Five Days Left

By: Julie Lawson Timmer

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman, Kirby Heyborne

Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Mara Nichols, a successful lawyer, and devoted wife and adoptive mother, has recently been diagnosed with a terminal disease. Scott Coffman, a middle school teacher, has been fostering an eight-year-old boy while the boy’s mother serves a jail sentence. Scott and Mara both have five days left until they must say good-bye to the ones they love the most.

Through their stories, Julie Lawson Timmer explores the individual limits of human endurance, the power of relationships, and that sometimes loving someone means holding on, and sometimes it means letting go.

©2014 Julie Lawson Timmer (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A beautifully drawn study of what is at risk when you lose control of your own life. Unique, gripping, and viscerally moving - this impressive debut novel heralds the arrival of an extremely talented writer.” (Jodi Picoult, New York Times best-selling author of Leaving Time)

"Timmer's emotional debut should come with a box of tissues....The characters are so affecting it's tough to make it to day five. An authentic and powerful story." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"Told in the alternating voices of Mara and Scott, Timmer’s debut novel packs a powerful punch. Absorbing, deeply affecting, and ultimately uplifting, it heralds the arrival of an author to watch.” (Library Journal, starred review)

Heartbreakingly beautiful!

This book had me at the first sentence. After reading Lisa Genova's book Inside the O'Briens which deals with Huntingtons disease, I stumbled upon this book by an author I had never heard of. Five Days Left takes you deeper inside the mind and soul of a person with a debilitating disease. The second story at takes place during the book is also very touching. I loved this book and cannot wait until the author writes her next one! I would highly recommend this book!

Heart wrenching and uplifting

The story of two families and what they will endure for love. A heart wrenching story of a women's battle coming to terms with Huntington's disease and her courage decision to end her life on her terms. An uplifting story of a couple that allowed their love to grow to include a difficult child that needed a home. I felt Mara's story was richer than Scott's but touching all the same. An interesting read for anyone that is interested in the "dignity in dying" debate.

Beautifully Written

As someone with a chronic illness, this story hits home. Although what I have in no way compares to Huntington's Disease, I can relate to the desperation that Mara feels throughout the story. I came to really care about her. Scott's story also broke my heart. This was a beautifully written story.

A story that stays with you

I loved this book! Two stories in one, yet connected. The book originally drew me to the female character’s story but as I got into the book I was so drawn into the second story! Loved the characters and you do get a feel for the difficulties they are going through. This story kept my interest and stayed with me long after. Use your credit!!!

Poignant story

I loved this book! It completely strew me in to the stories of two different parents facing unthinkable situations. Highly recommend it!

Happiness and sadness are such a big part life's journey

This author moves you through it all. I couldn't put this book down. Happiness and joy.

Heart wrenching but great!

This book was fantastic. I ended up loving the characters and shed a tear or two throughout the book. “AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY”

Great concept... But more like 500 Days Left

I really got excited about the possibility of this storyline, and to be fair, it was well done. But. It. Took. Forever. The character development was good - especially in Mara's world. Scott's storyline was a bit unbelievable at the end, but all in all, I enjoyed the book. I think it could have been a little less melodramatic and had a little more pizzaz, but it did achieve what it sought out to do. Provide an accurate portrait of the suffering of those with Huntington's Disease, and the testimony of true selfless unconditional love and the sacrifices that come with it. I thought the narration was great and was very anxious for the story to unfold. It finally did in the last few chapters. A bit slow for my taste, but worth the read/listen.

Wonderful read

Very different book from my usual list. Loved the dynamic lives we got to explore through this rollercoaster of a book. This was the first audio book I’ve ever listened to- opening up a new world!!!

Loved it!

This was a great story. You will find yourself questioning what you would do if faced with this situation.