This is a summary review of The In-Between containing key details about the book.

What is The In-Between About?

“The In-Between” by Jeff Goins inspires readers to appreciate and learn from the often-overlooked moments in life. (Full Summary…)

The In-Between Summary Review

“The In-Between” by Hadley Vlahos is an emotionally resonant and profoundly insightful memoir that delves into the realm of end-of-life care and the intricate tapestry of human experiences that unfold in the face of death. As a hospice nurse and a passionate advocate for end-of-life care, Vlahos shares a collection of moving stories that explore the nuances of joy, wisdom, and redemption in her patients’ final moments.

The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of personal anecdotes and the poignant stories of the individuals Vlahos has cared for. Raised in a strict religious household, the author’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she questions her beliefs after the sudden death of a friend and faces societal judgment for becoming a mother at a young age. Nursing becomes more than just a profession for her; it becomes a calling, leading her to specialize in palliative care and hospice work.

The heart of the book lies in Vlahos’s recounting of her experiences with patients. Each story is a poignant exploration of the human condition, ranging from a woman steadfast in her faith until the end, an older man experiencing visions of his late daughter, to a young patient haunted by regrets about societal expectations. Through these narratives, Vlahos not only provides a window into the lives of those facing mortality but also reflects on her own transformative journey.

Written with profound insight, humility, and respect, “The In-Between” transcends the boundaries of conventional memoirs. Vlahos’s prose is not only readable but also emotionally charged, making the book a compelling page-turner. The narrative flows seamlessly, akin to listening to someone sharing deeply personal stories. The author’s compassion and dedication shine through every page, offering readers a glimpse into the world of end-of-life care that is often shrouded in taboo.

The book achieves a rare feat in normalizing discussions around death and dying. Vlahos demonstrates that the end-of-life process, when approached with preparedness, good humor, and faith, can be transformative and offer profound lessons about how to live. The memoir, at its core, is a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience and the potential for growth even in the face of mortality.

Essentially, “The In-Between” is a beautifully crafted memoir that not only honors the lives of those who have passed but also serves as a beacon of wisdom and comfort for those dealing with loss. Hadley Vlahos’s ability to blend personal narrative with professional insights makes this book a touching exploration of the profound impact that caring for others can have on an individual’s life. This book is a testament to the power of compassion and a valuable contribution to the literature on end-of-life care and the human experience.

Who is the author of The In-Between?

Jeff Goins is an American author, blogger, and speaker. He is the founder of Tribe Writers, an online community for writers. He has written for Business Insider, Fast Company, the New York Observer, and others.

How long is The In-Between?

• Print length: 304 pages

What genre is The In-Between?

Romance, Young Adult, Paranormal

What are good quotes from The In-Between?

“The big moments are the tiny moments. The breakthroughs are often silent, and they happen in the most unassuming places.”

“the wait sometimes is essential to appreciate the gifts that follow, no matter how much we may resent the process.”

“Watching a tree grow will likely drive you crazy. It’s a boring process if you stand there, impatiently tapping your foot, waiting for it to do something. But if you step away and come back later, you’ll be surprised to see something beautiful emerge. The fact is the plant is doing something: it’s growing. Just not as quickly as you might like. Our culture has conditioned us to expect instant results and overnight success; this impatience runs so rampant that we dress it up in terms like “efficiency” and “productivity.” But really what’s happening is we are conditioning ourselves to get what we want now, all the time. This mindset robs us of the lessons that waiting can teach us, causing us to miss out on the slow but important stuff of life.”

“A life filled with movement, with constant motion and no rest stops, isn’t a life at all. It’s tourism.”

“The good life comes like most good things—unexpectedly—in moments that are fading away faster than we realize. These are the moments that take our time but don’t demand our attention. When we miss them, they’re gone. In those times especially, we would do well to slow down and be present, because we won’t get them back.”

“Our journey is full of rest stops- park benches and airport terminals- that signal the arrival of things we anticipate. Sometimes, they´re worth the wait; other times, the glory doesn’t shine quite like wed hope. Regardless, we need to learn to live in this tension, to appreciate what we have and still hope for.”

“And as we embrace the wait, we learn to appreciate the delays and postponements that teach us some things in life are worth waiting for.”

“Many of us are speeding up and skipping over, missing the important as we scan for the urgent. The irony is that in our anxiety toward not missing out, we are losing the most meaningful moments of life.”

“Home is the place where we sometimes hurt the ones we love, but the back door is always open—and there is always a seat at the table. We have a choice where we put our hearts and lay our heads, but home is where it’s always been. Home is home—not necessarily a location, but more than a feeling. It’s the place where we are loved, even when that love is complicated and messy but still sets a place at the table for you.”

“But many of us fail to recognize that the best moments are the ones happening right now.”

“every moment is a chance to choose.”

“The good life comes like most good things-unexpectedly-in moments that are fading away faster than we realize. These are the moments that take our time but don’t demand our attention. When we miss them, they´re gone. In those times especially, we would do well to slow down and be present, because we won’t get them back.”