NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WITH A NEW PREFACE BY THE AUTHOR • A
powerful memoir of a dramatic year spent battling cancer and
reflecting on a long, happy, and lucky life—from the bestselling
author of The Greatest Generation, whose iconic career in
journalism has spanned more than fifty years
Tom Brokaw has led a fortunate life, with a strong marriage and
family, many friends, and a brilliant journalism career
culminating in his twenty-two years as anchor of the NBC Nightly
News and as bestselling author. But in the summer of 2013, when
back pain led him to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, his run of
good luck was interrupted. He received shocking news: He had
multiple myeloma, a treatable but incurable blood cancer. Friends
had always referred to Brokaw’s “lucky star,” but as he writes in
this inspiring memoir, “Turns out that star has a dimmer switch.”
Brokaw takes us through all the seasons and stages of this
surprising year, the emotions, discoveries, setbacks, and
struggles—times of denial, acceptance, turning points, and
courage. After his diagnosis, Brokaw began to keep a journal,
approaching this new stage of his life in a familiar role: as a
journalist, determined to learn as much as he could about his
condition, to report the story, and help others facing similar
battles. That journal became the basis of this wonderfully
written memoir, the story of a man coming to terms with his own
mortality, contemplating what means the most to him now, and
reflecting on what has meant the most to him throughout his life.
Brokaw also pauses to look back on some of the important moments
in his career: memories of Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, the
fall of the Berlin Wall, the morning of September 11, 2001, in
New York City, and more. Through it all, Brokaw writes in the
warm, , natural voice of one of America’s most beloved
journalists, giving us Brokaw on Brokaw, and bringing us with him
as he navigates pain, procedures, drug regimens, and physical
rehabilitation. Brokaw also writes about the importance of
patients taking an active role in their own , and of the
vital role of caretakers and coordinated care.
Generous, informative, and deeply human, A Lucky Life
Interrupted offers a message of understanding and empowerment,
resolve and reality, hope for the future and gratitude for a
well-lived life.
Praise for A Lucky Life Interrupted
“It’s impossible not to be inspired by Brokaw’s story, and his
willingness to share it.”—Los Angeles Times
“A powerful memoir of battling cancer and facing mortality . . .
Through the prism of his own illness, Brokaw looks at the larger
picture of aging in America.”—Booklist (starred review)
“Moving, informative and deeply personal.”—The Daily Beast
“The former NBC News anchor has applied the fact-finding skills
and straightforward candor that were his stock in trade during
his reporting days to A Lucky Life Interrupted.”—USA Today
“Brokaw doesn’t paste a smiley face on his story. Again and
again, the book returns to stories of loss but also of grace,
luck and the beauty of having another swing at bat.”—The
Washington Post
“Engaging . . . [with] the kind of in that is typical of
Mr. Brokaw’s approach to life and now to illness.”—The Wall
Street Journal
“Powerful and courageous . . . [Brokaw] looks ahead to the
future with hope.”—Bookreporter