'Til We Read Again: November 2011

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Man Who Could Not Eat- Review and Giveaway

9:19 AM |

Posted by Bobbie

Synopsis:

Food is not just sustenance. It is memories, a lobster roll on the beach in Maine; heritage, hot pastrami club with a half-sour pickle; guilty pleasures, a chocolate rum-soaked Bundt cake; identity, vegetarian or carnivore. Food is the sensuality of a ripe strawberry or a pork chop sizzling on the grill. But what if the very thing that keeps you alive, that bonds us together and marks occasions in our lives, became a toxic substance, an inflammatory invader? In this beautifully written memoir, both gut-wrenching and inspiring, award-winning writer Jon Reiner explores our complex and often contradictory relationship with food as he tells the story of his agonizing battle with Crohn’s disease—and the extraordinary places his hunger and obsession with food took him.

The Man Who Couldn’t Eat is an unvarnished account of a marriage in crisis, children faced with grown-up fears, a man at a life-and-death crossroads sifting through his past and his present. And it shows us a tough, courageous climb out of despair and hopelessness. Aided by the loving kindness of family, friends, and strangers and by a new approach to food, Reiner began a process of healing in body and mind. Most of all, he chose life—and a renewed appetite, any way he could manage it, for the things that truly matter most.

My Review:

When I was approached to review this book and take part in the book tour I couldn’t jump at it fast enough. It is funny how fate or whatever you want to call it can knock on your door without even realizing it. When I accepted it was because I was intrigued. See when my daughter was five years old she had a major medical emergency and for the year and half after that she could not eat, anything. She was on a feeding tube and it was a nightmare. Dinners out were hell because she couldn’t eat and at 5 years old kids just don’t understand why they can’t do something. I wanted to read Mr. Reiner’s experiences. How did he feel? What did he think? How did he deal with no food? Then, the whole out look of this tour took a different turn. While not the same it is kind of close and enough for me to say “Was I meant to read this book?” I have been out of blogging for so long because of being sick and then I get asked to do this particular tour. Call it what you will but this is how it happened.

About a week after getting the book I still hadn’t read it. As many of you know I have been sick since Christmas. I have lost weight, no appetite, etc. Severe bouts of stomach cramps, the whole 9 yards. Finally the GI ordered a whole series of tests. I was diagnosed but am not comfortable with telling personal details but here is the kicker, I was put on a diet. I know you may be saying so what? However, this diet is torture for me. No meat, no dairy products, no processed foods, low sodium, low fat...you get the picture. Everything I love to eat was taken in a total of 60 seconds and I am mad. I love to eat and I love to eat good food. Now I am stuck on a vegetarian diet with vegan undertones that I do not want to be on and do not like. However, if I don't want to be sick I have to do it. Fast forward a couple of days.

I finally picked up this book and yes I have admitted the situation was different; however I found comfort in this book. Mr. Reiner is an inspiration. He went through hell and emerged. I now look at this a total different way thanks to him. This struck me in particular “I must lick this French fry. It’s calling me and I have no choice.” The day my diet changed my girls had been treated to McDonalds. I almost bribed my oldest with 20.00 if she would give me a chicken nugget. I knew what it would do to me but yet I still wanted it. It was calling me, I needed it. My body was rebelling against my common sense. It’s hard.

I love Mr. Reiner’s food awareness, as he calls it. In my opinion you’re not aware of the most basic things until it is taken away from you. I can’t stress how much this book was an inspiration. You must read it just for the memoir. It will stick with you long after you turn the page. During the holidays when you are sampling this, eating that this book will be with you. Every bite you take you will say thank you and you will be aware.

I am writing about my journey here: http://www.thoughtsofamotherwifeanddaughter.com/search/label/My%20Journey

GiveAway:

I am giving this book away. Rules are so very simple.

1. No PO Boxes, US addies only.

2. All you have to do is leave a comment below and a way to get in touch with you if you win.

3. Contest ends: December 15th 2011 at 12 AM EST

Til’ We Read Again,

Bobbie