Description
Melody Chatelle’s inspiring book Journeys of Heartache and Grace: Conversations and Life Lessons from Young People with Serious Illnesses has garnered an Honorable Mention nod from the highly regarded Indie Excellence awards.
Journeys of Heartache and Grace was named a Delta Kappa Gamma International Society Book of Interest.
“Though tough on the emotions, Chatelle’s work is likely to prove useful for anyone who wonders how, at the all but inevitable time, to be a source of peace rather than pain for a dying loved one of any age.”
“Books in Brief” from HEALTH PROGRESS (July-August 2009 issue)
Chatelle’s blog can be found at journeysgrace.wordpress.com
What Readers are Saying
Midwest Book Review (***** 5 stars)
“To be faced with death at such a young age, truly a horrible experience. Journeys of Heartache and Grace: Conversations and Life Lessons From Young People With Serious Illnesses is a collection of compelling stories from these children who have to push every bit of their bravery to keep their spirits up in such a terrible time. Their insights on the short life they have experienced is uplifting, making Journeys of Heartache and Grace a must read for those who want their hearts to beat with renewed vigor in their appreciation of life and what life has to offer, despite serious illnesses.”
—Library Bookwatch, October 2008
“Journeys of Heartache and Grace is a must read for anyone who wants to support a loved one through a serious illness. Melody has drawn wise guidance from the mouths of children. Her book provides straightforward answers to a difficult question: How can I help?”
—Joy H. Selak, Ph.D., Author, You Don’t LOOK Sick! Living Well with Invisible Chronic Illness
“It’s seldom that one reads a book that truly paints a three-dimensional picture of the fragile lives of others. This is a must read for families of children with severe illnesses and caregivers alike.”
—Bill M. Wooten, Ph.D., Academic Medical Center.
“If you’ve ever wondered what to say when someone is really sick, this book is a must read.”
—The Honorable Ron Kirk, Former Texas Secretary of State and Mayor of Dallas
“I have been profoundly inspired by the courage, strength and optimism of children facing serious or terminal illnesses. Just as I have learned from them to embrace life every day, everyone reading this book will be deeply touched and moved to fully embrace the blessings of life.”
—The Honorable Chet Edwards, Member, United States Congress
“This book is a testament to those young individuals who are facing their own sickness and mortality – and the undeniable spirit for living each day to its fullest. We can all learn from the lessons these children share in a very open, honest and inspiring way.”
—Kim Carlos, Co-Author of Nordie’s at Noon
“This book will go a long way in helping us to meet the challenge of finding words of comfort and help to share with others whom we care about who are seriouslly ill.”
—The Honorable Sarah Weddington, Author, Attorney
Melody Chatelle holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. A long-time hospice volunteer, she owns and operates Chatelle and Associates, a nationally-known communication and advocacy consulting firm in Austin, Texas.
Visit Melody’s website chatelleandassociates.com
