Reflections on Nurturing Life and Facing Death
Starred review from March 21, 2022
In this devastating debut memoir, food justice activist Quinn recounts life with an incurable brain cancer. Quinn was diagnosed in 2020 at age 40 and tells of losing her ability to read and her “iconic” blond hair to cancer, meditating on what it means to die and leave behind her husband and two young children: “I am understanding that facing my own death requires an active release and deep letting go of nearly all I hold dearest.” Quinn also reflects on her lifetime of activism, beginning with a missionary trip to alleviate food poverty in Nicaragua and culminating in her founding a nonprofit that prepares and distributes meals in Nashville, Tenn.: “For years, I was wrestling with God and with myself about my purpose and place and role, and here it was before me all the while... to grow, to cook, and most important, to share.” The author writes movingly and candidly, and her theological reflections exude a deep pathos with the power to move readers to tears: “God is everywhere, for alone is a myth.” This exquisite memento mori will speak to those grieving a loss of any kind. Agent: Margaret Riley King, WME.