When You're Falling, Dive: Lessons in the Art of Living

"I originally purchased and read this book to share with a friend who is experiencing a reoccurance of breast cancer after 8 years. It proved to be the perfect foundation with which to help her create a "new normal" as she strives to manage her illness. Matousek's book is profoundly spiritual, and an enlightening read. The wisdom and perspective offered in the testimonials provides hope and support for those struggling with chronic illness. I recommend it for caregivers and family members as well, where there is a great void of support/guidance. Anyone close to chronic illness can benefit from reading this book--it is the closest you will come to "walking a mile in their moccasins." And if you happen to be the one faced with health challenges yourself, I believe this book may help to calm fears and promote resilience. You will certainly walk away from it feeling a lot less alone in your struggle. I will keep a copy of this book on my shelf as a reminder of the humanity we are all share. "
~ Written on 2008-08-25

"This is SO beautifully written. AND it's so wonderfully compiled. I know from my own experience of losing our youngest daughter, Lauren, to meningococcal meningitis when she was 18 (11 years ago), that our trials and tribulations and absolute lowest points in our lives not only take us to our knees, but afford us an opportunity to grow our souls! I am now a much stronger, wiser, more enlightened individual and, thus, resonated with each section of this very wise, stunningly created work. Kudos to Mr. Matousek for his research, sharing his own hard-won wisdom, and for such lovely prose! Thank you!"
~ Written on 2008-08-10

"When You're Falling, Dive, is a MUST READ for anyone navigating life's stormy waters. This is a remarkable guidebook on plumbing the depths for the metamorphosis available in the darkness. Mark Matousek is a gifted wordsmith, with a unique ability to present profound life lessons in a form that is inviting and accessible. A wonderful storyteller with a keen eye for detail, he invites us to recognize the true power of surrendering to the transformational nature of the hardest times. This incredible collection of stories, from those who have gone to the heart of the fire, and emerged transformed, shows so clearly, that the Phoenix can, indeed, rise from the ashes. As the myths of old tell us, again and again - the true treasures lie in the depths of the cave. Mark Matousek offers comfort and courage to those willing to brave the dragons of fear, loss and grief to reach the reward that lies on the other side. Anyone who has lived through this kind of gut wrenching life change will find, in the pages of this incredible book, the comfort and camaraderie of fellow initiates. Anyone in the midst of the storm will find in it, the hope to keep going, to the great healing that lies on the other side.
"
~ Written on 2008-07-24

"Matousek is right on target with this book. He truly captures the essence of the change a person experiences when they have survived a tragedy. From the fabulous introduction and throughout each story of survival, even (especially) readers who are aware of how suffering has improved their lives will find nuggets of wisdom, as all angles of this phenomenon are explored. I had a hard time putting this book down, and plan to reread it often. As someone who feels isolated by my experiences and the spiritual growth that resulted from them, this book feels like a personal support group I can carry with me."
~ Written on 2008-07-03