Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love

I loved this book, written with candid honesty and heart. Anna has a wonderful writing style and although I knew some of the story, it unfolded with such clarity, it was new all over again. Amazing! The spirit of carrying on for the whole family was very touching and most inspiring.

Highly recommended for any parent who has lost a child. I found it very comforting to know I'm not alone on this journey. I'd like to also recommend this book to friends and family to help understand the intense grief of burying your child.

A beautifully written story of such heartache and a story very close to my heart having a friend lose their son last year. Such insight as one doesn't really know how to help and so wish for this sad event to never have happened. Have shed many years reading this book and take comfort that Anna and her family have found a peace and the legacy of Jack is never forgotten.

An amazing story of love and hope, of brokenness and healing--expressed in well-written words the deep feelings that the loss of a child brings. May these words be a balm to those walking through this journey and an assurance that they are not alone. Well done, Anna Whitson Donaldson...

Such a beautiful book, with every ounce of love, honesty, faith and humor that I have loved about Anna's writing from the start. The journey you go on with her Anna and her family from start to finish is gutting and heartbreaking, but written with such love (and occasional profanity) that you come to know her precious boy, and feel the gift he has left us all through his amazing mother.

Such a powerful memoir. Thank you, Anna Whiston-Donaldson for sharing your family's story of unimaginable tragedy, journey through grief, and the reason for your hope. I love the way you write- straight from the heart; and clearly communicate it's OK to cry, and it's also OK to laugh again.

"Rare Bird" will inspire countless moms, dads, sisters and brothers.

Anna and her family have suffered an unimaginable tragedy, but the focus of this book is on the learning and the healing, not the tragic event that sent their lives upside down. It is a must read for anyone who is grieving, and for anyone who wants to know how to help others with their grief. It is remarkable, and a gift to all of us, that Anna is willing to write so honestly.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has suffered loss in their life, be it through death, divorce, relationships, jobs etc. it is beautifully written, raw, honest and a must read. I plan on giving several this year as Christmas gifts. Continued prayers to Anna, Margaret and Tim. XO - Hugs!!!

Couldn't stop reading - such a powerful, intimate look at the pain that the Donaldson family has faced and endured, but also the hope and peace that only God can provide. Mostly I leave this book grateful to have "known" Anna's Jack through these pages.

Anna does a beautiful job expressing her thoughts, her feelings and her grief! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand how a mother feels after the devastating loss of her child! Thank you Anna for having the courage and wisdom to write such a compelling and beautiful story!

Anna's perspective is a realistic and honest account of experiencing the absolute devastation that one feels when losing your child. And, at the same time, she shows that hope prevails. I have shared and recommended this book numerous times and will continue to do so.

Rare Bird is a beautifully written memoir of a mother's amazing love for her son and determination that her family survive and thrive after the terrible accident that took his life. I highly recommend this book.

Rare Bird is a beautifully written memoir of a mother's amazing love for her son and determination that her family survive and thrive after the terrible accident that took his life. I highly recommend this book.

Beautifully written with raw emotion and a healthy dose of reality. In the midst of unspeakable loss Anna shows us in her authentic voice that grief is a progression 1 step forward 2 steps back but there can still be hope in the messiness.