Last Things is the true and intensely personal story of how one woman coped with the devastating effects of a catastrophic illness in her family.
Using her trademark mix of words and pictures to sharp effect, Marissa Moss presents the story of how she, her husband, and her three young sons struggled to maintain their sense of selves and wholeness as a family and how they continued on with everyday life when the earth shifted beneath their feet.
After returning home from a year abroad, Marissa’s husband, Harvey, was diagnosed with ALS. The disease progressed quickly, and Marissa was soon consumed with caring for Harvey while trying to keep life as normal as possible for her young children. ALS stole the man who was her husband, the father of her children, and her best friend in less than 7 months.
This is not a story about the redemptive power of a terminal illness. It is a story of resilience—of how a family managed to survive a terrible loss and grow in spite of it. Although it’s a sad story, it’s powerfully told and ultimately uplifting as a guide to strength and perseverance, to staying connected to those who matter most in the midst of a bleak upheaval. If you’ve ever wondered how you would cope with a dire diagnosis, this book can provide a powerful example of what it feels like and how to come through the darkness into the light.
"A gripping portrayal of how devastating ALS can be, but also a powerful example of resilience and hope." –Dr. Catherine Lomen-Hoerth, neurologist, ALS clinic, UCSF
"This is a very brave and beautifully drawn account. Anyone coping with the loss of a spouse is going to benefit – and any reader can relate to the family dynamics, the stress of caregiving, and the crisis of a terminal disease." ? Eleanor Vincent, author of Swimming with Maya: A Mother's Story
"Powerful and beautiful – this book is a great addition to the graphic novel canon." --Ian Lendler, author of The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents MacBeth
“If anyone still thinks the graphic format can’t be used to tell deep, grown-up, powerful stories, Last Things ought to change their mind. It’s about all the big questions: How we live, how we raise our children, how we survive seemingly unbearable loss. Moss’s authenticity, raw honesty and vulnerability will help anyone who’s struggling with loss and ‘lasts’ – ultimately, that’s all of us.” —Marjorie Ingall, author of Mamaleh Knows Best
Marissa Moss has written more than seventy books, from picture books to middle-grade and young adult novels. Best known for the Amelia’s Notebook series (over 5 million sold), her books are popular with teachers and children alike. Her picture book, Barbed Wire Baseball, won the California Book Award, Gold medal. Marissa is also the founder of Creston Books, an independent children’s publishing house. Visit her at www.marissamoss.com.
