Undone, A Memoir by Michele Cushatt

We all dream of picture perfect, idyllic lives, don't we? We don't like unpleasant surprises. We don't like to feel like we're not in control. So, what do we do when the picture isn't pretty? When idyllic is just a nice-sounding word, and nothing more? When our lives are undone, how do we deal with it? 

In Undone, a Memoir Michele Cushatt gives a raw, honest account of her life shattering divorce, a crushing diagnosis of cancer, and her struggles as the mother of a "blended" family. This memoir, which could have been depressing and heavy, was refreshingly humorous and hopeful. Though my life is very different from Michele's, I can relate to many of the emotional battles of which she writes. (I was a little amused at the casual mention of going to the Caribbean for a rest--I mean, that's something most of us can only dream of! But, maybe I'm just envious of that part. Yeah, that's it. ;)) 

I winced inwardly as I read of her surgeries and pain, sympathized as she struggled through her sons' difficult teen years, empathized as she related her marital struggles, and felt deep admiration when I read how she and her husband took on the responsibility of three small children. I appreciated the realness of this book and the fact that the author didn't spin anything to make her look saintly or superhuman; instead, she was open about her faults and imperfections, and faithful to tell how God came through for her again and again, even though He didn't do it in the ways she thought He should. 

Michele's writing style and the humor sprinkled throughout mad this an enjoyable, easy read. Oh, and I love the cover art!  I highly recommend this book, and give it 4 out of 5 stars. 

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