Juniper

The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon

By: Kelley French, Thomas French

Narrated by: Kelley French, Thomas French

A micro-preemie fights for survival in this extraordinary and gorgeously told memoir by her parents, both award-winning journalists.

Juniper French was born four months early, at 23 weeks' gestation. She weighed one pound, four ounces, and her twiggy body was the length of a Barbie doll. Her head was smaller than a tennis ball, her skin was nearly translucent, and through her chest you could see her flickering heart. Babies like Juniper, born at the edge of viability, trigger the question: Which is the greater act of love - to save her or to let her go?

Kelley and Thomas French chose to fight for Juniper's life, and this is their incredible tale. In one exquisite memoir, the authors explore the border between what is possible and what is right. They marvel at the science that conceived and sustained their daughter and the love that made the difference. They probe the bond between a mother and a baby, between a husband and a wife. They trace the journey of their family from its fragile beginning to the miraculous survival of their now thriving daughter.

©2016 Kelley French and Thomas French (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Kelley and Thomas French are two of America's best narrative journalists, and here is their most important story yet. Juniper is an astonishingly intimate and honest account of a mother, a father, and a complicated baby whose very existence calls into question every easy assumption about what a life means. This is a deeply moving and meaningful book." (David Finkel, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Thank You for Your Service)

"The Frenches put forth a love story about their daughter, with highs and lows throughout and moments of sheer joy that will keep readers involved until the very last page. This achingly tender memoir is also a roller-coaster...." ( Publishers Weekly)

"This is what happens when two great writers join together to tell something really worth telling. This book, of a life barely there, breaks your heart on one page, and makes you want to pump your fist in the air just a few paragraphs later. It is an achingly lovely book, all the lovelier because it is true." (Rick Bragg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist)

Simply amazing!

When my friend told me she knew Tom and Kelley French and that they had a must-hear audiobook about their extreme preemie who spent many months in the NICU at the hospital where my own daughter is a nurse and who has worked in the NICU, I felt I should listen, almost an obligation. I didn’t know that this audiobook would knock my socks off. It’s a drive-around-the-block one more time to hear more before going home audiobook! An unbelievable tale of resilience told by parents who happen to be superb professional writers. Baby Junebug will stay with me…a medical miracle whose story taught me that sound is touch. And I am touched.

Bless this family

As a mom whose son spent 60 days in the NICU, these parents gave voice to all I felt as a mom during that time. Bless them for such an incredible narrative that has helped me heal, and for the beautiful little miracle they have.

Excellent

I listened to this over a weekend. I could't put it down. A truly inspirational book.

To any parent who's had a preemie!

This book is so relatable it was an amazing read or listen in my case. With a baby born at 32 weeks so many of the thoughts and feelings were relatable. Such a wonderful book. I even recommended it to another mom I know whose baby is still in the NICU.

Juniper

I’ll never forget Juniper ! What a story, beautifullly , honestly, lovingly told ! I was rooting for her so hard , she consumed me during the one day I listened straight through . I never leave reviews ( too busy , I tell myself) but this time , as a nurse and mother of five gloriously healthy children , I owe the French family giant congratulations . What an achievement. Love to Little Junebug Xoxo

Inspiring.

Must read for L&D / NICU providers (nurses, doctors and all of the great people that support families everyday).

Indispensable

Como médico que trató pacientes neonatos y prematuros. Esta es una historia en la que me pude identificar por completo. Kelly y Thomas French incluso me enseñaron algunas causas perdidas.

Best Non-Fiction Story of the Year - A Must Read!

What made the experience of listening to Juniper the most enjoyable?

The narration by the authors, Kelly & Thomas French.

What other book might you compare Juniper to and why?

It's "a one of a kind" true story I will hold with me in my heart forever Nothing I've ever read comes close to this wondrous miracle of Juniper.

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to say.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Love does not conquer all, but in this memoir/biography IT DOES!

Any additional comments?

Everyone needs to read this book, LISTENING TO IT ON AUDIBLE IS SPECTACULAR!!

Loved

Our daughter was a micro preemie born 3mouths early. I can relate to this book so much

the entertwining of so many aMAZing families.

just listen. mother or not [I am not, in the usual sense], you will find & feel love, facinating medical notwithstanding.