A must-read for all parents
Rating:
5 / 5
Marsha Willis is a gifted writer. Her skill with the written word makes "The Ethan Chronicles" truly a work of literary nonfiction. It is written in third person voice (Marsha calls herself Ann) and one feels he or she is reading fiction. Ann's son Ethan is killed in an accident when he is hit broadside by a young man, "Matt," who has a "mile long" rap sheet of run-ins with law enforcement officials. Somehow, over the years, Matt has managed to escape conviction on many of the charges such as: "Charge of underage alcohol possession is dismissed because the original ticket has disappeared." In essence, he is consequently allowed to continue his reckless driving habits, which eventually result in Ethan's death. As loophole after loophole delays the trial, the reader wonders if Matt will ever be held accountable for his actions, especially in the death of Ethan. Marsha skillfully weaves the incredible story of bringing Matt to trial (as seen on Court TV and Dateline NBC) and the anguish of her grief in losing her only child. As a bereaved parent, I related so strongly with Marsha (Ann.) Her words gave voice to my own grief journey. If you are a parent, bereaved or not, this book is a must-read.
No Greater Inspiration!
Rating:
5 / 5
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of 2001. Last year was a year consumed by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments -- BUT it was another year of the gift of life. Thank you, Marsha, for touching my life and my heart with the reinforcement that every day is precious and to be enjoyed -- never to be taken for granted. Your courage, honest emotion and "recovery" are an inspiration to me! Ethan smiles down on us all!
Extremely Thought Provoking
Rating:
5 / 5
Marsha did an amazing thing in this book. She took the most unbearable event possible and walked me through it with her, allowing me to believe that one CAN make it to the other side of this kind of tragedy. I was impressed that the journey was an enlightenment, and in no way morbid or prurient. I loved the way the story brought up one viewpoint after another, of an incredibly complex situation. This was one of the most thought-provoking books I have recently read.
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