There’s Nothing Ordinary About New Novel Featuring Woman With MS

Allison Wheeler is an unconventional heroine of a novel, but she found her way into my heart as I read A Million Ordinary Days by Judy Mollen Walters, a book being published today, March 14.
Author Judy is also a BioNews Services columnist. She has Crohnās disease and, writing as Judy Walters, her weekly column appears in IBD News Today.
Allison is 53 years old and has a chronic illness ā not Crohnās, as I thought it would be, but multiple sclerosis. How she copes with that, her two adult but still young children, a friendly ex-husband, her social work career and a new love interest, you will have to discover for yourselves. No spoilers here!
I was really impressed by the description of Allisonās MS symptoms, many of which I could recognize from experience as I, too, have the same disease.
As such, it is easy to empathize with her character, her troubles and determination to not let the disease get the better of her. And I guess this is the same whatever chronic illness you have. I am sure you could replace Allisonās MS with any other chronic disease and its accompanying symptoms, and the story would work just as well.
I’d recommend this book as a good read for everyone,Ā but especially for thoseĀ living with or affected by any chronic sickness. The underlying story of someone having a chronic disease for which there is, as yet, no cure, may not be everyoneās choice ā but Judyās writing style is relaxed and pleasant. It is an easy read.
Allisonās determination, yet vulnerability, shine through the pages, bringing her character and those surrounding her to life in a most vivid way.
If I have one disappointment, it is that I found myself wanting more. There’s an 18-month gap between the end of the last chapter and the epilogue that I would have loved to see filled in.
A Million Ordinary Days by Judy Mollen Walters is available in paperback at $14.99, and on Kindle at $4.99.
Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
Comments
Tamara Sellman
Looking forward to reading this, Ian! Thanks for the review!
Sharon Wishnow
This was a powerful story with an unlikely but real heroine. It chronicles the life of a strong, smart, independent woman and her family as they all learn to navigate MS. No one suffers alone and this deep look into the family exposes dark corners and moments of triumph.