When Life Gives You Pears: the Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People

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First your review of When Life Gives Yous Pears: The Healing Ability of Family unit, Faith, and Funny People

When Life Gives You Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan is a memoir of the journeying of a married woman and female parent of five and business organisation partner, diagnosed with a encephalon tumour. Jeannie Gaffigan is the spouse of comedian Jim Gaffigan. Together, as a family, they faced uncertainty, fear, surgery, a long recovery period and adapting to a new kind of life, all of it done with strength, love, a sense of humor and a positive attitude. This is an example of grace nether force per unit area. I will remember this book for a long time an When Life Gives You Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan is a memoir of the journey of a wife and mother of 5 and business partner, diagnosed with a encephalon tumour. Jeannie Gaffigan is the spouse of comedian Jim Gaffigan. Together, equally a family unit, they faced uncertainty, fearfulness, surgery, a long recovery period and adapting to a new kind of life, all of it done with strength, beloved, a sense of humour and a positive attitude. This is an instance of grace nether pressure. I volition remember this book for a long time and utilize its wisdom if life gives pears. ...more

Oct 03, 2019 Jim Higgins rated it really liked it

iv.5 stars. Certainly the funniest book about surviving a brain tumor I've ever read. iv.5 stars. Certainly the funniest book most surviving a brain tumor I've e'er read. ...more

Aug xx, 2019 Amy Oechsner rated information technology it was amazing

This was a deeply personal story. I am a huge fan of Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan and I was there on Instagram when Jeannie had her brain surgery. It shocked all of us fans because we know of the two, Jeannie is the "wellness nut" and she is so immature, and they accept 5 kids. I felt a personal connexion to this volume because for 4 years, I have seen Jim Gaffigan perform here in Milwaukee on New Year'due south Eve (please come back, we miss you Jim!) and we (the audience) enjoy knowing that he is here for the hol This was a securely personal story. I am a huge fan of Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan and I was there on Instagram when Jeannie had her brain surgery. It shocked all of us fans considering nosotros know of the two, Jeannie is the "health nut" and she is and then young, and they take 5 kids. I felt a personal connection to this volume because for 4 years, I accept seen Jim Gaffigan perform hither in Milwaukee on New year's day's Eve (delight come dorsum, we miss yous Jim!) and we (the audience) enjoy knowing that he is here for the holidays spending time with his married woman'southward family that live hither. I likewise felt personally connected because Jeannie talks virtually Lake Park, Froedert, and Columbia Infirmary.

I have 3 kids and I can't imagine, and maybe I am a control freak like Jeannie is, but however, I tin't imagine going from our normal hectic crazy everyday schedule, to going into encephalon surgery, not knowing if I would come out alive or exist the aforementioned physically/mentally once again.

This story is about resilience. Jeannie is a fighter, and even in the worst of times, she realizes the beauty of this terrible situation. She finds a new lease on life and she learns what life is actually about, enjoying the moment and beingness good to others.

I loved this volume, and it was difficult to put down. I take always admired Jeannie and Jim's marriage. Jeannie gets very personal in this volume and you see that their wedlock definitely went through some very hard times. I enjoyed Jeannie talking virtually her faith and how God worked miracles into her diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. This is a must read for any Gaffigan fan!

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Apr 13, 2020 Danielle rated it actually liked it

If you're feeling downwardly and need a lilliputian perspective- this would be a nifty read for y'all. This is a great reminder to appreciate the moments and people in your life. It'due south too a slap-up reminder to always express joy!

January 27, 2020 Richard Propes rated information technology actually liked it

I'one thousand sitting hither in my Indianapolis home most two months after amputation of my left leg above the articulatio genus. While this may sound dramatic (it is), it'due south simply the latest cease on my lifelong journey equally a paraplegic with spina bifida who became a double below-knee amputee in my early twenty'due south.

The amputation happened after a ten-twenty-four hours hospitalization due to astringent aridity, a high gamble for folks with spina bifida that was coupled with severe infections.

I'thou healing. Well, except my left leg. Information technology'south gone.

I'm sitting here in my Indianapolis home near two months after amputation of my left leg above the knee. While this may sound dramatic (it is), it'south simply the latest stop on my lifelong journey as a paraplegic with spina bifida who became a double below-knee amputee in my early on 20'southward.

The amputation happened later a 10-day hospitalization due to severe dehydration, a high take a chance for folks with spina bifida that was coupled with severe infections.

I'm healing. Well, except my left leg. It's gone.

I'm figuring out what it means to alive this life. I'm having to re-learn almost every aspect of life from transfers to showering to getting into bed to toileting to how I slumber and how I bulldoze. I've been off piece of work for 2 months and likely have another month to become.

I reflected on my ain journey a lot while reading Jeannie Gaffigan'south "When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Organized religion, and Funny People."

If y'all like the comic Jim Gaffigan, her hubby and partner in all things artistic including parenting and virtually of Jim's shows, you'll likely beloved him after reading this book because this volume makes him sound exactly like the Jim Gaffigan you desire him to be.

You'll besides learn a lot more near Jeannie, who is very much an equal partner in Jim's piece of work even so who largely has spent her professional career working behind-the-scenes and out of the spotlight despite having her own background in theater. You will probable adore her and either want to accept coffee with her or want to do some theater with her.

The two make quite the pear (Lamentable, I couldn't resist).

Information technology'due south obvious that Jeannie is his co-author, because equally you read this book you'll likely kickoff hearing Jim'southward voice at times. They obviously have complementary senses of humor and you can feel that throughout the book.

If you lot've always dealt with serious illness, yous'll probable appreciate "When Life Gives You lot Pears" even if you don't quite become into the rhythm of its humor. I'yard a huge Gaffigan fan and embraced the sense of humor.

If y'all similar stories almost the importance of family unit or the importance of faith or the importance of a sense of humor during the hard times, then you'll likewise probable embrace this book. While Gaffigan doesn't overwhelm with the faith bending, she's a devout Catholic, the faith is in that location and she shows up authentically with it.

Jim and Jeannie have v kids - so, of course, family is important. They as well both come from large families - families that showed up en masse when Jeannie was diagnosed with a benign, yet life threatening, pear-sized brain tumor.

I loved "When Life Gives You Pears," though I initially struggled a bit to become into its rhythm. Exercise I call up it's a 5-star book? Not quite.

I love that Gaffigan writes authentically. At times, you almost feel like she's having a conversation with you. Yet, at times, it'southward besides sort of stream-of-consciousness and that stream can interrupt a really good dramatic flow. At times, she diverts from a great story with an anecdote that'southward not necessarily and then smashing. I also establish the ending a flake unsatisfying - sort of anti-climactic. I hateful, yes, I knew she survived the the brain tumor. It's really hard to write a book about surviving a brain tumor if you didn't actually survive the brain tumor, only in that location'due south this abrupt shift about 30-forty pages from the end where nosotros go from discussing hardcore medical concerns into basically the story of how Jim and Jeannie met then into "I'm grateful for the tumor." While the "Jeannie meets Jim" department sort of maintains the volume'south tone, the whole "I'grand grateful" only didn't quite click for me. I hateful, I'm glad she'south grateful and I get it - information technology'south just written differently and left me feeling differently than I'd felt the unabridged volume.

There'south one other aspect of the book that bothered me and I'one thousand almost hesitant to mention it. Yet, I can't deny that it bothered me.

She writes an entire book nigh her experiences with a life-threatening brain tumor. Early on in the book, she writes near the connections that helped her get seen rapidly and essentially featherbed the normal procedures and head straight upward to see the head of Mt. Sinai'due south Neurosurgery Section. She writes almost all the tests, the surgeries, the time in ICU, the procedures, the home health, the professionals who entered her domicile, and much more than.

I couldn't help just wonder if she realized the privilege that exists in all of these things. She never, at least that I can remember, mentions the fiscal aspect of all of this journey. I volition presume she was insured, though certainly she and Jim are major successes in the comedy field. When she and Jim first met, she was working with children who could be considered at chance. Does she realize that she was privileged to accept access to and to exist able beget the elevation-notch healthcare that she writes about? I actually wanted somewhere in the book for her to admit it - not to apologize for it, considering she and Jim accept worked hard for it and earned it - but to acknowledge information technology considering there's simply no denying that having access to quality, consequent healthcare increases your likelihood of healing and recovery.

Maybe I'm a little more in-tune with this right now. I'm sitting at home trying to learn how to put a wheelchair in my car considering there'due south but no mode I tin afford an accessible van that I now demand. I don't begrudge her having access to all those wonders that helped her heal, but it'due south a privilege so many others simply don't have. Jeannie and Jim sound like amazing people - I wanted to get to know both of them here, just this book was a golden opportunity not necessarily to become political but to exist able to say "thanks" that I had plenty to gather this amazing squad. She thanks the amazing team, which is awesome because they did amazing work. She thanks her family, profusely.

I mean, I even get into my own sense of privilege. I've been off ii months, but I'm still getting paid. I nonetheless take a job to get back to. I have insurance that has a maximum out of pocket expenditure. I've lost everything in my life twice - literally living in my automobile - because of my body. This time, I didn't have that hazard. What a privilege.

Okay, I'm off my discourse at present.

Seriously, I truly loved this volume and while I think she could have washed a little less rambling and taken the book into some even deeper places I think information technology'south a vital book and an enjoyable read. While I can't quite go the 5-star rating, I'll hands give information technology upward a thumbs upwardly and 4-stars.

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Dec 15, 2019 Jacob Proffitt rated information technology really liked information technology

This is an ambling, autobiographical, introspective telling of the author's medical crisis when a tumor is establish in her brain. Jeannie is a decent writer and she's open and vulnerable, so I connected with it early and was engaged throughout. Most of the humor didn't really connect for me, just the heartfelt faith and introspection drew me in well-plenty.

And I'thou finding I don't accept much extra to say about information technology or the feel reading information technology. Virtually of her insights are rather obvious, really. Just I don'

This is an ambling, autobiographical, introspective telling of the writer'due south medical crisis when a tumor is found in her brain. Jeannie is a decent author and she's open and vulnerable, so I connected with it early and was engaged throughout. Near of the humor didn't actually connect for me, but the heartfelt faith and introspection drew me in well-plenty.

And I'm finding I don't have much extra to say almost it or the feel reading it. Near of her insights are rather obvious, actually. But I don't think that'southward a bad thing. And her sincerity and humility requite information technology enough power to bulldoze those points home in ways that have meaning across simply herself.

I remember she'due south at her best in telling of her faith and family and this is very much a faith-affirming story. Which has the drawback that it probably won't connect terribly well for those without a like foundation in faith. Which worked great for me, just likely limits the audition a good deal, likewise.

Anyway, I'm going to give this a really soft four stars. Parts of this moved me securely and make it difficult for me to go lower. Only there were uninteresting slumps where the humor wasn't connecting and I felt like skimming to the next chapter. So a adept read, personally, just I don't know that I'd recommend it for anyone else.

...more than

February 04, 2020 Danielle rated information technology it was ok

I call up the Gaffigans are great, so I was interested to hear Jeannie's story. Sadly, I almost didn't cease this. There'south a lot of focus on the details of the medical journey itself (which honestly, from feel, I've come to realize nobody really wants to hear) and just when you think you'll get a heartfelt delve into something deeper, you get a joke instead. Also, I'm non one to shout "your privilege is showing!" but in this case, I couldn't get past information technology non existence best-selling. Medical emerg I remember the Gaffigans are groovy, so I was interested to hear Jeannie's story. Sadly, I almost didn't terminate this. There's a lot of focus on the details of the medical journeying itself (which honestly, from feel, I've come to realize nobody really wants to hear) and just when you think you lot'll get a heartfelt delve into something deeper, yous go a joke instead. Also, I'm not 1 to shout "your privilege is showing!" but in this case, I couldn't get by it not existence acknowledged. Medical emergencies, for the majority of Americans, don't go down with unlimited staff, support, and inside connections. ...more than

Nov 08, 2019 Donna rated it it was ok

I've been squeezing in all the short books so I can get in to my reading goal for the year. That is why this i landed on my TBR list. This is a the memoir/autobiography of Jeanie Gaffigan and her battle with a encephalon tumor.

Overall, this was merely okay for me. While I appreciated the battle, her family life, and positive attitude, this vicious a little flat for me. This wasn't my kind of humour. More than a few times, instead of getting existent, she went for the punch line. Maybe if nosotros shared the aforementioned

I've been squeezing in all the short books so I can make it to my reading goal for the year. That is why this one landed on my TBR list. This is a the memoir/autobiography of Jeanie Gaffigan and her battle with a encephalon tumor.

Overall, this was just okay for me. While I appreciated the battle, her family unit life, and positive mental attitude, this brutal a little flat for me. This wasn't my kind of humour. More than a few times, instead of getting real, she went for the punch line. Mayhap if we shared the same humor, I would have been entertained, just sadly, that wasn't the case. So 2 stars.

...more

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

I absolutely loved When Life Gives Yous Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People by Jeannie Gaffigan, and if you lot tin I highly recommend listening to it on audiobook!

Jeannie Gaffigan is definitely one badass adult female, and I loved listening to her story. The book touches on everything from family unit to religion, and she talks virtually what happened from before she constitute out well-nigh the tumor to her recovery procedure. I listened to the audiobook which has a forrard by Jim Gaffigan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

I absolutely loved When Life Gives Yous Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People past Jeannie Gaffigan, and if you tin I highly recommend listening to it on audiobook!

Jeannie Gaffigan is definitely i badass woman, and I loved listening to her story. The book touches on everything from family to faith, and she talks about what happened from before she constitute out about the tumor to her recovery procedure. I listened to the audiobook which has a forward by Jim Gaffigan and is read by both Jeannie and her sister Liz since her vocalisation isn't dorsum to normal. I can only imagine how hard information technology was for her to talk for hours just to tape this book, and how exhausting information technology must have been. Her recovery procedure was no joke and I was securely moved by everything she had to go through.

I honey Jim Gaffigan and now I dear Jeannie just as much afterwards this incredibly personal story. When Life Gives You Pears besides talks almost how they met which I absolutely loved. I really like knowing more than about them and their family unit, and this book was actually touching. Although it does talk near religion, it doesn't overpower the book so if you aren't a believer y'all should still enjoy it.

Vocal/south the book brought to mind: Un Lugar Celestial (A Heavenly Place) by Jaci Velasquez

Final Thought: I could literally just spew wonderful things about this book all mean solar day long, but I will wrap this up. When Life Gives You Pears is full of sense of humor and heart, and y'all will definitely shed a few tears. Jeannie's positivity is truly an inspiration, and if yous are a fan of the Gaffigan's this is definitely going to exist a must read/listen!

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Apr 05, 2021 Alaina rated it really liked information technology

My beloved for Jim is probably why I decided to dive into Jeannie's volume. But like her married man, she can be quite funny and lovable. So diving into her story and learning how she handled the pear-shaped tumor experience was only - wow. Utterly astonishing and I loved all the support her and her family got while going through this serious state of affairs.

Jeannie is a fighter and I'yard so proud of her for not giving upwards once. I've never had cancer but I do have family members who fought and survived.. or still f

My dearest for Jim is probably why I decided to dive into Jeannie'due south book. But like her husband, she can be quite funny and lovable. So diving into her story and learning how she handled the pear-shaped tumor experience was simply - wow. Utterly amazing and I loved all the support her and her family got while going through this serious situation.

Jeannie is a fighter and I'm and so proud of her for not giving upwards once. I've never had cancer but I do have family members who fought and survived.. or still fighting today. It definitely breaks my heart when I tin can't be in that location for them physically now just I will continue to support them through whatever tough decision that they make.

This book also dives into personal family unit matters which was definitely interesting to me. Sometimes you just get one persons book and point of view on things. So to get Jeannie's view on her family unit and Jim was actually intriguing to me. Even when she went through the highs and lows because life isn't peachy and easy. Information technology's a hot mess at times.

Information technology only made them all way more than relatable and likable in my eyes.

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May 13, 2021 Heather rated it it was amazing

I take been a fan of Jim Gaffigan when he just had iii kids, and I followed the story of his wife's brain tumor closely through Instagram as well as their YouTube channel. So I knew a lot of the ins and outs earlier I started this and of course knew she has fabricated a mostly full recovery, even if her speech is nevertheless non the same every bit information technology was before her brain surgery.

But even knowing the story, I was still moved by Jeannie's telling of it. Jeannie's account is raw and real and vulnerable and funny. Sh

I take been a fan of Jim Gaffigan when he but had iii kids, and I followed the story of his wife's encephalon tumor closely through Instagram likewise as their YouTube aqueduct. So I knew a lot of the ins and outs earlier I started this and of course knew she has made a mostly full recovery, even if her speech is still not the same every bit it was earlier her brain surgery.

Just fifty-fifty knowing the story, I was all the same moved by Jeannie's telling of it. Jeannie's account is raw and real and vulnerable and funny. She is well known for being what her comedian hubby calls "Shiite Catholic" and they don't believe in nativity control and had all their children at home, and then I was sort of expecting a lot of intense religious stuff and some hokie new age alternative medicine garbage. What she offers instead is a narrative where she struggled with being a female parent and having lots of fiddling kids, calling it being in the "treacherous hold of immature motherhood", and having a non-linear faith journeying, with questions and periods of inactivity. She is open up about her struggles in her union, her resentment and jealously of Jim's career while she stayed at dwelling house with babies. And she has a touch of OCD, which made information technology all the more than painful to be helpless and have to turn the intendance and feeding of her family unit completely over to her hubby and extended family members when in her heart she had convinced herself that nobody could do it also as she did.

She had to come to the realization that non only could other people practise her job, but also that perchance the manner she had been doing it wasn't joyful or beneficial to her kids, and she embarks on a journey to take advantage of her state of affairs to make changes that would aid her and her kids. She admits she isn't e'er successful, only she makes pocket-size gains which demonstrates how committed she is as a mother.

Also she admittedly nails the trauma of medical care, the fog of a hospital stay, the helplessness and anger of existence sick and lashing out at loved ones even when you know you should be grateful, and and so besides the humility that comes when yous do remember to be grateful that there are experts in this world who cull to larn how to accept pear shaped tumors out of brains and that one such human but saved your life.

Overall, this book also is about love—her love for her husband, for her kids, for her family, and for God. Jeannie Gaffigan is a way intense person and spending time with her sounds similar it would exist like hanging out with a tornado (a very organized, clean, hyper focused tornado) but her book moved me to tears. I'm so glad she wrote it, and I'yard and then glad I read it.

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Oct 14, 2019 Lee Woodruff rated information technology information technology was amazing

Being half of a comedy-writing duo, (and married to a famous comedian) doesn't inoculate yous from the bad thing in life. Merely information technology does ensure that when you write a memoir about getting a pear-shaped encephalon tumor as the female parent of five immature children at the peak of your career, it's going to be funny. In fact Gaffigan'southward writing takes a bad thing and finds a humorous and witty way to make, well, pear-ade out of pears. I met Jeannie Gaffigan outside the skanky women's bathroom in the basement of NYC'due south Being half of a comedy-writing duo, (and married to a famous comedian) doesn't inoculate y'all from the bad affair in life. Simply it does ensure that when yous write a memoir about getting a pear-shaped brain tumor as the mother of five young children at the superlative of your career, it'south going to be funny. In fact Gaffigan's writing takes a bad thing and finds a humorous and witty fashion to make, well, pear-ade out of pears. I met Jeannie Gaffigan outside the skanky women's bath in the basement of NYC's Town Hall, where her husband Jim was performing at one of our early on "Stand up Up for Heroes" veteran fundraisers. While squat-peeing in the dusty basement bathroom, my borrowed Cartier diamond bracelet dropped in the toilet. And Jeannie was just the kind of friend to fish it right out with bare easily and without hesitating. I've loved her always since. So, across the humor, black-hearted honesty, bald-faced truisms and the universal parenting snapshots, the book contains serious moments most faith, what really matters and the many gifts of discovery in Jeannie's miraculous recovery (spoiler alert—she survives and is every bit funny as ever, maybe more so.) If Tina Fey had three more kids and needed brain surgery (God forbid) this is the book she would write. ...more

What a great volume!
I have to say Jeannie's ability to take a nightmare like a pearsized tumor on her brain stem and plow it into a delightful read is pretty amazing. I laughed and cried reading this book and was inspired! As a beau lover of a to do list and mom of 5 who wears many hats, I really related to her discussions on life and the struggle she experienced when she was out the desired of command-way. I plan to strive to implement her encouraged to do listing this side by side year: 1. Spend more than q What a bang-up volume!
I have to say Jeannie'south ability to accept a nightmare like a pearsized tumor on her brain stem and turn it into a delightful read is pretty astonishing. I laughed and cried reading this book and was inspired! As a boyfriend lover of a to practice list and mom of five who wears many hats, I really related to her discussions on life and the struggle she experienced when she was out the desired of control-mode. I plan to strive to implement her encouraged to exercise list this next yr: 1. Spend more than quality fourth dimension with your children 2. Spread goodness 3. Execute numbers 1 and 2 without getting a brain tumor.
I highly recommend this book especially to busy moms when may be fond (like me) to getting things off the to do list and sometimes struggling to be fully present with the people that thing most. ...more

I learned well-nigh this book from a Facebook brain tumor grouping. I was interested in reading it considering my thirty-five-year-old daughter had surgery for a brain tumor in June 2020.
I am not familiar with the Gaffigan'southward work, then wasn't really interested in much other than the medical part of this book, which I enjoyed the most.
Her story takes place in 2017. She describes herself as a self-confessed control freak and being diagnosed with a brain tumor forced her out of being in command.
I could relate t I learned about this volume from a Facebook brain tumor group. I was interested in reading it because my 30-five-year-old daughter had surgery for a brain tumor in June 2020.
I am non familiar with the Gaffigan's work, so wasn't really interested in much other than the medical part of this book, which I enjoyed the nigh.
Her story takes identify in 2017. She describes herself as a self-confessed control freak and being diagnosed with a brain tumor forced her out of being in control.
I could relate to her feelings when she offset learned well-nigh her tumor. She described information technology as beingness strangely calm, about numb. It is much the mode I felt and still experience with all my daughter is going through.
There was besides the shock of learning yous are seriously ill, afterward your symptoms had all been explained away as other things. From what I've learned most people with brain tumours this is very common.
Jeannie'south tumor was on her brain stem. Information technology had intertwined with cranial fretfulness, half dozen of which control swallowing role as well every bit vocal cords and speaking.
Without the power to swallow annihilation going down her throat went into her lungs hence after surgery she aspirated on her saliva causing pneumonia in both lungs.
She was unable to eat or drink for four months, fed through a nasogastric tube and they brushed her teeth with a niggling sponge on the stick.
The part I liked most nearly this book was the medical parts
For those who are fans y'all will probably savour more near her personal life with a hubby and five children. But I didn't care much for some of the backstories she shares. For me, I didn't find information technology that interesting, and some of those stories could have been much shorter, in my stance.
I noticed from some other reviewers she was criticized for existence and so privileged, in admission to the all-time considering of people she knew and being able to afford home care. Though that is the style of the world, some tin, some can't, and I don't believe she should be criticized for it.
Her tumor turned out to exist benign, which 80% of all tumors are. For my daughter, she isn't every bit lucky, hers is cancer, simply thankfully a slow growing kind. ...more

I loved this book! The author'south journey through a brain tumor diagnosis and treatment is long and difficult, but she tells her story with humor and realism. It was a quick read and entertained me the whole time. I would definitely recommend this book. I loved this volume! The writer's journey through a encephalon tumor diagnosis and treatment is long and hard, simply she tells her story with sense of humor and realism. Information technology was a quick read and entertained me the whole time. I would definitely recommend this book. ...more

I LOVED this book and this family! I want to exist best friends with them. Jeannie is such an astonishing mom, married woman, woman and patently the mastermind behind Jim's career. Hilarious and such a wild, but heart-warming story. I LOVED this book and this family! I desire to be best friends with them. Jeannie is such an amazing mom, wife, adult female and obviously the mastermind behind Jim's career. Hilarious and such a wild, simply eye-warming story. ...more

Already a super Mom, coauthor and coproducer to her funny man husband Jim, Jeannie Gaffigan was and so busy she barely noticed the effects a PEAR-SIZED tumor, lodged in her brain, was having on her life.

Balance off? Nah, but these silly heels I rarely vesture. Can't hear out i ear? Peradventure I should get that tested. Bad headaches? Must exist all these kids (5)!
On and on she ran through life until her body said, "hey you, stop! I tin't run anymore."
She and JIM were off to the ER and an MRI where the pear

Already a super Mom, coauthor and coproducer to her funny man married man Jim, Jeannie Gaffigan was so busy she barely noticed the effects a PEAR-SIZED tumor, lodged in her brain, was having on her life.

Residue off? Nah, only these silly heels I rarely wear. Tin't hear out i ear? Maybe I should get that tested. Bad headaches? Must be all these kids (5)!
On and on she ran through life until her body said, "hey you, stop! I can't run anymore."
She and JIM were off to the ER and an MRI where the pear-sized tumor was revealed at the base of her brain. How exercise yous deal with that?

Fast forward through doctors, specialists, family and kids. Oops, how practice you tell your kids?! Right.
With humor, grace, organized religion and unbelievable spunk, Jeannie survived the surgery and the recovery with help from Jim and others.

What a champ! Read this remarkable adventure and think; as I did, whoa; I never could take done this.
So happy yous're ok Jeannie! Cheers to you both!

...more

Nov 11, 2019 Carol rated it it was astonishing

I appreciated how this gifted writer fabricated a potentially tragic subject heartfelt, humorous, and relatable. This memoir of a busy lady of five discovering a brain tumor was delightful. We have been fans of her husband Jim for years and now understand how close they are in both their personal and professional lives. Well done.

3.5 Stars

I am a huge Jim Gaffigan fan and I know that he and his wife Jeannie are a one-act writing squad. With heart and sincerity, Jeannie recounts her year of diagnosis to recovery. She doesn't sugarcoat the feel of discovering the pear-shaped brain tumor. Some of her memoir is hard to read and her road to recovery was long and intense. She's aboveboard about how her Cosmic religion got her through the darkest moments and how the feel gave Jim a chance to grow as well. In that location are dark mom

iii.five Stars

I am a huge Jim Gaffigan fan and I know that he and his wife Jeannie are a one-act writing team. With heart and sincerity, Jeannie recounts her twelvemonth of diagnosis to recovery. She doesn't sugarcoat the experience of discovering the pear-shaped encephalon tumor. Some of her memoir is difficult to read and her road to recovery was long and intense. She's candid about how her Catholic organized religion got her through the darkest moments and how the experience gave Jim a run a risk to abound besides. In that location are night moments hither, simply Jeannie chose to cling to the low-cal even when she felt all too human and weak and scared for Jim and her five children.

...more

Oct 28, 2019 BA rated it really liked information technology

It was a very relatable story for me since I take also had a encephalon tumor. I loved her sense of humor through the whole ordeal and the realizations that she fabricated- they were very reminiscent of my own recovery and the bear upon it has had on my life.

Unfortunately, I kept waiting for her to talk about how fortunate she was to have the resources available to her that helped her get proficient medical treatment- non just due to her religion or divine intervention, merely because of the privileges afforded to her. I know

It was a very relatable story for me since I accept likewise had a brain tumor. I loved her humor through the whole ordeal and the realizations that she made- they were very reminiscent of my own recovery and the impact it has had on my life.

Unfortunately, I kept waiting for her to talk virtually how fortunate she was to have the resources available to her that helped her get skillful medical treatment- not just due to her faith or divine intervention, but because of the privileges afforded to her. I know it's something I try to acknowledge when I share my story, and I was disappointed when she didn't bring that upwards.

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Oct fourteen, 2019 Julie rated it liked it

I enjoyed the commencement half of this volume but I was ready to move past the sickness. I wanted to hear more most how information technology affected her and less about the "pear." It was a well written volume and maybe if I were in a different state of mind I would take enjoyed information technology more.

January 03, 2020 Jenny rated information technology really liked it

Jeannie, wife and writing partner of comedian Jim Gaffigan, was a super mom who ran her household like a well-oiled machine. Raising 5 kids in NYC with a husband who travels for work, she had to. And so in the spring of 2017, she was diagnosed with a pear-sized brain tumor and had to larn how to exist the one taken intendance of rather than be the caregiver.
This is quite a fun memoir because information technology's about a encephalon tumor. Jeannie talks nearly her seemingly unrelated symptoms (good luck not self-diagnos Jeannie, married woman and writing partner of comedian Jim Gaffigan, was a super mom who ran her household like a well-oiled machine. Raising 5 kids in NYC with a husband who travels for work, she had to. And and then in the spring of 2017, she was diagnosed with a pear-sized brain tumor and had to acquire how to be the one taken care of rather than be the caregiver.
This is quite a fun memoir considering it's about a brain tumor. Jeannie talks virtually her seemingly unrelated symptoms (adept luck not self-diagnosing a brain tumor while reading that part), the ensuing chaos and immediacy of the situation, so her experiences with feeling helpless later on the surgery. Jeannie couldn't consume food for quite a while, her children couldn't sleep adjacent to her, and every tingly leg was a rush to the hospital to check for blood clots. Throughout sharing the brain tumor experience, Jeannie also gives united states some insight into coming together and dating Jim, raising their five kids, a late-term miscarriage, choosing to end The Jim Gaffigan Show, and her Catholic faith. Just equally the title says, Jeannie shows united states how family, faith and humor got her through the scariest experience of her life.
Definitely a great reminder to appreciate what really matters only likewise give yourself grace when you do sweat the small stuff. Rome wasn't built in a day. ...more

Feb 26, 2021 Erica T rated it actually liked it

I dearest Jim Gaffigan. Like fall-off-my-couch-I'm-laughing-then-hard dear him. I did not realize Jeannie had written a volume until recently, and knowing she is a writer for Jim I had to read information technology. His Dad Is Fat and Food: A Beloved Story books had me laughing out loud in public to the betoken of being embarrassed. Contrary to the description for this volume, I did non think information technology was humorous. Admittedly, in that location are a few mildly funny situations, only the subject matter was way as well serious for me to laugh about. I I dearest Jim Gaffigan. Similar fall-off-my-burrow-I'm-laughing-so-hard dearest him. I did non realize Jeannie had written a book until recently, and knowing she is a writer for Jim I had to read it. His Dad Is Fatty and Food: A Love Story books had me laughing out loud in public to the bespeak of existence embarrassed. Contrary to the description for this book, I did not think information technology was humorous. Admittedly, there are a few mildly funny situations, just the field of study affair was manner as well serious for me to express mirth about. I enjoyed the within look at the Gaffigans relationship and the look at how Jeannie handled a pretty scary and difficult life event. I besides enjoyed her candid business relationship of her faith and her request of prayers and spiritual support from those in her life. And then I would say read this for the memoir on surviving a brain tumor, facing it with positivity and faith, and on what it's similar to be married to Jim Gaffigan, merely I really don't call back information technology's a funny book so don't look to express joy out loud. ...more than

Sep 06, 2020 Bethany rated it really liked it

What a fun, uplifting book nearly getting a encephalon tumor. I'm serious! I listened to the audio version. The forward is read by her hubby Jim, the pre-surgery section is read by her sister (who sounded simply like her before the brain surgery) and the mail service-surgery department is read by Jeannie herself. I loved hearing it in her vocalism and delivery; it made information technology that much more sincere and hilarious.

This memoir is heartfelt and genuine and (bless that Gaffigan humor) downright funny. It'south a glimpse into t

What a fun, uplifting book near getting a brain tumor. I'k serious! I listened to the sound version. The forward is read past her married man Jim, the pre-surgery section is read by her sis (who sounded just like her before the brain surgery) and the post-surgery section is read by Jeannie herself. I loved hearing it in her voice and delivery; it made it that much more sincere and hilarious.

This memoir is heartfelt and 18-carat and (anoint that Gaffigan sense of humour) downright funny. It'south a glimpse into their lives and what it was like to hit interruption on life and find a new normal. I love the way they relied on faith and their religious community, how their family unit rallied around them and how they joked their way through one of the scariest times of their lives.

The lessons she pulls from the experience are ones that nosotros all take to learn and be frequently reminded of: our relationships are what matter well-nigh in life, don't sweat the small stuff and make time for the truly of import things and people. Recommended to anyone looking for something positive to read- information technology will brand you lot smile, laugh and appreciate life and your loved ones a lot more than.

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Nov 24, 2021 Chow rated it it was amazing

A very honest look at motherhood and wellness issues in a funny, real way. I love that her faith is an unapologetic fact, only it's not preachy. I reflected on my own moments in motherhood where I've had to have others practise the caregiving and it's wonderful to see things equally a squad effort (even if I don't want them to be a squad endeavor similar Jeannie- ha!). This was a really enjoyable, positive read. A very honest look at motherhood and health issues in a funny, real manner. I love that her organized religion is an unapologetic fact, but it's non preachy. I reflected on my own moments in motherhood where I've had to have others exercise the caregiving and it'due south wonderful to run across things equally a team attempt (fifty-fifty if I don't want them to be a team effort like Jeannie- ha!). This was a really enjoyable, positive read. ...more

Oct 24, 2019 Shannon Wise rated information technology really liked it

Jeannie Gaffigan was diagnosed with a pear-sized brain tumor removed. This book is about her diagnosis, surgery, and recovery from the tumor. She details life with her husband and five children. She was a "supermom" as I like to call them - the moms who take all their shit together, piece of work on a rigid schedule, and seem to have the perfect life. It wasn't until she was stuck in the ICU, unable to meet her children, that she realized that her "supermomness" was property her dorsum from enjoying her kids Jeannie Gaffigan was diagnosed with a pear-sized brain tumor removed. This book is nigh her diagnosis, surgery, and recovery from the tumor. She details life with her husband and 5 children. She was a "supermom" as I like to telephone call them - the moms who have all their shit together, piece of work on a rigid schedule, and seem to have the perfect life. It wasn't until she was stuck in the ICU, unable to see her children, that she realized that her "supermomness" was holding her back from enjoying her kids and her life.

I really enjoyed this volume. It's sweetness and serious, funny and engaging. She has a casual writing way that I enjoy. Y'all tin can tell from reading this volume that she adores her family. She discusses candidly that things that went through her mind both before and subsequently her surgery. She is honest about her jealousy of her husband being able to get out the ICU and go home (which I identified with considering my dad went through that before he died), she talks about the antipathy she had for people who could eat (she was unable to consume after the surgery and went without solid nutrient for four months), and she talks about how much she adores her brothers, sisters, and parents, who dropped everything to help her husband maintain the household with as lilliputian interruption to the kids equally possible.

If you are a fan of funny people and memoir, you lot volition relish this book. I sure did.

I won this book from Goodreads. I received no other compensation. The opinions herein are mine and mine alone.

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Feb ten, 2020 Robyn rated information technology liked it

This was a volume gild pick which I probably wouldn't take chosen for myself. While I'm glad to take read it, I would be selective in recommending information technology. It was easy and quick to read overall, though the beginning half held my interest a lot more than than the second. The writing was funny but there were definitely some sections where someone slacked off on the editing.

It is always pretty interesting to get to learn about another person's experience dealing with a serious medical issue. This book definitely

This was a volume club option which I probably wouldn't have called for myself. While I'yard glad to have read it, I would be selective in recommending it. It was easy and quick to read overall, though the first one-half held my interest a lot more than than the second. The writing was funny but there were definitely some sections where someone slacked off on the editing.

It is ever pretty interesting to get to learn about some other person's experience dealing with a serious medical issue. This book definitely made me more aware of how potentially like shooting fish in a barrel it is for pneumonia to kill a person, and also how amazing modern surgical engineering is. Far be it for me to wish every memoir required some sort of "privilege disclaimer", because I don't experience this is necessary in a lot of cases where others practise, just information technology seemed a footling odd in this case that Jeannie did not once acknowledge how fortunate she was, with her condition as a wealthy celebrity, to take the resources to access the absolute best intendance possible in her situation. For millions of other Americans, even those with so-called "good insurance", this would not be the example and a good many would probably accept died (or gone bankrupt) if they had faced something like.

Having enjoyed Jim Gaffigan'south comedy, and knowing Jeannie was the mastermind behind the scenes, it was interesting to learn more about their working partnership and marriage.

I enjoyed this more than than I expected to, only it'south not the all-time matter I've ever read.

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Loved this one, as expected. Jeannie is honest and vulnerable and funny. I followed Jim as the story unfolded and take heard several interviews then I knew how information technology all worked out but I notwithstanding found the book to be a page-turning, intriguing read. I recall my favorite parts were about the strengths of their marriage and how they cultivated them in each other to get through hard times.

While I sympathize the criticisms made about Gaffigan'southward privilege and connections being portrayed as the power of prayer, I still really liked this book. Jeannie Gaffigan is a skilled writer and storyteller, and I loved her willingness to share her feelings, her fears, her diffiulties, and her hopes for the hereafter throughout the volume. She seems like a compassionate and sincere person, a female parent who centers her family unit's well being, and a person fully aware of the meaning of gratitude. luck, and fa While I understand the criticisms made about Gaffigan's privilege and connections being portrayed every bit the ability of prayer, I nonetheless really liked this volume. Jeannie Gaffigan is a skilled writer and storyteller, and I loved her willingness to share her feelings, her fears, her diffiulties, and her hopes for the time to come throughout the book. She seems similar a empathetic and sincere person, a mother who centers her family's well beingness, and a person fully aware of the pregnant of gratitude. luck, and faith. I adored reading about her life with her kids and with Jim. I wept when I read about their premature girl'south death. I was so impressed by her ability to hold it together and non be paralyzed by fear throughout her illness and recovery. And as a lapsed/recovering/cultural Catholic, I related to her descriptions of her family unit's traditions and rituals (threats and tears while getting ready for Sunday mass is a staple in many of our memories). This book was skillful- well written, well paced, immensely sympathetic, moving, and with a fairly happy ending. 4 stars0 an splendid read. ...more

Jeanne Louise Gaffigan is an American extra, producer, and one-act writer. She is best known as a writer and executive producer for The Jim Gaffigan Show, a show loosely based on her ain family life with her husband, Jim Gaffigan.

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"I think it is unethical to be kept alive by machines. I told Jim yes, he could pull the plug. But I had i caveat before I signed my proper name: If Jim got remarried to some climbing, comedy fan–girl skank, my vengeful and capricious ghost would haunt him forever." — 0 likes

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