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“That the things in life which don't go to plan are usually more important, more formative, in the long run, than the things that do��

I first came upon this book last July when I stumbled upon a social media post about books that doctors should read. I had already read a couple of those books and made my way through that list slowly. I wasn't initially interested in this book for some reason I can't recall. Fortunately, that list had good recommendations and I was getting out of audiobooks to read so I decided to listen to this book, and I am very glad I gave it a chance.

This is O'Farrell's memoir depicting some of her near-death experiences and it may be hard to believe that one person could have so many of those interactions. I think the author does a great job of explaining those situations, even convincing the reader that they had such occasions. I don't think the author uses a higher-than-thou tone because of those brushes with death, and thinking about it, the author is a chronically ill patient and I know some kids in our wards who had similar experiences at such young ages so I can buy what O'Farrell is presenting here.

And I think I should take the opportunity here to say that Daisy Donovan who narrated the audiobook made this an even greater experience. O'Farrell has an excellent prose with a knack for drama and Donovan gives life to this narration. I really couldn't ask for a better duo!

The stories are interesting, and O'Farrell has a great way with words. At some points this felt like reading a fiction story and I mostly enjoyed the most personal ones which involves "the cerebellum" as Maggie's most personal story and "Daughter" which I think is self-explanatory. After finishing this book, I immediately checked the author's other books as I wanted to discover more of her works, and I think I will give her fiction novels a chance in the near future.