Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life

I bought "Undone" for a mom of 4 friend who had just had a double mastectomy as the premise about surviving cancer while using God as a compass was promising. My friend loved it, loaned it to me. I also have four kids and wanted an inspiring "Mom read" for summer. Undone is very heartfelt, but scattered, not that Ms. Cushatt doesn't have good reason to be. She clearly wants to show the reader her heart, this is endearing, but overall I came away with feeling like I had been at a coffee shop hearing a running commentary about life, rather than having enjoyed good writing about difficult life circumstances. But it is rated G for God, and hey that's a reason enough to put your money here, I just returned two books unfinished by women writers as despite offering "survival/find yourself" premises, they were laced with porn, which I can't have in my home. Will pray for Ms. Cushatt's ongoing healing.

I first heard about Undone from my wife. She is a friend of the author, Michele Cushatt, having attended college with her and now being Facebook friends. I wasn’t planning to read the book because I put it in the category of a “chick book.” I know there are movies that guys refer to as “chick flicks” so I kind of put this memoir into that category – a book for women written by a women. My wife started reading it and kept talking about how much she enjoyed it, so I decided to get a copy. I’m glad I did.The subtitle of the book is “a story of making peace with an unexpected life.” Not only is Cushatt a gifted writer (she has a way with words), but part of her story had similarities to where my wife and I have been. She writes about the pain of divorce, an ongoing battle with cancer and managing a family with a biological child, two step-sons and three foster children. While I have never struggled with cancer, I related to enduring divorce and experiencing blended families and adoption.Cushatt writes with an honesty that keeps the reader turning the pages. She shares the lessons she’s learned, the struggles she has add and how she handled adversity – including the good, bad and ugly.I appreciated her humor that is sprinkled throughout her book. In discussing her diagnosis of cancer and the responses she received from people. This example reveals her sense of humor and she related this response from one person – “And my personal favorite: ‘My friend was diagnosed with the same kind of cancer as you. He died a few months ago.’ Thank you. Super helpful.” Now that’s funny!This is potentially my favorite quote of the book from a powerful chapter. In chapter 16 she tells about going to Christmas Eve service with her three “littles.” You have to read the chapter to appreciate all that is going on, but as she brings the story to an end, she writes these words that she shared with a friend: “Just because something is hard doesn’t mean we’re not called to it. And just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not good.”Undone was a compelling read and as I read it, I know the Cushatt’s story is not over. If your life has ever taken an unexpected twist, you will appreciate the words this book contains.

This book was recommended to me by a friend. And, if I'm being honest, I bought it and it sat on my kindle for a while. Until the middle of an ordinary day, when I had one of those "parenting adolescents" breakdowns. You know, the ones the Michelle perfectly describes in this book? I don't know if Michelle reads these reviews, but I have to say, THANK YOU. For writing what was in my heart, and in my head. For redirecting me back to what God wants me to remember, and where my faith lies anchored. Since I read this book, I believe I've re-read it about 5 times by reading various chapters to remind me that I'm not alone in this journey of trying to control situations, step family blending (I especially love the analogy of screws and nails in a blender- just right). I might have worn out the kindle reading the "UnMother's Day" chapter more than 5 times.Anyway, the writing is great - witty, serious, straight forward. The message, just the same. I love that Michelle is not afraid to reveal the truth of things - especially in a world where we all value the appearance of a perfect family, perfect life. I highly recommend buying this book, and reading it at least twice!

What a relief it is to read such an honest account of a Jesus-loving, mistake making, God trusting woman of God! I'm so thankful to be able to recommend this book to the women in my life. Thank you Michele for your heart and a fantastic book! I read it in a day!If you are a Jesus follower or are just trying to make sense of this life with its struggles and joys, grab a coffee (pot!), find a comfy chair and open up this book, you won't be sorry that you did!

An inspiring honest biography beautifully written and totally relatable. Michele writes from the heart, she tells it as it is and leads you from that into truth. It's one of the best books I have read and do grateful I stumbled across it!! Anyone can read this book: mum, dad, son, daughter, single, divorced, married, cancer survivor, those battling illness ...this is for you!!

An amazing story of love and faith. The love for Jesus who allowed Michele to cope with life crisis 's and still have love for her family as well as love for children who needed a family and love but were not her own. A remarkable story.

Excellent

An honest uplifting story - totally human