Book Review: Without a Word – Jill Kelly

I enjoy reading, but it seems like most of the time I’m busy with life and don’t take the time to sit and read. Lately, I have been doing a bit of traveling so I have taken advantaged of all that air travel to read. I’m going to spend the next few days posting reviews of the books I have read this fall.


The first book is Without a Word – by Jill Kelly. I was in the airport when I saw this book and decided to purchase it. It is a habit of mine to wonder through the book sections/stores at airports, I have found some very interesting books and favorite authors this way. I knew of Jim Kelly because I am a fan of football, but I really didn’t know about him and the struggles of his family.

Here is an excerpt from the jacket cover:
More than a memoir, this book contains a mother’s heart--- pieces of precious, journaled memories engraved on the author’s soul – as well her long journey from resentment to forgiveness as a wife. Here, too, are intimate reflections from Jim and from those who walked with the Kelly’s through the shadow of death and into the light of hope. Without a Word transparently shares it all: The heartbreaking moments… and those Jill would love to relive. Moments that add up to a time filled with unimaginable pain…and indescribably joy. Moments that silently transformed the hearts of every member of her family… and changed their lives forever. Moments that may even change our heart and life, too.

Personal reflections:
I have to say, I’m not sure I would recommend reading this on the plane as I did, it was intense and the tears flowed, but yet I couldn’t stop reading it, I just dried my eyes on one of those scratchy airplane napkins and keep reading through the blur. Jill and Jim Kelly are truly transparent in this book, not only about the struggles of having a child with a terminal illness, but about their struggles as a husband and wife and as individuals. I wouldn’t call this book ‘fun’ but I am glad I read it.