It is a rare book that makes me care about the characters before the end of the first act. A Thousand Rooms, by Helen Jones – this book, had me crying before I’d even read ten percent.
Repeatedly.
And not just a little. I had to put it down more than once in order to not alarm my family.
What begins as a tale about a woman dealing with her own post-existence, turns into a story about society’s different takes on the word Heaven, how we cope with loss, and the different forms love and acceptance takes along the way. While I may have cried in the beginning, there were reasons to laugh too.
But what I found most intriguing about the story was the idea that a soul could be stuck waiting for a ride that doesn’t come like a child left to sit on the curb while they wait for their absent-minded parent to realize it was their day to pick them up from school. When the protagonist, a young woman named Katie, having piggy-backed her way with other recently deceased, finally reaches her heaven, I found myself more angry on her behalf at those who were expected to greet her on the other side than relieved she’d found her peace and as a result less able to accept the zen of the place even though the author, Helen Jones’ writing remained superb throughout. I realize now I expected a larger confrontation – even if it was in Heaven.
It probably didn’t help that it’s been a rough week at the office.
I returned from an extended holiday weekend to learn that there had been three deaths. One, a colleague’s ninety-five-year-old mother whose life could be celebrated and was for its fullness even though the loss still hurt. Another’s mother, a seventy-seven-year-old teacher, counselor, and fellow writer whose cancer, thought to be in remission, spread rather than retreat. And then, as there seems to be truth in the saying that these things tend to happen in threes, a member of my team, who at the age of thirty-one, was simply gone one morning for reasons that have not been determined and reasons I will not speculate on here.
We have journeyed across the globe, reached for the stars, explored the seas, and discovered particles within particles of matter. And yet, time or more specifically, the length of our time, a quantity that is so intimately and individually ours, remains one of the greatest unknowns. Per the first line A Thousand Rooms, “you don’t wake up expecting to die.” At least, most of us don’t.
Between this book and the past few days, I have been reminded yet again of the importance of surrounding yourself with the people and activities that bring you joy, the reason to value the experience over the thing, the call to be mindful, and why it is so very important to appreciate the everyday.
So if I am hugging my babies a little tighter right now, so be it. I am sure they’ll understand in the end. But to be clear, when my time comes – whoever, whatever, you are on the other side, I expect you to be there for me and waiting.
Allie Potts 
A beautiful post, Allie. The last two paragraphs sum up the way I also feel about life absolutely brilliantly. I also hug my boys a little too tight but I think that is okay – they will grow up anyway and hopefully will be all the better for being so loved.
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Thank you. My boys have yet to complain. I think they secretly like to know how tightly their mom can squeeze.
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Sounds like a difficult, and meaningful, week for you. Condolences, and I guess congratulations, on finding the strength and poise to make it through the week in one piece.
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It has been a very challenging week for sure and one I hope I don’t have to repeat any time soon. Thank you so very much for your words of support though. I don’t necessarily feel poised at the moment, but it’s nice to think there are gains even during times of loss.
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I’m sorry, Allie. It sounds like you (and others) have had a rough time recently. Though I do love your positivity at the end here. Appreciate every day… It’s something I really needed to see today. Thanks. Also, have had this book way too long and look forward to reading it very soon.
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It’s worth reading even if it did make my eyes puffy. And thank you. 💕
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I’m sorry to hear your week was so hard, Allie. This must have been a particularly emotional read for you. I had a similar reaction to the book. Tissues and snuffles and a heartwarming desire to hold loved ones close. 🙂
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It was a very good read so thank you for the original recommendation. I only wish it didn’t prove to be so relatable.
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Yeah, but uplifting in a way too if we believe that love survives with such grace. ❤
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Absolutely 🙂
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Oh Allie, I’m so sorry you’ve had such a rough week – sending a hug across the miles. And, although it’s in no way as important, thank you so much for the lovely review xx
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Thank you and thank you for the lovely read. It has been a challenging few days so I’m appreciating escaping into good books as I can.
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xx Hope you’re feeling a little better now, but I know these things take time
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That’s super sweet of you. I’m managing, but as you said, I expect it to take some time.
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xx
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Reblogged this on Journey To Ambeth and commented:
A thoughtful post – and a lovely review of A Thousand Rooms – courtesy of Allie Potts.
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Beautiful and thoughtful post. Thank you for the reminder that our time is precious. It’s always a valuable reminder, however it comes.
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Thank you. There is never enough time.
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A beautiful review Allie and hugs my lovely. Xx
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Thank you so much on both counts.
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Blimey, that has to be one of the best reviews I’ve ever read. I SO love your thought provoking posts. I will have to sneak in and give the terror tot a kiss before I climb into my own bed.
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Hold them, squeeze them, and never forget to tell them how much you care.
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What an amazing review! The book sounds absolutely fab, but your description of the emotional journey it took you on has me SOLD. I think that’s the best review I’ve ever read.
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That’s very nice of you to say. I had no idea when I picked it up how timely the read would be. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, but I do hope the week that follows for you isn’t quite as eventful.
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Thank you – me too, if I’m honest 😉
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🙂
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