Synopses & Reviews
When Abigail Thomass husband, Rich, was hit by a car, his brain shattered. Subject to rages, terrors, and hallucinations, he must live the rest of his life in an institution. He has no memory of what he did the hour, the day, the year before. This tragedy is the ground on which Abigail had to build a new life. How she built that life is a story of great courage and great change, of moving to a small country town, of a new family composed of three dogs, knitting, and friendship, of facing down guilt and discovering gratitude. It is also about her relationship with Rich, a man who lives in the eternal present, and the eerie poetry of his often uncanny perceptions. This wise, plainspoken, beautiful book enacts the truth Abigail discovered in the five years since the accident: You might not find meaning in disaster, but you might, with effort, make something useful of it.
Review
"Exquisitely written essays... Thomas has elevated what could be, at best, an overemotional sermon or, at worst, a grim romp in self-pity to a high plain of true inspiration." Donna Chavez, Booklist
About the Author
ABIGAIL THOMAS is the author of Safekeeping, a memoir, as well as a novel and two story collections. She lives in Woodstock, New York, and teaches at the New School.
Table of Contents
"What Stays the Same"currently with Dan Jones
"Accident"-- published in "O"
"Home"--published in "O"
"Comfort" published in Dog is My Co-Pilot, Bark Anthology
"Surprises" not placed serially
"Magnificent Frigate Bird" published in Tin House
"Learning To Live Alone" published in Self
"How to Break up a Dog Fight" not placed serially
"Dog Talk" published in Bark
"How to Banish Melancholy" to be published in Womens Best Friend, Seal Press Anthology
"Carolinas in Heat" published in Bark
"For Now" not placed serially
"Filling Whats Empty" published in Tin House
"NO" currently with Dan Jones
"Guilt" published in Subtropics
"Edward Butterman Sleeps At Home" not placed serially
"Knitting 2002 to Present" to be published in Swivel
"Outsider Art" not placed serially
"Running" not placed serially
"Past, Present, Future" excerpt to be published in Real Simple
"Moving" published on Mister Bellers Neighborhood
"Five Years" not placed serially