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Karen R.
Member
Username: Relivkaren
Post Number: 3156
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Monday, June 22, 2009 - 09:50 pm: | 
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I just recently finished re-reading Kelli’s Dad’s book “Not So Brave.” I read it online, but then re-read it with book in hand. I just wanted to comment on what a great book it is. This is not your run of the mill transplant story. It is not an autobiography. It is a story. A fictional story – a story that anyone would find entertaining, thought provoking, and at sometimes tear producing. It is not targeted just towards the transplant community, but towards the general public. I have read a lot of “transplant” book and “Not So Brave” is not even in the same category.
I will admit that the story is based loosely on Kelli’s experience, but where else could you find such an extraordinary character. The main character of the book – Sara Jones – is an extraordinary person. From birth she has felt pain, suffering and insurmountable odds, but yet her greatest desire is to live. Many times along her path in life she could have given up and accepted her fate, but she goes the extra mile and fights to experience as much of life as she can. In my mind, I find this book to be the ultimate love story. Not a romantic love story, but a love of life, family, friends, and all God’s creatures. Sara Jones helps us realize that life is a precious gift and that everyday God has given us little treasures to uncover.
I think what really strikes me as most amazing is that as Kelli’s Dad tells this story, he weaves in the importance of Organ Donation. On several occasion the reader will understand the need for more organs so that more lives can be saved.
Yes – the book does describe transplant in a pretty descriptive way, but it does not focus on Sara’s transplant. It focuses on Sara’s life and her incredible spirit. I think that anyone that reads this book will find that his or her life has been enriched just to know Sara Jones for few short hours. As always the book has a surprise ending that will keep the reader turning the pages to get to the end.
I know that all of us want to spread the news about Organ Donation. I think that this book is a very non-threatening way to approach friends and family about Organ Donation. By recommending this book they are getting a great story and a nudge toward Organ Donation. The best of both worlds! 
You can get the book at www.amazon.com Search for “Not So Brave” by Robert Jaunsen
God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Listed Feb 2008 - Waiting on double lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic
Ohio, USA
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. |
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 9443
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - 06:08 pm: |
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Great Review Karen! I hope more pre and post TransplantBuddies and Donor families buy this book
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BreathinSteven
Member
Username: Breathinsteven
Post Number: 1619
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - 06:56 pm: |
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Hey Karen!!!
I got to meet Kelli and her Dad & Mom -- and I got to get my book signed!!! I truly enjoyed the book -- I understand that some of it is fiction, to help the story flow -- but I also understand that much of it is based on a real and precious person...
It was neat to read -- and it was neat to meet them... Glad you enjoyed it too...
Love, Steve
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eccoblue
Member
Username: Eccoblue
Post Number: 846
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 11:36 am: |
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Thank you Karen, Risa & Steve. I couldn't agree more about this book "nudging" people toward becoming donors and considering the reaction of those who have read and reread the book, the writing is pretty darn good too. This daddy's girl is really proud of her dad!
If there are any questions about the book please post them and I'll get him to respond. Even controversial ones are ok if you have any. This could be pretty interesting and fun.
Love,
Kelli
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rjaunsen
Member
Username: Eccoblues_dad
Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, June 28, 2009 - 05:12 pm: |
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Thank you for all the great comments about NSB and for all the friendship that you give Kelli. It's easy to understand why she loves you guys so much. What a fantastic, user-friendly, organized site this is!!!
Thought I'd show you a shot of my work area where I spend a whole lot of time writing and trying to market my work. I'm currently working on a post-apocalyptic novel with lots of interesting characters and conflicts.
Steve - It was a pleasure to meet you and your wife, Laura!
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 9459
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 29, 2009 - 12:21 pm: |
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Hello Robert
Congratulations on your book Not So Brave.
Keep writing! I certainly would love to have your talent.
You raised a beautiful young lady who certainly adores you.
We all love her too
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Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa
Post Number: 10872
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - 07:39 pm: |
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Hi Kelli
I added all your posts and combined them into one blog thread. This way, others can read all about you.
love and hugs
Rise'
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eccoblue
Member
Username: Eccoblue
Post Number: 986
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - 09:00 pm: |
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Rise',
Thanks! This is really cool! 
My dad will be putting up a website soon and I'll post the URL.
Love,
Kelli 
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eccoblue
Forum Leader
Username: Eccoblue
Post Number: 1004
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 06:16 pm: |
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Yahoo! My dad's website is up at last! Check it out at http://rjaunsen.com/
On the page, Not So Brave, underneath the comments you can read an excerpt from Chapter 1 if you haven't read it already.
One lady said she signed up to be a donor after reading the book. How cool is that!!!
Btw, this would be a cool Christmas gift to send to people who like to read about survival, spiritual stuff and transplants.
Love,
Kelli
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Hostess Rise'
Forum Leader
Username: Risa
Post Number: 11044
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 08:59 pm: |
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What a wonderful website!
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Karen R.
Forum Leader
Username: Relivkaren
Post Number: 3797
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 10:56 pm: |
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Kelli:
I love your Dad's website! I read the through the whole thing. It looks really good. I love all the reviews. I read them all. I think it's just a matter of time before someone really important gets a hold of your book. Then the sky is the limit. It just takes time for good things to happen - we both know how that goes!!
God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Listed Feb 2008 - Waiting on double lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic
Ohio, USA
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. |
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eccoblue
Forum Leader
Username: Eccoblue
Post Number: 1069
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Friday, January 08, 2010 - 08:28 pm: |
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Anyone feel like reading a couple of short stories that aren't transplant related?
I don't think they're the kind of stories that are for everyone, so no problem if you don't like them! 
http://rjaunsen.com/unlinked.htm
Love,
Kelli
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rjaunsen
Member
Username: Eccoblues_dad
Post Number: 9
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Monday, August 02, 2010 - 02:11 pm: |
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A reader on the transplant waiting list shared her copy of “Not So Brave” with her two teenagers and now they have a much better perspective about what she’s going through physically and emotionally. I have to wonder if this would also be the case with transplant coordinators and social workers as well.
I often find myself pondering about the title “Not So Brave” being a possible misnomer since in actuality Sara is in reality very courageous.
Keep the faith,
Robert
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