Tales from the Bed: A Memoir

by Valerie Estess and Jenifer Estess

Book Overview

Jenifer Estess is a beautiful, successful, thirtysomething New Yorker with dreams of starting her own family when she is diagnosed with ALS, a fatal disease. Doctors tell her to max out her credit cards and prepare to die. That is precisely when Jenifer starts to live -- dreaming deeper, working harder, and loving endlessly. A girlhood pact with her sisters Valerie and Meredith -- nothing will ever break us apart -- inspires Jenifer as she...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743476832
• ISBN13: 9780743476836
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

KACZOR REVIEW COMPLETELY WRONG!

Kaczor completely missed the point of this book. Judging by this reviewer's other reviews, she's just looking for the gory details. TALES FROM THE BED is not about dying, it's about living, and living life to the fullest. The pain and despair of what Jenifer Estess and her sisters go through is theirs and theirs alone--it's a testament to Jenifer that she didn't want to burden the reader with this; no great writer spells it out the way this reviewer wants it spelled out. And if you really read the book (more closely than this reviewer did), you are inspired by the author's humor, warmth, insight, and generosity of spirit in the face of tragedy. This is a beautiful book--read it!

INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL

I cannot remember the last time I read a book that was so beautifully written--so powerful and inspiring. The words--the story had me laughing, crying and reflecting on my own life. Because of this book--I am more thankful for each day that I have and more appreciative of those I love and who love me.

Page Turner

I, too, read this book in a day - even with two young children. I had seen Jenifer Estes on the HBO special and was intriqued by her and her sisters. This book is about true courage - about playing the hand you are dealt (and a truly devastating hand) to the best of your ability. A must read.

A GIFT OF A BOOK!

Such an amazing read. Read it in a day. This a rare autobiography where the spirit of the writer actually shines through. Roaringly funny and punch you in the gut devastating. I laughed out loud and moments later I would put the book down while this wave of sadness washed over. God bless these sisters and their work. Read this and count your blessings.

I've found a new hero (or heroes)

I have seen the HBO documentary, "Three Sisters," with which this book is associated, and also read this book. Both were amazing and powerful, yet different. I walked away from the book, looking to do something more meaningful with my life, whereas the film was more educational as far as ALS is concerned.The book kept me up, reading all night long, in a rush to continue with Jenifer on her journey to the end. When I read the final pages, I didn't want to close the book, in fear that the connection I established with Jenifer, Valerie and Meredith would disappear. The writing flowed like a familiar memory and the humor made me smile between the tears that dropped. I feel like I've known the Estess family for my entire life, even though I was introduced to them by mere text in the pages of the book. I recommend this book highly to everyone--not just those who have ALS or know someone with ALS. After all,like Jenifer, ALS could happen to anyone of us.