A New York Times Editorsā Choice
One of NPRās Best Books of the Year
āA beautifully wrought ode to lifeā¦a precious gift to the world.ā āThe Washington Post
From the bestselling author of I Miss You When I Blink comes a poignant and powerful new memoir that tackles the big questions of life, death, and existential fear with humor and hope.
As a daughter, mother, and friend, Mary Laura Philpott considered herself an āanxious optimistāāa natural worrier with a stubborn sense of good cheer. And while she didnāt really think she had any sort of magical protective powers, she believed in her heart that as long as she loved her people enough, she could keep them safe.
Then, in the early hours of one dark morning at home, her belief was upended. In the months that followed, she turned to poignant memories, priceless stories, and a medley of coping mechanisms (with comically mixed success) to regain her equilibrium and find meaning in everyday wonders.
Hailed by The Washington Post as āNora Ephron, Erma Bombeck, Jean Kerr, and Laurie Colwin all rolled into one,ā Philpott tackles the big questions of life, death, and existential fearānot to mention the lessons of an inscrutable backyard turtleāwith hope, humor, and joy.