This Life I Live By Rory Feek
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This is a book about the story of two people who fell in love, had a daughter, and sang songs together. Then Joey Feek died from cervical cancer at the age of 40.
She died on March 4, 2016, and Rory held a private funeral on their farm in Tennessee; Joey was buried in the family cemetery on the Feek farm.
This is the book about their love story…
Yesterday I received this book in the mail. I’m not sure how all these people find me, but I’m sure grateful for all the reading material.
I had actually never heard of this couple when publicist Sarah Frost emailed me about Rory Feek’s book. But I started Googling the names and saw what a beautiful story this couple shared.
It spoke to me, so I told her to send it.
Book Blurb From Amazon.com:
Her story. His story. The love story of Joey and Rory.
By inviting so many into the final months of Joey’s life as she battled cancer, Joey and Rory Feek captured hearts around the world with how they handled the diagnosis; the inspiring, simple way they chose to live; and how they loved each other every step of the way. But there is far more to the story.
“My life is very ordinary,” says Rory. “On the surface, it is not very special. If you looked at it, day to day, it wouldn’t seem like much. But when you look at it in a bigger context—as part of a larger story—you start to see the magic that is on the pages of the book that is my life. And the more you look, the more you see. Or, at least, I do.”
In this vulnerable book, he takes us for the first time into his own challenging life story and what it was like growing up in rural America with little money and even less family stability.
This is the story of a man searching for meaning and security in a world that offered neither. And it’s the story of a man who finally gives it all to a power higher than himself and soon meets a young woman who will change his heart forever.
The story she said he was born to write.
Her story. His story. The love story of Joey and Rory.
Inviting The World Into Joey’s Final Months:
By inviting so many into the final months of Joey’s life as she battled cancer, Joey and Rory Feek captured hearts around the world with how they handled the diagnosis; the inspiring, simple way they chose to live; and how they loved each other every step of the way.
But there is far more to the story.
In This Life I Live, Rory Feek helps us not only to connect more fully to his and Joey’s story but also to our own journeys. He shows what can happen when we are fully open in life’s key moments, whether when meeting our life companion or tackling an unexpected tragedy.
He also gives never-before-revealed details on their life together and what he calls “the long goodbye,” the blessing of being able to know that life is going to end, and taking advantage of it. Rory shows how we are all actually there already and how we can learn to live that way every day.
A gifted man from nowhere and everywhere in search of something to believe in. A young woman from the Midwest with an angelic voice and deep roots that just needed a place to be planted.
***
This is their story.
Two hearts that found each other and touched millions of other hearts along the way.
***
And thank you, Sarah Frost, for finding me and offering to share this story with me.
About Sarah Frost, Publicist For This Life I Live:
SARAH FROST
Senior Publicist, Nashville
Originally from Texas, Sarah Frost has been infatuated with music since receiving her first George Strait cassette when she was six years old. After gaining experience in marketing, event
production and social media, Sarah decided to move her talents to Nashville in 2014.
Immediately, she immersed herself in Nashville’s entertainment industry, working with The Nashville Film Festival before joining The Press House in August 2015.
With a shared love of music and enthusiasm for the personal attention The Press House dedicates to each client, she complements the team by adding her fixation with meticulous grammar and passion for writing, as well as an OCD-level attention to detail and
thoughtfulness to each pitch and press release.
Her Instagram feed is often filled with too many photos of her dog, Dolly Parton-Madison.
As well as screenshots of whatever Bruce Springsteen/Ryan Adams/James Taylor/Joni Mitchell playlist she’s listening to today.
She believes that every client has a story to tell – whether lifestyle brands dedicated to mindful business practices or musicians changing the way listeners see the world with a lyric – and
loves helping those stories make their way into the world.
This is their story. Two hearts that found each other and touched millions of hearts along the way.
The Song:
Listen to the song on YouTube by Joey Feek about what she thinks will happen after she dies. She wills Rory to go on without her. Prepare for tears.
I never heard of this couple before this Brenda..I will read more about them!
I hadn't either. I don't listen to music or follow it. But I'm glad to have had the chance to read this book.
Such a sad story, I bet the book is good. I read his blog for a bit…
It is sad. But Rory is always upbeat and positive.
After seeing your post about the book this AM, I went to his blog and and read their story there ~
Amazing!
I'll be looking forward to your review ~
I've never read anyone who writes quite like he does. He has a simple and spare way of telling a story.
I followed their story from start to finish via his blog – what an amazing love story, how tragic, and dear little Indy! Glad you're having an opportunity to read about it, too.
Mary
It was a wonderfully poignant and beautiful book. Finished it last night.
I listened to their music, they had something so special. It will be a hard book to read for me. Cancer has stolen so many in my life, I despise it. Their grace and poise is a tribute to all of us left behind by this evil disease. look forward to your review, and I will buy his book.
A book that has captured my heart. Will finish tonight and review.
What an incredible story. What a great book to review and bring attention to!! This makes us truly count our blessings.
To live in the present. A gift to be enjoyed each day.
I always love your book reviews, Brenda!! I just finished a book last night and I'm so excited to start the next one!
This is a fast read for me. His words are simple yet beautiful. A humble man.
The book looks very good…I followed their story and it was so full of love.
I don't usually read love stories. But this one is quite beautiful.
I've heard of their story, but haven't read the book. I look forward to your review.
I'll finish the book tonight.
If you are not a Bill Gaither fan you may not have heard of them. Their story went viral on You Tube. It was absolutely heartbreaking. Just recently Rory posted a video on You Tube about his first Christmas without Joey, also heartbreaking. They were such a genuine, down-to-earth couple and you could not help but like them. I did not know that Rory had written a book, I will definitely purchase it. Thank you for posting this.
I guess I lead a very solitary life in a bubble. Never even heard of Bill Gaither!
I have already pre-ordered the book and I look forward to the reading it. You should read his blog. He like you writes beautiful words. His love for Joey and his daughters is so heart warming. He will make you smile and cry sometimes at the same time. My grown so has been battling cancer for over 2 years and I'm not as good at handling the situation as they were. Enjoy the book. I can't wait to read your review.
I'm so very sorry about your son. Life is full of so many tragedies.
Look forward each day for your thoughts and stories. Love the pups, I have a 10 year old poodle. Love of my life!
Nothing like dogs that love you unconditionally!
This is a great book Brenda about a wonderful love story between two wonderful souls. While it is sad and heartbreaking it is so beautiful and really shows how love even if for a short while makes all the difference in life.
Enjoy.
xoxo
Kris
It's all of these things for sure. I'll finish it tonight.
I followed Rory's blog as they struggled through Joey's cancer journey, how very awful.. and how gracious they were, and he still is. Amazing story, heartbreaking, and yet uplifting. He'll be raising their daughter, who was born with downs syndrome, with the help of his extended loving family. She is an adorable little sprite, full of joy.
After having already read most of this book, I have to say I don't think I've ever heard of a more humble and unique man. Maybe it's good I never knew of them, for now I can give a review that is not slanted in any way from former info.
I watched this story unfold on his blog and cried so many times. The courage, the love the faith! I hope you enjoy the book.
I've already read most of the book. I would have finished it last night had I not gotten sleepy.
Thank you for this review Brenda. You know there is a lesson to be learned for us all on the art of living fully. Sometimes it takes a mindset of living like you are dying. I suppose this particular book has a sad ending, but as my Mom said " there are worse things in life than death."
We are having so much rain! So tired of muck and gray…
Jemma
Your mother was a wise woman, and she raised a wise daughter! I do believe you're right.
Followed their blog for a long time and was impressed and touched how they chose to live their lives during this difficult journey. Can't wait to hear your opinion on this book! Thanks for sharing with us.
Oddly enough, I had never heard of them. But then I don't follow things much and never liked country music. However it seems that country music has changed a lot over the years!