Amy Low has written an astonishingly vulnerable book titled The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room. Her story begins when her life has it all. She is successful, smart, married to the man of her dreams, has two wonderful kids … life is looking great.
Then, sadly, the marriage falls apart. Tough decisions have to be made. Then another blow when, in her late-40’s, she’s diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
This is not my typical read. Amy is rightfully in anguish throughout much of the book, and I was sometimes ready to put the book down. The raw emotions were just too much for this wimpy guy to take. I’d rather bury myself in a cozy mystery or a visionary bit of nonfiction.
But this book, this story, is too powerful to put down. Structured around Philippians 4:8, the book showcases Amy’s brilliant writing. She writes in a way that makes me stop to ponder.
Plus she is incredibly vulnerable, sharing what is really going on in her mind as she makes decisions nobody should have to make. Even her relationships — with her ex, with her kids, with her doctors, with romantic interests — are transparent. She opens her heart, mind, and soul to us.
Ultimately, this feels like a book about strength, redemption, and hope. Her kids show remarkable strength. The redemptive behavior of her ex is generous. Her mentor, Shirley, offers a hopeful wisdom that changes the course of the story. Even the health care system models compassion.
Most of all, the book shows the nature of Amy’s heart. She is bent, broken, and twisted by what life throws at her, but she does not give up. She never stops loving. She never stops hoping.
Definitely a book to read. Well done, Amy. And thank you for sharing.