Book Reviews
Praise for
100 DAYS | Dying To Tell His Story
“Walker has tremendous instinct for writing heavier emotions, right at the edge of disbelief. Gorgeous. Profound writings on death, the larger picture and meaning, join in with the importance of family connection. I found the book to be very comforting, transforming a realization that faculties that are not what they used to be are transmuting into a greater sense of knowing.”
- Annual Writers Digest Self-Published Book Awards
“Simply put—it is wonderful. It's engaging and inspiring and a tear-jerker.”
– Christi McGuire, Co-owner of Christian Editor Network
“100 Days” is a well-written, beautifully creative, artistic memoir about experiencing the 100 days of a beloved father's dying, while also reminiscing about his fascinating life. Even more than that, it is a profoundly moving and deeply spiritual look at eternal life, which begins in the fully-lived present moment. Don't be afraid to read it. You will never again think about life, death, and dying in the same way.”
– Beverly McCoy, Editor
"Walker’s heart-filled writing about her father’s wonderful life and holy death reflects stories of joy and grief and tremendous faith. As a preacher’s kid myself, I have many mindful memories of growing up in the Church and sensing the very fine line between church and home, priest and dad. I am grateful to have read about Rev. Herzog's strength and resurrection hope. Is it life sustaining!”
– The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida
“Dying to Tell His Story is a superb compilation of the Rev. Robert Herzog’s daily teachings on dying, his steadfast hope in Christ Jesus, and his joy being surrounded by a great army of earthbound family and friends. It is a book to share with those beginning to walk the journey home as well as a comfort to those who walk the the way with them.”
– Rev. Doris Johnson
“Walker writes personally in a style that is very engaging. I felt as though I was right there with her as the daily routine was tossed about by the elephant in the room. The combination of diary entries, photos and observations was terrific. She was blessed with a loving father who taught the way I think Jesus intended – with love and selflessness. Remembering my own experiences as I read along, I felt a tightness in my chest that came when my mom died, and I recalled the hospice experience when my friend died and how courageous she was. Death can be oddly inspiring. I am grateful to have heard this tale.”
– Wayne Mosle
“Thank you for so beautifully chronicling the mysterious transition from this life to the eternal. It was a privilege to read this moving set of vignettes about the process of death and rebirth. The marriage of scripture, picture, daily structure and memoirs is most engaging and brings out the human reality of the life/death experience while at the same time connecting us to its mystery.
Reading through the pages I grew to appreciate Rev. Herzog’s ministry and, as a result, to review my own. He surely held his humanity lightly and reverently and had an aura of spirituality that was engaging. I found myself laughing and crying, enjoying his family and sensing how I wanted to live out my last days whenever they come. I used to want my death to be relatively quick, but after taking this pilgrimage with the Herzog’s I’m inclined to embrace some space to spend meaningful time with family and friends and to review, to recreate, to rehearse, and to remember in such a way that everyone involved may grow in faith and love.
Rev. Herzog’s way of life and prayer are wonderful examples of how a priest should live in both worlds simultaneously. I pray I can do as well.
I feel blessed by reading these memories. They are filled with the love of this life and the firm belief in life eternal that hope eternal springs.”
– Rev. Dick Libby
“A daughter’s lovely reflection on the last days of her father’s life. As an Episcopal priest, his devotion to his people and family was foremost in his mind. His goal was to teach them to die with the grace and faith he lived by, and that death is a part of life to come.”
– Sandy Murray
“Having lost my parents several years ago after short stints at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS, I was excited to read this book and really connected with the stories Nancy and her family shared about the passing of their husband, father and grandfather.
Although this is a subject most people avoid talking about, Nancy and her family were able to communicate through well written, personal narratives and creative, thoughtful paintings how their father helped prepare them for his passing, even before he was sick. Due to his unshakeable faith in God, he was comfortable with death as we all should be and he wasn't afraid to talk about it.
I would encourage anyone who feels they are alone after experiencing the loss of a loved one or are currently caring for someone who is about to be with God to read this beautiful story. It tells how this family not only dealt with but sensitively made this a special time of personal growth and thanksgiving.”
– Gary Haygood
“100 Days is a beautiful illuminated tapestry of images, art, scripture, memories, love, life, family devotions – about death. It is also about rebirth, promise and hope, in a way that is honest and relatable. Walker takes the reader to the side of her father’s bed right along with her, then quietly and with masterful ability, sows in Bible verses matching them to each vignette. She wraps a “book-quilt” snugly around the reader’s shoulder and helps them know.”
- Joni Godlove