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Product Reviews:
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Inspiring
Comments: This is a inspiring and I amazing book. Bauby's situation might have seemed hopeless to almost all, however he turned it into an opportunity. He devised an alphabet which could be communicated by using the only body part he could move, his left eye. Through this communication vehicle he was able to "talk" to his family, friends and those tending to him, if they would only take the time to listen. Bauby's efforts supply helpful information to health care supplyrs as well as to those with loved ones who are caught in the throes of locked-in syndrome which may be experienced by some stroke victims. Despite the dismal circumstances, Bauby's handling of the situation makes this an uplifting book. I could only hope to be half as brave as Bauby given the same circumstances. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Amazing
Comments: A rare look into the mind of a severely affected stroke victim. He has more courage than I have and I am glad he took the time to share his world with me. |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: acceptance of fate is his gift
Comments: 1st, the story of this man communicating with the world by blinking his left eye is fascinating. The description of prioritizing letters based on their frequency of use in the French language is really cool.
However, the real wonder in this book is Jean-Dominique's acceptance of fate. He is certainly not happy with it, and feels quite demeaned at times by hospital staff, however he keeps on going, and as a result we have this beautiful memoir that he shared with the world. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Bauby's story will remain with you
Comments: At this point, almost allly eone knows the story of what happened to Jean-Dominique Bauby as well as the story of his life, so it's pointless to rehash what's already common knowledge, however1thing that needs to be said (or reiterated) is that it's absolutely amazing that the late Bauby dictated this book to his therapist by blinking1letter at a time.
"The Diving Bell and The howeverterfly" is a pretty quick read, however what's contained within is, at the risk of sounding cliche, deeply moving and powerful. To think that someone was patient enough (in this day and age of minus zero patience and even shorter attention spans) to take the time to transcribe his thoughts1letter at a time defies description.
As always, some details were changed in the adaptation from the book to the movie, however the message remains the same - and it will remain with you long after reading the book and/or watching the movie. - Donna Di Giacomo |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Interesting book, although not what I expected
Comments: Interesting book. I am left a little stranded when deciding how I feel about it. Jean-Dominique, a 43 year old editor of the French Elle Magazine, has a massive stroke and is left trapped in his own body. His brain, his wit, his intelligence are still there, however his only communication with the outside word is the blinking of his left eye.
The writing is lovely and touching and sad as he describes things as varied as the day of his stroke, his dreams, a Father's Day at the beach with his kids, and the letters his friends send him. I did not finish it feeling inspired though. What I did walk away with, was a big question of `why.' Dictating this book letter-by-painful-letter, why did he chose the topics he did? And is the choice of those topics the portrayal of who he is as a person?
I do not know. I can not help however wonder what I would chose to do, be, write, if I were in his situation. It is his answer to the question that I find so interesting.
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