Living Memento Mori

When she was eleven years old, author Emily DeArdo was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, an incurable genetic disease with an average life expectancy of 30. In “Living Momento Mori,” DeArdo, now 37, reflects on living every day since then with a sense of “momento mori”—the knowledge that she will die—and recounts the struggles she has faced through a unique and innovative Stations of the Cross framework.

I realize that this synopsis makes the book sound rather dour and serious, but nothing could be further from the truth—DeArdo’s lively voice animates the narrative, and the courage with which she has faced so many medical obstacles, including a double lung transplant, is inspiring. Her personal story alone would make this book worth reading in the same category as Paul Kalanithi’s “When Breath Becomes Air” or Julie Yip-Williams’ “The Unwinding of the Miracle,” but DeArdo layers in spiritual reflection and hard won practical advice on how to live with suffering that elevates “Living Momento Mori” to the level of essential life guide—whether that life includes a fatal illness or just the normal suffering and obstacles we all face every day.

Religion and Spirituality is not an area I gravitate to at all, but “Living Momento Mori” transcends genre: It’s the story of an extraordinary woman facing extraordinary challenges, told in a fresh, funny and wholly original voice. A must read and perfect as a Lenten devotional.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for providing me with an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

A book to read, meditate on and cherish. I don't think there was a single page where I didn't learn something or feel inspired to delve deeper. The only caveat for me is that it is written from within the Catholic tradition with quotes from the Pope etc. I only mention this because I am from the Evangelical Orthodox Protestant tradition but read this to broaden my horizons. I'm glad I did as I found my soul nourished. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for ARC.

**I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**

I had the pleasure of meeting Emily in 2015, and ever since I have greedily devoured her writing. Her humor and zest for life are evident in her candid, honest blog And in the essays she writes for take up and read. Not surprisingly, I was greatly looking forward to this book!

With Living Memento Mori, Emily does not disappoint. She shares her unique journey of being a double lung transplant survivor, and parallels her health journey to that of Jesus making His way to Calvary. Emily does a great job of illustrating the value of suffering, and of reminding us we're not alone in our struggles. Exploring these themes while being ever conscious of how our time on Earth is fleeting, Emily gives us a roadmap - reminding us that Jesus has already walked this path before. Further, it's up to us to take up our cross and follow him as we prepare for the conclusion of our earthly lives and the commencement of eternal life in heaven with him.

Living Memento Mori would make a great Lenten read. I can also see it being a helpful book to ponder not only with the simple, daily struggles of life, but particularly after a difficult diagnosis, during times of transition in life, or a life crisis.

I didn’t think I’d want to touch a book on the topic of death when the idea seemed way too close for comfort as it was, but I truly felt that DeArdo gets it. I needed to read this book. Each of the 14 chapters corresponds to one of the Stations of the Cross. DeArdo begins each chapter with a short meditation on a particular Station, then discusses her own spiritual journey as well as the particular health challenges she faces as a cystic fibrosis patient and lung transplant recipient. Keep a notebook or journal handy as you read: every chapter concludes with several questions for journaling.

An inspiring and spiritually rich book about suffering. Within the framework of the Stations oi the Cross, DeArdo looks atr many aspects of suffering and pain, often using her own struggles as the bawsis. Each short chapter ends with a few questions.

Unlike so many religious books it's not overly pius, nior is it heavy-haned. It's rewarding and comforting instead.

I highly recommend it.

An excellent resource to use as one thinks through the stations of the cross. A nice blend of personal story and biblical teaching. Highly recommend.

Emily's story and her way of telling it is very inspiring. I am so thankful I was able to read this book and get to know another's journey with chronic illness.

We all know that the Christian life is full of suffering and that suffering leads to death... but that doesn't mean we are going to like suffering. Emily does a really great job reflecting on the Stations of the Cross and tying her own story into them. Her life really has been lived remembering that death is coming and she shares that with us. She also includes meditations for the Stations of the Cross at the back of the book which are really lovely.