The Best of Us

A Memoir

By: Joyce Maynard

Narrated by: Joyce Maynard

In 2011, when she was in her late 50s, beloved author and journalist Joyce Maynard met the first true partner she had ever known. Jim wore a rakish hat over a good head of hair; he asked real questions and gave real answers; he loved to see Joyce shine, both in and out of the spotlight; and he didn't mind the mess she made in the kitchen. He was not the husband Joyce imagined, but he quickly became the partner she had always dreamed of.

Before they met, both had believed they were done with marriage, and even after they married, Joyce resolved that no one could alter her course of determined independence. Then, just after their one-year wedding anniversary, her new husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During the 19 months that followed, as they battled his illness together, she discovered for the first time what it really meant to be a couple - to be a true partner and to have one.

This is their story. Charting the course through their whirlwind romance, a marriage cut short by tragedy, and Joyce's return to singleness on new terms, The Best of Us is a heart-wrenching, ultimately life-affirming reflection on coming to understand true love through the experience of great loss.

©2017 Joyce Maynard (P)2017 HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books

The strength of love in adversity

Like all of the books I have read by Joyce Maynard thus far numbering 6 and counting this was a beautifully told story of family, relationships, great love and great loss. The story of Joyce and Jimmy is so incredibly touching and a reminder of what those vows really mean when the worst happens. I will carry this story with me for a long time. Also a shoutout to Dr. Ron Weiss, a wonderful and compassionate physician I have had the honor of knowing.

Lovely memoir of late love and caretaking

This book is really special in many ways. The beginning is not great- dating stories that are kind of shallow- but it picks up when Joyce meets her man. A sweet tale of love, loss and taking care of her soulmate through his illness.

Caring and loving people

Open and honest love and respect for each other! Open heart and soul in sharing relationships

Amazing writing

This is an amazing story, and the author is so self reflective. She may not have meant to do this, but she made me Wass roommate myself more times than any self-help book has ever done. I also plan to read everything else she has ever written as a result of this one book.

sad

i felt the story was a bit drawn out. would have liked to know a little of the life after