Member Reviews

I had heard of Steve Gleason and his diagnosis of ALS, and when I saw his memoir available on NetGalley, I requested a chance to read and review it. The book is so thoughtful and inspiring. From Gleason's childhood with difficult parents to his involvement in sports, eventually making it to the NFL was a dream come true. Meeting the love of his life was the pinnacle. Then came the uncontrollable twitching, which eventually led to his diagnosis. Gleason makes the reader feel his devastation at the diagnosis, his eventual acceptance and his determination to live as long as possible and as fulfilled as possible, including being a good husband and father. The book is very well-written and a recommended read.

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With thanks to NetGalley, the author [s], and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor/Knopf for providing this ARC, it is with deep regret that I will be unable to provide a review for this book at this time. I thank you for your understanding.

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A heartbreaking and inspiring story!

A Life Impossible details the incredible story of former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason. The reader is invited into the most private and intimate struggles Mr. Gleason and his family have faced. There were moments of laughter and moments filled with tears. Most importantly, it is a story about hope. It is a story of strength and love.
"No white flags." - Steve Gleason

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This was one of the most real and honest memoirs I’ve ever read. Steve Gleason is a true gem, telling his life story to the world with a raw, witty, personable writing style that makes you want to keep reading. He owns the fact that he’s not perfect, but this is him trying to do the best he can day by day. His book was eye-opening, shocking, and also beautiful in its own way & I think it’s a memoir that everyone should read because we can all learn something from him. Steve, you’re a badass — thank you for sharing your life with the world.

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This book is rich on so many levels!
A Life Impossible by Steve Gleason and Jeff Duncan is Steve Gleason's story of living with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Having worked with people living with ALS, I've read many similar memoirs and Gleason gives a truly unflinching look into living with ALS and especially how it plays havoc with the lives of not only the patient but also with the lives and emotional life of their caregivers. I appreciated how he doesn't try to posture as a noble person but rather one who is doing the best he can with the cards he has been dealt.

I also found it interesting to reflect upon Gleason's spiritual and ethical formation from his time spent at a Jesuit High School. He shares much about his spiritual journey and that was interesting and moving to me. There are parts of this book that are difficult to read and still I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of A LIfe Impossible in exchange for an honest opinion.

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This memoir is RAW. Steve Gleason details his life journey from sports as a child into college and NFL, to his travels and marriage, to his diagnosis of ALS. Steve writes in detail about how ALS has not only affected himself and his day to day, but also how it has affected his friends and family, his marriage, and his parenting style. Steve uses his personable and witty writing style to share his personal story with the world. A truly eye-opening memoir into the world of living with ALS. Thank you for sharing your story, Steve!

& Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

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