A Lucky Life Interrupted

A Memoir of Hope

By: Tom Brokaw

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

From Tom Brokaw, the best-selling author of The Greatest Generation, comes a powerful memoir of a year of dramatic change - a year spent battling cancer and reflecting on a long, happy, and lucky life.

Tom Brokaw has led a fortunate life, with a strong marriage and family, many friends, and a brilliant journalism career culminating in his 22 years as anchor of the NBC Nightly News and as best-selling author. But in the summer of 2013, when back pain led him to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, his run of good luck was interrupted. He received shocking news: He had multiple myeloma, a treatable but incurable blood cancer. Friends had always referred to Brokaw's "lucky star", but as he writes in this inspiring memoir, "Turns out that star has a dimmer switch."

Brokaw takes us through all the seasons and stages of this surprising year, the emotions, discoveries, setbacks, and struggles - times of denial, acceptance, turning points, and courage. After his diagnosis, Brokaw began to keep a journal, approaching this new stage of his life in a familiar role: as a journalist, determined to learn as much as he could about his condition, to report the story, and help others facing similar battles. That journal became the basis of this wonderfully written memoir, the story of a man coming to terms with his own mortality, contemplating what means the most to him now, and reflecting on what has meant the most to him throughout his life.

Brokaw also pauses to look back on some of the important moments in his career: memories of Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the morning of September 11, 2001, in New York City, and more. Through it all, Brokaw writes in the warm, intimate, natural voice of one of America's most beloved journalists, giving us Brokaw on Brokaw, and bringing us with him as he navigates pain, procedures, drug regimens, and physical rehabilitation.

©2015 Tom Brokaw (P)2015 Random House Audio

honesty

seemed shorter than I expected but it covered everything very well. would have been nice to have an update.

Not cheery but a good story

The book was at times a bit sad but it was a story told well.

As good as I hoped it would be

I was hoping Tom Brokaw would narrate his but, but in his absence, Marl Bramhall did a commendable job.

Thought provoking!!

Well written and informative for anyone facing cancer or any other major illness. Uplifting and positive!

Interesting and intriguing

My husband and I are in our 70s. We were interested in Tom Brokaw's approach to his cancer journey since some of our friends are on the same journey. Brokaw also wrote about some of his interviews, experiences and friendships with famous people and the support he has had from his family. Mr. Brokaw's experience in writing and journalism are apparent. We enjoyed listening to every minute of his book.

Brokaw revealed

Public figures owe us nothing more than to do their jobs well and Brokaw has.
But with this book, he gave so much more of himself and I respect him all the more.
An important dose of reality for us as we age.

Life meets one lucky guy

Brokow's memoir does give a listener a good sense of what it feels like to suffer from M.M. (which is how he refers to the disease) and he has indeed suffered since his diagnosis. The book is a little heavy for my taste on encomiums to his wife and family, but, hey, given where he is and has been for the last several years, I can excuse him that indulgence, especially in a relatively short book. Is there any famous person in the last 60 years whom he hasn't met? ...but he is appealingly non-pompous about all the names he drops. The book is better written than his previous books (which I found trite and verbose) and the audiobook is masterfully read by Mark Bramhall.

More than I expected

I was pleasantly to see this book didn’t just focus on the cancer diagnosis and treatment but also brought in other personal and professional aspects of Tom Brokaw’s life.
Very interesting book.
Happy health to you, Mr. Brokaw.

Reassuring

Having both of my parents die with MM, I am very inspired by Tom's journey.

A fellow MM warrior

I was surprised how much I shared with Mr. Brokaw as he learned of his diagnosis and treatment of MM. Cancer makes you stop and focus on what is really important in life. Mr. Brokaw made that clear in his memoir. An excellent read on a lucky life. I feel positive about my journey, and was buoyed by Mr, Brokaw’s story.