fullness of the living moment." I highly recommend this book to all!

Marrow is a joy to read- deeply human and accessible, and yet poignant, poetic, and profound. The book powerfully emphasizes the deep value of authenticity and reconciliation as it weaves together a beautiful story with wise and sometimes funny reflections on our shared and imperfect lives.As the story eloquently demonstrates, reconciliation with family members is hard, possible, and deeply rewarding.Elizabeth Lesser's sketches of her remarkable sisters and parents give you a rich sense of her family's specific strengths and weaknesses that will speak universally to anyone who has ever had a family.Yet it is her account of her biological and spiritual marrow transplant with her sister Maggie that deserves special praise for its gripping emotional honesty and intimacy. Lesser is a beautiful writer who speaks with humility and self-awareness that lets us readily walk alongside her on the journey they shared, The story of that journey evokes feelings of admiration, recognition, laughter and sadness, We see the emotional courage they each found along the way, and the beauty of the shared and separate lives they lived. As we witness the last stages of Maggie's remarkable life, we quietly experience growing feelings of loss at its end and joy at its fulfillment. And we feel moved to reconnect more authentically with people in our own lives.Deeply touching and beautifully written, Marrow is a book to cherish, re-read, and give to loved ones.

Yes, it was a heartbreaking story. She truly loves her sister and she gives the ultimate, a part of her body. But she writes' 'right down to the marrow' so often the reference lost its significance and was even irritating. Her writing is deep and academic. I prefer more personal and less psychological. My favorite sections of the book were the journal entries of her sister. And I felt it was about 50 pages too long.

I love Elizabeth Lesser’s writing. I feel like when she writes, the thoughts in my head are being put on paper. Very deep and moving account of her and her sister’s journey together. Much more than a story about a bone marrow transplant. Its a soul journey. And there were so many gems in the writing, that I know I will be rereading this one again. If you are ready to dive into what you are really made of, this is the book for you. I absolutely loved it.

I am not sure how to rate this review. I truly loved some of this book and it really resonated with my inner "marrow" as the author might say. However, another maybe 60% of the book just seemed like philosophical mumbo jumbo. So I guess I would sum it up kind of like life- if you are willing to wade through the confusing, murky, not fun parts, there are some treasures you can find along the way.

I am reading this book so slowly as I don't want it to end. I've sent copies to my 3 daughters and will also to my sisters. Such a touching story of her walk with her sister through cancer diagnosis and treatment and exploring the family dynamics and relationships. Of course she weaves her deep spiritual beliefs - not preachy, just who she is. I LOVE her writing and I will read it again.

Athought I don't agree a 100% with the spiritual way of thinking of the Elizabeth Lesser, I think she is a great writer. Having just one sister it made me think about our relationship and the book just helped me to clear certains thinks about my sister.The book also teach you in some way that life is short and sometime we shouldn't wait too long to do certains things because tomorrow it could be too late. I'm glad her sister still could do nearly all thing she wanted to do before she died, and happy that they both could make peace with stucked emotions and misunderstandings.A very honest book, which make you laugh but also cry. And for those who have "struggles" to cope or to talk about death, Elizabeth is able to write in such a way that death can be seen as part of life without making a drama or tragedy. Excellent book!

BEAUTIFUL, the journey of sisters going beyond the roles and image put on us in our families. And actually looking at eachother for the first time again, working through perspectives of eachother and meeting eachother who they are now. All this because of a life threatening illness but teaching us it doesn't have to go that far to be truer, kinder and more understanding with the ones we have in our life.

It is very difficult to stop reading this book, it is so touching and personal that one starts feeling like a part of the story. Elizabeth Lesser has managed to create a masterpiece which, I am confident, will help many people to get over difficult times, become more genuine and more self. At the same time she reminds us the obvious - no man is an island and what really matters in the life is our relationship we are creating with our beloved ones and also with oneself.

One of the most beautiful books about love I have ever read. Jorney of self discovery. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry. It also makes you to come back to it and read some parts again. Definitely recommend to anyone searching for some life inspiration.

thnak you for telling like it is with so much feeling and truth. Love goes a long way when people open their hearts. The insight of a spy. a very helpful and the meaning of marrow is not just bon marrow and goes very deep into the heart and soul. Thank you.