I haven’t written a book review since my school days, but between last week’s writer’s block and a leveling cold this week, I’ve been fortunate enough to read several novels recently.
Like many others, I quickly devoured Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, and was swept up in The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. by Nichole Bernier. While I recommend both – engaging writing, absorbing plots – I can’t let another moment go by without recommending Bringing in Finn by Sara Connell.
I watched Sara and her mom, Kristine Casey, being interviewed by Barbara Walters on The View last week and was blown away by their poise and humility. Eager to read Sara’s account of their unusual childbirth journey, I picked up the book at full price (not my normal tendency) and dug in to Sara Connell’s sumptuous writing and breathtaking testament to tenacity and familial love.
Sara’s is a story of miracles, determination and faith unlike anything I’ve read before. I’ve read many memoirs over the years but few have touched me as deeply as Bringing in Finn. This is the story of a young couple, devastated by the loss of their twins in utero, who triumph over continuous setbacks and despair in trying to have a child.
After years of infertility and fertility treatments, Sara and her husband, Bill, continue to choose hope in the face of tremendous loss and pain. Their final hope comes in the form of Sara’s mom, Kris, a healthy, sound-minded 60-year-old woman, ten years past menopause, who volunteers to carry their baby.
As someone who typically prefers to give up the moment something becomes too difficult, Sara and Bill’s enduring perseverance to have a child, despite horrible odds, is a tale of beauty. The tender photos of their son, Finnean Connell, will bring a smile to anyone’s heart.
I was especially touched by the scenes in the book between mother and daughter and how their surrogacy journey healed old wounds and brought them closer. I want that level of closeness with my daughters, and while I’ll likely be senile and infirm by the time they’re of baby-making age, I hope to have, in whatever way possible, the willingness and generosity of spirit Kris offers her daughter.
Sara’s bravery in experiencing and documenting her journey inspired me and filled me with hope. Her writing is strong, powerful, descriptive and brave. I enjoyed getting to know this amazing family, three generations strong.
I recommend this book for anyone in need of hope, a surge of spirit or reconciliation with self or with a loved one. If you need a good cry, give this book a go – the prologue will start you off. If you need a shot of inspiration to persevere through your own struggles, Sara’s first-hand account of trauma, tragedy and triumph will both comfort and guide you.
I’m happy to pass on my copy to anyone ready for a truly fine read. I hope you’ll check out Bringing in Finn. Enjoy!
Ohhh a book i haven’t heard of. I was just at my book club two nights ago and we couldn’t agree on a book (we had just finished Defending Jacob). i’m going to recommend this one – after the last, we could use a book filled with hope. thanks!!
Yay! Let me know what you think!!! I love Sara’s writing … hope you do too.
I got Defending Jacob from the library early in the summer but never got around to reading it – should I try again?
it’s dark, but it’s a good fast read.
i liked it, but i didn’t love it. i loved “This is where i leave you” it’s one of my favorite – maybe my favorite – books of last year. soo good.
I LOVED “This is where I leave you!” Such a great read. I’ve enjoyed two of his other books also, but that’s my favorite.
well, now i know we’re totally on the same page. so many good books, but not so many great ones.
So true! Keep me posted on the great ones you come across (now that we know we have similar taste!). I’ll do same!
Yes! A great read for hope. Love it. Hope you feel better!
Thanks, love. Still feeling punky, but on the upswing I think. Hope your fam is feeling better too!
It sounds so cliche, but this book changed my outlook on life. I had precious few problems having my kids (I probably could have popped out 10 more had I been inclined), but the willingness to try something so extraordinary and to walk the journey with such courage was very inspiring. I hope to be my Ostrich before I’m 60!
So happy to hear your take on the book – I loved the “ostrich” part too! I’m thinking I could use my “ostrich” this weekend! Is it possible to control the timing?
I really heard the message about being open to possibilities – all kinds of them!
I could use some hope right now! Just reading your review on the book gave me some! I need to keep stories like these close to my heart – where people do the impossible – because they believe it’s possible. LOVE
I hear you and am sending a hug laced with hope!
I’m so happy you reviewed (and loved) this book. A friend told me about it just last week and it sounds so good! I have a huge stack of books to read but this sounds like a priority! I might have to order it. Usually I buy books at Costco but I haven’t seen that one there yet…
Oooh, i hope it makes it to Costco – that’s big time!! I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think – we can discuss like our very own book club (there are book group questions at end of book)! Also at the end of the book, Kristine Casey, the grandmother, writes about carrying the baby, etc. That part is inspiring and insightful too!
Got anything a bit more masculine to reccomend?
Haha…even as a girly mama, I had to make my next book dramatically different…I moved on to Life by Keith Richards. I’d say it’s a bit more masculine.
Agreed. Enjoy the next book.
Hmmm – I like Alyson’s suggestion though I haven’t read it yet. My husband enjoyed “This is where I leave you” and we both enjoyed Andre Agassi’s memoir (it came out a few years back but we both read it earlier this year). Helpful?
Thanks for the recommendation! My mom is reading Gone Girl right now. I’m going to read it soon. And cold? Oh, girl – I’ve been leveled by one too. UGH.
Great recommendation, thank you! I’m always looking for a good book that I can really get into and I love hearing about suggestions from others.
Thanks! Let me know if you check out Bringing in Finn!
Having had 3 miscarriages between my two kids (the third on Mothers’ Day, 2009), followed by a diagnosis of No Good Eggs– I will never forget seeing my son’s 14-week ultrasound. He was actually an accident on the way to IVF treatments! I am honestly not sure I could sit through someone else’s losses, even if things ended well. But someday when I am more brave, this sounds like an amazing read! And btw, my SIL the delivery nurse has seen her share of women over 50 the last few years!
I hear you and I’m so sorry for your losses. I’ve had similar (nearly identical!) fertility issues and wasn’t sure I could handle reading the book either. I’m happy I did AND I was triggered on many levels. Let me know if you ever pick up the book or want to talk about it. I’m amazed that so many 50+ women have the energy to go through pregnancy – I doubt I could do it again!