Dina Gachman

A natural storyteller, Dina Gachman reveals and explores love, loss, and grieving.

“So Sorry For Your Loss” by author Dina Gachman tells her heart-wrenching story and walks the reader through the minefield of emotions leading up to and the aftermath of two deaths in her family. She had my attention from the very start with her receiving news of her sister’s death, and I was with her on her journey until the final page (and after).

Having been involved as a caregiver in a hospice situation (that almost reads like “hostage” situation and may be amazingly appropriate), I can attest to the accuracy and overwhelming shock of the experience. Her vivid descriptions of what she and her sisters encountered, with the multitude of providers involved, matched up so closely with what we went through: none of which made this particular end-of-life choice a positive leave-taking. As the chapter title said, it was a difficult and long goodbye: exhausting and so emotionally draining that now, I still feel it two years down the road. Dana’s story brought so much of that time back, but not in a painful way. I was grateful to the author for sharing her story. I needed to hear that someone else had gone through a similar experience. I could relate.

With her natural manner of storytelling and needed to be shared experiences, I recommend “SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS” to readers of nonfiction, especially those needing to explore or feel a connection to another who has experienced grief and bereavement.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.… (lisätietoja)

I feel a reluctance to write negative reviews. It's because I recognize that readers have different tastes and one person's views can , and oftentimes are, on opposite sides with other reviewers. Just a read of many book reviews is proof of that. Who am I to judge?
Couple that with the fact that writing a book is tough work and earning a profit is tougher still. So when an author takes the time and makes the BIG effort that is required, I am pleased that I get the opportunity to explore the views of another
I chose this book because I liked the message conveyed by the title, and the promise that there would be 50 ways to live a dream life as a frugal person. That was the hook that got me to read. But by the time I was half way thru the book, I was so disappointed that the promised solutions were not being delivered. The book seemed to focus on the author's life challenges and the lessons she learned, many of which were really specific to her, not a general audience. I didn't feel that lectures on lotto tickets, haggling, auto repairs,haircuts and the like fit the overall scheme of the book's theme, frugal living.
The book was divided into 8 sections and 50 chapters. I nearly abandoned the read at the half way point. Thought about it anyway. And my disappointment grew.
Then I got to to Part 8 called "Love and Relationships". It had 5 chapters. While I can't say that 5 new challenges were presented and then solved, I can say that the author suddenly shifted her tone and her writing skills were outstanding. She covered the love and relationships arena with skill and sensitivity and I thought some excellent insights. If only the rest of the book were the same!
I was so impressed by her writings in Part 8 that I feel happy that I hung in there. Had that been the entire book, I would have given it 5 stars. But instead, I had to suffer thru 45 chapters before the good stuff appeared.
My message to the author: based on Part 8, I think you got the right stuff. I hope you can figure out how to stay on that track in future writings.… (lisätietoja)