The Promise of Stardust

A Novel

By: Priscille Sibley

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Matt Beaulieu was two years old the first time he held Elle McClure in his arms, seventeen when he first kissed her under a sky filled with shooting stars, and thirty-three when they wed. Now in their late thirties, the deeply devoted couple has everything - except the baby they've always wanted.

When a tragic accident leaves Elle brain-dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear losing her, he knows his wife, a thoughtful and adventurous scientist, feared only one thing - a slow death. Just before Matt agrees to remove Elle from life support, the doctors discover that she is pregnant. Now what was once a clear-cut decision becomes an impossible choice. Matt knows how much this child would have meant to Elle. While there is no certainty her body can sustain the pregnancy, he is sure Elle would want the baby to have a chance. Linney, Matt's mother, believes her son is blind with denial. She loves Elle, too, and insists that Elle would never want to be kept alive by artificial means, no matter what the situation.

Divided by the love they share, driven by principle, Matt and Linney fight for what each believes is right, and the result is a disagreement that escalates into a controversial legal battle, ultimately going beyond one family and one single life.

Told with sensitivity and compassion, The Promise of Stardust is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking tale that raises profound questions about life and death, faith and medicine - and illuminates, with beauty and grace, the power of love to wound...and to heal.

©2013 Priscille Marcille Sibley (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking

There aren't enough words to describe how much I loved this book. I loved how real the story is and how the arc of the book makes you look at your own thoughts and beliefs. I loved how it yanked on my heart strings and kept me needing to turn each page, unable to stop reading just to find out more. It's not an easy book to read due to the emotions it can bring up, but I still highly recommend this book.

Good book

Such an emotional loving book surrounded by complex social issues of the day. Such a great read.

FIVE STARS!!!!

Would you listen to The Promise of Stardust again? Why?

Absolutely!!! The book was perfect! The narrator was perfect for this book. Beautifully written.

What did you like best about this story?

The story could have been a true story!!! It seemed so real. It makes you think about life and death and what you would do.

Which character – as performed by George Newbern – was your favorite?

The main character

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I cried in several different parts.

Any additional comments?

This book is a very touchy subject. I read a previous comment about being pro choice, and so they couldn't read it. The book is wonderful whether you are pro life or pro choice. It is a MUST listen!!!!

The Promise of Stardust

I'm still in tears.... Such an amazing book, I think because there were so many likenesses to my own maternity life... I too have the same blood disorder and lived through 4 miscarriages and 2 full term infant deaths..... So, yes, I'm still in tears, I'm so happy this story ended the way it did!!! 💐💕

Tender

A very dear story, well presented. This book provided me with many complicated concepts in which to grapple and with the sweetness of uncomplicated love.

You will be happy with the ending (Some Spoilers)

What made the experience of listening to The Promise of Stardust the most enjoyable?

The main character --- listening to his thoughts and emotions on losing his wife and potentially losing his child.

What did you like best about this story?

That....it ended HAPPY. No one wants to read a book about someone pulling the "plug" or cutting off the life support to viable baby.... that is wanted.

What about George Newbern’s performance did you like?

He captured the essence of the main character so well. I would read more books by him.

Any additional comments?

This book is hard to read because it takes on the battle of Pro-Life VS Pro-Choice. However, I think in the end... everyone who reads this book will be happy. Ell gets what she has always wanted.... a family and to not suffer.

This book made me cry ---- laugh ---- and I so enjoyed the characters stories and loved them as they all unfolded. This story actually seemed like this could have been someone's life story. I am so glad the author chose to save the baby -

Matt's ability to withstand adversity even when his whole family stood against him saving the baby and ending Ell's life.... is so admirable. Glad I purchased this book and will buy more from this author!!

The Promise of Stardust

What did you love best about The Promise of Stardust?

The way it made you question (What would I do in this situation?)

What did you like best about this story?

The ending, and the willpower of the husband.

What about George Newbern’s performance did you like?

He just had a. way of making you feel he was the husband.

If you could rename The Promise of Stardust, what would you call it?

I tried to think of one, I couldn't!

Any additional comments?

INTERESTING BOOK, MADE YOU THINK******

Lots to ponder

Read this for book club and very excited to discuss - SO many topics worth exploring. It’s a sad read and will be tough for those that have experienced loss but it really makes you think.

This book deserves more than 5 stars

If you could sum up The Promise of Stardust in three words, what would they be?

Amazing, unbelievable, spellbinding

What other book might you compare The Promise of Stardust to and why?

None, one of a kind

Which scene was your favorite?

All

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

Any additional comments?

What can I say about this book? Nothing but you HAVE TO READ IT! Amazing story.............

Boring

This story was boring and lacked any depth. The concept was heart breaking, but I didn't feel sad. Bad writing.