Ordinarily Extraordinary: Love and Anger, Life and Death, Hope and Inspiration

"Ordinarily Extraordinary" is a compelling account of one man’s experience with the realities of love, advocacy, caregiving, and loss. Long’s story of his wife’s encounters with cancer, strokes, and communication challenges is raw, real, and revealing. We often hear and read these accounts from survivors, which are poignant. But this one exposes the heart and nerve of a dedicated husband struggling to keep it together as he witnesses his wife’s steady decline. What struck me most was his enduring devotion to his wife, whom he calls “ordinarily extraordinary.” With humor and humility, he lets us see how the ordinary can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

in Ordinarily Extraordinary, Mr. Long honestly reveals the dirty reality of losing a wife, friend and mother. Although it is self evident that this would be painful often we all tend to hide that pain in platitudes. This book rips off that veil and reveals the truth of love and loss in a way that few would have the courage to do. By doing so he maps a path for us all to be more real with ourselves and others. Lastly as a physician I know that all healthcare professions develop emotional barriers to protect themselves from the pain and sadness that we encounter all to often. This story reminds us all that there is a person and not simply a patient on the other side of our stethoscope. We should strive to break down those barriers, remember that anger is a depiction of love, and dispense a tincture of kindness and compassion in all of our encounters.

Ordinarily Extraordinary takes a deep dive into the true nature of loss and grief. This book is honest and heartbreaking, interspersed with belly-laugh inducing side stories. It truly shows the humanness of a family facing all the terrible things that cancer brings. Anyone can write about grief. The true influence of this book lies in Long's ability to get up close and personal with the emotions many people shy away from talking about, the emotions that we all have. What a beautiful, deeply moving testament to a really special woman, culminating in an uplifting sentiment.

I laughed. I cried. It’s better than Cats. In all seriousness, this book is an amazing revealing of the love, the fear, the tragedy, and the healing of a family. Patrick shares his deepest emotions in a way few people are brave enough to dare. If you want a rare look into the life of an amazing family’s battle with cancer, this book is a must read.

You will be captivated by the raw and unfiltered look at what love looks like in marriage, and in life. Melanie’s legacy is about making meaningful connections with people and listening to their stories. Long’s engaging memoir is not just a story about battling cancer, but an inspiring message about overcoming obstacles and living life with intention. It truly is an extraordinary story.

While I am someone who normally only reads romances or more light hearted novels, I was a little shy about reading about (what I thought was) a book on cancer, especially after having a family member diagnosis. However, after reading all the 5-star reviews, I decided to give it a go! The story was about so much more than I expected - it was about life, a family, marriage, and a relationship between two people who know each other as someone they love and friends. Patrick's writing feels like the story is being spoken right to you by someone you know, and someone who is positive and uplifting, and really funny through it all (even in the harder portions). I don't normally leave book reviews (this is my first), but this book is a must read. It's relatable and something you will read through so quickly. I felt like I was living right there with Patrick, and recommend this to everyone. I read this on vacation, and it was a great book to bring with me this summer. It gives you the feeling when you finish it that you get after watching a really good, genuine movie!

Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! It's a 21-year journey with highlights and a few pitfalls that may be typical in most marriages. It is always, how do you want to handle it?? What are the alternatives? Do you really want to break marriage after discovering a revelation? Patrick chose to stay, and the relationship became better. Melanie was the kind of person who never met a stranger. I wish I had that Gift. She made everyone she spoke with feel special, as they were --even the bill collector(!?) and a drive-thru window cashier. Everyone mattered. What medical professionals and some others need to learn is how important it is to be transparent with the family, whether you know the answer or not. And, when there are children present for their mom's funeral, Every detail Needs to be discussed. Some lingering questions or inept actions can last forever. Treat others how you would like to be treated.

The title captures it perfectly. A story of very ordinary people, our neighbors (or selves) and ordinary lives (fast food, getting the kids to school), that becomes extraordinary in its living and telling. The Author courageously invites us to share his innermost thoughts and feelings as he lives the tragic illness and passing of a very, very special person. Honestly, this is not the type of book I would normally read since I'm not big on the emotional thing - but it was a page turner. Pretty much read it straight through. Super well done

This book really resonated with me and, surprisingly, helped me gain some insights on myself and my own relationships. The author was completely transparent, even though it didn’t always paint him in the best light. It was truly brave, and I had more than one “Thank God I’m not the only person in the world who has thought like that!” moments. I felt inspired and challenged to be a better person.

Patrick’s writing is full of the circle of emotions in life. The deep love and connection that Melanie made in this world was a beautiful thing. You can see the impression she made on Patrick’s life and perspective, along with anyone who knew her. Her suffering through terrible disease, but her mind and heart was always on others was extraordinary. Patrick, thank you for humbly opening up and sharing Melanie with the rest of the world.

"Ordinarily Extraordinary" is a compelling account of one man’s experience with the realities of love, advocacy, caregiving, and loss. Long’s story of his wife’s encounters with cancer, strokes, and communication challenges is raw, real, and revealing. We often hear and read these accounts from survivors, which are poignant. But this one exposes the heart and nerve of a dedicated husband struggling to keep it together as he witnesses his wife’s steady decline. What struck me most was his enduring devotion to his wife, whom he calls “ordinarily extraordinary.” With humor and humility, he lets us see how the ordinary can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

in Ordinarily Extraordinary, Mr. Long honestly reveals the dirty reality of losing a wife, friend and mother. Although it is self evident that this would be painful often we all tend to hide that pain in platitudes. This book rips off that veil and reveals the truth of love and loss in a way that few would have the courage to do. By doing so he maps a path for us all to be more real with ourselves and others. Lastly as a physician I know that all healthcare professions develop emotional barriers to protect themselves from the pain and sadness that we encounter all to often. This story reminds us all that there is a person and not simply a patient on the other side of our stethoscope. We should strive to break down those barriers, remember that anger is a depiction of love, and dispense a tincture of kindness and compassion in all of our encounters.

Ordinarily Extraordinary takes a deep dive into the true nature of loss and grief. This book is honest and heartbreaking, interspersed with belly-laugh inducing side stories. It truly shows the humanness of a family facing all the terrible things that cancer brings. Anyone can write about grief. The true influence of this book lies in Long's ability to get up close and personal with the emotions many people shy away from talking about, the emotions that we all have. What a beautiful, deeply moving testament to a really special woman, culminating in an uplifting sentiment.

I laughed. I cried. It’s better than Cats. In all seriousness, this book is an amazing revealing of the love, the fear, the tragedy, and the healing of a family. Patrick shares his deepest emotions in a way few people are brave enough to dare. If you want a rare look into the life of an amazing family’s battle with cancer, this book is a must read.

You will be captivated by the raw and unfiltered look at what love looks like in marriage, and in life. Melanie’s legacy is about making meaningful connections with people and listening to their stories. Long’s engaging memoir is not just a story about battling cancer, but an inspiring message about overcoming obstacles and living life with intention. It truly is an extraordinary story.

While I am someone who normally only reads romances or more light hearted novels, I was a little shy about reading about (what I thought was) a book on cancer, especially after having a family member diagnosis. However, after reading all the 5-star reviews, I decided to give it a go! The story was about so much more than I expected - it was about life, a family, marriage, and a relationship between two people who know each other as someone they love and friends. Patrick's writing feels like the story is being spoken right to you by someone you know, and someone who is positive and uplifting, and really funny through it all (even in the harder portions). I don't normally leave book reviews (this is my first), but this book is a must read. It's relatable and something you will read through so quickly. I felt like I was living right there with Patrick, and recommend this to everyone. I read this on vacation, and it was a great book to bring with me this summer. It gives you the feeling when you finish it that you get after watching a really good, genuine movie!

Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! It's a 21-year journey with highlights and a few pitfalls that may be typical in most marriages. It is always, how do you want to handle it?? What are the alternatives? Do you really want to break marriage after discovering a revelation? Patrick chose to stay, and the relationship became better. Melanie was the kind of person who never met a stranger. I wish I had that Gift. She made everyone she spoke with feel special, as they were --even the bill collector(!?) and a drive-thru window cashier. Everyone mattered. What medical professionals and some others need to learn is how important it is to be transparent with the family, whether you know the answer or not. And, when there are children present for their mom's funeral, Every detail Needs to be discussed. Some lingering questions or inept actions can last forever. Treat others how you would like to be treated.

The title captures it perfectly. A story of very ordinary people, our neighbors (or selves) and ordinary lives (fast food, getting the kids to school), that becomes extraordinary in its living and telling. The Author courageously invites us to share his innermost thoughts and feelings as he lives the tragic illness and passing of a very, very special person. Honestly, this is not the type of book I would normally read since I'm not big on the emotional thing - but it was a page turner. Pretty much read it straight through. Super well done

This book really resonated with me and, surprisingly, helped me gain some insights on myself and my own relationships. The author was completely transparent, even though it didn’t always paint him in the best light. It was truly brave, and I had more than one “Thank God I’m not the only person in the world who has thought like that!” moments. I felt inspired and challenged to be a better person.

Patrick’s writing is full of the circle of emotions in life. The deep love and connection that Melanie made in this world was a beautiful thing. You can see the impression she made on Patrick’s life and perspective, along with anyone who knew her. Her suffering through terrible disease, but her mind and heart was always on others was extraordinary. Patrick, thank you for humbly opening up and sharing Melanie with the rest of the world.

In this powerful and touching tribute to the love of his life, author Long recounts his wife Melanie's struggle with an aggressive cancer. Heart-breaking, tear-inducing, and ultimately uplifting, Long crafts a tight, well-written narrative filled with truth, brutal self-reflection, and an abundance of love. Recommended.

I could not put this book down! It made me cry, laugh, and reflect on my own habits, relationships, and perspective on life. Patrick is completely candid in his storytelling - no sugar coating or "silver-lining" as he puts it. It's hard to face the realities of grief and loss, but Patrick doesn't shy away from sharing all of the ups and downs of his experience. You feel as if you are in story with him, Melanie, the healthcare team, and the loving community surrounding their family. This book is so much more than your typical 'cancer story', or a 'love story.' It covers the realities of caregiving, grief, raising a family, community, and all the ordinary and extraordinary moments in between. I cannot recommend it enough!!

Reading this book is like having a heart breaking conversation with a friend - except somehow you walk away inspired. Pat’s writing style is so engaging, Melanie’s journey so compelling, you will walk away feeling as though you’d been on his journey with him. A wonderful, wonderful book.

Best book I've read in a while. Love story, heart warming, honest, inspirational: Made me laugh and cry and I learned some things along the way about human relationships, marriages and what true commitment means. It opened my eyes to take a realistic look at my own personal relationship. I'm so thankful for this book. What a wonderful writer Patrick Long is.

I started this book and then couldn't put it down. I was so engrossed in the lives of this couple and their struggles and connections. If I wasn't crying, I was laughing. It takes a special book to elicit such varied emotions from me, and this is exactly what this is. I highly recommend this read. You will be so glad you got to experience even this small part of the lives of Patrick and Melanie.

This story is so incredibly true to life. What a perfectly fitting title. I found myself relating to so many emotions that the author shared, and even cried at one point reading it. Let me tell you, it's been a long long time since a book made me cry. Plus, not that it factors into the rating, but....It's pretty cool that I'm in it :) I didn't expect that when I bought it.

A very easy read. Loved the honesty regarding his thoughts during this time even if it made him look "bad" now and then. They were real and understandable. Life goes on even though their ordinary was nowhere near most of ours. Very interesting too, learned a lot about some medical things. We should all take the time to look at our partners with the same eyes as he did with Melanie. Most of us take our partners for granted and don't think much about what they provide to us. Very enlightening and inspiring. What a wonderful couple.

What an amazing book filled with all kinds of emotions. Throughout this book, the reader gets to experience the wonderful stories of what made Melanie's life and legacy extraordinary. Even more important, we learn that we can and should be strong and be inspired by Melanie and her story. Bravo to Patrick for honoring Melanie in such a special way. Highly recommend this book!

This is such an incredible book; I couldn't put it down. It takes you on a journey through the author's relationship with his wife through the best and worst times of their life. I laughed, cried and was inspired by his honesty, vulnerability, and devotion as a husband and caretaker for his wife, Melanie, and by her tenacity and the beauty of her spirit. It's honest, riveting, funny and real. A must read.

The author goes way back. He shares the crappy parts of growing up that most of us have to deal with. It's nice to know others struggle with it too. I loved seeing the successes in spite of it all. As their relationship grew, it made it harder, knowing what was coming. It is obvious that their kids are blessed to have these two as parents. If there are degrees of EXTRAODINARY, Melanie is at the top. This book helps us pause and acknowledge the extraordinary that is already present in our own lives.

I simply could not put this book down! It was so beautifully written and had such raw emotion. I’ve never finished a book so fast. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. Everyone really needs to get this book. It was such a beautiful tribute to a truly remarkable and incredible women. You truly gave your children the most precious gift of all by writing this. What a legacy she leaves behind. She’d be so proud.

This is such a tribute to a beautiful Wife, Mom, Friend, & all round beautiful soul! Mr. Long took on a hard task and tackled it with love and respect. It was one of a kind journey through one of life’s toughest challenges. Thank you for sharing!

I will start with the full disclosure of being a cousin. I am known as the antisocial one. This book brought me to tears as I realized how much I missed out on being reclusive. Patrick Long, you made me feel deep emotions with this book and that is something I'm usually good at avoiding. Great book.

I was honored to be on a call with Patrick prior to his book being released. He shared stories of his wife that were both uplifting and heartbreaking. I am a breast cancer survivor and my husband stood by my side also. This gave me a better understanding of what it is like for the spouse. I had no idea how close to home this book would hit. An excellent read!

This book was truly heartfelt and well written. It takes you on a journey of their lives together. I love how real and honest it was even going into details about their struggles. Having known Melanie personally this glimpse into her life was even more special.

This is an amazing story of life, love, family, tragedy. The true story of a young family who lost wife and mother too soon. The author is a valued personal friend. His writing is brutally honest and raw with the emotion of the journey he has traveled so far. This book is well written and worth the reading time. I hope to see more from Patrick. I love you, my friend.

A must read about the all too real devastation that cancer wreaks on a family-and how a family dealt with it-devastating but inspiring-and a rare treat to read about the not so pretty inner thoughts and fears that we all have.

This is such a well-written publication that tugs at the heart strings. It's honest, raw and revealing. It not only addresses losing a loved one to cancer but also touches upon marital struggles, parental relationships, dreams, religious beliefs and so much more. A must-read for anyone who has experienced loss no matter the cause. An amazing, heart-wrenching true story.

This story is told is such a captivating and relatable manner. You’ll feel like you’re in the room, watching and experiencing the journey. An entrancing look into what makes the ordinary so very extraordinary. Everyone should read this book!

I just finished reading this book last night. It was wonderful. It made me laugh and cry. It has such a terrific message and really shows what a blessing Melanie was to everyone she came into contact with over her life. It is such a touching book that reminds you of what is really important in life.

What a wonderful book! So raw and honest. It’s rare to read/see such a personal and open glimpse into someone’s life. Touching in its humility and shared vulnerability. What a testament to the life and spirit of his beloved wife. I was moved by the way the author finds the extraordinary in the midst of ordinary, everyday life!

Read the book in one weekend, fast read. It is a great book. Patrick Long is so transparent, raw, and honest. I really got to know the author through the book. I am reminded to see the world as Melanie did, finding goodness and value in people and live with hope in the face of cancer or any challenge.

Wonderful and heartfelt. So well written!!

Heartfelt and insightful.

Amazing book. Life. It happens, but always remember to live.

I had so many emotions when reading this book. Melanie made life a lot more beautiful and I always admired her for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us! I loved this book and felt like I was by Melanie's side throughout the story. It's a wonderful reminder of kindness, perseverance, and love.

Awesome true telling of lives with all the ups and downs and the love and support that makes life worth living and persevering even through heartbreaking times. Kudos to Patrick Long for touching so many with his story.

This is a very inspiring story full of love, life, humor and lessons. I would recommend this book to anyone with a heart.

Loved it beginning to end. This book grabs you from page one as it takes you on their journey together. Melanie is so inspiring, and Patrick is so raw and revealing, you can easily relate to all of the pain and the joy. Highly recommend.

Perfect title. Had a hard time putting the book down. Highly recommend!

A truly moving book. Definitely a must read. A brutally honest look at dealing with life's tragedies and challenges and the triumph of persistence. Everyone can appreciate this story, no matter what your situation.

Wonderful read! So heartfelt. Such an amazing story of courage and love.

Not what I would normally read...but really enjoyed it.

So strong. Love ya . Kindness and consideration are the little things that are really the big things in life

This book is raw and real. I laughed and I cried. I finished it with a feeling that I can always strive to be a little, if not a lot better person.

An outstanding journey through an avalanche of emotions, Melanie’s spirit and courage live on. Patrick weaves a heartfelt story on life and love.

Inspired me to do better and be more positive.

I loved the escape of being inside someone’s head, the humor, & a well told engrossing true story. Truly a book that is difficult to put down.

I highly recommend this book, could not put it down, had me laughing and crying.

A great book about life, love, marriage and hope. Very well written.

This was a wonderful book about love, loss and the human connection! Patrick was able to tell an incredibly touching story about his wife's journey with breast cancer, and how it impacts a family. This is a wonderful book that inspires courage, love and the ability to create meaningful connections. There are so many layers to this book, and it is a fantastic read. As someone who works with cancer patients and their families, this was a wonderful tribute to his amazing wife. Thank you Patrick for sharing your story.

I read this book because Melanie was my friend, but I loved this book because it was a real life look at love, relationships and grief. Beautiful, tragic, hilarious and heartbreaking all at the same time.

I met Patrick in the early 2xxx at a company we both worked for I knew he was extraordinary then. I had know idea of either of their backgrounds before reading this book, but could tell they were the real deal and meant for each other. I only had the pleasure of meeting Melanie maybe 3 times in our short time together. But she was someone you would never forget. Paddy, you are everything plus more than I thought back then. You are a wonderful father and a great writer. I am sure this awesome book is going to help millions of people going through some of the same things you have conquered and even still struggling through. May God Bless you and please start your second book!!!

This book is about real life. Real life can be messy, and imperfect, and that's what makes it real. Patrick discusses feelings that people don't normally talk about, giving everyone something to relate to while honoring the spirit of his late wife. This story is truly special, and I highly recommend it.

I was nervous to read this book about a mother’s medical issues after losing my own mother three years ago. Though her death was sudden and I didn’t experience the medical journey that Melanie’s family did, I related to so much of their story. Hearing about trips to the hospital, I felt the same fear that I experienced. Even through all the fear and trauma in their family’s story, Patrick’s gratitude for Melanie shown through. He took an experience that would have absolutely broken most people and saw the small pieces of beauty in it. He spoke so lovingly, yet realistically of his wife. I too felt I like I knew Melanie well after reading this. Ordinarily Extraordinary is an absolutely extraordinary tribute to Melanie and the life that she lived. We all have so many lessons to be learned from her.

This book was a beautiful window into a very human love story. The writing captures the individuals’ voices so well, I felt intimately involved in the story as I read it. I would recommend this book as a very genuine, compelling story of love, the road to loss, and the humor, hope and community that paved the way for resilience.

I love memoirs; there is something really fascinating about getting to glimpse into other people's lives. Patrick P. Long does not sugarcoat the last few days of his wife Melanie's life, and he shares with his readers some ugliness: cancer, marital and financial difficulties, and death. Yet he shares an abundance of beauty too. And there is plenty of humor, even when the topics are heavy. I laughed and cried my way through this one! I would recommend this book to anyone who has had or has known someone with a terminal illness; who has ever been married; or who enjoys memoirs.

This was a really great book. It brought me to tears and caused me to belly laugh. This is one man’s account of the end of his wife’s life and the love they shared. It was very illuminating but never maudlin. It truly was a frank and honest account. I highly recommend this book.

Great job Patrick! Thanks for sharing this with us. Melanie was such an amazing person, and I know she has to be so proud of you.

Truly amazing account of one of the hardest things in life anyone could go through- the loss of the love of your life and mother of your kids. Thank you for sharing what obviously was an incredibly tough time in your life.

Read this book in 2 days. It was so well written with such a meaningful story and perspective I just could not put it down to stop reading it. Cannot recommend this book enough!

I could not put the book down, read it in one sitting. Raw emotions throughout the book that really make you think and review things in your own life. Thank you Patrick for opening up your life and giving us a tribute to Melanie.