Hello Goodbye - Emily Chenoweth

I have an annoying habit of writing down the names of books, and later not remembering who recommended them. I impulsively ordered this book from the library, and weeks later, was hellbent to figure out why I had decided I needed to read it. After searching all of your blogs, I finally determined I read the review in EW, who awarded this book an A-.

Helen Hansen has just been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Her husband, Elliott, has orchestrated a week-long vacation at a fancy mountain resort with their college-aged daughter, Abby. He also has invited a handful of Helen and Elliott's closest friends under the guise of an 20th wedding anniversary party, but in fact is providing everyone a chance to say their goodbyes.

To protect Helen and keep her hopeful to the bitter end, Elliott has chosen not to tell her about the death sentence that was just handed down from the oncologist - Helen has nine months to live. So the Hansen's kookie friends decend upon them, hiring spiritual healers, organizing picnics, painting watercolor pictures, getting massages and partying, along with some inevitable bickering. All in the name of enjoying what is left of Helen, of maybe finding one last possible cure, and letting her know they love her and celebrate her life.

While Helen is in the process of slowly fading away, her daughter Abby is in the process of finding her footing in womanhood. She is annoyed with her mother's recent helplessness, forgetfulness and weakness, but can't imagine her life without her. She wants desperately to find love, but knows she hasn't found it yet. She isn't even real sure who she is yet.

Despite the dire topic, this book fails to be a downer. The story mostly focuses on the mental anguish, struggles and guilt of Elliott and Abby, but at the same time, recognizes that they both have reasons to look forward, after Helen is gone. The characters in the story are likeable, quirky, and human. It is especially easy to empathize with Abby, who is a good kid, and is trying her very best to cope with growing up, becoming independent, and losing her mother, all at the same time. Heck, that stage of life isn't easy, even in the best of times! I remember. The writing is smooth and easy to read - I read it in two days. It is an admirable debut novel for Ms. Chenoweth.

I was bothered by one thing, however. Helen was a shadow, a ghost. She said very little, we were not privy to many of her thoughts, we received just snippets of her background in bits and pieces via her family's and friend's memories. It was almost as if she had already passed, and her spirit was floating around amongst the characters. Perhaps this was intentional on the part of the author, I'm not sure. Helen had already gone through intense chemo and had emerged confused, weakened and a fraction of herself. But it bothered me nevertheless. I wanted to know how Helen felt, besides the one-dimensional "I want it all to end" sentiment. But maybe this book wasn't so much about Helen, as it was about those who would survive her.

I was happy that I happened upon this book. For anyone who has lost someone from a terminal illness, or is in the process, this would be an extremely therapeutic, validating book to read.

3.5 out of 5 stars