Early reviews for Chance at Life
- Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
Chance at Life by Susan Ellison Busch explores the resilience and
challenges faced by individuals living with chronic illness,
particularly concerning dialysis treatment. This novel examines the
lives of its characters, offering an educational and emotional
narrative that highlights the complexities of medical treatments
and the endurance of the human spirit. Busch details the medical
processes involved in dialysis, its impact on patients’ lives, and the
emotional and physical toll it exacts. Busch provides a wide-ranging
perspective on how individuals from various backgrounds and life
situations cope with their dependency on life-sustaining treatment
by focusing on a diverse cast of characters.
The character development is exceptional. Each character is fully
realized and adds to a deeper understanding of the shared human
experience. Susan Ellison Busch’s writing is outstanding,
highlighting the drama of the clinic alongside quiet moments of
personal reflection. The narrative is compelling, emphasizing that
behind every medical statistic lies a human story filled with
struggle, hope, and the desire for dignity. Chance at Life is a critical
commentary on the state of healthcare for the chronically ill and a
celebration of the human will to survive and thrive against all odds.
It’s recommended for those who appreciate medical dramas filled
with real-world challenges and heartfelt storytelling. These stories
are interwoven with thoughtful discussions about medical ethics,
medical technology’s evolution, and the healthcare system’s social
implications, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the
intersections of health, technology, and ethics. Although fiction,
Busch includes factual information and diagrams relating to
dialysis.
2.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite
Chance at Life by Susan Ellison Busch, MSN, CNP, is an emotional story that follows the lives of dialysis patients, their families, and the medical professionals who care for them. The primary focus is on Rachel, a dedicated nurse who risks her career and personal life for her patients. She struggles to maintain her relationship with her fiancé, Scott, who constantly belittles her. She grows close to Darnell, a patient in need of a kidney transplant. Darnell’s kindness and warmth draw her to him. Additionally, Rachel witnesses Elizabeth, a patient contemplating euthanasia, demonstrate grace and strength, as well as Marguerite, whose desperation for a kidney leads her down a dangerous path.
Chance at Life is a poignant narrative that effectively intertwines medical education with personal storytelling, making complex topics, such as dialysis, systemic racism in healthcare, domestic abuse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and unplanned pregnancy, accessible and relatable. By sharing individual patient stories, Busch fosters empathy and understanding. Through characters like Rachel, who grapples with love, faith, and emotional connections, the book highlights the human aspect of healthcare challenges. This narrative approach not only informs but also deeply engages readers, prompting reflection on both medical and social issues within the healthcare system. The author also addresses the harsh realities of the illegal organ trade, police brutality, and gun violence. The story culminates in an unexpected bittersweet ending. The narrative highlights that, beyond the emotional challenges of dialysis, the healthcare system is also a testament to human resilience, compassion, and sacrifice. It illustrates how genuine connections, love, and acceptance are vital in patient care, providing hope and healing amidst pain. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in stories that explore the emotional and social complexities of healthcare.