Blog tour: A Thousand Goodbyes

Welcome to the blog tour for A Thousand Goodbyes by Ruth Graham.

More about the book…

When Ruth Graham left the world of stand-up comedy to become a funeral celebrant, she’d imagined a less combative career.  Over a thousand services later … she knows better.

Probably her most demanding role to date, Ruth has needed every ounce of diplomacy, courage, humour and her wits about her to juggle the daily challenges. From grief-stricken families to amorous widowers through to plate-smashing, warring siblings and even a flock of stoned doves at a Rasta funeral. 

As the story unfolds we witness her new career developing into a 24/7 commitment. Will it break her? Or will it be the spur she needs to get her own life in order?

Jaw-dropping, informative, moving and hilarious in turn, ‘A Thousand Goodbyes’ is a reminder that nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow; whilst encouraging everyone to seize their day. 

More about the author…

Ruth Graham has written for many publications over the years on a variety of subjects.

Initially working for Emap Elan on Period Living and Traditional Homes magazine, she then moved on to freelance for titles as varied as The Evening Standard and The Daily Mail.

A move back to the Midlands in 2000 brought her first big break with her own weekly gossip/opinion column in The Sunday Mercury (Trinity Mirror), where she was billed as ‘Ruth Graham: More Balls Than Your Average Bloke’!

She then went on to launch her own magazine ‘Midlands Homes & Interiors’.

Two years later (2007), came her first series of short comedy books, ‘The Bible Series’ (Know The Score Publishing). One of these ‘The Break Up Bible’ was cunningly launched on Valentine’s day, gaining great publicity, and a spot on GMTV and Channel 5 news!

Since then Ruth has written and performed her own one-woman show (Just Sayin’); become a celebrant; and subsequently collaborated with writer/performer Cat Weatherill on the British Arts Council funded show ‘Unforgettable’ – celebrating the lives of those we’ve loved and lost.

And then came the book ‘A Thousand Goodbyes’ – all about Ruth’s work as a celebrant, the people she meets and the bizarre, touching and hilarious circumstances that constitute the average day, and life, of a celebrant.

My impressions…

How did this book end up in my hands? I was kindly gifted a copy by the publisher so that I could join this tour.

Was it a page-turner? It doesn’t necessarily have to be but it was for me. I was so fascinated by Ruth’s experiences that I couldn’t stop reading. Plus, she has such a nice way with words that I was fully engaged and lost track of time every time I picked up the book.

Did the book meet my expectations? For one reason or the other, mortality and funerals are something that I’ve recently been giving a lot of thought. When the email about this book landed in my inbox I took it as a sign! I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I would cry though. And I was wrong. The book is moving but the stories in it are told in such a gentle, respectful and humorous way that I actually chuckled out loud. Not one, but several times! So I have to say that my expectations were spectacularly exceeded, and I feel like I’ve learned so much too. There is nobody I wouldn’t recommend this book to.

Three words to describe it. Amusing. Moving. Informative.

Do I like the cover? Yes, it’s delicate and soothing.

Have I read any other books by the same author? No, but I would love to hear more of her stories.