Because fiction excels at creating empathy, books that involve deeply personal, emotionally-intense issues help readers consider situations in a whole new light. Over the years, I’ve read many books that touch on life issues – both at its beginning and end. These books are ones that touch on end-of-life issues.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a review for Waking Rose, which I loved when I read it many years ago. (There was actually a time when I didn’t review almost everything I read!)
And finally, there are four dystopian series listed. I hope you’ll click through and read more about these exceptional books!
Next Relevant Fiction Reviews (May 2018): novels that deal with the beginning of life.
The Song of David by Amy Harmon
The amount of reading and writing I do has resulted in my dissecting every book I read – what works, what doesn’t, and why. Somehow, in Amy Harmon’s books, the magic remains. Not a sleight of hand cheap card trick magic, but the kind of magic that leaves me numb, wondering how. Free from the distraction of analyzing what and why, I’m drawn into a love story so personal, so moving, that my heart is ripped to shreds – in a good way – every time.
The Song of David is beautiful, poignant, and even, at times, funny. My heart soared as Tag – no, David – fought and loved, truly, and allowed himself to be loved. This story’s beautiful message of embracing life in spite of suffering – maybe because of suffering – needs to be shared far and wide.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t add how much I appreciate that in each of Amy Harmon’s books, sex is never cheapened or, when present, treated with the dignity and privacy called for. Like each of her novels, it elevates, allowing to reader to savor the glorious devastation of love and life, even in its imperfection.
Dying for Compassion by Barbara Golder
Forensic pathologist Jane Wallace is such a well-developed character that at least 1/2 the enjoyment in this series comes from getting in her head for the duration of the mystery.
This second installment is shorter and has a smaller cast (I think) than the first. With a less intricate but more immediate mystery to solve, more time is spent on Jane’s love interest, the passionate Irish author Eoin Conner. Readers learn about Eoin’s past, including his involvement in the Irish Troubles and his universally-despised wife, Fiona. Ireland and Telluride, Colorado settings help pace the action as the mysteries are revealed.
The novel also includes a thought-provoking treatment of end-of-life issues and the morality of so-called “death with dignity.” There is a nice balance in the examination of both going to extreme measures and euthanizing suffering individuals.
Angelhood offers important messages about hope and regret through the first-person account of 17-year-old Nanette, who, in the first chapter, puts a gun to her head and pulls the trigger. From there she embarks on her “angelhood.”
Despite the name, the body-less souls, and the acquisition of wings, the period of “angelhood” bears more resemblance to purgatory than angelic life. In order to gain her own redemption, Nanette is assigned a charge whom she must prevent from making the same fatal mistake she did in taking her own life.
Nanette shadows a friendless, angsty poet named Vera, whose mother has succumbed to breast cancer. Despite Nanette’s frustration with Vera’s anti-social, “loser” ways, she takes her task seriously and struggles to find means to influence Vera’s behavior and help her see the wonderful possibilities around her.
Throughout the novel, Nanette and other angels, including her mentor of sorts, Warren, engage in spiritual warfare in defense of their charges and their own journey towards sainthood. Darkness and evil tempt and taunt, eager to draw souls to their eternal torment.
Interspersed with the action are Nanette’s memories – both those leading up to her suicide and happy memories with her sister, mother, and fellow theater geeks. Not only does concentrating on positive memories help her to grown in grace, it also enables her to see clearly the rashness of her life-ending decision.
While Nanette had seen death as an escape from her various troubles, she now realizes that not only has peace eluded, her but her absence has had profound effects on her family members as well. Her perspective matures and broadens, allowing her to see hope where in the past she felt despair and to recognize, in theater terms, that comedy and tragedy exist side by side.
There are several twists, turns, and revelations along the way to maintain tension and keep the reader engaged.
In the years following the suicide of a friend’s 15-year-old son (also by gun), I’ve become hypersensitive to its frequent portrayal in media. While its depiction here made me uncomfortable, the overriding, hopeful message integrated so seamlessly into Nanette’s memories and experiences convinced me of its valuable message for teens in particular, who think their life isn’t worth living and the world would be better off without them.
I listened to Angelhood on audiobook, which opens me to distraction more than reading print does. It can also be a challenge to hear over the noise level and kid interruptions in my home. I did, however, enjoy the narration, which fit Nanette’s voice well.
Waking Rose by Regina Doman
The Gifting Series by K.E. Ganshert
The Liberty Series by Theresa Linden
I Am Margaret Series by Corinna Turner
The Memoirs of Jane E, Friendless Orphan by Erin McCole Cupp
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