Melody B. (5ducksfans) reviewed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
If this was not a true story, I would absolutely not believe a word of it. The story is so incredible, but while you're reading it you actually get sucked in to the author's world where it's like, "yeah, this can be done." Every once in a while a reality check would hit me and WHAM - I'd be completely blown away by this incredible story again. I don't have many books on my keeper shelf, but luckily I ended up with 2 copies of this so I can share one with PBSers.
BTW - I have not seen the movie. I'm pretty sure I don't want to because the written word really brings out what is in the author's head. I don't think it will translate well to visual.
BTW - I have not seen the movie. I'm pretty sure I don't want to because the written word really brings out what is in the author's head. I don't think it will translate well to visual.
Rachel (bigrachwoowoo) reviewed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book was not at all what I expected after seeing the movie. The movie essentially told the story of J.D. Bauby's life, his stroke/seizure, and his life afterwards in the hospital. The book is more about his reflections on life. While some of the stories are the same, the effect is not. Both are good in their own ways, but don't expect to love the book just because you loved the movie. I was expecting more of a narrative, and it is more a series of vignettes.
Stella P. (Tabby) reviewed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death on + 195 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I read this book and cried at every page. The author had remarkable courage to write this book, through blinking his eyes- all done through a translater.
Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death on + 946 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book deserves 5 stars based on the extraordinary efforts it took on the part of the author and his editorial team to tell it. This book could easily have been sad, but because of the author's beautiful writing and spirit is instead a bittersweet ode to the joys of life: family, food, love, etc. The book is slim and easily read in one session.
Pat W. (3ladybug) reviewed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death on + 531 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A very innteresting look inside the the life of a paraplagic; the struggle of trying to overcome tragic circumstance. Bauby writes from within himself from his perspective of the mind. He shares what he 'sees' from within; his world has changed; he sees things much differently than he used to since he became a paraplagic. Bauby's book gives the reader much to poonder and contemplate. Many should read his book of collected thoughts and writing...