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The Promise of Stardust
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Debut Goodreads Author (2013)Filled with grace, sensitivity and compassion, The Promise of Stardust is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking tale that raises profound questions about life and death, faith and medicine, and illuminates the power of love to divide and heal a family in the wake of unexpected tragedy
Matt Beaulieu was two years old the first time he held Elle McClure in his arms, seventeen when he first kissed her under a sky filled with shooting stars, and thirty-three when he convinced her to marry him. Now in their late 30s, the deeply devoted couple has everything-except the baby they've always wanted.
When an accident leaves Elle brain dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear the thought of life without her, he knows Elle was afraid of only one thing-a slow death. And so, Matt resolves to take her off life support.
But Matt changes his mind when they discover Elle's pregnant. While there are no certainties, the baby might survive if Elle remains on life support. Matt's mother, Linney, disagrees with his decision. She loves Elle, too, and insists that Elle would never want to be kept alive on machines. Linney is prepared to fight her son in court-armed with Elle's living will.
Divided by the love they share, Matt and Linney will be pitted against each other, fighting for what they believe is right, and what they think Elle would have wanted resulting in a controversial legal battle that will ultimately go beyond one family . . . and one single life.
Matt Beaulieu was two years old the first time he held Elle McClure in his arms, seventeen when he first kissed her under a sky filled with shooting stars, and thirty-three when he convinced her to marry him. Now in their late 30s, the deeply devoted couple has everything-except the baby they've always wanted.
When an accident leaves Elle brain dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear the thought of life without her, he knows Elle was afraid of only one thing-a slow death. And so, Matt resolves to take her off life support.
But Matt changes his mind when they discover Elle's pregnant. While there are no certainties, the baby might survive if Elle remains on life support. Matt's mother, Linney, disagrees with his decision. She loves Elle, too, and insists that Elle would never want to be kept alive on machines. Linney is prepared to fight her son in court-armed with Elle's living will.
Divided by the love they share, Matt and Linney will be pitted against each other, fighting for what they believe is right, and what they think Elle would have wanted resulting in a controversial legal battle that will ultimately go beyond one family . . . and one single life.
432 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2013
407 people are currently reading
19482 people want to read
About the author
Priscille Sibley
4 books243 followersPriscille Sibley is the author of the debut novel THE PROMISE OF STARDUST (William Morrow, 2013). The book is a love story about a family torn apart by a medical crisis and the ethical dilemma of keeping a pregnant woman with no chance of recovery on life support for months in an attempt to give her unborn baby a chance. Priscille grew up loving the rocky coast of Maine, her family, and babies. Now a neonatal intensive care nurse, she has the privilege of caring for infants so small that they fit in her hand. She lives with her husband, three tall teenaged sons, and their Wheaton terrier. Her website is www.priscillesibley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,805 reviews
February 1, 2013
Every now and then you read a book that reminds you why you love to read. Why you stay up late, lose sleep, and with even more poignancy, why you shed tears. Yes, even those who don’t cry.
The Promise of Stardust is that book.
The author, a newcomer to the writing scene wove more than a story when she penned this novel. She placed words and scenes so skillfully into place that readers will not be aware of the silken web which will capture their hearts.
From the very beginning—the heartbreaking beginning—author Priscille Sibley shows us the love that grows between two people, and the heartbreaks that life can deliver.
Though this reviewer wants to give future readers samples of the parts which will draw one in, it wouldn’t be fair. Some things simply have to be experienced. Have to be.
The Promise of Stardust is that book.
The author, a newcomer to the writing scene wove more than a story when she penned this novel. She placed words and scenes so skillfully into place that readers will not be aware of the silken web which will capture their hearts.
From the very beginning—the heartbreaking beginning—author Priscille Sibley shows us the love that grows between two people, and the heartbreaks that life can deliver.
Though this reviewer wants to give future readers samples of the parts which will draw one in, it wouldn’t be fair. Some things simply have to be experienced. Have to be.
February 10, 2013
Wow. Here's a book that will make you think, and make you want to discuss it with others.
Matt Beaulieu has known his wife, Elle, since right after she was born when he was two, as their families were close friends. He's loved her since he was 17 and she was 15, and although they weathered many challenges to their relationship (there were years they barely spoke), they finally had everything they've always wanted—except a healthy baby.
One day everything changes. Elle sustains a severe brain injury in a freak accident and will never be able to recover. Knowing how much she feared being kept alive by machines after watching her mother die of cancer when Elle was a teenager, Matt prepares to take her off of life support. And then he finds out Elle is pregnant again, despite her inability to carry a baby to term. He knows how much this child would have meant to Elle, and how much she would have wanted to fight for it, but he faces a difficult decision—should he keep her alive on the off chance the baby is able to survive, despite the fact she never wanted to be kept alive in this way, or should he let her—and their unborn child—go?
Matt's decision is further complicated by the fact that members of his and Elle's families come out on both sides of the issue. Some want Matt to do everything he can to keep Elle alive, especially if there's a chance the baby can survive, while others feel he is contradicting Elle's most fervent wishes and is simply blinded by his grief. No one feels as strongly toward the latter than Matt's mother, Linney, who was Elle's godmother and her mother's best friend. Convinced she knows better than Matt what Elle would have wanted, this emotional battle is taken to the courtroom, where the case becomes a bellwether for pro-life and right-to-die advocates, and the effects ripple far beyond one family.
Switching back and forth between the present and reminiscences of Matt and Elle's relationship through the years, this is a thought provoking, emotionally powerful book. While it clearly leans toward one point of view on this issue, it doesn't discount the views of the other side, and it illustrates how the issue blurs the lines between whose interests should be thought of first and foremost in cases like this. Priscille Sibley has clearly done her homework, and she also has created a beautiful love story between Matt and Elle, one that choked me up from time to time.
Many of the reviews I've read of this book have likened it to a Jodi Picoult novel. While I don't think that's a necessarily negative comparison, I don't think it's entirely accurate either. Sure, at the heart of this book is the question about whether or not a woman should be kept alive if there's a chance she could deliver a healthy baby, but I feel that Matt and Elle's relationship, how they nurtured and challenged each other, is as much a focus of this book as the controversial issue.
In the end, I don't know if this book breaks any new ground, but that doesn't matter. For me, it was tremendously compelling (I read the entire book on a flight from Albuquerque to Washington, DC) and beautifully written, and that's more than enough. I don't know where you stand on this issue, but I'd encourage you to read this with an open mind—and a full heart.
Matt Beaulieu has known his wife, Elle, since right after she was born when he was two, as their families were close friends. He's loved her since he was 17 and she was 15, and although they weathered many challenges to their relationship (there were years they barely spoke), they finally had everything they've always wanted—except a healthy baby.
One day everything changes. Elle sustains a severe brain injury in a freak accident and will never be able to recover. Knowing how much she feared being kept alive by machines after watching her mother die of cancer when Elle was a teenager, Matt prepares to take her off of life support. And then he finds out Elle is pregnant again, despite her inability to carry a baby to term. He knows how much this child would have meant to Elle, and how much she would have wanted to fight for it, but he faces a difficult decision—should he keep her alive on the off chance the baby is able to survive, despite the fact she never wanted to be kept alive in this way, or should he let her—and their unborn child—go?
Matt's decision is further complicated by the fact that members of his and Elle's families come out on both sides of the issue. Some want Matt to do everything he can to keep Elle alive, especially if there's a chance the baby can survive, while others feel he is contradicting Elle's most fervent wishes and is simply blinded by his grief. No one feels as strongly toward the latter than Matt's mother, Linney, who was Elle's godmother and her mother's best friend. Convinced she knows better than Matt what Elle would have wanted, this emotional battle is taken to the courtroom, where the case becomes a bellwether for pro-life and right-to-die advocates, and the effects ripple far beyond one family.
Switching back and forth between the present and reminiscences of Matt and Elle's relationship through the years, this is a thought provoking, emotionally powerful book. While it clearly leans toward one point of view on this issue, it doesn't discount the views of the other side, and it illustrates how the issue blurs the lines between whose interests should be thought of first and foremost in cases like this. Priscille Sibley has clearly done her homework, and she also has created a beautiful love story between Matt and Elle, one that choked me up from time to time.
Many of the reviews I've read of this book have likened it to a Jodi Picoult novel. While I don't think that's a necessarily negative comparison, I don't think it's entirely accurate either. Sure, at the heart of this book is the question about whether or not a woman should be kept alive if there's a chance she could deliver a healthy baby, but I feel that Matt and Elle's relationship, how they nurtured and challenged each other, is as much a focus of this book as the controversial issue.
In the end, I don't know if this book breaks any new ground, but that doesn't matter. For me, it was tremendously compelling (I read the entire book on a flight from Albuquerque to Washington, DC) and beautifully written, and that's more than enough. I don't know where you stand on this issue, but I'd encourage you to read this with an open mind—and a full heart.
March 4, 2013
A story about an astronaut who died falling off a ladder. Her husband, a neurosurgeon, knows she wanted no resuscitation orders when she was technically brain dead, which she is. She wanted to be an organ donor. and during that process they learned she was pregnant (8 weeks). So now, he wants her to be on life support to bring the baby to full term. The rest of the family wants her to be off life support. So begins a big legal battle. An interesting story idea, easy to read, almost book candy.
March 25, 2013
This book definitely got mixed reviews from our all-female book club. About half loved the book and about half really found it painful. I was in the painful group.
One thing I will give Ms. Sibley, she can write and she knows how to tug your heartstrings. However, I feel that the latter talent far overshadowed the former in this book. This book seemed specifically designed to make me cry every other page. I felt worn out by the story, which switches back and forth between the present tragedy and the earlier romance. Everything is just so heart wrenching. So much so, that it was hard to feel a whole lot outside of the sadness.
Another issue I had was that this book was meant to be told from the husband's point of view, but I just couldn't shake the definite femininity of the author's voice and point of view. The emotions and thoughts of the husband just didn't feel real because they were just so...feminine. And the husband definitely wasn't feminine. I wasn't alone in this. Those that liked the book also had a hard time believing that the story was being told from a male point of view.
An observation about those who liked the book versus those who didn't: those who liked the book tended to find that there was something emotional that they had to resolve in the situation that played out in the book. They seemed to be pulled in more than one direction as the story progressed. For those that didn't like the book, we found that our minds were made up pretty early on. The solution was cut and dried and the rest was simply depressing. It would seem that this book has the most meaning to those that need to journey into the moral dilemma and find resolution themselves.
One thing I will give Ms. Sibley, she can write and she knows how to tug your heartstrings. However, I feel that the latter talent far overshadowed the former in this book. This book seemed specifically designed to make me cry every other page. I felt worn out by the story, which switches back and forth between the present tragedy and the earlier romance. Everything is just so heart wrenching. So much so, that it was hard to feel a whole lot outside of the sadness.
Another issue I had was that this book was meant to be told from the husband's point of view, but I just couldn't shake the definite femininity of the author's voice and point of view. The emotions and thoughts of the husband just didn't feel real because they were just so...feminine. And the husband definitely wasn't feminine. I wasn't alone in this. Those that liked the book also had a hard time believing that the story was being told from a male point of view.
An observation about those who liked the book versus those who didn't: those who liked the book tended to find that there was something emotional that they had to resolve in the situation that played out in the book. They seemed to be pulled in more than one direction as the story progressed. For those that didn't like the book, we found that our minds were made up pretty early on. The solution was cut and dried and the rest was simply depressing. It would seem that this book has the most meaning to those that need to journey into the moral dilemma and find resolution themselves.
January 17, 2014
The promise of Stardust by Priscilla Sibley is a story of of complex and moral decisions Matt Beaulieu is faced with when his beautiful wife Elle suffers a brain injury after falling off a ladder.
This is one of those novels right from the word go sets out to emotionally pull the reader in with its challenging and heartbreaking topic on " a patients right to die with dignity" The story is told with sensitivity and compassion and I think a lot of readers will have their emotions tweeted with this read.
The story is well written and most of the characters are likeable (if not too much so) and there is a good sense of drama and the author certainly does a good job of exploring the sensitive issue of the patents right to die and the medical and legal issues that went with the story are very well written and researched by the author.
I did find the plot quite predictable and while I enjoyed reading about the medical and legal side of the story I really could have passed on the love story of Elle and Matt which by the end of the book had worn thin for me as I am not a fan of love stories.
Having said that this is a good book and I can see fans of Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah loving this story.
Theres is lots of discussion in this one and I think book clubs would enjoy this read.
This is one of those novels right from the word go sets out to emotionally pull the reader in with its challenging and heartbreaking topic on " a patients right to die with dignity" The story is told with sensitivity and compassion and I think a lot of readers will have their emotions tweeted with this read.
The story is well written and most of the characters are likeable (if not too much so) and there is a good sense of drama and the author certainly does a good job of exploring the sensitive issue of the patents right to die and the medical and legal issues that went with the story are very well written and researched by the author.
I did find the plot quite predictable and while I enjoyed reading about the medical and legal side of the story I really could have passed on the love story of Elle and Matt which by the end of the book had worn thin for me as I am not a fan of love stories.
Having said that this is a good book and I can see fans of Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah loving this story.
Theres is lots of discussion in this one and I think book clubs would enjoy this read.
September 22, 2013
Though this novel could spark a discussion about valid social issues, the book itself felt contrived from start to finish. The novel is one drama after another on steroids. (Matt's courtroom heart attack was so over the top, I could barely finish the rest of the book). The author's main objective seems to have been to evoke an emotional response from the reader, but I just couldn't connect to any of the characters so no watery eyes from me. The characters were flat stereotypes: the perfect girl, the romantic love affair, the mean ex-boyfriend, the mom who bakes cornbread, the ambitious lawyer, etc. The interactions among Matt and his mom were terribly underdeveloped. His mom appears to have no real sympathy for her son's loss nor any feeling towards her own future grandchild. When she does change her opinion, it's glossed over without much of an epiphany. The arguments over the main issue of terminating Elle's life support were extremely repetitive -- to the point that I just wanted to flip to the end to see what was decided, though I pretty much knew what it'd be. Because I was so disconnected from the contrived drama, I found myself struggling to get through the childish writing. The dialogue was shallow -- instead of being used for effect, it contained a lot of small talk with way too many "he said" then "she said". The book at times felt like it would appeal to an average teenage girl who likes high drama peppered with flashbacks of romantic love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2013
I was given a wonderful opportunity (by Bookreporter.com and William Morrow books - thank you!) to read and review this book.
I was immediately drawn into this book after reading just the first few pages. It reminded me a lot of a Jodi Picoult book: Lone Wolf + The Pact = The Promise of Stardust.
It's a love story like none you'll ever read with hope and despair. A young couple working against the odds of their age finally break-up and go their separate ways but when times heals the pain and they are reconnected they have an unlikely opportunity to rekindle what they once had and to start a family. If it were only that easy.
This book will make you think about things you never thought of before and you will realize that some things in life should be sacred - that you shouldn't have to fight for what's rightfully yours.
One last thing that I feel the need to mention, The Promise of Stardust is Priscille Sibley's FIRST book. I can't believe it. It's written like a pro, not like a novice. Well done Priscille!
I highly recommend.
Out in stores now!!
I was immediately drawn into this book after reading just the first few pages. It reminded me a lot of a Jodi Picoult book: Lone Wolf + The Pact = The Promise of Stardust.
It's a love story like none you'll ever read with hope and despair. A young couple working against the odds of their age finally break-up and go their separate ways but when times heals the pain and they are reconnected they have an unlikely opportunity to rekindle what they once had and to start a family. If it were only that easy.
This book will make you think about things you never thought of before and you will realize that some things in life should be sacred - that you shouldn't have to fight for what's rightfully yours.
One last thing that I feel the need to mention, The Promise of Stardust is Priscille Sibley's FIRST book. I can't believe it. It's written like a pro, not like a novice. Well done Priscille!
I highly recommend.
Out in stores now!!
October 16, 2012
My sincere thanks go out to William Morrow Paperbacks who provided the e-galley of The Promise of Stardust due to be published in Feb. 2013.
One of the the things I always note in a book is the opening chapter. Some tickle you with promise, others might confuse, purposely or not and some grab your attention immediately. The Promise of Stardust has one of the most capturing first chapters I have read in a long time.
The Promise of Stardust wrings the moral, legal, and ethical questions of life and death from every angle. You know how life can change in a minute? That's just what happens when Elle, wife of Matt, falls from a ladder. If you were to look at her, her body certainly does not appear to be unrepairable but the brain scans show no activity. Elle is to all purposes brain dead. Matt, a neurosurgeon knows there is no hope for recovery and that he must let Elle go. But then...here is where the story gets interesting and complicated. Matt finds out Elle is pregnant. Against the wishes of many of those close to him, he decides to fight for his baby's life. To this end Elle must be kept alive. Can you imagine?
After that compelling first chapter, the story did slow down a bit. There was a great deal of repetition of the facts as Matt tries to decide the right thing to do. Each day is outlined, almost excruciatingly so with all that is going through Matt's mind. Over and over again you are privy to his thoughts. Initially this bothered me but then I really put myself in Matt's shoes. If this were my wife, my child, wouldn't I run through the choices, the possibilities as I sought a decision? It made sense and works for me.
The Promise of Stardust s a debut. It is not perfect but is a good first effort by a promising author. I really liked it.
Beautifully told, emotionally riveting; this story of love, marriage, and parenthood begs a friend with whom you can share and discuss. It is bound to be a book club choice as we ponder the questions raised in this book.
One of the the things I always note in a book is the opening chapter. Some tickle you with promise, others might confuse, purposely or not and some grab your attention immediately. The Promise of Stardust has one of the most capturing first chapters I have read in a long time.
The Promise of Stardust wrings the moral, legal, and ethical questions of life and death from every angle. You know how life can change in a minute? That's just what happens when Elle, wife of Matt, falls from a ladder. If you were to look at her, her body certainly does not appear to be unrepairable but the brain scans show no activity. Elle is to all purposes brain dead. Matt, a neurosurgeon knows there is no hope for recovery and that he must let Elle go. But then...here is where the story gets interesting and complicated. Matt finds out Elle is pregnant. Against the wishes of many of those close to him, he decides to fight for his baby's life. To this end Elle must be kept alive. Can you imagine?
After that compelling first chapter, the story did slow down a bit. There was a great deal of repetition of the facts as Matt tries to decide the right thing to do. Each day is outlined, almost excruciatingly so with all that is going through Matt's mind. Over and over again you are privy to his thoughts. Initially this bothered me but then I really put myself in Matt's shoes. If this were my wife, my child, wouldn't I run through the choices, the possibilities as I sought a decision? It made sense and works for me.
The Promise of Stardust s a debut. It is not perfect but is a good first effort by a promising author. I really liked it.
Beautifully told, emotionally riveting; this story of love, marriage, and parenthood begs a friend with whom you can share and discuss. It is bound to be a book club choice as we ponder the questions raised in this book.
December 4, 2014
Love story (and yes it is an amazing love story) told from husband's point of view. I do love his character but he comes across almost feminine in the storytelling. Not that he is a feminine kind of guy..He is not. The author just made it feel like your best girl friend was telling the story. That doesn't make alot of sense. Lol- so I guess you need to read the book to see what I am babbling about.
You do become very attached to these characters. I thought I knew my stand on the subject but after reading this book you wonder. I can and could see both sides. The author does a wonderful job with giving both sides of the picture.
This book did wear me out though. I cried almost constantly. Be warned.
You do become very attached to these characters. I thought I knew my stand on the subject but after reading this book you wonder. I can and could see both sides. The author does a wonderful job with giving both sides of the picture.
This book did wear me out though. I cried almost constantly. Be warned.
March 31, 2020
This is quite an emotionally turbulent book about death and letting go. Matt is a neurosurgeon married to a brilliant astrophysicist. They appear to have it all except the one thing that they want, a child. Elle has had many miscarriages the last one almost killing her.
The book deals with many issues, euthanasia, abortion and a whole minefield of ethical issues. This is made more complicated by Matt's struggle to separate his professional self from his personal feelings. When Elle has a freak accident leaving her in a coma Matt has a full blown battle on his hands as family members come to a deadlock on deciding whether to keep her alive or let her go.
The book deals with all of this in a very respectful way but you would need to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy it.
A lovely story that I can recommend.
The book deals with many issues, euthanasia, abortion and a whole minefield of ethical issues. This is made more complicated by Matt's struggle to separate his professional self from his personal feelings. When Elle has a freak accident leaving her in a coma Matt has a full blown battle on his hands as family members come to a deadlock on deciding whether to keep her alive or let her go.
The book deals with all of this in a very respectful way but you would need to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy it.
A lovely story that I can recommend.
December 31, 2018
I bought this book ages ago based on Maryse (from Maryse's Book Blog) likening it to Suanne Laqueur (specifically The Fish Tales) and Taylor Jenkins Reid, but because I listened to it, rather than read it, I can't confirm. Still, I'm really glad she made the comparison because I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise.
The audio was good but not great. The voice the male narrator used for the women (mostly his mother) could be grating. Had it been a romance, I would have nixed the audio and read it instead. But because I wasn't meant to fall "in love" with the characters like I would with a romance, it didn't really bother me all that much.
The story is compelling and thought provoking, and the author does an excellent job showing all sides, which took some real finesse. I was enthralled from the first chapter and absolutely loved how it ended, though I have one itty bitty request for Ms. Sibley...
The audio was good but not great. The voice the male narrator used for the women (mostly his mother) could be grating. Had it been a romance, I would have nixed the audio and read it instead. But because I wasn't meant to fall "in love" with the characters like I would with a romance, it didn't really bother me all that much.
The story is compelling and thought provoking, and the author does an excellent job showing all sides, which took some real finesse. I was enthralled from the first chapter and absolutely loved how it ended, though I have one itty bitty request for Ms. Sibley...
March 2, 2019
This was great! It really makes you question your beliefs and what you would do in this situation. The love story between Elle and Matt was great as well. Really enjoyed it!
May 7, 2013
Elle is in the ICU, brain-dead after a terrible fall, and her neurosurgeon husband Matt must make a decision about removing her from life support. Then the medical staff gets the lab report that Elle is pregnant. The couple had been through the disappointment of many miscarriages, and Matt feels that Elle would want to be kept alive for the baby's sake. But Matt's mother has an old advanced directive from Elle stating that she would not want to be on life support, since Elle saw her own mother's life being prolonged into a long and painful death. As Matt fights a legal battle in the hope of saving the baby while also dealing with the overwhelming grief of Elle's situation, the story of their love is told in flashbacks.
This is a story with many moral and legal issues, and lots of gray areas. It shows family and friends divided on the right course to take. There is also the medical question of whether the baby will be born healthy. The book explores the issue of right to death in a state (Maine) that does not have a law on the books regarding the situation of a pregant mother. At the same time, we learn the history of Matt and Elle, best friends and lovers, who had grown up as next door neighbors and had recently been struggling to have a child.
I found the medical and legal issues very interesting, and the love story heartbreaking. There were a few unlikely situations--Matt's mother is an OB nurse, Matt is a neurosurgeon, Matt's college buddy is a lawyer--that seemed to fit the story too perfectly. It might be emotionally difficult for someone who has faced fertility issues to read this story. People who enjoy love stories, and books with medical and legal issues (such as Jodi Picoult fans) would probably like this book.
This is a story with many moral and legal issues, and lots of gray areas. It shows family and friends divided on the right course to take. There is also the medical question of whether the baby will be born healthy. The book explores the issue of right to death in a state (Maine) that does not have a law on the books regarding the situation of a pregant mother. At the same time, we learn the history of Matt and Elle, best friends and lovers, who had grown up as next door neighbors and had recently been struggling to have a child.
I found the medical and legal issues very interesting, and the love story heartbreaking. There were a few unlikely situations--Matt's mother is an OB nurse, Matt is a neurosurgeon, Matt's college buddy is a lawyer--that seemed to fit the story too perfectly. It might be emotionally difficult for someone who has faced fertility issues to read this story. People who enjoy love stories, and books with medical and legal issues (such as Jodi Picoult fans) would probably like this book.
January 16, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 This was a tear jerker! Great book. Would make an excellent choice for a book club discussion.
January 21, 2016
Well, that was boring. Here I was thinking I'd be reading about a controversial hot topic, and instead I get some sooky neurosurgeon mooning around and no meaningful exploration of that hot topic at all. Literature it is not, but at least Jodi Picoult actually delivers on her promise to explore issues.
The debate in this book centres on a woman being kept on life support, when there is no chance of recovery, against wishes she clearly expressed when alive. Adding to that debate is that the woman is in the very early stages (8 weeks) of pregnancy. Should the woman be kept alive as an incubator to allow the foetus to get to a gestation where it could be delivered and have a reasonable likelihood of surviving?
What could have been an amazing exploration, fell flat. Rather than exploring the varying ethics and moralities different people apply to this situation, the author instead chose to focus on the 'love' between this woman and her husband. I think this was a mistake, not only because I feel robbed of the 'debate', but because (a) Matt the husband was an asshole; and (b) none of the characters were really developed at all. When we look at what we know about Elle; we know she was an astronaut; we know she wanted a baby; we know she loved Matt (which, as I said, is incomprehensible because he's an arse). Not really the depth of characterisation needed to carry a book that seems to be about the characters and their love, rather than that debate.
Now the other thing about that debate; it's not balanced at all. We have Matt carrying on about his view non-stop. We have the blood sucking anti-choice lawyer being given a lot of airtime. But anyone who is on the 'other' side of the debate is characterised as a crazy and they aren't given opportunity to be able to explore why they feel differently. The whole debate lacks depth. Further compromising the debate is that all the court room action involving the central issue happens off screen. How is that useful? How is this an issues book when we don't even get the exploration of the issue other than Matt's whining that Elle would want this baby?
I thought this was a crappy book, and I'm surprised the ratings are so high. Not recommended.
The debate in this book centres on a woman being kept on life support, when there is no chance of recovery, against wishes she clearly expressed when alive. Adding to that debate is that the woman is in the very early stages (8 weeks) of pregnancy. Should the woman be kept alive as an incubator to allow the foetus to get to a gestation where it could be delivered and have a reasonable likelihood of surviving?
What could have been an amazing exploration, fell flat. Rather than exploring the varying ethics and moralities different people apply to this situation, the author instead chose to focus on the 'love' between this woman and her husband. I think this was a mistake, not only because I feel robbed of the 'debate', but because (a) Matt the husband was an asshole; and (b) none of the characters were really developed at all. When we look at what we know about Elle; we know she was an astronaut; we know she wanted a baby; we know she loved Matt (which, as I said, is incomprehensible because he's an arse). Not really the depth of characterisation needed to carry a book that seems to be about the characters and their love, rather than that debate.
Now the other thing about that debate; it's not balanced at all. We have Matt carrying on about his view non-stop. We have the blood sucking anti-choice lawyer being given a lot of airtime. But anyone who is on the 'other' side of the debate is characterised as a crazy and they aren't given opportunity to be able to explore why they feel differently. The whole debate lacks depth. Further compromising the debate is that all the court room action involving the central issue happens off screen. How is that useful? How is this an issues book when we don't even get the exploration of the issue other than Matt's whining that Elle would want this baby?
I thought this was a crappy book, and I'm surprised the ratings are so high. Not recommended.
February 16, 2013
First the ridiculous contrivances: Matt is a neurosurgeon, his wife's condition is one that only his specialty allows him to fully understand; Elle is dying a slow death after a lifetime of fearing and therefore discussing ad nauseam the possibility of slow death; Elle kept a daily diary/journal that conveniently includes her extensive and innermost thoughts about every major (and minor) event in her life.
**some spoilers**
I felt very little connection to these characters. Matt, in my opinion, was arrogant, selfish, always seeking the answer that would justify what he wanted, not the answer that would lead to him doing the best thing for Elle. Elle's sainthood got incredibly old--give the woman some flaws dammit, we all have them, and they're what make us the least bit interesting. The central tension of the novel is Matt's conflict with Linney and Christopher, but then those conflicts are resolved off stage and in haste! There's scene after scene of them having the same argument, the same conversation and getting nowhere, and then Linney and Christopher just jump on board because of some diary entries. Not to mention the fact that Matt treats his mother so terribly, so disrespectfully--he blackmails her!!--and then never even whispers the words "I'm sorry."
The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings (also a G Clooney movie) features a character in a coma, and the central tension in that novel is the pain of silence, the lack of corny diary entries that explain everything away, the fact that the comatose mother is a woman with deep flaws who is no longer able to explain herself to the people she loves. That was a much better book.
And in the end, Elle is but a handmaid, a vessel for a baby that she will not be around to love and experience, and all the while everyone's running around proclaiming it's for her own good.
**some spoilers**
I felt very little connection to these characters. Matt, in my opinion, was arrogant, selfish, always seeking the answer that would justify what he wanted, not the answer that would lead to him doing the best thing for Elle. Elle's sainthood got incredibly old--give the woman some flaws dammit, we all have them, and they're what make us the least bit interesting. The central tension of the novel is Matt's conflict with Linney and Christopher, but then those conflicts are resolved off stage and in haste! There's scene after scene of them having the same argument, the same conversation and getting nowhere, and then Linney and Christopher just jump on board because of some diary entries. Not to mention the fact that Matt treats his mother so terribly, so disrespectfully--he blackmails her!!--and then never even whispers the words "I'm sorry."
The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings (also a G Clooney movie) features a character in a coma, and the central tension in that novel is the pain of silence, the lack of corny diary entries that explain everything away, the fact that the comatose mother is a woman with deep flaws who is no longer able to explain herself to the people she loves. That was a much better book.
And in the end, Elle is but a handmaid, a vessel for a baby that she will not be around to love and experience, and all the while everyone's running around proclaiming it's for her own good.
February 22, 2013
Jeesh...don't read the summary. It's most of the book!
I went from really liking this book to just trying to get to the end. The topic is thought provoking from several angles and emotional from all of them, for sure. It's easy to fall in love with Matt and to defend his perspective on the circumstances. I would have loved some insight into Linney's motives and feelings since the plot is Matt v. Linney (and Adam to a lessor extent, but he's a tool and no one cares about his opinion). The real story (for me) is mostly a love story about everything that can come between two people - their histories, goals, dreams, societal influences, family influences, etc. I loved the nursing/medical perspective. Most of my friends will love that quality of this book.
I completely appreciated the way the flashbacks were presented. You really do go from living your every day life to timing every moment in relation to a traumatic event. For the most part, they were interesting...but grew tiresome. The total book could have been 100 pages shorter without changing the story. That's what brought me from really loving this book to just liking it.
I went from really liking this book to just trying to get to the end. The topic is thought provoking from several angles and emotional from all of them, for sure. It's easy to fall in love with Matt and to defend his perspective on the circumstances. I would have loved some insight into Linney's motives and feelings since the plot is Matt v. Linney (and Adam to a lessor extent, but he's a tool and no one cares about his opinion). The real story (for me) is mostly a love story about everything that can come between two people - their histories, goals, dreams, societal influences, family influences, etc. I loved the nursing/medical perspective. Most of my friends will love that quality of this book.
I completely appreciated the way the flashbacks were presented. You really do go from living your every day life to timing every moment in relation to a traumatic event. For the most part, they were interesting...but grew tiresome. The total book could have been 100 pages shorter without changing the story. That's what brought me from really loving this book to just liking it.
March 22, 2019
Ich hatte vorher nichts von dem Buch gehört und bin jetzt absolut begeistert! Die wahnsinnig bewegende Geschichte nimmt einen ganz langsam ein.
Ständig habe ich darüber nachgedacht und hatte das Bedürfnis mit jemandem über die Geschichte zu reden. Ein ganz tolles Buch! Riesengroße Empfehlung!!
Elle liegt im Koma. Es ist bekannt, dass sie seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter gegen lebenserhaltende Maßnahmen ist. Ihr Mann ist bereit die Geräte abschalten zu lassen - bis er erfährt, dass Elle schwanger ist. Das ändert alles.
Unter diesen Umständen kann er sie nicht sterben lassen. Aber gerade Matts Mutter, Elles Patentante meint es besser zu wissen als er und der Konflikt wird vor Gericht gebracht.
Es ist nicht nur die Geschichte einer schwierigen Entscheidung, sondern auch die Geschichte einer moralischen, rechtlichen und ethischen Auseinandersetzung.
Dazu kommt die Geschichte einer Liebe, die Geschichte eines trauernden aber hoffnungsvollen Mannes.
Matt und Elle kennen sich ihr Leben lang und die Familien sind befreundet. Als Jugendliche verlieben sie sich, trennen sich und bleiben trotz neuer Beziehungen immer verbunden. Sie haben wieder zusammengefunden, geheiratet und alles gehabt - bis auf ein Baby.
Es geht vor und zurück, während man versucht nachzuvollziehen, wie es ist, nach dem Tod über einen geliebten Menschen zu entscheiden und mitfiebert, wie es ausgeht, ist es schön Elle kennen zu lernen. Sie wird von der Patientin zur sympathischen jungen Frau mit Hoffnungen und Gefühlen und man erfährt viel von ihrer Arbeit bei der NASA.
Die Astronautin, die einen Unfall im All überlebt hat, stirbt beim Sturz von einer Leiter. Ihr größter Wunsch könnte nach ihrem Tod in Erfüllung gehen - aber nur wenn vorher gegen ihren Willen entschieden wird. Und wenn Hope geboren wird, kann sie ihren Frieden finden. Wie seltsam das Leben spielt.
Das Ganze ist wahnsinnig schön geschrieben. Mit so viel Gefühl. Und es liest sich so spannend, dass man durch die Seiten fliegt.
Beide Seiten sind so nachvollziehbar und authentisch dargestellt, belastende Themen werden realistisch und einfühlsam vermittelt. Und wie am Ende alles zusammenkommt ist tragisch aber wunderschön.
Ständig habe ich darüber nachgedacht und hatte das Bedürfnis mit jemandem über die Geschichte zu reden. Ein ganz tolles Buch! Riesengroße Empfehlung!!
Elle liegt im Koma. Es ist bekannt, dass sie seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter gegen lebenserhaltende Maßnahmen ist. Ihr Mann ist bereit die Geräte abschalten zu lassen - bis er erfährt, dass Elle schwanger ist. Das ändert alles.
Unter diesen Umständen kann er sie nicht sterben lassen. Aber gerade Matts Mutter, Elles Patentante meint es besser zu wissen als er und der Konflikt wird vor Gericht gebracht.
Es ist nicht nur die Geschichte einer schwierigen Entscheidung, sondern auch die Geschichte einer moralischen, rechtlichen und ethischen Auseinandersetzung.
Dazu kommt die Geschichte einer Liebe, die Geschichte eines trauernden aber hoffnungsvollen Mannes.
Matt und Elle kennen sich ihr Leben lang und die Familien sind befreundet. Als Jugendliche verlieben sie sich, trennen sich und bleiben trotz neuer Beziehungen immer verbunden. Sie haben wieder zusammengefunden, geheiratet und alles gehabt - bis auf ein Baby.
Es geht vor und zurück, während man versucht nachzuvollziehen, wie es ist, nach dem Tod über einen geliebten Menschen zu entscheiden und mitfiebert, wie es ausgeht, ist es schön Elle kennen zu lernen. Sie wird von der Patientin zur sympathischen jungen Frau mit Hoffnungen und Gefühlen und man erfährt viel von ihrer Arbeit bei der NASA.
Die Astronautin, die einen Unfall im All überlebt hat, stirbt beim Sturz von einer Leiter. Ihr größter Wunsch könnte nach ihrem Tod in Erfüllung gehen - aber nur wenn vorher gegen ihren Willen entschieden wird. Und wenn Hope geboren wird, kann sie ihren Frieden finden. Wie seltsam das Leben spielt.
Das Ganze ist wahnsinnig schön geschrieben. Mit so viel Gefühl. Und es liest sich so spannend, dass man durch die Seiten fliegt.
Beide Seiten sind so nachvollziehbar und authentisch dargestellt, belastende Themen werden realistisch und einfühlsam vermittelt. Und wie am Ende alles zusammenkommt ist tragisch aber wunderschön.
February 14, 2013
THE PROMISE OF STARDUST is Priscille Sibley’s first novel and I loved it so much that I truly could not put it down. When I finished it at 3 AM, I was sad that it ended and realize it will stay with me for a very long time. Sibley tells a memorable, poignant love story that will keep you turning pages as the twists and turns in the novel move it quickly along. The love between Matt Beaulieu, a neurosurgeon, and Elle McClure, a gifted astronaut, began as children. As next door neighbors, their families’ lives seemed connected. Elle was a young teenager when she went through the prolonged, painful death of her mother, while doing much of the care giving on her own. She cared also for her younger brother as her father drank his way out of the situation he couldn‘t handle. This effected Elle in so many ways and all those around her. It was also at this time that she and Matt realized that they weren’t just childhood pals but that their friendship had grown into something much more.
After Elle’s mother’s death, their lives went on to include the years of their education, and being together as well as apart. Finally, Matt and Elle realize there is nobody else in their world but each other. They are married and they begin what they perceive to be a long and happy lifetime. However, when Elle has an accident and winds up on life support, Matt is devastated especially since as a neurosurgeon, he realizes how helpless he is to bring her back and that she is virtually already gone. But when Matt finds out Elle is pregnant, everything changes once more.
Knowing how Elle would feel about a lingering death like her mother faced, Matt has an agonizing decision to make. Having lost 4 children already with miscarriages and a stillbirth, Matt knows how much this baby would mean to Elle, and to him. His decision to keep her alive to hopefully deliver the baby they always wanted battles against his conscience in knowing she wouldn’t want to be living this way. As he weighs this heartbreaking decision, he finds he must also deal with all the others who feel they have a say in the situation because they also love Elle. As news of Matt’s fight for Elle and their baby reaches the public and the courts, Matt must battle even against family members in order to save his unborn child.
As the narrative weaves an intricate tale, readers will feel they know these two characters so well thanks to the skillful writing of author Priscille Sibley. Flashbacks are woven into the current story to add to the depth and understanding of the characters and their situation. Elle’s journals give readers great insight as well. We really know these people thanks to Sibley using these techniques. Just when you think you know how things will go, Sibley throws in a curve and takes you off on another path. The action and romance combine with the moral ethics involved to make for an amazing story begging to be shared and discussed with others. I highly recommend this poignantly moving book to everyone who loves a well written, riveting, and important story for our times.
After Elle’s mother’s death, their lives went on to include the years of their education, and being together as well as apart. Finally, Matt and Elle realize there is nobody else in their world but each other. They are married and they begin what they perceive to be a long and happy lifetime. However, when Elle has an accident and winds up on life support, Matt is devastated especially since as a neurosurgeon, he realizes how helpless he is to bring her back and that she is virtually already gone. But when Matt finds out Elle is pregnant, everything changes once more.
Knowing how Elle would feel about a lingering death like her mother faced, Matt has an agonizing decision to make. Having lost 4 children already with miscarriages and a stillbirth, Matt knows how much this baby would mean to Elle, and to him. His decision to keep her alive to hopefully deliver the baby they always wanted battles against his conscience in knowing she wouldn’t want to be living this way. As he weighs this heartbreaking decision, he finds he must also deal with all the others who feel they have a say in the situation because they also love Elle. As news of Matt’s fight for Elle and their baby reaches the public and the courts, Matt must battle even against family members in order to save his unborn child.
As the narrative weaves an intricate tale, readers will feel they know these two characters so well thanks to the skillful writing of author Priscille Sibley. Flashbacks are woven into the current story to add to the depth and understanding of the characters and their situation. Elle’s journals give readers great insight as well. We really know these people thanks to Sibley using these techniques. Just when you think you know how things will go, Sibley throws in a curve and takes you off on another path. The action and romance combine with the moral ethics involved to make for an amazing story begging to be shared and discussed with others. I highly recommend this poignantly moving book to everyone who loves a well written, riveting, and important story for our times.
February 21, 2013
3.0 out of 5 stars - this was supposed to be a gripping novel about medical ethics, morals, legal issues and a crisis that tests the boundaries of human relationships. Unfortunately, it falls short because it turns into melodrama with characters I never developed a liking for and the over-the-top drama that completely defied belief.
Elle Beaulieu is only about 10 weeks pregnant when she falls off a ladder and is declared brain dead. Her husband, neurosurgeon Matt, is devastated but begins a campaign to force Elle to be kept alive long enough to deliver their child. A baby that he claims Elle would "do anything for" despite the fact that she once signed an advanced directive indicating she wouldn't want to be kept alive by artificial means if there was no hope of recovery.
Elle, a famous astronaut, is everything any fictional woman should be. Beautiful, brilliant, wonderful -- and she's the love of Matt's life since they've been together since childhood because they lived next door to each other. (Can you say cliche?). Finally married, they try to get pregnant several times but fail due to the fact that Elle has an autoimmune disease that causes complications. Of course she would be happy to be a vessel for the baby until it can be born about 8 months into the future while her body is kept on machines. It's what Matt says she would have wanted. A legal battle ensues that threatens to rip the families apart. There's a lot more, of course, but mostly it is maudlin and overly sentimental. I'm not completely a heartless cynic, and I did feel for him, but the additional events that happen seemed to be a little much to buy into.
If you want a sort of sappy melodrama, this is the book for you. I felt a bit manipulated and rushed through to the ending after all. If you aren't sure of your position on these medico-legal issues, you might spend some time thinking about it all once you've finished the story. It's a lot to digest.
ARC - Amazon Vine
Elle Beaulieu is only about 10 weeks pregnant when she falls off a ladder and is declared brain dead. Her husband, neurosurgeon Matt, is devastated but begins a campaign to force Elle to be kept alive long enough to deliver their child. A baby that he claims Elle would "do anything for" despite the fact that she once signed an advanced directive indicating she wouldn't want to be kept alive by artificial means if there was no hope of recovery.
Elle, a famous astronaut, is everything any fictional woman should be. Beautiful, brilliant, wonderful -- and she's the love of Matt's life since they've been together since childhood because they lived next door to each other. (Can you say cliche?). Finally married, they try to get pregnant several times but fail due to the fact that Elle has an autoimmune disease that causes complications. Of course she would be happy to be a vessel for the baby until it can be born about 8 months into the future while her body is kept on machines. It's what Matt says she would have wanted. A legal battle ensues that threatens to rip the families apart. There's a lot more, of course, but mostly it is maudlin and overly sentimental. I'm not completely a heartless cynic, and I did feel for him, but the additional events that happen seemed to be a little much to buy into.
If you want a sort of sappy melodrama, this is the book for you. I felt a bit manipulated and rushed through to the ending after all. If you aren't sure of your position on these medico-legal issues, you might spend some time thinking about it all once you've finished the story. It's a lot to digest.
ARC - Amazon Vine
March 23, 2013
Childhood friends Elle and Matt fall in love. Their families lived next door to each other and essentially these houses were one. It was fated that Elle and Matt would end up together. When Elle was 15, her mom Alice went into a coma and Elle had to watch her father, Hank keep her mother alive, even though she was never going to wake up. It killed Elle and she vowed that she never wanted to go through that experience herself.
Fast forward 20 years later and now Elle had a fall from a ladder and is the same situation that her mother was in 20 years earlier. Except that Elle is pregnant. Matt had to decide between what he knows Elle would want with his child and legally fight against his own family as they fight to take her off life support.
Had the potential to be a better read than it actually was. It was just ok. Pretty quick read. Characters stayed mostly surface level and I was a little suprised that I didn't feel more connected to these characters giving the subject matter and the turn of events that happened throughout the book.
Fast forward 20 years later and now Elle had a fall from a ladder and is the same situation that her mother was in 20 years earlier. Except that Elle is pregnant. Matt had to decide between what he knows Elle would want with his child and legally fight against his own family as they fight to take her off life support.
Had the potential to be a better read than it actually was. It was just ok. Pretty quick read. Characters stayed mostly surface level and I was a little suprised that I didn't feel more connected to these characters giving the subject matter and the turn of events that happened throughout the book.
August 17, 2015
3,5
Konusuyla beni etkilemişti bu kitap ve genel anlamda yorumlarına baktığımda da gayet güzellerdi ama beni ağlatmayı başaramadı. O son kısımlarında boğazım düğümlenmedi diyemem tabii ama yeteri kadar etkileyemedi beni.
Matt'in doktor oluşu ve Elle'in durumu göz önünde bulundurulduğunda tıp terimlerinin fazla olması olağan. Öyle büyük ölçüde rahatsız etmedi beni açıkçası mahkeme süreci daha fazla rahatsız etmişti beni özellikle en başları. Ama ilerledikçe çok daha akıcı bir hal aldı kitap.
En sevdiğim kısımlar Elle'in Matt'e mektup halinde yazdığı günlükleriydi kesinlikle ve beni en çok etkileyen o son mektup oldu.
Elle ve Matt'in aşklarından önce birbirlerini çok iyi tanımalarını sağlayan arkadaşlıklarını çok sevdim ben. Matt de bu zorlu kararı bu sayede verebiliyor zaten.
Beni aşırı etkilemese de bu tür kitapları sevenlerin sevebileceğini düşünüyorum ben.Detaylı yorum :
http://www.kendimizeaitbiroda.blogspo...
Konusuyla beni etkilemişti bu kitap ve genel anlamda yorumlarına baktığımda da gayet güzellerdi ama beni ağlatmayı başaramadı. O son kısımlarında boğazım düğümlenmedi diyemem tabii ama yeteri kadar etkileyemedi beni.
Matt'in doktor oluşu ve Elle'in durumu göz önünde bulundurulduğunda tıp terimlerinin fazla olması olağan. Öyle büyük ölçüde rahatsız etmedi beni açıkçası mahkeme süreci daha fazla rahatsız etmişti beni özellikle en başları. Ama ilerledikçe çok daha akıcı bir hal aldı kitap.
En sevdiğim kısımlar Elle'in Matt'e mektup halinde yazdığı günlükleriydi kesinlikle ve beni en çok etkileyen o son mektup oldu.
Elle ve Matt'in aşklarından önce birbirlerini çok iyi tanımalarını sağlayan arkadaşlıklarını çok sevdim ben. Matt de bu zorlu kararı bu sayede verebiliyor zaten.
Beni aşırı etkilemese de bu tür kitapları sevenlerin sevebileceğini düşünüyorum ben.Detaylı yorum :
http://www.kendimizeaitbiroda.blogspo...
January 1, 2019
4.5 Stars!
This isn't a book I would normally pick up, but I'm thankful to Robin for inviting me for a buddy read/listen. I really enjoyed the 1st person POV and the writing, in general. It was maddening, moving, and ultimately heartfelt. A great read.
This isn't a book I would normally pick up, but I'm thankful to Robin for inviting me for a buddy read/listen. I really enjoyed the 1st person POV and the writing, in general. It was maddening, moving, and ultimately heartfelt. A great read.
May 17, 2013
A story of family, love and hope…
This engrossing story is off and running from the start. He’s a neurosurgeon and she’s an astrophysicist/former astronaut/professor. Drs. Matt and Elle Beaulieu are both brilliant and in love. Actually Matt fell in love with Elle at the early age of 2. Neighbors growing up their two families are close, relying on each during the years especially when Elle’s mom was dying of cancer during Elle’s teen years. After some rough years apart but still best friends these two soul mates reunite and marry.
Present day Matt/Elle have a very happy life with the exception of a child. Elle’s had several miscarriages questions remain about her health and whether or not to keep trying. After an argument and ultimately making up the day before on that very subject, life changes dramatically in a heartbeat. Matt’s gets a call at the hospital that Elle’s been rushed to the emergency room after an accidental fall from a ladder. The results are devastating - irreversible brain damage. Matt knows how Elle feels about life support especially after having watched her mother die a slow painful death from cancer. Just as Matt, heartbroken, is trying to come to terms with saying goodbye and turning off life support delayed test results confirm Elle’s pregnant. Elle at one time signed a medical directive to not be kept alive by artificial means, however Matt knows Elle would do “anything” for a child despite a medical directive. Matt’s faced with the decision to terminate her life or allow her to continue on long enough to sustain her pregnancy. Family members take sides over what may or may not be Elle’s medical directive. Elle is like a daughter to Matt’s mother, Linney (a nurse at Matt’s hospital) and she believes that Elle wouldn’t want to prolong her life in a vegetative state. It’s bad enough that his own mother sits across from him in a courtroom petitioning the court for Elle’s right to die, this personal private matter gets national media attention. While wracked with sorrow and grief Matt’s enduring spirit fights for what he believes Elle would want…the birth of their child.
Wondering how a story about a wife accidentally dying and causing a shit storm of unwanted controversy which pits a husband against family about right to life can be a good story? Take my word for it, this is a great story. Yes, it’s heartbreaking and controversial but the author tells this poignant story with passion and sensitivity. The tale is told from Matt’s perspective in flashbacks so you get Elle/Matt’s back story. Matt heart wrenchingly deals with his pain and grief while desperately trying to find the evidence to support his case for the life of his unborn child while at times questioning this entire ordeal. This is a riveting story that’s well written and moving. Fast paced with twists and turns the story had me emotionally invested in these characters and I didn’t want to put it down. Sure this was an emotional rollercoaster with sad undertones but the story was well thought out and written.
This is a tragic story about faith and family told with the essence of reaching for the light of hope. The right to live and the right to die are controversial issues and everyone will have their opinion on what’s right. Thought provoking; there are moral, legal and ethical questions which had me pondering my current opinions about such things. And nothing makes a bk better to me than one that’s stays with me long after I finished reading.
It’s unusual but I didn’t hear anything about this story from a friend’s rec, a discussion group or a bk website. Of all things…the cover caught my eye at Target and I thought I’d see what it was about. Am glad I took the chance on this new author, you can be sure I’ll be looking out for what’s next. Highly recommend.
This engrossing story is off and running from the start. He’s a neurosurgeon and she’s an astrophysicist/former astronaut/professor. Drs. Matt and Elle Beaulieu are both brilliant and in love. Actually Matt fell in love with Elle at the early age of 2. Neighbors growing up their two families are close, relying on each during the years especially when Elle’s mom was dying of cancer during Elle’s teen years. After some rough years apart but still best friends these two soul mates reunite and marry.
Present day Matt/Elle have a very happy life with the exception of a child. Elle’s had several miscarriages questions remain about her health and whether or not to keep trying. After an argument and ultimately making up the day before on that very subject, life changes dramatically in a heartbeat. Matt’s gets a call at the hospital that Elle’s been rushed to the emergency room after an accidental fall from a ladder. The results are devastating - irreversible brain damage. Matt knows how Elle feels about life support especially after having watched her mother die a slow painful death from cancer. Just as Matt, heartbroken, is trying to come to terms with saying goodbye and turning off life support delayed test results confirm Elle’s pregnant. Elle at one time signed a medical directive to not be kept alive by artificial means, however Matt knows Elle would do “anything” for a child despite a medical directive. Matt’s faced with the decision to terminate her life or allow her to continue on long enough to sustain her pregnancy. Family members take sides over what may or may not be Elle’s medical directive. Elle is like a daughter to Matt’s mother, Linney (a nurse at Matt’s hospital) and she believes that Elle wouldn’t want to prolong her life in a vegetative state. It’s bad enough that his own mother sits across from him in a courtroom petitioning the court for Elle’s right to die, this personal private matter gets national media attention. While wracked with sorrow and grief Matt’s enduring spirit fights for what he believes Elle would want…the birth of their child.
Wondering how a story about a wife accidentally dying and causing a shit storm of unwanted controversy which pits a husband against family about right to life can be a good story? Take my word for it, this is a great story. Yes, it’s heartbreaking and controversial but the author tells this poignant story with passion and sensitivity. The tale is told from Matt’s perspective in flashbacks so you get Elle/Matt’s back story. Matt heart wrenchingly deals with his pain and grief while desperately trying to find the evidence to support his case for the life of his unborn child while at times questioning this entire ordeal. This is a riveting story that’s well written and moving. Fast paced with twists and turns the story had me emotionally invested in these characters and I didn’t want to put it down. Sure this was an emotional rollercoaster with sad undertones but the story was well thought out and written.
This is a tragic story about faith and family told with the essence of reaching for the light of hope. The right to live and the right to die are controversial issues and everyone will have their opinion on what’s right. Thought provoking; there are moral, legal and ethical questions which had me pondering my current opinions about such things. And nothing makes a bk better to me than one that’s stays with me long after I finished reading.
It’s unusual but I didn’t hear anything about this story from a friend’s rec, a discussion group or a bk website. Of all things…the cover caught my eye at Target and I thought I’d see what it was about. Am glad I took the chance on this new author, you can be sure I’ll be looking out for what’s next. Highly recommend.
May 17, 2013
Well I read this book for a book club meeting. I was very un-impressed. Although it's an easy read the story did not feel believable.
April 2, 2013
I somehow managed to not see anything on this book anywhere - on any blogs, amazon, goodreads - anywhere. Then, I was in Target and it was their featured book club book. I picked it up and read the back and was intrigued. I enjoy Jodi Picoult books a lot and this sounded like her. I'm very glad I picked it up. Pricelle Sibley doesn't write with all the polish and flair that Picoult does but this was a very well thought out and written story. I loved Matt and his determination to save his and Elle's baby. I appreciated the tension with her family and their differing views. Plus, I was curious the entire time as to whether or not the baby would live. I just kept reading and thinking, "I've got to read fast so that I can find out what happens."
This book raises some interesting moral issues. They're not as heart-wrenching as most of the issues in Picoult's stories but it was still intriguing. I wondered what I'd do in that position and how hard I'd fight for the unborn child. I felt like there were things that Sibley could have done to twist that emotional knife in the heart just a little bit more but overall, this was a well-thought out and written book.
This book raises some interesting moral issues. They're not as heart-wrenching as most of the issues in Picoult's stories but it was still intriguing. I wondered what I'd do in that position and how hard I'd fight for the unborn child. I felt like there were things that Sibley could have done to twist that emotional knife in the heart just a little bit more but overall, this was a well-thought out and written book.
June 24, 2017
When I picked up The Promise of Stardust I thought it was about death. It is not. It is about love. How love can both tear families apart and bring them together. It is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching love story, filled with hope. This stunning debut grapples ethical issues in a sensitive and compassionate way, it is never melodramatic or preachy.
Matt has loved his wife Elle since he was two years old. Now they are married, and Elle is pregnant with her first child. When the unthinkable happens, and Elle is killed in an accident, Matt must decide whether to go against his wife’s wishes and keep her on life support to save their unborn child. But Matt’s mother has strong opinions of her own, and she is also willing to fight for what she thinks is right. So many times while I read this book I wondered what Matt should do, what I would do. It is a book that stayed with me long after I read it. I highly recommend it.
Matt has loved his wife Elle since he was two years old. Now they are married, and Elle is pregnant with her first child. When the unthinkable happens, and Elle is killed in an accident, Matt must decide whether to go against his wife’s wishes and keep her on life support to save their unborn child. But Matt’s mother has strong opinions of her own, and she is also willing to fight for what she thinks is right. So many times while I read this book I wondered what Matt should do, what I would do. It is a book that stayed with me long after I read it. I highly recommend it.
June 23, 2016
This is a tear jerking emotional roller coaster! I don't feel like I can write a review that will really do this book justice. It certainly made me really start thinking about some tough subjects that I want to discuss with my husband.
A tragic love story that is going to rip your heartstrings out.
A tragic love story that is going to rip your heartstrings out.
January 28, 2013
I was given an opportunity (by Bookreporter.com and William Morrow books) to read and review this book. Thanks for this amazing gift.
Matt and Elle have a wonderful life but it is not without struggle. They first met as infants, became more than friends as teenager and married each other more than a decade later. All that is missing in their life is a baby. But this is not your average "We want a baby" book. Through twists and turns in the story -- twists that will keep you turning the pages as quickly as you can -- you will be kept on the edge of your seat. Not only will you be entertained, you will be intrigued and, if you are at all like me, become emotionally invested from the start. Days after I finished the book, months later, I am still haunted by their beauty of the love between Matt & Elle, and I still feel an emotional connection to them and their plight.
This book was riveting. It's more than a love story, more than a book that will motivate you. It will crawl into your heart and soul and stay there long after you have finished the book. But be careful -- it will ask you to think about issues you may want to ignore. And, if you are at all like me, you will resent anything that keeps you away from finishing this book. Things like sleep, work and family. You will be so glad you read it -- and you will fall in love with the characters, like I did.
This is Priscille Sibley's debut novel -- and I can't wait to read more!
Matt and Elle have a wonderful life but it is not without struggle. They first met as infants, became more than friends as teenager and married each other more than a decade later. All that is missing in their life is a baby. But this is not your average "We want a baby" book. Through twists and turns in the story -- twists that will keep you turning the pages as quickly as you can -- you will be kept on the edge of your seat. Not only will you be entertained, you will be intrigued and, if you are at all like me, become emotionally invested from the start. Days after I finished the book, months later, I am still haunted by their beauty of the love between Matt & Elle, and I still feel an emotional connection to them and their plight.
This book was riveting. It's more than a love story, more than a book that will motivate you. It will crawl into your heart and soul and stay there long after you have finished the book. But be careful -- it will ask you to think about issues you may want to ignore. And, if you are at all like me, you will resent anything that keeps you away from finishing this book. Things like sleep, work and family. You will be so glad you read it -- and you will fall in love with the characters, like I did.
This is Priscille Sibley's debut novel -- and I can't wait to read more!
February 8, 2020
After 40 pages I’m ditching this trash pro life garbage. I was interested enough in the plot summary that I was going to stick out the chess over-the-top stuff but tbh life is too short to support any author who is anti women’s rights.
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