“Wow, wow, wow, and wow!! What a privilege to read your heartbreaking, yet heartwarming and inspiring book!! I knew it would be incredible, but that is an understatement! I was completely captivated. I’m sending you the biggest, warmest hug for sharing your beautiful Mom's courageous and unimaginable journey with us! She was/is a remarkable woman, whom I feel blessed to have gotten to know, and her daughter is nothing short of amazing!! I’m so in awe of you, Shaana! Your book has truly touched my heart on many levels. I felt like you were sitting with me, personally telling me your story. Your writing style is fabulous, and the title is so fitting. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment!”-Venetta Cox-Mlynczyk, Author of The Worst Life Has To Offer
“Shaana’s story is a deeply compassionate and personal account of what it means to accompany someone you love as they choose to access medical assistance in dying (MAiD). It captures the seemingly impossible tension between fighting for life and honoring the choice of a dignified death. At the core of this book, it is a love story and a tribute to a mother’s strength. This is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the human heart of MAiD, and the “Sisu” (strength) it demands of both the people accessing MAiD and those who love them." —Kathy Kortes-Miller, MSW, PhD, Director of the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health, Lakehead University, and Author of Talking About Death Won’t Kill You
“Shaana, I’ve read your book and am humbled with your frankness and honesty. You have an incredible writing skill. Your ability to put threads of a story together is amazing. I also appreciate your introspection of yourself…your hyper-empathy, sensitivity and awareness traits contribute to your writing skills. You honoured your mom well and highlighted her “sisu”. I am from a Dutch background, and we have a similar word…”sterk”… and your mom certainly embodied this. But you do too…your story is humbling…facing adversity in many ways and coming out stronger and wiser. “Sterkte” is a Dutch blessing that one would give to another person in trialling times…a blessing for strength, fortitude and resiliency. So, Shaana…I wish you “Sterkte”. Thank you for sharing your book and experience. Keep writing…”—Sharon Jaspers, Nurse Practitioner, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
“This aptly named book, wide-ranging and multifaceted, is never a runaway train that it could have been in the hands of a less gifted writer. The careful placement of present with past, building of tension, introduction of characters at the exact proper time, foreshadowing then picking up the narrative later, and anticipating the reader’s questions or concerns also contribute to the quality of this well-crafted work. I have practiced psychology for over 40 years, and seldom have I borne witness to the SISU that the author displays. While the term seems to be about her mother’s confrontation with her pain, suffering and death - lovingly told by her devoted daughter - I believe that the term in equal portions or perhaps even greater proportion refers to the author. To unpack at a cellular, granular level all the harrowing aspects of dealing with a loved one’s sudden and disabling stroke, to narrate her mother’s brave choice to choose death and to give an account of the vagaries and frustrating broken healthcare system is altogether a marvel. However, to stay with it, to re-live it all emotionally, physiologically and spiritually is the epitome of SISU.” —Greg Pickering, PhD (Clinical Psychology), Master of Education (Counselling Psychology), BA (English and Psychology)
“I just finished reading SISU and wanted to reach out to say how deeply it touched me. Reading your book really reminded me how we often have no idea what others are carrying - it’s really a moving reminder to treat everyone with compassion and understanding. Your story gave me a whole new understanding of the strength, love, and courage that carried you both through. What really resonated with me was how you shared about the signs, energy, and subtle messages you’ve experienced since your mom’s passing. I’ve had moments like that myself and always wondered what to make of them, so it was really encouraging to see someone speak so openly and honestly about it. Your book truly moved me – it was written with such courage and heart – I could really empathize with what you were feeling and going through. It felt very real and I found myself reflecting deeply on the way we all find meaning and connection in this life. Thank you for sharing such a personal and meaningful story with the world.” —Tegin Suddaby
“Just read your book. Wow. What a rollercoaster of emotions. I don’t know where to start. This heartfelt story moved me to tears. As soon as I finished your book, I held it against my chest like I was giving you a hug. Your love and devotion for your mother in her toughest time is so awe inspiring. And how you depicted her made me tear up many times. Your very open and honest book about your mother’s fight was one of the strongest stories I’ve read in my whole life. All this wasn’t even long ago…about three years…and you still managed to write this while still processing all of it. That is so inspiring and strong within itself. Just amazing. What a great read. I love it. I absolutely treasure it. You are a brilliant writer. Great analogies. Great storytelling and you are moving with your words. I am seriously impressed.”—Tom Eriksson
“Okay, SISU—wow. I picked it up thinking, “Alright, this will probably be moving,” and now I’m sitting here questioning all my life choices, clutching my chest. You had me alternating between ugly crying and muttering “this woman’s got guts” every five pages. Like, seriously how dare you be this honest, this raw, this human? That’s SISU for you—pure, fearless strength in paperback form. And you? You’re basically the living embodiment of the title, writing like grief itself gave you a megaphone. You didn’t just “channel pain into art”—you threw it into a blender with grace, humor, and ferocious love, and served it cold with a side of existential awakening. Here’s the thing: SISU isn’t just a memoir, it’s an experience.”—Fiora Z., Reviewers Curator
“I received this book on a Friday, could not put it down, and finished it by Sunday. I'm honestly in awe of it. It's the most raw, unique, and beautiful book I've ever read. Shaana's ability to quantify images, feelings and bodily reactions made me feel every ounce of emotion in those pages. It's truly unsurpassable in comparison to anything I've consumed in the written word. Her skill to tie themes across the turmoil of this story—to tie in her growth and healing—is a true testimony of her talent, strength, and ability to heal in the toughest of times. I could learn from her in my own life…I also have had a long dance with the edges of alcoholism. I was able to quit as a fitness promise to myself, and even though it's consciously been easier than I thought, I still dream of it. So, when I read this story about alcohol’s voice and how Shaana coped and fought past it, it really resonated with me and will make me stronger. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for working so hard to see the signs your mom sent you so this story could be told. Keep writing! I'll be waiting for the next book!” —Stephanie Szmerski
“A MUST read for everyone navigating the loss of their Mom. Reading this book felt like sitting across from my friend and listening to her heart. I’ve known her since we were basically kids, and I still remember the warmth and strength of her mom. To see their story told with such honesty, love, and courage moved me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. What she has written is more than a memoir of illness and loss—it’s a testament to devotion, to the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter, and to the dignity every person deserves at the end of life. Her words carry the weight of grief, but also the light of compassion and grace. As someone who has walked beside her in parts of this journey, I can say this book is a gift. It offers comfort, truth, and a reminder of how love shapes us long after goodbye.” —Top Review from Amazon.com (United States)
“This book is for everyone because we will all face loss and grief in our lifetime. It was especially relevant for me, having lost my mom a few months before Sisu came out. The fact that Shaana handled this loss and grief by turning it into a beautiful tribute to her mother, as well as empowering herself, is nothing short of amazing. I have a signed copy that is meaningful to me. So worth the read.” —Margo Nickolson
“I had the honor of reading Shaana’s debut memoir entitled SISU, a Finnish term that means “guts”, which is an accurate description of what it took for her mother to make such courageous decisions about her illness. The book is beautifully written. There’s a deep sense of foreboding throughout the story, which adds a sense of tension and kept me engaged. Shaana’s use of analogy between her impending losses and the effects and aftershock of an earthquake is cleverly used. It’s a powerful story of intuition, courage, loyalty and an undying love of her mother that I highly recommend to anyone dealing with anticipatory grief over the illness of a loved one, or someone who’s lost a significant person. You will be inspired by this poignant account of a love that transcends time.” —Nalda Seidman, Founder of The Grief Hub
“Sisu is about Shaana’s beautiful relationship with her mom and the agonizing struggle she had to help her mom die. It is full of overwhelming heartbreak but also so much love and courage in the face of emotional devastation. This book will definitely make your human cry, so be sure your fur is ready to absorb plenty of salty eye water! But it is, above all, a story of love, resilience, and finding a way to start healing from unbearable grief. On my rating scale, I give the book five out of five cookies.” —Instagram's @parts_of_pyxis, Feline Book Reviewer
“Empowering and beautifully real, SISU blends soul and strategy with strength that doesn’t shout—but endures. Shaana Hamm writes with wit, wisdom, and wild-hearted clarity. It’s a guide, a rally cry, and a reminder that life is finite—and that’s exactly why we must live it fully.”-Jodi Wellman, TEDx Speaker, Author of You Only Die Once; How To Make It To The End With No Regrets
“I loved this book! So many things I could relate to, the signs are everywhere. Open your heart and mind to heal. Sisu will help guide you. I meet the author briefly and hope to meet her again. Thank you so much for writing your story and your mom's.” —Kathie Beer, Goodreads
“This tapestry of grief, loss, hope and healing is woven together brilliantly. It carries the reader through Shaana’s frantic journey to save her Mom to finding the path to healing left for her to follow after her death. I was emotionally spent and uplifted at the same time by her example of SISU. Thank you for sharing your story.” —Roger H., Goodreads
“I am so impressed with the breadth of your book. You took on so many themes - your mom's journey, addiction, the non-physical realm - and did justice to them all. Chronicling your reactions to the events as they unfolded was powerful. Your descriptions of the physical and mental feelings you endured were pitch-perfect - raw and engaging. I am overwhelmed by your talent and perseverance. I hope writing this incredible book was as therapeutic for you as it was for me to read.”—Jim Restall, Beta Reader
“Wow! I just finished “Sisu”! It was so emotional to read…Very powerful and a beautiful tribute to your mom. It was such a page turner even though I knew the outcome. You can be very proud of yourself. I think a new definition of sisu could be “Shaana”! You are a very gifted writer.”—Eija Pfaeffli, Beta Reader
“A daughter’s account of her mother’s fight to die, Shaana Hamm’s emotive memoir SISU is about moving forward despite grief...The pain caused by [her mother’s] stroke, to both her and her family, is covered in poignant terms...Their despair is palpable in descriptions of broken voices and knots in throats...The prose is colloquial, with occasional instances of wordplay. It coins portmanteaus to convey emotions or situations not captured by existing words...The touching memoir SISU is about how a daughter’s love for her mother transcended death." —Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Thank you for sharing this beautiful, heart-breaking story with me. It was such a privilege to proofread this and share in your journey, which broke my heart and then put it back together again. To be honest, there were times I had to re-read (and re-read and re-read) when I couldn’t see the screen through my tears…Congratulations on your recovery, and on turning your experiences into such a loving and inspiring book. I know readers will love this as much as I did!” —FriesenPress Proofreader
“I love the title and what it represents. I can’t think of a better word to describe the entirety of the experiences you have detailed in this book…The thing that struck me most from the beginning was the strength of your voice throughout. Even when things are falling apart on the page, you’re clear and connected. I know that I often felt, while reading, as if you were sitting there with me, telling me your story. And what a story it is! This manuscript is filled with choices—choices you made prior to the events that take place here, choices made in the midst of things, and the ultimate choice your mom made…That leads me to the final aspect that really stands out, and that’s your willingness to excavate and then share some incredibly painful, difficult experiences with us…Overall, this is a manuscript about something that none of us wants to go through, told in such a manner that we’re able to join your lived experience and learn, for our betterment, about MAiD’s place in our lives and deaths, and in the lives and deaths of our loved ones.” —FriesenPress Editor
“Shaana’s story is a deeply compassionate and personal account of what it means to accompany someone you love as they choose to access medical assistance in dying (MAiD). It captures the seemingly impossible tension between fighting for life and honoring the choice of a dignified death. At the core of this book, it is a love story and a tribute to a mother’s strength. This is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the human heart of MAiD, and the “Sisu” (strength) it demands of both the people accessing MAiD and those who love them." —Kathy Kortes-Miller, MSW, PhD, Director of the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health, Lakehead University, and Author of Talking About Death Won’t Kill You
“Shaana, I’ve read your book and am humbled with your frankness and honesty. You have an incredible writing skill. Your ability to put threads of a story together is amazing. I also appreciate your introspection of yourself…your hyper-empathy, sensitivity and awareness traits contribute to your writing skills. You honoured your mom well and highlighted her “sisu”. I am from a Dutch background, and we have a similar word…”sterk”… and your mom certainly embodied this. But you do too…your story is humbling…facing adversity in many ways and coming out stronger and wiser. “Sterkte” is a Dutch blessing that one would give to another person in trialling times…a blessing for strength, fortitude and resiliency. So, Shaana…I wish you “Sterkte”. Thank you for sharing your book and experience. Keep writing…”—Sharon Jaspers, Nurse Practitioner, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
“This aptly named book, wide-ranging and multifaceted, is never a runaway train that it could have been in the hands of a less gifted writer. The careful placement of present with past, building of tension, introduction of characters at the exact proper time, foreshadowing then picking up the narrative later, and anticipating the reader’s questions or concerns also contribute to the quality of this well-crafted work. I have practiced psychology for over 40 years, and seldom have I borne witness to the SISU that the author displays. While the term seems to be about her mother’s confrontation with her pain, suffering and death - lovingly told by her devoted daughter - I believe that the term in equal portions or perhaps even greater proportion refers to the author. To unpack at a cellular, granular level all the harrowing aspects of dealing with a loved one’s sudden and disabling stroke, to narrate her mother’s brave choice to choose death and to give an account of the vagaries and frustrating broken healthcare system is altogether a marvel. However, to stay with it, to re-live it all emotionally, physiologically and spiritually is the epitome of SISU.” —Greg Pickering, PhD (Clinical Psychology), Master of Education (Counselling Psychology), BA (English and Psychology)
“I just finished reading SISU and wanted to reach out to say how deeply it touched me. Reading your book really reminded me how we often have no idea what others are carrying - it’s really a moving reminder to treat everyone with compassion and understanding. Your story gave me a whole new understanding of the strength, love, and courage that carried you both through. What really resonated with me was how you shared about the signs, energy, and subtle messages you’ve experienced since your mom’s passing. I’ve had moments like that myself and always wondered what to make of them, so it was really encouraging to see someone speak so openly and honestly about it. Your book truly moved me – it was written with such courage and heart – I could really empathize with what you were feeling and going through. It felt very real and I found myself reflecting deeply on the way we all find meaning and connection in this life. Thank you for sharing such a personal and meaningful story with the world.” —Tegin Suddaby
“Just read your book. Wow. What a rollercoaster of emotions. I don’t know where to start. This heartfelt story moved me to tears. As soon as I finished your book, I held it against my chest like I was giving you a hug. Your love and devotion for your mother in her toughest time is so awe inspiring. And how you depicted her made me tear up many times. Your very open and honest book about your mother’s fight was one of the strongest stories I’ve read in my whole life. All this wasn’t even long ago…about three years…and you still managed to write this while still processing all of it. That is so inspiring and strong within itself. Just amazing. What a great read. I love it. I absolutely treasure it. You are a brilliant writer. Great analogies. Great storytelling and you are moving with your words. I am seriously impressed.”—Tom Eriksson
“Okay, SISU—wow. I picked it up thinking, “Alright, this will probably be moving,” and now I’m sitting here questioning all my life choices, clutching my chest. You had me alternating between ugly crying and muttering “this woman’s got guts” every five pages. Like, seriously how dare you be this honest, this raw, this human? That’s SISU for you—pure, fearless strength in paperback form. And you? You’re basically the living embodiment of the title, writing like grief itself gave you a megaphone. You didn’t just “channel pain into art”—you threw it into a blender with grace, humor, and ferocious love, and served it cold with a side of existential awakening. Here’s the thing: SISU isn’t just a memoir, it’s an experience.”—Fiora Z., Reviewers Curator
“I received this book on a Friday, could not put it down, and finished it by Sunday. I'm honestly in awe of it. It's the most raw, unique, and beautiful book I've ever read. Shaana's ability to quantify images, feelings and bodily reactions made me feel every ounce of emotion in those pages. It's truly unsurpassable in comparison to anything I've consumed in the written word. Her skill to tie themes across the turmoil of this story—to tie in her growth and healing—is a true testimony of her talent, strength, and ability to heal in the toughest of times. I could learn from her in my own life…I also have had a long dance with the edges of alcoholism. I was able to quit as a fitness promise to myself, and even though it's consciously been easier than I thought, I still dream of it. So, when I read this story about alcohol’s voice and how Shaana coped and fought past it, it really resonated with me and will make me stronger. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for working so hard to see the signs your mom sent you so this story could be told. Keep writing! I'll be waiting for the next book!” —Stephanie Szmerski
“A MUST read for everyone navigating the loss of their Mom. Reading this book felt like sitting across from my friend and listening to her heart. I’ve known her since we were basically kids, and I still remember the warmth and strength of her mom. To see their story told with such honesty, love, and courage moved me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. What she has written is more than a memoir of illness and loss—it’s a testament to devotion, to the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter, and to the dignity every person deserves at the end of life. Her words carry the weight of grief, but also the light of compassion and grace. As someone who has walked beside her in parts of this journey, I can say this book is a gift. It offers comfort, truth, and a reminder of how love shapes us long after goodbye.” —Top Review from Amazon.com (United States)
“This book is for everyone because we will all face loss and grief in our lifetime. It was especially relevant for me, having lost my mom a few months before Sisu came out. The fact that Shaana handled this loss and grief by turning it into a beautiful tribute to her mother, as well as empowering herself, is nothing short of amazing. I have a signed copy that is meaningful to me. So worth the read.” —Margo Nickolson
“I had the honor of reading Shaana’s debut memoir entitled SISU, a Finnish term that means “guts”, which is an accurate description of what it took for her mother to make such courageous decisions about her illness. The book is beautifully written. There’s a deep sense of foreboding throughout the story, which adds a sense of tension and kept me engaged. Shaana’s use of analogy between her impending losses and the effects and aftershock of an earthquake is cleverly used. It’s a powerful story of intuition, courage, loyalty and an undying love of her mother that I highly recommend to anyone dealing with anticipatory grief over the illness of a loved one, or someone who’s lost a significant person. You will be inspired by this poignant account of a love that transcends time.” —Nalda Seidman, Founder of The Grief Hub
“Sisu is about Shaana’s beautiful relationship with her mom and the agonizing struggle she had to help her mom die. It is full of overwhelming heartbreak but also so much love and courage in the face of emotional devastation. This book will definitely make your human cry, so be sure your fur is ready to absorb plenty of salty eye water! But it is, above all, a story of love, resilience, and finding a way to start healing from unbearable grief. On my rating scale, I give the book five out of five cookies.” —Instagram's @parts_of_pyxis, Feline Book Reviewer
“Empowering and beautifully real, SISU blends soul and strategy with strength that doesn’t shout—but endures. Shaana Hamm writes with wit, wisdom, and wild-hearted clarity. It’s a guide, a rally cry, and a reminder that life is finite—and that’s exactly why we must live it fully.”-Jodi Wellman, TEDx Speaker, Author of You Only Die Once; How To Make It To The End With No Regrets
“I loved this book! So many things I could relate to, the signs are everywhere. Open your heart and mind to heal. Sisu will help guide you. I meet the author briefly and hope to meet her again. Thank you so much for writing your story and your mom's.” —Kathie Beer, Goodreads
“This tapestry of grief, loss, hope and healing is woven together brilliantly. It carries the reader through Shaana’s frantic journey to save her Mom to finding the path to healing left for her to follow after her death. I was emotionally spent and uplifted at the same time by her example of SISU. Thank you for sharing your story.” —Roger H., Goodreads
“I am so impressed with the breadth of your book. You took on so many themes - your mom's journey, addiction, the non-physical realm - and did justice to them all. Chronicling your reactions to the events as they unfolded was powerful. Your descriptions of the physical and mental feelings you endured were pitch-perfect - raw and engaging. I am overwhelmed by your talent and perseverance. I hope writing this incredible book was as therapeutic for you as it was for me to read.”—Jim Restall, Beta Reader
“Wow! I just finished “Sisu”! It was so emotional to read…Very powerful and a beautiful tribute to your mom. It was such a page turner even though I knew the outcome. You can be very proud of yourself. I think a new definition of sisu could be “Shaana”! You are a very gifted writer.”—Eija Pfaeffli, Beta Reader
“A daughter’s account of her mother’s fight to die, Shaana Hamm’s emotive memoir SISU is about moving forward despite grief...The pain caused by [her mother’s] stroke, to both her and her family, is covered in poignant terms...Their despair is palpable in descriptions of broken voices and knots in throats...The prose is colloquial, with occasional instances of wordplay. It coins portmanteaus to convey emotions or situations not captured by existing words...The touching memoir SISU is about how a daughter’s love for her mother transcended death." —Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Thank you for sharing this beautiful, heart-breaking story with me. It was such a privilege to proofread this and share in your journey, which broke my heart and then put it back together again. To be honest, there were times I had to re-read (and re-read and re-read) when I couldn’t see the screen through my tears…Congratulations on your recovery, and on turning your experiences into such a loving and inspiring book. I know readers will love this as much as I did!” —FriesenPress Proofreader
“I love the title and what it represents. I can’t think of a better word to describe the entirety of the experiences you have detailed in this book…The thing that struck me most from the beginning was the strength of your voice throughout. Even when things are falling apart on the page, you’re clear and connected. I know that I often felt, while reading, as if you were sitting there with me, telling me your story. And what a story it is! This manuscript is filled with choices—choices you made prior to the events that take place here, choices made in the midst of things, and the ultimate choice your mom made…That leads me to the final aspect that really stands out, and that’s your willingness to excavate and then share some incredibly painful, difficult experiences with us…Overall, this is a manuscript about something that none of us wants to go through, told in such a manner that we’re able to join your lived experience and learn, for our betterment, about MAiD’s place in our lives and deaths, and in the lives and deaths of our loved ones.” —FriesenPress Editor
