Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Presidential Candidate John, is unfortunately best known for her perseverance in the face of terrible challenges. She first lost a sixteen year old son in a freak car accident. She was then diagnosed with breast cancer on the eve of the 2004 presidential election. Now, at the onset of the 2008 campaign, she discovered that cancer had moved to her bones, and was now classified as incurable. The doctors gave her about five years to live.

Now, if that woman chose to offer some advice about determination, you would listen, yes? Of course you would, which is why you’ll read the excerpt of her memoir Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers, which was recently released in paperback. In it, you’ll find heart-wrenching descriptions of love, grief, and the value of people coming together.

Lovely.