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theshaggyshepherd's review
4.0
Flesh & Blood // by N. West Moss
My brain is a little jumbled today and I've been struggling to get my thoughts organized into a review. I spent the weekend away but put some time aside to read this book and I am glad I did. I'm a big fan of bringing taboo topics, such as miscarriage, periods, mental health, and more into the spotlight. I've read a couple of memoirs about them before but I do have to say that none of them were quite like this one. It is not as technical as I am used to -- something I personally do enjoy -- but I do feel that this makes this book a lot more accessible to those readers that aren't looking for a memoir that goes into a lot of technical detail. Moss writes about her struggle with growing her family as well as her mental and physical health and how those things affect her relationships. She also puts a lot of thought into the topic of legacy, something many of us equal with children to pass our memories, hopes and dreams onto. This work has an interesting format as well that reminds of essays with its short chapters that make this feel like a quick read while also providing the reader with a lot of optional breaks to reflect as this book can become very emotional. Sprinkled with a little bit of humor, a lot of family memories, and plenty of grace, this book has earned itself a permanent spot on my memoir shelf.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
My brain is a little jumbled today and I've been struggling to get my thoughts organized into a review. I spent the weekend away but put some time aside to read this book and I am glad I did. I'm a big fan of bringing taboo topics, such as miscarriage, periods, mental health, and more into the spotlight. I've read a couple of memoirs about them before but I do have to say that none of them were quite like this one. It is not as technical as I am used to -- something I personally do enjoy -- but I do feel that this makes this book a lot more accessible to those readers that aren't looking for a memoir that goes into a lot of technical detail. Moss writes about her struggle with growing her family as well as her mental and physical health and how those things affect her relationships. She also puts a lot of thought into the topic of legacy, something many of us equal with children to pass our memories, hopes and dreams onto. This work has an interesting format as well that reminds of essays with its short chapters that make this feel like a quick read while also providing the reader with a lot of optional breaks to reflect as this book can become very emotional. Sprinkled with a little bit of humor, a lot of family memories, and plenty of grace, this book has earned itself a permanent spot on my memoir shelf.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
maralyons's review
5.0
Flesh & Blood by N. West Moss is a poetically-written memoir about the author’s struggles with her own body. Written in vignettes, the book centers on her hysterectomy, the life-threatening medical issues that lead up to it and the circuitous healing process afterwards. The short chapters made the book move quickly. I really liked the author’s delicate writing and spirituality. Though the author is an atheist, she is a keen observer of the world and has a philosopher’s soul. This book reminded me a bit of the memoir, Wintering: The Power of Rest & Retreat In Difficult Times by Katherine May. Moss imparts the importance of taking things at our own pace and appreciating the natural world and embracing patience. Moss’s 80-year old mother comes to help her convalesce following surgery and I adored reading about their relationship and how we as humans tenderly take care of each other. Throughout Flesh & Blood, we learn about the author’s life, from her ancestors and connection to New Orleans to her struggles with infertility and miscarriage. We also meet the author’s adorable husband, Craig; and Claude, a praying mantis who lives in her porch and exudes a stabilizing presence throughout the memoir. I really adored this beautiful book!
Thank you Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC.
Thank you Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC.
brb_reads's review
3.0
3.5 stars. This was good on audio. I liked hearing her stories and struggles and the support she received from those she cared about near her.
sallymentzer25's review
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed “Flesh & Blood” by N. West Moss and consider it an outstanding memoir! The book held my interest, and the short concise chapters kept the narrative moving. The author is a beautiful and poetic writer. She honestly shares her emotions and feelings about infertility and the daunting health challenges that she bravely endured. I loved the stories about her mother and grandmother, both remarkable women! Although much of the content is serious, the author has a sense of humor, and some sections are quite funny! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in women’s issues and to anyone who loves a good memoir. Thank you to BookBrowse for this advanced copy.
katiez624's review
5.0
This memoir is refreshing and intimate. Even though the story centers around the surgery that Moss will be getting, she also reflects upon the immense joy she feels spending time with family, friends, and nature, the fact that she will not be having children in this lifetime, and her identity as a woman being more than her reproductive parts. The challenges she faces at this stage in her life are not well documented in books, and the quiet life she leads is no less meaningful or productive.
The chapters are brief but very poignant, reminiscent of the writing style of [a:Mary Laura Philpott|8139177|Mary Laura Philpott|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1623880420p2/8139177.jpg]. The prose is gentle and meandering; her voice clear and distinct. This lovely book is contemplative and profound, capturing the essence of aging gracefully.
The chapters are brief but very poignant, reminiscent of the writing style of [a:Mary Laura Philpott|8139177|Mary Laura Philpott|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1623880420p2/8139177.jpg]. The prose is gentle and meandering; her voice clear and distinct. This lovely book is contemplative and profound, capturing the essence of aging gracefully.
ccaroluna's review
5.0
An honest, raw story about the realities of the reproductive system, female power, the kindness of people, and the medical field.
There were so many small snippets in her story that I can relate to as someone who has never lived anyone close to the life she has. Moments that I cherish in my daily life, like the covers being pulled back for her, or leaving a legacy behind with books. I wish her well.
There were so many small snippets in her story that I can relate to as someone who has never lived anyone close to the life she has. Moments that I cherish in my daily life, like the covers being pulled back for her, or leaving a legacy behind with books. I wish her well.
eeeeeeee's review against another edition
1/3 in and all she’s talked about is her hysterectomy in her 50s. That’s not infertility and this book is not relatable to me. If you’re looking for a book about having a hysterectomy in your 50s you’d probably like this. As soon as the narrater mispronounced 'os' though I was out.
gay's review
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Infertility, and Blood
sonia_reppe's review
4.0
I found this author when one of her stories won an award. I like her writing style.
In this slim memoir, Moss rejoices in love and nature, reflects on the lives of her mother and grandmother, and gets intimate about bleeding disease and hysterectomy convalescence. I've known women who have had similar issues. My sister had to have two blood transfusions due to bleeding from fibroids. She is scheduled for a hysterectomy; I think I will pass this life-affirming book on to her. This author celebrates life with her words, I just wish is were longer.
In this slim memoir, Moss rejoices in love and nature, reflects on the lives of her mother and grandmother, and gets intimate about bleeding disease and hysterectomy convalescence. I've known women who have had similar issues. My sister had to have two blood transfusions due to bleeding from fibroids. She is scheduled for a hysterectomy; I think I will pass this life-affirming book on to her. This author celebrates life with her words, I just wish is were longer.