Book Review: “Bedtime Stories for the Living”

Posted on by Megan McNally

YOU GUYS. If you ever take any advice from me, please let it be this: READ THIS BOOK.

Now, I’m definitely biased because the author could really be my twin – a high school English teacher with three kids who was diagnosed with Cerebellar Degeneration in his 30s and currently runs a humorous, inspirational, well-written blog (Write On, Fight On) about living with a progressive chronic illness and being a parent and the importance of literacy and other stuff… 

Plus it honestly feels like he rooted through my brain and gave words to feelings I didn’t know I had.

But, really, if you enjoy my blog (I mean, you’re here, aren’t you?), you’re going to love this book.

^ click to buy a copy!

Not gonna lie – I ordered it thinking it was a book for kids with a nice cover that could just serve as decoration on my toddler’s shelf. I was being a good person by supporting a fellow Ataxian. I liked his blog, so I knew it wouldn’t be bad, I just didn’t really have any expectations for it. 

Living with a rare disease definitely makes your life unique, but there are quite a few authors who have capitalized on this (myself included), and we all pretty much say the same thing.

Boy, was I wrong.

According to Readers’ Favorite’s Emma Megan:

“You cannot read this breathtaking memoir and still be ungrateful for your health. Bedtime Stories for the Living by Jay Armstrong is the best motivational book I’ve ever read. Jay’s writing style is addictive, mainly because it’s nostalgic, vulnerable, and filled with wisdom and sorrow. In his uniqueness, Jay inspires and encourages not only his children but all his readers to figure out their dreams and to chase the one that brings them joy, to read poetry, and never to ignore their internal voice. He reminds them that they are responsible for how they adapt to change. Bedtime Stories for the Living is truly an empowering book as it speaks to the heart and the mind and delivers inspirational life lessons and unique stories. It’s undoubtedly a must-read.”

Any book that LEGITIMATELY had me laughing out loud and then sobbing uncontrollably within the first 20 pages deserves immense recognition. His perfect, conversational writing style made it feel like Jay and I were sitting in a coffee shop telling each other stories. One minute I hear about him telling his Dr. Paul Simon that he can call him Al (hahaha) and next Jay’s recalling all of the things he won’t be able to do with his kids in the future. Ugh, my heart.

Really though, there were so many moments when I was like, “Yes! Exactly! I’m not alone!” Between anecdotes of using a cane in public for the first time and getting teens to appreciate poetry, I’m pretty sure I found another BFF. [Warning: the chapter titled “The Day I Learned I Could No Longer Jump” ripped my soul to pieces time and time again.]

– Jay Armstrong, “The Day I Learned I Could No Longer Jump”

I think Kyle Bryant (spokesperson for Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and host of the Two Disabled Dudes podcast) captured it best in saying,

“It is a unique experience to read a book that speaks directly to your heart … In Bedtime Stories for the Living, Jay Armstrong accurately articulates the thoughts of any person living with a rare disease or other challenge in life and thus relates to the reader on a level that is not often experienced.”

Even when I couldn’t relate to the event (like his tales of playing baseball, or having a daughter), I understood the feeling behind it SO WELL. And that’s why I’m recommending this book to YOU – it’ll help you empathize with Ataxians, inspire you to feel some pretty deep feelings, and motivate you to actually use your potential.

Go read. You’re welcome.