First published 2004
Peter Barton has built the life he wanted. His business thrives, his marriage flourishes, and his three children fill his days with purpose. He embodies the ambitious spirit of his generation, taking calculated risks and inspiring others through his achievements. Then doctors deliver devastating news: cancer. The diagnosis transforms Peter's world from one of endless possibility into a landscape of medical appointments, uncertain timelines, and difficult conversations with his family. As treatments begin and his body weakens, Peter refuses to retreat into denial or despair. Instead, he approaches his illness with the same directness that drove his success. He asks hard questions about faith, meaning, and what matters most. Through fear and physical pain, Peter discovers unexpected moments of clarity and even humor. His journey becomes less about fighting death and more about living fully within its shadow, finding peace through honest reflection rather than false optimism.
Genres: literary-fiction, medical, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, medical-drama
224 pages · Paperback · Harper Perennial
Content warnings: medical-trauma, terminal-illness