Book Review and Giveaway: Mum's List

By Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**

When I was a junior in high school, my English teacher had us make a list of things we wanted to do before we died, as one of our weekly writing exercises. After the academic year was finished, I put the notebook that held my list in a box of memorabilia that has since been moved many, many, many times over. Though I've taken out that particular notebook countless times over the years, I've only looked at that specific writing assignment a few times.

On the surface, "Mum's List: A Mother's Life Lessons to the Husband and Sons She Left Behind" by St. John Greene, is the story of the list Kate Greene left her husband, St. John a.k.a. "Singe," and children, Reef and Finn, prior to her death at the age of 38.  "Mum's List" signified 100 things she wanted her family to know, and to do, after she was gone.  However, that is not the only thing this book is about.  When you dig-in to its content, readers will find that it is:

•  A tribute to Kate Greene's life.  A life that was filled with passion, adventure, love and the intent to make the most of every day.
• A love story.  When you read this book, be prepared to experience the true love that Kate and Singe shared.  I didn't know Kate, and I don't know Singe or anyone this family is connected to, however the love this couple share(d) leaps off of each and every page. 
• A reminder.  Urging readers to live life as if it were an adventure that was going to end any minute. (Because it can.)
• A journey.  The grieving process is a journey, and this story is about the journey Singe and his boys have taken since Kate's passing, how they're grown and the lessons they've learned.  It's about how to remember and respect the past while creating a new tomorrow.

There are so many wonderful things to say about "Mum's List".  I was impressed by how well  Kate's spirit and personality was brought to life.  It is a shame that I did not know her, as I appreciate her thirst for adventure and compassionate nature.  I also appreciated Singe's candor.  Never did I feel he was holding something back or leaving out a piece of the puzzle. Actually, I thought it was fantastic how he freely expressed how he was feeling at every stage of the journey.  I was also impressed how this book was written from a place of joy rather than sadness.  Even when the saddest events were being recounted, I never felt an overbearing sadness.  Although I was touched by this story, never did it make me cry.  Instead, I often found myself smiling and feeling a cozy warmth.

Throughout this book I thought about my "Life To-Do List."  It is ever changing; things being taken off, things being added.  After reading "Mum's List," scuba diving and snorkeling, amongst other things, have been added to my list. I have Kate and Singe Greene, along with their boys, to thank for that and all the adventures that await me once I finally take those journeys.

Thanks to Penguin for the book in exchange for an honest review and for offering a copy of "Mum's List" to one lucky reader in the US.

How to win "Mum's List":
Tell us one of the items on your "Life To-Do List." (One entry per person.) Please include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win.

US only. Giveaway ends August 6th at midnight EST

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