Between Two Kingdoms cover art

Between Two Kingdoms

What Almost Dying Taught Me About Living

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Between Two Kingdoms

By: Suleika Jaouad
Narrated by: Suleika Jaouad
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

We all face moments that bring us to our knees: heartbreak, trauma, illness. When things don't go to plan this is the book to reach for - an inspirational memoir about what the struggle to survive teaches us about how to live.

At just 22, on the cusp of adult life, Suleika Jaouad was diagnosed with leukaemia and given a 35 per cent chance of survival. For the next five years, her world comprised four white walls, a hospital bed, fluorescent lights, tubes and wires. She became patient 5624. At 27, and celebrating her first year of remission, Suleika realised that, having survived, she now had no idea how to live. And so she set out to meet some of the many strangers who had written to her about their experiences of life, death, healing and recovery in response to her Emmy-Award winning New York Times column, 'Life Interrupted'. Between Two Kingdoms is the result. Drawing on Suleika's TED Talk, now with 2.8 million views, it illuminates universal questions about how we live, mourn, heal and grow up, and what it means to begin again.

©2021 Suleika Jaouad (P)2021 Penguin Audio Survival Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"'A propulsive, soulful story of mourning and gratitude - and an intimate portrait of one woman's sojourn in the wilderness between life and death." (Tara Westover, author of Educated)

"A deeply touching account of learning to live in the now, because nothing else is promised. I loved it." (Kathryn Mannix, author of With the End in Mind)

"Changing the conversation about what it means to thrive in the wake of illness and life's unexpected interruptions." (TED)
All stars
Most relevant  
This book was heartfelt, raw and insightful. Beautifully read by the author, this is one of those books that will change the way you see the world. It will permanently alter your perspective and leave you feeling grateful for the everyday things currently taken for granted.

Will change the way you see the world…

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I sucked my breath in more than a few times as Suleika describes her treatment and symptoms of her rare cancer - her beautifully written story connected me to her strength and will to survive. I often found tears streaming down my face as she described another set back or joy when she had a win. I found it profoundly honest and intimate and feel so grateful to have read

Loved this book

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I adored this and will be forever grateful to have found it. This is SO much more powerful having been narrated by Suleika herself, what an incredible writer and woman.

Absolutely stunning

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I love this book.
I felt like I was walking alongside Suleika.
With her rich tapestry of words, I found connection, and felt her truth in my own truth.
Those that have lived hardship, trauma or tragedy are the wisest souls from their experiences.
Here we join Suleika as she navigates life and herself through her illness, and how it changes her.
Her rich vocabulary weaved pictures, places, and her experiences to life.
I’ve never given a five star review before.
However the author and her story deserve it fully here.
- Thank you Suleika for sharing this with us .

Suleika writes beautifully

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An amazing story of resilience, despite the circumstances and growth because of the circumstances. In addition, Suleika is an amazing writer. I wasn’t prepared to be awed every ten minutes of listening with beautiful sentences that made me feel with her and her family and friends a broad spectrum of emotions, and kept me thinking “wow, I wish I could write like that”. I know she is still between the two kingdoms and I am rooting for her to have the strength to keep going. Lots of love Suleika!

Heartbreaking, empowering, exhilarating

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I could barely breath listening to this book. So beautifully read and written. I’m sad to leave this poignant world. Thank you Suleika

Amazingly stunning book

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An authentic, wear your heart in your sleeve, account of challenges and tribulations, strengths and weaknesses, whilst enduring a battle with cancer. easy listening voice, well written and well delivered.

True and authentic

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What an amazing women and story! Sad to see it finish! Loved this book so much

Best book I’ve read in ages

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I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was extremely thought provoking and captured the experience of living with illness in the best way possible.

A once in a lifetime read

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Most amazing book I have ever listened to to. You are the most beautiful, arty,talented, wordsmith. The pictures you paint within these pages are as if I lived them right beside you. May you live a long and happy life and bless the world with dozens of children and Oscar’s. You are simply incredible. Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

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