A simply astonishing, eloquent memoir of the extraordinary life and loss of Maryanne’s daughter Caitlin who passed away at 33 after a lifelong struggle with cystic fibrosis. She died only two days after receiving a double-lung transplant, one that required her and her mother to move from Boston to Pittsburgh (the only medical center in the country that agreed to do the transplant) for two years. Maryanne weaves Caitlin’s own thoughts and words through this book via texts and emails and reflections, making this a powerfully moving meditation on the meaning of life and what comes afterwards.

A heartbreaking narrative about deep loss. The book is a testament to a mother's love for her daughter--a mother who will stop at nothing and a love that is inspiring and powerful. I loved it.

This book is a look into dealing with a deadly disease and how it affects all family members. It is a realistic look into the struggles of the patient and those that are the care-givers.

Can you imagine your child being diagnosed with a chronic, life shortening illness at the tender age of 2? This is what this author faced with her only child, Caitlin. This story chronicles the life of Caitlin and her family as they navigate the medical challenges faced due to a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. This book shares the story of this family by presenting emails, journal entries, and text messages. This book reminds one to hold onto life, because it is precious. This is a thought provoking read for all, especially for parents also navigating medical illness and chronic medical conditions with their own child. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent read, which seems so trite to say considering the topic. A real, true glimpse into a terrible disease and also the strength of a warrior and her mama bear.

Heart wrenching emotional moveing,The author is told that her daughter her two year old child had cystic fibrosis and would not live a long life.Caitlin the little proves the drs wrong and lives till thirty three waiting for a transplant that never came.The author shares her grief but also her soul connection,to her child.Emotional moving a beautiful ode to her daughter.#netgalley#harperone

I enjoyed this memoir book. This is a story about a mother who loses her adult child and the connection between life and death. This is an interesting book that was easy to read. It is an emotional story about a mother who wanted to cry for through most of the book. I enjoyed watching her search for a soul and her growth throughout the book. This is a great story that I am happy I picked up and I think you would enjoy it too. This is a new author for me and I look forward to seeing what is next for her. I highly recommend this book.

This memoir about a young woman who has cystic fibrosis since she was 2 . She is now 33 and in the last stages of her illness and needs a transplant. The memoir is told from her mother’s point of view using excerpts from the young woman. This is a story of terminal illnesses, lung transplants, grief, relationships and hope. Maryanne, the mother is writing a blog about her daughter which helps her cope as she has a lot of interest from followers. In addition she gains information from other CF individuals. Maryanne is also involved in Mediums and Tarot Readings which seem to help her cope. I found this interesting since I used to read Tarot Cards. I had never read anything by someone who so believed in mediums. There is a lot of curiosity about reincarnation and life after death.

Part Memoir, Part Spirituality, this book is written by Caitlin's Mom. Caitlin was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 2. From a medical perspective as an RRT who worked in a CF Center. all medical information was spot on. For me it was an inspirational insight to the family, primarily the Mom on have a child with this disease.
There also was spiritual streams on consciousness as to what happens when one dies.
It was an uplifting story under a difficult situation.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

LITTLE MATCHES-Maryanne O'Hara



The book is well written and is basically a memoir of Mrs. O'Hara and her daughter Caitlin.

Diagnosed at two years old with cystic fibrosis opened a world that the parents nor the child, Caitlin. ever anticipated. Many years of Caitlin's life were somewhat uneventful other than a cold or flu that held on too long. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that builds mucus around and in organs causing many infections, diabetes, chronic illnesses and other health issues. It is not curable at this time but great advances have been made since Caitlin's diagnosis.

Caitlin, as she grew was questioning and was anger about her limitations. However, she developed a tenacious spirit. The challenges a chronically ill child/family face on a daily basis are monumental. The language and understanding of CF was helpful and there are many questions and avenues to explore in treating this disease. The book is a memoir written by Mom but drawn also from Caitlin's journals. covering the communication struggles, and relationship between Mother and daughter as well as the medical challenges.

I chose this book because I lost a sweet young friend, 26, to cystic fibrous in 2009. Reading the book gave me much more insight into all her family's life time of struggles. My sweet friend was a Christ follower which made the loss hopeful. We know she is with God until the day we all are reunited.

The book was well written, honest, informative and helpful to me personally.