Kate Braestrup’s memoir Here If You Need Me was one that I first saw on the Barnes and Noble “Discover New Writers” display (one of my favorite sections to visit when I go there) and her story sounded so intriguing that I added it to my wishlist. And there it sat, until I suggested it as one of the books for my church book club and luckily for me, they agreed. That gave me the excuse I needed to move it up on the list and actually read it.
Kate Braestrup was a wife and mother of four when one day, her life changed forever. That was the day her husband, a Maine state trooper, was killed in a car accident. She decided to take on his plan to become a chaplain for the Maine Warden Service, entering seminary while coping with the daunting task of being a single parent and dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s death. She shares some of the most sorrowful, terrible experiences as the wardens’ chaplain and writes of her grief and commitment to her vocation with grace and a self-deprecating humor. What is most appealing about this woman is her quiet strength and her vulnerability. Kate Braestrup is a woman you’d want in your corner and her story is one that will touch your heart.
Wow! She sounds like such an inspirational woman!
I’ve been on the lookout for this one since I read the review in Time a couple of years ago.
I love stories like this…very empowering. It is also like reality is slapping you in the face, and is scary to imagine it happening to yourself.
This does sound like a book that would provide inspiration…and a sense of peace. I love heroes who face tragedy in such a way as to
give courage to others.
A wonderful book and a remarkable woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a Ecumenical Service of Remembrance: Honoring our Loved Ones event a year and a half ago. I wrote about it here
I remember seeing an interview with her shortly after the book was first published, and thinking I wanted to read it. Thanks for reminding me that I should!
I read this via audio book which Braestrup herself narrated. She is quite a lady–i wondered how she managed to read through the parts of her husband’s death without totally losing it.
I enjoyed this book too! Glad you read it
I have this book on my pile of books to read–but I’d never heard of anyone who had read it, except my sister-in-law, who recommended it to me. Thanks for reminding me that I need to read this one!
I love memoirs. I just love reading about other people’s lives. It is so interesting!
This does sound like a good read! What an inspiration!
I read this last year (though still haven’t gotten around to reviewing it on my blog) and decided it was the best memoir of the year. Read it after hearing her interviewed by Krista Tippett on Speaking of Faith. Besides her story being so interesting, she writes very well with a strong sense of compassion and “realness.” Glad to see you talking about it here!