I acquired "Everything Happens for a Reason . . . And Other Lies I've Loved" by Kate Bowler because I liked the title (my version of an impulse buy). I knew nothing about the book or her story. It seems that cancer and suffering stories have been prominent in my reading recently.
"Everything happens for a Reason" is an easy read, yet difficult. Easy because it is not filled with technical language, deep philosophy, or even contemplative thinking - difficult because it is semi-random, jumpy, and often doesn't appear to complete a thought. It reads like half-diary, half medical expose. Maybe this is intentional to reflect Mrs. Bowler's state of confusion and frustration through her experiences, it is hard to tell. I felt like I was being led somewhere and then . . . I was at the end. While it was fa from a favorite, it does have some great ideas to consider when speaking with someone with a terminal condition. [3/5]

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Everything Happens for a Reason is compelling reading. I had to keep reading to find out what happens next! Kate Bowler gives it to you straight and can see humor when the diagnosis is dark.
At the end of the book, she gives you options of what to do that is helpful and the definitive list of what never to say. For instance, never say, "Well, at least you had...(a husband, baby, Christmas, career, time to say goodbye, a chance to see NY, your son take his first steps...) because it is cruel and it minimizes pain. She has suffered as much though peoples' remarks as well as the chemo drugs! Interesting and insightful reading!

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