Review of Living in Color

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Living in Color" by Mike Murphy.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Mike and Margot met and fell in love in less than desirable circumstances. But somehow, they managed to fight for their love. What they did not know was that in a few months after resolving to be together, they would have to fight for Margot’s life. When Mike discovers a small lump in Margot’s breast, she downplays it. Soon enough, they realize that it is breast cancer. Margot spends the next nine years of her life getting treatment, but she never stops living in color. Even though she was in immense pain, Margot emanated light and wisdom that transcends understanding. Living in Color is one of Mike Murphy’s tributes to his wife, Margot. This book is a real-life story of love, pain, courage, and higher understanding.

One of the things Margot told Mike was, “Continue to be a good man.” And Mike has continued to uphold this character. His search for a higher purpose led him to found the Love From Margot Foundation, which assists low-income women with breast cancer access treatment and good medical care. Additionally, he has created this book, which I believe will be helpful for people suffering from any illness, especially cancer; Margot’s strength and approach of faith and love will help such persons with strength and light.

The primary time setting of Living in Color is 2010 till 2011. The book is made up of three parts. In the first scene, we meet Margot when she is already sick and making a serious decision, but soon the author takes readers back to how they fell in love. This flashback style of writing continues throughout the rest of the book. I loved that the author included a backstory to his relationship with Margot. Also, how the author perfectly merged the past and current timelines left me in awe, as this style of writing can leave readers confused.

I did not agree with the way Mike and Margot’s relationship came about, but as I read on, Margot’s light blew me away and evaporated any judgment I had. I loved so much that the author’s main messages were love, kindness, strength, and a higher understanding. The author arranged the book with dates, writing in the first person, and some dialogue. I found the writing style to be perfect. I found that the dates allowed me to keep track of the many events without things seeming disorganized, and the dialogue was not overdone. The author also managed to make me laugh several times despite the bleak occurrences.

The author is an excellent record keeper; he included pictures, emails, writings from Margot, and even blog posts. All of this made my reading experience so much more intimate. I began to feel like I was Margot’s friend. There were certain things Margot said that I had to highlight because they resonated with me. When she said that she was living beyond fear, it was like a revelation to me. I did not dislike anything about the book. So I rate Living in Color 4 out of 4 stars. This book will be a great read for romance readers. If you have experienced loss or are looking for a deeper understanding of life, you should read this book. You may not agree with everything the author believes, but there is wisdom that comes from staring death in the face many years at a time, and Mike Murphy captured some of that in this book.

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Living in Color
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[Shivali Y]

I adore the way you said you began to feel like you were Margot's friend - definitely shows the excellence of the book. Thanks for a great review!

[Elendu Ekechukwu]

I can't wait to read this emotional book, how does Mike cope with all this. Good review

[collinsogw555]

This seems to be a love book that has a sad ending as Margaret has an ailment that could claim her life, I need to read this book to know if she scaled through or not. Thanks for your review.

[asteel18]

I love Mike Murphy's books. He's a brilliant author. I'm also a breast cancer survivor so this will be a definite read for me. Thank you for the review!

[Nonso Ok]

I hope Margaret is fine in the end. I would love to read this book. Thank you.

[Ivvie Ivanova]

I'm pretty sure this book will make me cry when I read it and that is exactly why I will be reading this soon. Thank you for your review!

[Alice Fu]

I appreciate how you mentioned that the story was told in flashbacks. My favorite style of writing is the type where the present events are combined with the past to create a full narrative of everything occurring in the story

[peter-turo]

Nine years of battling breast cancer is nothing less than Courage. Margot and Mike relationship seem to have been made in unlikely situations. Murphy must be a good man since he never abandoned his wife few months into their relationship when they discovered the dawn of breast cancer in their life. This book will not just appeal to romantics but also people who are battling sickness and pain. Love this book.

[Pauls_]

Margot and Mike had a unique relationship. It must have been a difficult time for the couple. I'm impressed with Margot's bravery in the face of death. I look forward to reading the book. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Sou Hi]

Congrats on BOTD. This will be an encouraging book for patients who are fighting against cancers and other sicknesses.

[Mahmoud Bassyouni]

It really symbolizes the bond between the couple, Margaret and Mike, where they set a different motive and lifestyle. It is new to them; moreover, it sparks a new challenge for both of them in which they decide whether to fight for their loved ones or surrender to them.

[kiki2881]

This is a poignant story, and i'd like to know why Mike chose a reflective writing style and how much he's in touch with his past with Margot

[Hyacinth Bella]

Love really does make us move mountains, and the proof of that is Mike's and Margot's love story and relationship. It fascinates me to the bone whenever I read books or memoirs that entail a legendary love story, and I wonder if I would ever experience one. Nonetheless, I would like to read this book whenever I got the time.

Thank you so much for your review!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The author is an excellent record keeper; he included pictures, emails, writings from Margot, and even blog posts. All of this made my reading experience so much more intimate. I began to feel like I was Margot’s friend. There were certain things Margot said that I had to highlight because they resonated with me. When she said that she was living beyond fear, it was like a revelation to me. I did not dislike anything about the book. So I rate Living in Color 4 out of 4 stars. This book will be a great read for romance readers. If you have experienced loss or are looking for a deeper understanding of life, you should read this book. You may not agree with everything the author believes, but there is wisdom that comes from staring death in the face many years at a time, and Mike Murphy captured some of that in this book.

The different genres of text must make the reading flow quite interesting. I wonder what happened that you don't find the beginning of the relationship acceptable...But I love a good romance story, so I'm up for it.
Great review!