Lupita Reads's Reviews > A Living Remedy: A Memoir

I received an advance readers' copy of a ‘A Living Remedy’ last year and read the book in two sittings. I knew from reading Nicole Chung’s first memoir ‘All You Can Ever Know’, which details her story as a transracial adoptee, to expect a flood of emotions. I knew to expect that something in me might shift and open up to interrogate a deeply personal belief I might be carrying. Typically, I’m not aware of these beliefs. My son was born two weeks after I had the chance to interview Nicole about her first memoir and I was unconsciously aware of the pressure I was holding onto wondering if I would be a *good* enough mother for him not sharing a biological connection.

Though Nicole’s newest memoir isn’t a continuation or sequel to her first, it spoke to me in a similar voice, revealing things I didn’t know I needed to hear. It’s Nicole’s ability to write with nuance that most speaks to me as a reader. The way she navigates exploring truths and her lived experiences with the people she loves, without speaking for them. In ‘A Living Remedy’, Nicole recalls the ways in which her parents struggled to access healthcare and treatment for illnesses by exposing a broken healthcare system that favors only those that can afford care. Parents she loses. Throughout the book, she writes about the many phases that exist when one is grieving, the questioning of what could have been done differently, the anger, and the pain. It’s through this exploration that she excavates the true meaning of family connection and legacy. I loved every page of this book but my favorite part of the book was when she talked about her parent's faith and what it meant to them and how it walked them through the difficult moments. And I know I’m sure everyone is wondering if there were tears reading this book, the answer is of course, but the tears were both of sadness and joy. I HOPE EVERYONE READS THIS BOOK! EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ IT.