A Whole New Life
A Whole New Life
Book Brief
224
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Carolina • 1980s
1981
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Whole New Life by Reynolds Price is a memoir detailing the author's journey after being diagnosed with spinal cancer in 1984, which led to surgery that left him partially disabled. Seeking rehabilitation, Price utilized hypnosis and biofeedback, and though the ordeal altered his view on identity and mortality, he found new meaning in life through writing and the support of his loved ones. The memoir includes themes related to living with a disability and chronic pain.
Inspirational
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reynolds Price's memoir, A Whole New Life, garners praise for its candid and eloquent portrayal of his battle with a spinal cord tumor. Reviewers commend Price’s resilience, humor, and poetic writing style. However, some critique the memoir's pacing and occasional verbosity. Overall, it offers an inspiring yet nuanced look at overcoming life's unexpected challenges.
Who Should Read A Whole New Life?
Readers who appreciate inspirational memoirs and narratives of personal resilience, such as When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi or The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby, will find Reynolds Price's A Whole New Life profoundly moving and uplifting. This book is ideal for those drawn to stories of overcoming life's immense challenges.
473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Whole New Life is an autobiographical work by Reynolds Price, in which he explores his battle with spinal cancer and how it led him to discover new dimensions of creativity and strength in his personal and professional life.
The book provides a profound exploration of Price's journey through pain management, offering insights into the technologies and therapies of the time, which led to positive advancements in his quality of life.
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Readers and critics often note Price's evocative prose, drawing comparisons to the depth and richness of his earlier fictional works, highlighting his unique ability to convey the complexity of human emotions and experiences.
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224
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Carolina • 1980s
1981
Adult
18+ years
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