The Middle Place

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

My rating (out of 5 stars):

4 stars—I really liked it!

Description from Goodreads.com:

“Corrigan opens her memoir with these words: "The thing you need to know about me is that I am George Corrigan's daughter, his only daughter." She continues with an unabashed tribute to the first man in her life.George Corrigan emerges as an outsized figure of immense good cheer and spirited disposition. A self-assured adman and former all-American lacrosse player (now part-time coach), he shines brightly, and his daughter appears content to live in his reflected glory.


Kelly considers herself lucky for this great touchstone in her life, and her dad's can-do spirit becomes her greatest asset when she's diagnosed with breast cancer as a young mother. It is her dad's pluck and resolve that will see her through the oncoming battles -- including the realization that her "cure" will mean the end of her ability to bear children and her dream of having a large family of her own.

Though Kelly writes of her husband and daughters, her mother and her brothers, it is her father's love that sustains her. And so, readers fear for her when she reveals that George has been diagnosed with cancer, too. It is at this nadir, facing not only her own mortality but her father's as well, that Kelly finally begins to emerge as a survivor -- a wife, a mother, and more herself. Yet, she will always be her father's daughter.”


My Thoughts:

I could relate to Corrigan and was moved by her story. I was deeply touched by the relationship with her Father. I read this book as I was dealing with some health issues of my own. What impacted me the most was building these important relationships in your life. I hope my children will someday look at me with as much love and respect as Corrigan feels for her Father.

Many reviewers complain about a “whiny” tone in the book. I didn’t see it that way. I felt she was genuine and honest. Overall, beautifully told.