Official Review: Suddenly Single by Miriam S. Russell

[Kourtney Bradley]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Suddenly Single" by Miriam S. Russell.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Suddenly Single: A Life After Death is a tragi-comedy written by Miriam S. Russell and published in 2018. The memoir is right under 250 Kindle edition pages, allowing a reader ample opportunity to feel as if they get to know the author fully while she shares her story. Although the memoir is written with many tragic occurrences, the author's humor is brilliant and shines throughout.

Miriam Russell is living a smooth and comfortable life- right up until the moment of sudden death for her beloved husband, Jim, at only 60-years-old. Middle-aged and suddenly alone after nearly 30 years of marriage, Miriam shares the experiences she endured while traveling around and trying to re-discover herself. Her ruminations range from potential new lovers, traveling alone for the first time, and experiencing an entirely new outlook on life, all while on the path of self-discovery.

It's difficult for me to imagine the grief that Miriam was experiencing- but with her well-expressed honesty while telling her story, I feel like I was able to comprehend the level of distraught loneliness she conveyed. Miriam has a likable personality and seems to be a respected member of her community and family. Her dedication to her family was prevalent. I was pleased to see that she finally decided to begin living for herself once she lost Jim by finding new things she enjoyed and ways to not only occupy her time but fill it with a sense of meaning.

While reading, I discovered a few, although very minor, grammatical errors that I should mention, such as, incorrect usage of was/with, "stars-truck" rather than "star-struck," and one minor misuse of punctuation. Although I do feel it's necessary to mention, a careful run-through with a thorough editor would swiftly correct any mishaps.

Despite the few errors I discovered while reading, I'm still more than happy to rate Suddenly Single: A Life After Death 3 out of 4 stars. My rating would change instantaneously to 4 stars with the editing corrections. Miriam's story is engaging, raw, and brutally honest throughout, which is something that I fully respect as a reader. My favorite thing about her memoir is how she is never ashamed to admit her own flaws and includes them in her story in order to best represent reality. I especially enjoyed the section where she mentions a few cringe-worthy dates she ventured on, never failing to point out just how wrong her judgment was on occasion with online dating.

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Suddenly Single
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[LuciusM]

Her story seems to be full of inspiration as she unleashes ways she was able to triumph over the obstacles. Nice review.

[shamayelnur]

By reading the review it seems the book might have an interesting plot with rich emotions added in it. I really wish to read this book. I the review itself was a good one.

[Topsey]

This sounds like an interesting and compelling memoir to read. I’m glad that the humour is well done too as it is always hard to read badly written humour.

[SenSen]

Recently, I've read a really good memoir of a strong woman who experienced some really sad situations, but was able to overcome it all. I'm glad this memoir seems to have all the same qualities. Thank you for recommending it!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

This sounds like a compelling memoir infused with humor and transparency. Thanks for the great review!

[Kola+wole]

Sounds like an outstanding memoir. The loss of a loved one after so many years together can be a trying time. I'm so glad she was able to find a way to keep on living her best life. Thanks for a wonderful review.

[Dayodiola]

No one best describe one's life as oneself.

[Star_and_Buck]

This one seems a good book. Good job.

[AnnOgochukwu]

Aww. This sounds to me like a bittersweet story I'd like to read.
Beautiful review.