Salt in My Soul

An Unfinished Life

By: Mallory Smith

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

The diaries of a remarkable young woman who was determined to live a meaningful and happy life despite her struggle with cystic fibrosis and a rare superbug—from age fifteen to her death at the age of twenty-five—the inspiration for the original streaming documentary Salt in My Soul

“An exquisitely nuanced chronicle of a terrified but hopeful young woman whose life was beginning and ending, all at once.”—Los Angeles Times

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of three, Mallory Smith grew up to be a determined, talented young woman who inspired others even as she privately raged against her illness. Despite the daily challenges of endless medical treatments and a deep understanding that she’d never lead a normal life, Mallory was determined to “Live Happy,” a mantra she followed until her death. Mallory worked hard to make the most out of the limited time she had, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University, becoming a cystic fibrosis advocate well known in the CF community, and embarking on a career as a professional writer. Along the way, she cultivated countless intimate friendships and ultimately found love.

For more than ten years, Mallory recorded her thoughts and observations about struggles and feelings too personal to share during her life, leaving instructions for her mother to publish her work posthumously. She hoped that her writing would offer insight to those living with, or loving someone with, chronic illness.

What emerges is a powerful and inspiring portrait of a brave young woman and blossoming writer who did not allow herself to be defined by disease. Her words offer comfort and hope to readers, even as she herself was facing death. Salt in My Soul is a beautifully crafted, intimate, and poignant tribute to a short life well lived—and a call for all of us to embrace our own lives as fully as possible.

Critic reviews

“A moving portrait of an extraordinary young woman fighting to live a full life despite a devastating chronic illness.”—Bustle

“A richly compelling story of an unfinished life.”—The San Diego Union-Tribune

“Brilliant, compassionate, and radically optimistic, Salt in My Soul captures the heartbreaking beauty of being alive. I feel fuller, more educated, and more human having read this book. Mallory Smith may have salt in her soul, but she’s all firecracker. She is a gift and so is her writing—every grain of it.”—Beck Dorey-Stein, New York Times bestselling author of From the Corner of the Oval

“In Salt in My Soul, Mallory Smith is bracingly candid and unflinching in her portrayal of life with chronic illness. Yet she also writes with warmth and humor about the everyday experiences of growing up as a young woman in search of meaning, purpose, and love while knowing her life will likely be cut short. This is a deeply moving book full of wisdom about health, life, and love—and about the importance of finding happiness wherever and whenever we can. Salt in My Soul broke my heart but also inspired me to make the most of every day.”—Will Schwalbe, New York Times bestselling author of The End of Your Life Book Club

“Those of us fortunate enough to know the amazing Mallory Smith learned that no matter how sick, she would find escape from the prison of her illness to play water polo, to be prom queen, to go to Stanford, to graduate Phi Beta Kappa, and to know true love in her twenty-five years. With the strength of her parents, the support of her many friends, and her own great grit, Mallory lived her ambitions. Salt in My Soul is a beautiful, brave, unsparingly insightful account of a courageous girl who becomes a woman warrior and fights for her life while living it fully.”—Eric Lax, author of The Mold in Dr. Florey’s Coat

“With spicy wit and brutal honesty, Salt in My Soul reveals the heartache and courage of a young woman who always knew that her life would be cut short by a chronic disease. Read this memoir and you’ll be astonished by Mallory’s bravery and uplifted by her vivacious spirit.”—Randi Hutter Epstein, MD, MPH, writer in residence, Yale Medical School, author of Aroused

It isn't about Mallory as much as it is about us

I'm not sure what I expected going into this, I knew the premise of what I was getting into but not the bread and butter of it. Mallory's philosophy was never what kept me intrigued or involved in this book, rather, it was her ability to articulate the human condition through her own perspective which resonated most clearly with me. We are all faced with choices every single day...which to each of us (through our own distorted lense) lends us the opportunity to see the world the way we choose to see it, and Mallory exemplified this concept. The details of her suffering struck me as I drove from Florida back to Virginia. I wondered to myself how I would reflect on my life in my dying moments and if I had lived one worthy of self praise or if i would be consumed by self pity. My hope is that I can be as Mallory was and leave this place better than I found it and go out only thinking of others well-being. Mallory wrote in a way where-as the book was less about her reflection of herself as it was a message to the reader to consider each of our own positions in this mega universal puzzle we call life, and to live it more fully, more whole, more lovingly. I felt as though Mallory wrote in a way where the reader pr listener was connected to her, as a friend rather than an audience member. I am grateful for this reflection.

What a beautiful story!

So glad to have met sweet Mallory Smith ❤️ I will recommend this book to everyone I know!

Moving. Important. Beautifully read!

No spoiler alerts here. Map is accessible, human, and gorgeous as she leads you down the path that is her life’s journey with cystic fibrosis. I loved it. I loved her! I love books that expand your soul, make you want to be a better person and help you understand others’ experiences, all while being entertained and fascinated. This book is one of those.

Intense medical journey.

What an incredible story. I hope never to go through with any family or friends.

Beautiful & captivating

A beautiful book that should be read by so many. I was entranced by Mallory‘s words and the way she so candidly described what she went through. The ways in which she felt about living life, being with the ones she loved, and experiencing the world and what it offers will stay with me.