My mission of spreading awareness about what Multiple Sclerosis is and to live a quality life using the abilities we have is why I was thrilled to receive the following note from Trevis Gleason. Trevis is a man I've never met but have known for many years through his stellar reputation in the MS community as an inspiring writer and advocate.
As I read his note I thought about the cadence of its language. I could almost hear Trevis speaking with an American English tongue mixed in with a wee bit of Irish brogue. It was endearing.
Then my next thought was, "Of course I want to give your book a look!" because the life that Trevis chose despite a diagnosis of secondary progressive MS is one that exemplifies what it means to live a quality life despite facing adversity.
Let me go back.Trevis Gleason is a former chef who was trained at The New England Culinary Institute. Settling into a directorial position with the California Culinary Academy and opening several cooking schools for the Academy his life abruptly changed after his misdiagnosed ailments turned into a confirmed diagnosis of MS.
But Trevis' new book, Chef Interrupted: Discovering Life's Second Course in Ireland with Multiple Sclerosis is not a book about diagnosis or coming to grips with a "new normal." Chef Interrupted is a celebration of life and the indomitability of the human spirit, illustrating that lifelong dreams can still be realized with a bit of gritty determination, some serious planning, a positive attitude and the ability to laugh at yourself.
And, of course, being surrounded by loved ones, including the furry kind.
His book begins five years after diagnosis, being forced from the job he was trained for, and a marriage that crumbled.
He reveals to the reader:
"If I was to enjoy any of the things I'd hoped to be doing in my far advanced years after a career, I would have to start identifying what those dreams were and create a plan to make them happen. Hope, without a plan, is just a dream."
Our journey as a reader begins alongside of Trevis, from Seattle to a rented, rustic "functional" cottage in West Kerry, Ireland where he remained for the winter. Despite obstacles such as sheep-obstructed narrow roadways, an antiquated heating system, and the general difficulties of beginning a new life in a strange place, the hearty soul of Trevis remained intact.
His masterful tales are woven around the many connections he makes with the lively people of Ireland, his devoted companion, Sadie, an adorable puppy he adopts upon arrival, and the beauty of the rugged countryside that surrounds him.
Rising to the many physical challenges he inevitably faces, Trevis skillfully entertains a steady flow of family and friends who come to visit him. His skills as a master chef come in handy while entertaining, and he whets our appetites throughout the book when discussing simple local food and drink.
We are willing learners about the cultural differences Trevis embraces, and we feel the joy he feels as he immerses himself in his newest homeland.
When Trevis described some of the people he met I was often reminded of characters portrayed in a few John Ford movies. Flavorful characters that Barry Fitzgerald or Maureen O'Hara might have played. Colorful, lively and always fascinating.
Trevis weaves magic through his poetic style of storytelling allowing us to, at times, forget that he's living with a debilitating disease, one that catapulted him to visit his family's roots so far away. His story touched my heart, and I know it will touch yours.
This is not a story about disability but one about finding your joy no matter what life has to offer.
If you've ever had a dream you'll want to take a look at Chef Interrupted. It'll keep hope in your heart and help you believe that anything is possible.
Chef Interrupted: Discovering Life's Second Course in Ireland with Multiple Sclerosis will be released on Amazon on March 1, 2015, but is available for pre-order by clicking here today.
NOTE: I received an advance copy of Chef Interrupted: Discovering Life's Second Course in Ireland with Multiple Sclerosis. As always, all opinions expressed are solely my own.
This sounds like an inspiring story!
What a wonderful story about navigating the challenges of life to find purpose and meaning. I hope his book does well -- it sounds like it would be an inspiration to many. Great review, Cathy.
Hi Cathy, Trevor's book sounds wonderful. I have a strong connection to Ireland (my mom was Irish) and I've been to Ireland many times. Best xo
Sounds like he found the strength to reinvent himself post-diagnosis. I wonder if his cooking comes into play in his new life? Will have to read to find out, I guess!
Trevis sounds truly inspirational!
It's the kind of book I'd love, too. He really is a great model for anyone living with disability. Just like you are one.
What a beautiful story. Travis sounds like a remarkable man.
The title caught my eye - with both Ireland and MS in it! This book sounds like a great read, another one to add to my list. I am half Irish and when I turned 50, finally got to visit. We spent almost a week in Kerry renting a house. The landlady, whose family also has a mountain named after them, brought us fresh farm milk and veggies and baked us a cake! We were 'regulars' at the local pub by the time we came to leave. The Irish are truly welcoming. I can think of no better place to start life over! Lucky man!
sounds like this would be such an inspiring book for anyone dealing with MS. I love the title.
I've made two visits to Ireland and were I able, would love to have a go at living in Kerry for awhile. So ruggedly beautiful! Cathy, thanks for sharing Trevis' story. I look forward to the book.
This sounds like such an inspiring story and I love Irish people! We've been to Ireland a couple of times and it's one of my favorite places in the world. I can hear his accent through his words, too!
Well being half Irish I just have to read it now lol. Seriously, sounds like an amazing story to read. I look forward to getting it.
This looks like a really great read. I love the life of chefs so this looks right up my alley.
[…] “Trevis weaves magic through his poetic style of storytelling allowing us to, at times, forget that he’s living with a debilitating disease, one that catapulted him to visit his family’s roots so far away. His story touched my heart, and I know it will touch yours. This is not a story about disability but one about finding your joy no matter what life has to offer. If you’ve ever had a dream, you’ll want to take a look at Chef Interrupted. It’ll keep hope in your heart and help you believe that anything is possible.” Read more …. […]