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Saving Graces (Abridged): Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers Audiobook
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(3.05) - 635 listener ratings
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She charmed America with her smart, likable, down-to-earth personality as she campaigned for her husband, then vice-presidential candidate John Edwards. She inspired millions as she valiantly fought advanced breast cancer after being diagnosed only days before the 2004 election. She touched hundreds of similarly grieving families when her own son, Wade, died tragically at age sixteen in 1996. Now she shares her experiences in Saving Graces, an incandescent memoir of Edwards’ trials, tragedies, and triumphs, and of how various communities celebrated her joys and lent her steady strength and quiet hope in darker times. Edwards writes about growing up in a military family, where she learned how to make friends easily in dozens of new schools and neighborhoods around the world and came to appreciate the unstinting help and comfort naval families shared. Edwards’ reminiscences of her years as a mother focus on the support she and other parents offered one another, from everyday favors to the ultimate test of her own community’s strength—their compassionate response to the death of the Edwards’ teenage son, Wade, in 1996. Her descriptions of her husband’s campaigns for Senate, president, and vice president offer a fascinating perspective on the groups, great and small, that sustain our democracy. Her fight with breast cancer, which stirred an outpouring of support from women across the country, has once again affirmed Edwards’ belief in the power of community to make our lives better and richer.
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"AMAZING! I read this book at exactly the right moment in my life. I am dealing with loss and a great upheaval currently. This book really got me to look at the positives and to find the grace in my experience. I found it to be calming. I am saddened that I have not read it sooner. "
— Jess (5 out of 5 stars)
Saving Graces Listener Reviews
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" Poorly written, political narcissism, and nothing much more than a tedious rundown of every single person E.E. wants to thank for their political help. I was disappointed there wasn't more about the death of her son and her battle with cancer...this could have been a much better book. "
— Janet, 2/18/2014 -
" Her growing up: boring Her son dying: good account The run for VP: interesting overall: a bit too religious and preachy "
— Patty, 2/14/2014 -
" a fantastic and poignant read! "
— Noelle, 2/13/2014 -
" Very good read - even though she's a Democrat. "
— Deborah, 2/11/2014 -
" This book had me in tears from page one --- "
— Paulaandwayne, 2/10/2014 -
" There is no question that Elizabeth Edwards was a courageous woman, and endured much, but this book had entirely TMI. "
— Judith, 2/1/2014 -
" Although I don't necessarily agree with Mrs. Edwards' political views, I found the writings about her son's death and how she coped with it to be extremely touching and helpful to my own family members' dealings with grief. "
— Tina, 1/23/2014 -
" Love autobiographies! She is such a strong woman. Warning...do not read this book pregnant or hormonal in any way. The descriptions of losing her son hit me too close to home. "
— Amy, 1/22/2014 -
" This book helped me through my own grief process - very comforting and hopeful "
— Jean, 12/17/2013 -
" I found the book a little slow in some spots, however Elizibeth Edwards is a wonderful women and has had a most fascinating life. Most of all in the aspects of all she has given to others. "
— Jeanmarie, 12/7/2013 -
" I loved the depth of Elizabeth's insight of her journey. She talked about so many emotional pieces of her life with such grace. "
— Sherri, 10/28/2013 -
" Best book ever for someone grieving or someone who wants to be inspired. "
— Jen, 10/24/2013 -
" This book gives a glimpse into what life was like for Elizabeth Edwards pre-scandal. From losing her son Wade, to being a campaign wife, to discovering breast cancer, she paints quite a portrait of her life. "
— Maria, 8/11/2013 -
" A great book about surviving tragedy made even more poignant by her struggle with cancer and her philandering husband. "
— Mlg, 7/31/2013 -
" gotta admire this lady! I'd vote for her..... "
— Martha, 1/20/2013 -
" Elizabeth Edwards is a remarkable lady and I was devastated when she announced her cancer had returned and was incurable. "
— Desta, 11/6/2012 -
" I really enjoyed her story; I picked it up because I found Elizabeth and John's story interesting and close to home for me. I laughed, I cried, I cried some more and I finished the book feeling like I new this woman and her story well. I wish she were running for President! "
— Amanda, 11/1/2012 -
" I listened to this book on cd. Elizabeth is an amazing women. Every person should read her book! My heart goes out to her even more these days. After losing a dear son who was only 16 and having breast cancer, NOW her cheating husband ...I just feel for her. "
— Nickole, 10/29/2012 -
" This book had me sobbing for Elizabeth, especially knowing what we all know now about her husbands future discusting behavior. She did a lovely job of narrating as well. "
— Kathy, 12/30/2011 -
" This book touched my soul. I love her style of writing and the topic was one that I know all too well. I love it! "
— Rachelle, 12/26/2011 -
" Irrespective of who her husband is/was, this is an interesting book about coping with many life changes. "
— Angtburg, 10/6/2011 -
" This was an interesting look at what it's like to be in politics. Elizabeth Edwards seems very down to earth and devoted to John. With recent news reports this seems sad. "
— Melissa, 9/17/2011 -
" got this book today for $2....I love this woman....another great book to read.......Minus her asshole husband. "
— Rhonda, 6/14/2011 -
" Very courageous lady who truly was the backbone of the family. "
— Diana, 5/31/2011 -
" Excellent book! What a beautiful lady! May the Angels watch out for her and keep her safe. "
— Jennie, 4/6/2011 -
" This book gives a glimpse into what life was like for Elizabeth Edwards pre-scandal. From losing her son Wade, to being a campaign wife, to discovering breast cancer, she paints quite a portrait of her life. "
— Maria, 2/14/2011 -
" Ms. Edwards is an eloquent writer who comforts through her strength and courage in the face of despair. "
— Lisa, 1/12/2011 -
" In all fairness, I skimmed a lot of the second half of this book. Her grief was so deep I could almost taste it, and rather than be consumed by it, I had to let it go. The sections I enjoyed the most were about her parents and Elizabeth's younger years growing up in Japan, FL, and VA. "
— Deena, 12/31/2010 -
" Interesting and ttouching, although the campaign bits get a little boring. "
— Joanne, 7/25/2010 -
" This is the story of Elizabeth Edwards and her journey through breast cancer. It's written sweetly, with her warm spirit and outlook on life. Good reading book, hard to put down once you start it. "
— Sandra, 6/18/2010 -
" Honest bio focusing on her sons' death and how it affected the family. Presents John in a very good light...before the scandal. "
— Dianne, 4/16/2010 -
" I love Elizabeth Edwards. We have a lot in common. She is intelligent, compassionate and a survivor on several fronts. This book details the journies of loosing her son at age 16, the 2004 presidential/VP race, and of her first discovery and treatment of breast cancer. "
— Leslie, 3/18/2010
About Elizabeth Edwards
Elizabeth Edwards is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Saving Graces. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with her two youngest children.