I should post book reviews here more often, but darn, it I don’t have the time. This book made me find the time. Something Beautiful is Going to Happen by Melissa Young is the true story of my friend and how faith overcomes all. Literally. She is proof that the human spirit is more powerful than all the ills life can throw at you. It also chock full of enough humor and touching moments to keep even the most discriminating of readers happy.
1. It’s Not Political
As you may know, I’m not afraid to go political and/or make an idiot of myself. This does not go for this book. Melissa is an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump but not for the “build the wall” reasons that immediately come to mind. She supports him in return for his unwavering support of her and her son. After her illness, he was kind enough to write her and gave her the strength to continue fighting. Don’t believe me? Check out this video of her making the trek to thank him in person. The book itself outlines the details of the encounter and is worth the read alone.
2. It is Uplifting A.F.
I didn’t think a woman dying of a terminal illness that was 100% preventable (but was allowed to happen by her doctors anyway) would be uplifting. As with many things, I was wrong. The struggle isn’t what the book is about, and I’ve read TONS of books with the “poor me” attitude. No matter how well it was justified, it was a turnoff. I’ve read this book from cover to cover and couldn’t find a single one. But try going a page without finding something uplifting – and this is from someone who thought “Forrest Gump” was just okay in that department.
3. From Pearls to Pearls
Full disclosure: I am one of many of Melissa’s friends on Facebook, although I’ve never met her. But I did have a predisposed guess on what Melissa’s childhood was like. You know, beauty queen and all must have had a whole collection of silver spoons. I’ve never known one who didn’t. Until now. I thought having to share a bathroom with my brother and sister was rough growing up. Again, I was wrong. I won’t spoil anything but reading about Melissa’s first set of pearls to the ones she wore at Christmas 2018 is a story every struggling child and adult should do.
4. It’s a Handbook on How to Forgive
We all need to learn to forgive, especially me. Those of you who need help (especially me!) will find this book invaluable. I compare it to the Owner’s Manual of my Honda that I constantly read because I don’t know how to do anything to it. This book too will be your step by step guide. Not so much in the “first do this” sort of way. Instead, you feel your heart soften and your burden lifted as Melissa time and again shows that if she can do it, so can anyone – even me(ish)!
5. A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words
Still not convinced? Melissa’s story touched so many people, she even has her own tribute video to her son. Watch it here and try not to cry. You’ve been warned.
For more on Melissa, visit her official site.
Lilia Fabry is the author of Ordinance 93, a novel set in a world where having a baby without permission is against the law and the first four people to break it. She also writes about everything from reaction injection molding to low fat recipes while indulging her need for creative outlets including novels and screenplays. Find out more on Twitter.