Elizabeth Edwards on Oprah today discussing her new book!

[ultraist]

Elizabeth Edwards will be on Oprah today, September 27, discussing her newly released book, "Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers." http://www.randomhouse.com/broadway/savinggraces/index.html

In “Saving Graces,” Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, has written of life on the campaign trail, of losing their son Wade due to an auto accident, and of her courageous fight against breast cancer.

Elizabeth discovered a lump just weeks before the 2004 General Election. In Chapter One of her book, she describes that day, a day expected to be an “ordinary day,” but turned out to be one where “careful pieces of life can break away and shatter.”

To read an excerpt from Chapter One click here: http://oneamericacommittee.com/saving-graces/

About eight days after discovering the lump and returning home to North Carolina, Elizabeth made that dreaded visit to the doctor. In this audio (http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780739334126) Elizabeth beautifully narrates an excerpt from her book, which offers a deeply personal description of the moments she experienced that day in North Carolina. Amidst a time of darkness and uncertainty, Elizabeth’s strength, hope and determination shines through.

Elizabeth was formally diagnosed just one day after her husband’s 2004 campaign ended. The day his campaign ended, her fight began (http://www.nypost.com/seven/09212006/news/nationalnews/the_day_his_campaign_ended__her_fight__began_nationalnews_lukas_i__alpert.htm). Always the fighter, Elizabeth entered the battle, determined to win: ”I went into it thinking, ‘I’ll beat this thing!” she said. “A few times I fell apart. But John was always there by my side.”

Elizabeth went on to endure 16 weeks of chemotherapy, lumpectomy surgery, radiation therapy and lymph node removal. She is now cancer-free.

In her first interview since her diagnosis, in the October 2 issue of People magazine (http://people.aol.com/people/article/0,26334,1537481,00.html) Elizabeth stated that she wanted to share her story with others because, "People may not have the sense of what women juggling so many things go through when they have cancer," "I wanted to open the door."

Elizabeth has emerged from cancer with grace (http://www.newsobserver.com/643/story/463236.html) and is becoming engaged again in the public political dialogue. In her typical straightforward fashion, Elizabeth recently commented on Lieberman’s betrayal to the Democratic Party: ”Let me be clear-we cannot have this.” She went on to question what kind of Democrat would not support the primary winner after he was defeated. Elizabeth possesses a keen ability to cut to the chase and has been described by a former colleague as having an intellect that is a "weapon of mass destruction” in a courtroom.

Elizabeth undoubtedly, is also a down earth, “every woman.” Theresa Heinz Kerry described Elizabeth as having a “mother earth quality, that is, her grounding in a life familiar to most Americans: raising kids, coaching soccer, volunteering at school, struggling with her weight, juggling work and family" (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-11-elizabeth-edwards_x.htm).

Elizabeth truly is an “every woman”… she even blogs and has posted here on DU numerous times! In fact, Elizabeth is very involved in the blogosphere. This year, she attended The Personal Democracy Forum (http://www.personaldemocracy.com/node/901) and on October 14th, Elizabeth will lead a session at the upcoming Converge South Blogger, Podcast, Videocast Conference in Greenboro, NC (http://www.convergesouth.com).

For more on Elizabeth Edwards: http://oneamericacommittee.com/about/elizabeth/

For more on Elizabeth’s book: http://www.randomhouse.com/broadway/savinggraces/index.html (Elizabeth shares favorite photos, a letter of welcome, and her gracious humor).

Elizabeth's Book Tour Schedule: http://www.randomhouse.com/broadway/savinggraces/appearances.html

[benny05]

1. Yesterday, I Got My Copy of Saving Graces

I have read the first chapter all of the way through and have read a couple of other chapters. I wanted to blog a few things that have surprised me at first. After having met her a couple of months ago in Des Moines and her reaction to the women who like me, hugged her and she hugged us back, I can see how the subtitle "Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers" fits.

Amazing...

To finish here, and leave the rest to you to read the book, it is the next day, after John had pleaded not to concede so early, but he was outnumbered. They are about to go to make the concession, and Elizabeth recalled, "John and Cate were waiting to meet me, to take all that still lay ahead of us that day. I pulled on what Hargrave called my Courage Jacket, and we went out to Faneuil Hall."

Page turner. Beautiful so far. It matches Elizabeth's and her family's ever "present" mind and positive spirit. I'm looking forward to seeing her, John and Cate on Oprah today.



Elizabeth Edwards in her "Courage Jacket", November 2004

[ultraist]

4. I ordered my copy to pick up at a book signing!

I'm really looking forward to meeting Elizabeth and reading her book.

It does sound like a page turner!

[nan]

2. I cannot wait to read the book.

She is such a remarkable and special woman!

[nan]

3. I still don't have emough posts to recommend. :(

[oasis]

10. Elizabeth Edwards is/was a DUer. I'll gladly k&r for her.

[RamboLiberal]

20. Nan - for you and for Elizabeth, John and the Edwards Family

K&R. :kick:

[Catchawave]

5. I've ordered the book from Amazon !

I was also able to pre-order John's book too :bounce:

Thanks for the head's up for Oprah today :hi:

[Diane R]

23. I bought mine from Costco.... a blue company n/t

[ultraist]

6. John Edwards' email on "Saving Graces"

Americans face challenges that our parents and grandparents never dreamed of -- terrorism, the war in Iraq, good jobs being shipped overseas, working hard and still living in poverty. Sometimes it's easy to forget what's most important -- home and family.

That's why I wanted to take a moment to write you about Elizabeth's new book, "Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers." Elizabeth's book is about how people and the relationships we create -- with friends, family, colleagues, even strangers -- make life worth living.

Elizabeth is the love of my life and I'm so lucky to have had her by my side for all these years. Her book had a few surprises for me. I did not think she'd include her impressions from our first date (mixed) or that our son Jack was born with hair the same as mine -- never out of place. But it's all there -- our good times and our bad times.

On Wednesday, September 27th, Elizabeth, our daughter Cate, and I will join Oprah Winfrey to talk about the importance of community, which Elizabeth describes in her book. I think you'll enjoy the great conversation we had with Oprah.

Check here for your local TV listings and what time the program airs in your area. http://www2.oprah.com/tows/program/tows_prog_whenwhere.jhtml

Every chapter shows that Elizabeth inherited her father's gift of reaching out and pulling people toward her. With every connection, she gives and receives strength to face life's challenges. What amazes me most is her appreciation for the simplest gestures -- a smile from a stranger at the grocery store or an email from another mother a thousand miles away can pull her through a hard day. It's an example I've learned from, and a lesson that our children are lucky to grow up with.

We have a short excerpt of "Saving Graces" -- about three pages -- available. In this excerpt, Elizabeth talks about finding the lump in her breast just days before the November, 2004 election. Even if you are on the go right now, I hope you will print it out and read it over coffee or when you have a moment.

Get your excerpt of "Saving Graces."

Elizabeth's book is a testament to the power of community and how we all help each other to get by -- in large and small ways. Thank you for being a part of our community, and for everything you do to make this world a little kinder.

Your friend,

John

[philgobluemi]

7. I love that emphasis on community

So, much of the reason I support the Edwards is their emphasis on community and the common good. It's at the core of Western Civilization, coming from our Judeo-Christian background and our Greek background (the Athenian emphasis on community service by citizens for the polis and the Stoic emphasis on the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity and community involvement). It had a great influence on our Founders, but that spark has dimmed in light of the "me" culture and "family values" culture of the 1960s on.

[Carolina Voice]

11. The Edwards' on Oprah

I can't wait to see the show. It has to be great.

[MontanaMaven]

13. Elizabeth Edwards - I could never be this cool

But at least we have a proper role model to try to be like. What an inspiration.
And smart as a whip. I loved John's remark about his hair. I'm sorry for poor John Edwards and his disability of perfect hair. If he were in Hollywood, he could use gel and spike it. Alas, but not in politics. I'm glad he at least has learned to live with it.

[dk2]

8. I can't wait to get a copy of her book.

I think Elizabeth Edwards is a wonderful person, would be a great First Lady which would set a great example for us all. She certainly has endured much, and wishes with prayers for her happiness and health.

[Beaverhausen]

9. Oh damn- I forget to set my DVR to record this

they replay it late at night, right?

[Radio_Lady]

22. Unless I am mistaken, the show is NOT replayed. But check this

out at www.oprah.com

Things might have changed since I checked earlier.

[Roxy66]

12. She was a DUer before being a DUer was cool...

I miss reading her posts. I wish she would out herself again.

[machka]

14. sure to be a page-turner!

Can't wait to get my copy. ;-)

[Radio_Lady]

15. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be trying to make pear sauce at 4 PM today.

Our ONE pear tree yielded -- oh, about two hundred pears!

[Catchawave]

16. How about a lovely Pear Schnappes .....

Sounds like you'll have plenty :hi:

[Radio_Lady]

17. Would I have to have a still for that, or could I brew it in a bathtub?

The only schnapps I remember is Peppermint schnapps. My grandmother used to give it to her children to settle their stomachs.

Until this day, I quell motion sickness with creme de menthe -- green or white, it doesn't matter!



http://www.ronpujol.es/sch-ct.htm

[Catchawave]

18. Here ya go

http://floxwines.com.au/catalog/

This photo could almost take on a life of it's own in the Lounge :evilgrin:

[ultraist]

19. I'll toast to Elizabeth!

:toast:

Elizabeth was just amazing on today's Oprah. Such strength and dignity. Her daughter Cate is a lovely young woman.

[Radio_Lady]

21. I watched the whole show and it was very touching. I hope all of

these women have much success and love and everything else that their lives can give them.

Regrettably, the book publicist didn't send me a preview copy of her book, and it doesn't look as if she is touring in Oregon.

Maybe I'll pursue it later in the year.

Thanks for posting, Ultraist. I don't know who you are or where your are, but I do appreciate the information.

PS. Pear sauce, anyone? I made about five pints of the stuff so far.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

24. She looked tired. She revealed how awful the cancer

treatments were, and I believe she suffered even more than she let on. I hope she is smart and does a lot of delegating and allows people to pamper her while she is on this book tour. She is very precious to her family and to all of us, and I would hate to see her get sick by letting herself get rundown.

Hope you read this Elizabeth...kisses and hugs and you get strong, lady!