Blog Tour - Room for Two by Abel Keogh

I recently heard Abel Keogh speak at a writer's conference. He told us a little bit about his book and I immediately wanted to read it.

The book catches your attention from the very first sentence. "I don't remember the last thing I said to Krista that Saturday afternoon, but I know it was not 'I love you.'"

Room for Two is the true story of the year of Keogh’s life following his young wife’s suicide. The book begins as he steps through the door of his home and hears a gunshot echo from the bedroom. His worst fears are realized when he finds his pregnant wife dead. Their premature baby is rushed to the hospital and dies nine days later.

The first few chapters of this book were difficult to read. Abel describes his experiences in a very vivid way and my heart wrenched for him as I read them. He helps us realize the stark reality of losing a loved one to suicide and the resulting doubts and guilty feelings that follow.

Throughout the book you learn how Abel dealt with the feelings of guilt. “At some point we’re all going to face a devastating affliction and cope with loss,” Keogh said. “How we choose to react to the bad things that happen in our lives defines who we are. We can either learn from our experiences and become a better person or dwell in bitterness and sorrow. I choose to make the best out of a bad situation."

But don't worry that the book is just a depressing account of a very sad tale. It is so much more. Abel's search for peace and the miracle that follows is proof that love and hope can endure, despite the struggles and tragedies that shape each of our lives.

I applaud the courage it took to share such a personal and difficult trial with the world. I highly recommend this well-written personal life story. It's one of the best books I've read this summer.

More about Room for Two, including the first chapter of the book can be read at http://abelkeogh.com/. You can purchase the book here.

Room for Two
Trade Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort (August 2007)
ISBN-10: 1599550628
ISBN-13: 978-1599550626