On the surface Adam McHugh's memoir/travelogue/vintner tale is fresh and light like a crisp glass of Chenin Blanc on a summer's eve in Provence. But underneath in its rocky soil, "Blood from a Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead" is a journey through the dark night of the soul. With McHugh as our Dad-Joking Virgil we are escorted through life's struggles and out from grief. Wine is the history and metaphor that guides us in McHugh's book, but the fragility of life is the deeper story. It is often said that the most flavorful grapes grow in the most difficult terrain. Through persistence and resilience, rich flavor in wine and life is produced. ( )

I am not a drinker but reading this book made my heart happy. I appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Please go purchase and enjoy!

Well written, interesting read with a lot of California wine history mixed in. ( )

I've just finished this memoir by Adam McHugh which focuses on his life as a hospice chaplain and how he had to reform his existence as his ministry changed and so did his marriage. He suffered a deep loss and had to refine his expectations for his life. His interest in wine allowed him to forge a new path. For awhile he walked a sad and painful road and I am curious to know the extent of his current involvement in the church. Excellently written with humor and grace. For all those who question their meaning of home and for whom life has drastically changed, this book provides hope for future that can be bright, even if radically different. Read and enjoy and even learn something about the fascinating history ofvwine. ( )

I so enjoyed reading this memoir. I love a book that not only describes the surroundings in great detail but also the history of the locations. You could picture yourself actually being in locations that you might never actually be able to travel to. Adam McHugh describes his life going from working as a hospice chaplain to working as a sommelier in such touching detail. I have always enjoyed wine in the past and I appreciated the history of wine interspersed into the narrative. This was such a well written book that I recommend this book to anyone. ( )