Reviews of:
Goodbye, Walter: The Inspiring Story of a Terminal Cancer Patient
 

"Few things are so certain nor so frequently avoided as having to face our own mortality. In a brief but remarkably deep relationship, journalist RuthAnn Hogue and cancer patient Walter Schifter take us through Walter's journey home to the edge of the veil and provide us with the knowledge of the only thing that is truly important in our earthly existence—love. Hogue was forever changed by the experience, and so was I."
Paul M. Howey, author
Shoah: Journey from the Ashes and
Freckles: The Mystery of the Little White Dog in the Desert

"Speaking as one who has experienced the grief of losing a father to Alzheimer's Disease and a grandfather to nursing-home abuse, Hogue's book struck a deep chord within me. Her work celebrates the end of life instead of having us fear it. It will be a Godsend to those who are left behind—as well as those who are traveling their own journey home."
Bob Stump, award-winning journalist and member, Arizona House of Representatives

"This is an important story, beautifully and sensitively told."
Bev Harvey, columnist and
President, Write Visions

Goodbye, Walter: The Inspiring Story Of A Terminal Cancer Patient by RuthAnn Hogue is an influential biographical depiction of a struggle for life and the many barriers required for survival. Hogue's personal story will enrapture the reader in its telling of a difficult and inconceivably strenuous time for both the author and Walter Shifter, her friend dying of cancer. Goodbye, Walter is very strongly recommended for its inspirational content for readers looking to overcome their own difficult situation, as well as readers who have friends with cancer or other terminal conditions.
Midwest Book Review

Review by David Hall, posted to Amazon.com:
As the publisher, it's interesting to see the reaction of different people to Goodbye, Walter. Some seem to get it and are deeply touched by it. There may be others that can’t understand why the focus in the book is on RuthAnn, the author.

We, the publishers, asked RuthAnn to focus on herself—it wasn’t her idea, and the original manuscript she submitted didn't do that. The reason is that the beauty of Walter’s story is the change he wrought in her. Here is Walter Schifter, who felt so worthless as he was approaching the end of his life that he wanted to commit suicide. However, once he is properly cared for, the richness of his personality and his value as an individual comes out. He comes to realize that, even though doctors have told him he has only two weeks left to live, every day still matters because he now has a purpose for living. His focus changes from his pain and misery to what he can do for others during those last days.

RuthAnn, as she comes to know Walter, is profoundly affected by his sense of purpose, and she is touched in such a way that she decides to put her life back together.

I love her honesty and her openness. She is struggling with a life that has, in its most important aspects, come unglued, and she freely shares that with us. Walter doesn’t preach—he’s not that kind of person. But, with his example and his deep desire to be useful to others, he helps her see what is truly important in life. As she builds her life on those important things, it falls into place. And that is the point of this story. It’s a profound, beautiful lesson.