Winner of iUniverse’s Editor’s Choice Award, Reader’s Choice Award, and the Star Award.
In Beyond Breathing, Margarete Cassalina’s journey takes you, one breath at a time, from grief to the understanding of life’s realities. In this award-winning memoir, Margarete recounts authentic life lessons taught by her children, and despite suffering heartbreak and pain, discovers that true love never ends.
Margarete wrote Beyond Breathing as a means of coping with the loss of her 13 year old daughter, Jena, to Cystic Fibrosis in December 2006.
Through the pages of Beyond Breathing, Margarete shares her daughter’s boundless strength and love of life with her readers. As Margarete bares her soul, she rediscovers the beauty of living and the power of love. With time and healing, Margarete learns to discover and trust her inner strength and realizes that there are no coincidences, that love never ends, and that she is beyond just breathing.
Beyond Breathing Reader Reviews:
“I’d planned on taking my time reading this book. I knew I could relate to the “Mom” aspect of it and I wanted to learn more about Cystic Fibrosis. I wound up reading the book from cover to cover in one sitting…I could not put it down. The author is so incredibly descriptive and spot-on when relating her feelings, the setting and the chaos that is going on around her and her family…you feel like you’re right there beside her. Not only did I fall in love with these people but it’s made finding a cure for this heartbreaking disease a personal priority. I believe the author is unfailingly strong…and I wish her life ahead to be filled with nothing but happiness and peace…she and her family SO deserve it.”
by Kathryn Lukaske
Amazon.com
“Margarete Cassalina has embarked on the emotional journey of retelling her daughter’s story in a journal formatted novel. Her story is one of compelling love and dedication, unlimited devotion, and a touching sadness. I read this book in one day, and upon closing the cover, I have begun to rethink how I can change aspects in my own life. Margarete spent the majority of her motherhood teaching her daughter how to deal with life experiences, the power of strength, and unconditional love and support. What the novel reveals is the simple fact that Margarete was not, in fact, the one teaching, but rather, the one being taught. Her personal triumphs are incredibly motivating for any reader.”
by Jennifer Cahill
Barnes & Noble
