Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero
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- Create Date：2021-06-15 01:15:57
- Update Date：2025-09-24
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- Author：Amanda Kloots
- ISBN：B08KQBH5JV
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Summary
Amanda Kloots bravely reflects on love， loss， and life with her husband Broadway star and Tony-nominee Nick Cordero， whose public battle with Covid-19 and tragic death made headlines around the world。
In the early spring of 2020， Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Nick Cordero was hospitalized for what he and his wife， Amanda Kloots， believed was a severe case of pneumonia。 Entering Cedars-Sinai， there was no indication that Nick—a young man in the prime of life with no pre-existing conditions—would never return home。 Diagnosed with Covid-19， this rising star—who only a few days earlier was the picture of health—soon deteriorated。 Suffering a series of complications – minor heart attacks， an amputation， sepsis—he was kept alive for weeks， hooked to a ventilator， bypass machines， dialysis， and a specialized heart-lung bypass machine。
Staying strong for Nick and their infant son， Elvis， Amanda shared their journey on social media， documenting Nick’s condition and the risks of Covid-19 for all ages。 Her updates quickly went viral， inspiring millions of followers around the globe who offered positive thoughts and virtual prayers， and danced each day to Nick’s hit song Live Your Life。 When Nick passed away after 94 grueling days in the ICU， the world grieved for Amanda and her family’s devastating loss。
Live Your Life is her and Nick’s story: of their love and fairy-tale marriage， of the disease that quickly upended it， of the fight for Nick’s survival—those sudden tragic months that permanently changed her world and ours—of her grief and how she came to terms with his death， of keeping Nick’s memory alive for Elvis and the world。 Offering courage and inspiration to anyone coping with overwhelming loss and written with her sister Anna Kloots who was with her every step of this journey， Amanda’s story is a thoughtful and poignant reflection on love， hope， motherhood， and the power of community in times of hardship。 In sharing her experience， she shows us that， through positivity and community， even the most impossible circumstances can be endured。
Live Your Life includes 16 pages of color photos exclusive to the book。
In the early spring of 2020， Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Nick Cordero was hospitalized for what he and his wife， Amanda Kloots， believed was a severe case of pneumonia。 Entering Cedars-Sinai， there was no indication that Nick—a young man in the prime of life with no pre-existing conditions—would never return home。 Diagnosed with Covid-19， this rising star—who only a few days earlier was the picture of health—soon deteriorated。 Suffering a series of complications – minor heart attacks， an amputation， sepsis—he was kept alive for weeks， hooked to a ventilator， bypass machines， dialysis， and a specialized heart-lung bypass machine。
Staying strong for Nick and their infant son， Elvis， Amanda shared their journey on social media， documenting Nick’s condition and the risks of Covid-19 for all ages。 Her updates quickly went viral， inspiring millions of followers around the globe who offered positive thoughts and virtual prayers， and danced each day to Nick’s hit song Live Your Life。 When Nick passed away after 94 grueling days in the ICU， the world grieved for Amanda and her family’s devastating loss。
Live Your Life is her and Nick’s story: of their love and fairy-tale marriage， of the disease that quickly upended it， of the fight for Nick’s survival—those sudden tragic months that permanently changed her world and ours—of her grief and how she came to terms with his death， of keeping Nick’s memory alive for Elvis and the world。 Offering courage and inspiration to anyone coping with overwhelming loss and written with her sister Anna Kloots who was with her every step of this journey， Amanda’s story is a thoughtful and poignant reflection on love， hope， motherhood， and the power of community in times of hardship。 In sharing her experience， she shows us that， through positivity and community， even the most impossible circumstances can be endured。
Live Your Life includes 16 pages of color photos exclusive to the book。
Reviews
Jennifer Diamond
，
I really enjoyed this heart breaking but inspiring book。 I followed Ananda with Nicks hospitalization since Zach posted it early in COVID。 It is beautifully written。 Despite being a follower the whole time， was a lot of new stories in the book。 I love the family relationships and especially Anna and Amanda’s bond。
Natalie （readswithnatalieb）
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I didn’t realize I would need this book when it was offered， but thank you to Net Galley and Libro FM for this ARC/ALC。 I recently lost a friend， not due to COVID like Nick Cordero， but close in age meaning lives were lost too soon。I remember seeing the news outlets reporting on Nick’s death， but since I’m unfamiliar with broadway， I wasn’t sure who he was。 Famous or not， one thing Amanda constantly talked about was Nick’s health。 He was early 40’s， no underlying condition， nothing to what the C I didn’t realize I would need this book when it was offered， but thank you to Net Galley and Libro FM for this ARC/ALC。 I recently lost a friend， not due to COVID like Nick Cordero， but close in age meaning lives were lost too soon。I remember seeing the news outlets reporting on Nick’s death， but since I’m unfamiliar with broadway， I wasn’t sure who he was。 Famous or not， one thing Amanda constantly talked about was Nick’s health。 He was early 40’s， no underlying condition， nothing to what the CDC had warned us about for those who were most at-risk。This is a beautiful story about love， family， and ultimately heartbreak。 Listening to the audiobook made me tear up because I felt and heard every ounce of emotion in Amanda’s voice。 With how hard she was fighting for Nick and their son Elvis， I kept hoping for a happy ending， knowing that wouldn’t come。While I don’t want to know what it’s like to lose your significant other， I can’t applaud Amanda enough for being so vulnerable to share her story。 Sending her and her family so many hugs。 。。。more
Kaylee
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First， I would like to thank Harper Collins for an early copy of this book。 It is being released on June 15th， so go pick up a copy！ This book was an emotional rollercoaster that I could not prepare myself for。 Both beautiful and heartbreaking， as a reader I was taken on the ride of Nick's fight to survive， Amanda， and her family's， will to fight， and the love story of Amanda and Nick as well。 You can't possibly walk away from this book not touched in some way。 I am amazed by the strength of Ama First， I would like to thank Harper Collins for an early copy of this book。 It is being released on June 15th， so go pick up a copy！ This book was an emotional rollercoaster that I could not prepare myself for。 Both beautiful and heartbreaking， as a reader I was taken on the ride of Nick's fight to survive， Amanda， and her family's， will to fight， and the love story of Amanda and Nick as well。 You can't possibly walk away from this book not touched in some way。 I am amazed by the strength of Amanda throughout the events detailed in this book。 I am heartbroken by Nick being taken away from his family so young。 I found certain parts of this particularly comforting around grief and losing a loved one。 Sometimes I was smiling as I read this and other times had tears in my eyes。 In all bluntness， this book is tough but needed。 I can only imagine how therapeutic this could be for Amanda， Anna and the rest of their family。 I also think that there may be people out there who have experienced a loss related to COVID （or not related） that could read this and not feel alone。 I also believe there are people that this book could be too much for， as it is highly emotional， in my opinion， and a tough read for sure。 I definitely recommend reading this book， it's an important one， but keep in mind where you're at personally before you start reading this。 Keep in mind your own self care， and the possible triggers of this book around loss and COVID， when deciding to read。 I'll never forget reading this one， that's for sure。 。。。more
Phoebe （readandwright） Wright
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Incredible， graceful， important， infuriating， heartbreaking。 TW: COVID-19， grief， death， medical situations
Ashley
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I started following Amanda’s story on Instagram and was rooting for Nick to pull through against all odds。 She was such a radiant， vibrant and positive person and I was really drawn to watching her stories， seeing if there were any updates on Nick。 Although it didn’t end the way anyone was hoping for， it has been inspirational to watch Amanda turn true darkness， into beautiful and positive light。The book follows their journey not only during Nick’s COVID diagnosis and rollercoaster stay in the h I started following Amanda’s story on Instagram and was rooting for Nick to pull through against all odds。 She was such a radiant， vibrant and positive person and I was really drawn to watching her stories， seeing if there were any updates on Nick。 Although it didn’t end the way anyone was hoping for， it has been inspirational to watch Amanda turn true darkness， into beautiful and positive light。The book follows their journey not only during Nick’s COVID diagnosis and rollercoaster stay in the hospital， but had flashbacks and tidbits from their life together。 The stories are real， raw and emotional。 Amanda showed so much courage and loyalty to Nick during those dark days， and never gave up on him。 This book was a beautiful tribute and definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year！Thank you to NetGalley + Harper for the ARC。 What a privilege it was to read this book。 。。。more
Elizabeth • LizziePageReads
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I’m struggling to write this review… One the one hand， it’s a powerful story about perseverance through tragedy and the way human beings come together in times of grief and sorrow to help each other。 The audiobook is narrated by Amanda and the emotion of each moment spills into her reading， including the occasional reading through tears。 On the other hand， it’s horrifying to read in detail what the coronavirus can （and does） do to the human body。 The book includes medical details regarding Nick’ I’m struggling to write this review… One the one hand， it’s a powerful story about perseverance through tragedy and the way human beings come together in times of grief and sorrow to help each other。 The audiobook is narrated by Amanda and the emotion of each moment spills into her reading， including the occasional reading through tears。 On the other hand， it’s horrifying to read in detail what the coronavirus can （and does） do to the human body。 The book includes medical details regarding Nick’s time in the hospital and it felt intrusive and almost voyeuristic to read those parts， like I’m watching a car accident and it’s awful but I can’t look away。Note: If you find COVID content triggering， especially details from the early months when so much was unknown， you should avoid this。Thanks to LibroFM for the gifted copy。 。。。more
Carolyn
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Before COVID a lot of people had never heard of Nick Cordero， but in my family he was a household name。 We are a Broadway-loving group of people。 My husband got me a satellite radio subscription just so I could listen to one station - On Broadway。 My then 10-year-old could recognize Nick's voice when his songs came on and tell you some of the shows he had been in。 When I found out how sick he was it hit me hard。 I fully admit to insta-stalking Amanda to find out the latest updates。 I prayed with Before COVID a lot of people had never heard of Nick Cordero， but in my family he was a household name。 We are a Broadway-loving group of people。 My husband got me a satellite radio subscription just so I could listen to one station - On Broadway。 My then 10-year-old could recognize Nick's voice when his songs came on and tell you some of the shows he had been in。 When I found out how sick he was it hit me hard。 I fully admit to insta-stalking Amanda to find out the latest updates。 I prayed with her and continued to hope。 I cried when he passed away。 When I found out that Amanda and her sister Anna were writing a book about Nick， I knew I would read it。 I was ecstatic when I was gifted an ARC through NetGalley。 Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero is a beautiful tribute to Nick as well as his family and friends。 This book is absolutely heartbreaking and tragic。 But in what seems to be Amanda's typical style， it is also optimistic and hopeful。 I loved reading about her earlier days with Nick， how they met and fell in love。 I am so glad that Elvis will have this to read when he is older。 And I am thankful for the hope and beauty in humanity。 So many people came together around Nick to form an army of support for him and his family。 It wasn't just friends and extended family - complete strangers gave anything they could to help。 It is a testament to the person he was。 I love that this compassion and kindness is part of Nick's legacy and I long for it to spread like wildfire。 。。。more
Chelsea Arredondo
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A moving and beautiful memoir of a man who died of COVID and his legacy of love。 I followed bits of the story as it unfolded in real time but reading this book filled in a lot of the details and added layers of emotion。 It was a story of loss， but told with the promise of hope and love。 The power of family support and lifelong love comes through the tears of sadness as you relive the pain along with Amanda。 Would recommend for anyone looking for a real-life love story that will pull at your hear A moving and beautiful memoir of a man who died of COVID and his legacy of love。 I followed bits of the story as it unfolded in real time but reading this book filled in a lot of the details and added layers of emotion。 It was a story of loss， but told with the promise of hope and love。 The power of family support and lifelong love comes through the tears of sadness as you relive the pain along with Amanda。 Would recommend for anyone looking for a real-life love story that will pull at your heartstrings。 。。。more
Heather
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I， along with many others， followed along on Instagram as Amanda Kloots documented her husband， Nick Cordero's， hospitalization and his battle with COVID-19 between March and July 2020。 It was both heartbreaking and inspiring to follow the story as it unfolded and reading their story only intensified those feelings。 It also showed how beautiful things can be in the midst of heartache and struggle when you have a community of people supporting and loving you。Reading this memoir made me feel like I， along with many others， followed along on Instagram as Amanda Kloots documented her husband， Nick Cordero's， hospitalization and his battle with COVID-19 between March and July 2020。 It was both heartbreaking and inspiring to follow the story as it unfolded and reading their story only intensified those feelings。 It also showed how beautiful things can be in the midst of heartache and struggle when you have a community of people supporting and loving you。Reading this memoir made me feel like I was not only learning the story about what happened， but I also felt like I was getting to know Amanda， Nick and their families。 It was clear how important family is to both of them and how that factored into this very difficult time。 I also appreciated how we were given glimpses into their relationship through flashbacks and memories that helped to show that there were ups and downs， celebrations and disappointments， but at the core so much love。Amanda is one of the most positive， strong and resilient people I have encountered。 Even during the most harrowing time， she remained steadfast and focused for Nick， Elvis， their families and herself。 It was inspiring to learn of all of the people who showed kindness， support， love and dropped everything to be there for Amanda and Elvis。 Nick， Amanda， Elvis and their families have made their mark on so many by sharing this story and I know that I'm definitely more inspired to "Live My Life" knowing you're never promised tomorrow。 Rest in peace， Nick。**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** 。。。more
Nina
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I had briefly heard about Amanda and Nick's story in the news and remember how much coverage surrounded Nick's battle and health complications due to the lingering affects post-Covid。 Other than seeing updates every now and then from Amanda， I didn't know much about what had taken place。This book broke my heart in so many ways。 The unbreakable bond and love between Amanda and Nick served as the foundation for this memoir。 It flips back and forth between the past - when they first met， to their m I had briefly heard about Amanda and Nick's story in the news and remember how much coverage surrounded Nick's battle and health complications due to the lingering affects post-Covid。 Other than seeing updates every now and then from Amanda， I didn't know much about what had taken place。This book broke my heart in so many ways。 The unbreakable bond and love between Amanda and Nick served as the foundation for this memoir。 It flips back and forth between the past - when they first met， to their move to L。A。， then bringing their son， Elvis， into the world- and the present - visiting Nick in ICU at Cedars-Sinai and documenting his health and its rapid deterioriation。 I was in awe of Amanda and her strength to stay positive and willingness to show the severity of the virus。Despite the emotional and physical toll it took on her and her family， Amanda brilliantly captures the grace and kindness shown by strangers， the beauty in motherhood and sisterhood， the unbreakable bond between a family， her re-introduction to faith， and most imporantly， the deep love she continues to have and hold for her husband。Thank you to Harper Books for a gifted finished copy of this book。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more
Leslie Morgan
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Wow。 Wow。 Wow。 Wow。 Wow。 Gosh， I couldn’t have loved this book more。 I followed this story on Instagram for much of the time but reading these words just made it that much more impactful。 This story is a story of loss and sadness but laced with so much positivity and joy and light。 Don’t miss reading。 I received an advanced reader copy of this book。
Literary Redhead
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I read Amanda Kloots’ LIVE YOUR LIFE in one sitting， so engaged by the story that I could not put it down。 Having followed her online posts last year about young husband Nick Cordero’s fierce battle with COVID-19， I knew the ending but learned so much more as Amanda shares what happened in depth。 Heartbreaking， uplifting， ugly-cry inducing， LIVE YOUR LIFE will stay with you long after you finish。 If you still wonder if COVID is real， READ THIS BOOK！ If you want to learn how to endure a life-alte I read Amanda Kloots’ LIVE YOUR LIFE in one sitting， so engaged by the story that I could not put it down。 Having followed her online posts last year about young husband Nick Cordero’s fierce battle with COVID-19， I knew the ending but learned so much more as Amanda shares what happened in depth。 Heartbreaking， uplifting， ugly-cry inducing， LIVE YOUR LIFE will stay with you long after you finish。 If you still wonder if COVID is real， READ THIS BOOK！ If you want to learn how to endure a life-altering loss， READ THIS BOOK！ If you want to know what true love looks like， READ THIS BOOK！ 5 of 5 StarsPub Date 15 Jun 2021#LiveYourLife #NetGalleyThanks to the author， Harper， and NetGalley for the review copy。 Opinions are mine。 。。。more
Callie
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Like many others on social media， I followed Amanda Kloots' posts and stories on Instagram as she documented her husband's hospitalization and battle with COVID from March to July of 2020。 Even if you didn't follow Amanda's journey or have no idea who Amanda or Nick are， I encourage you to pick up this book when it releases on June 15th， 2021。 Ultimately， I believe she wrote this memoir not only for herself and her family but to everyone who has lost a loved one to COVID。 She continues to use he Like many others on social media， I followed Amanda Kloots' posts and stories on Instagram as she documented her husband's hospitalization and battle with COVID from March to July of 2020。 Even if you didn't follow Amanda's journey or have no idea who Amanda or Nick are， I encourage you to pick up this book when it releases on June 15th， 2021。 Ultimately， I believe she wrote this memoir not only for herself and her family but to everyone who has lost a loved one to COVID。 She continues to use her platform and "Live Your Life" to spread awareness that COVID is real and dangerous and that healthy and young people can get COVID despite them thinking it's all okay because they are young or just feel tired as a symptom。To start off， I love how this memoir is written。 I genuinely felt that I was getting to know Amanda， Nick and both of their families。 Amanda reflects on her previous marriage， meeting Nick， their ups and downs， their love story and the birth of their son， Elvis Cordero in June 2019。 She didn't gloss over the fact that their relationship wasn't perfect from the start and they had to make a lot of compromises and sort through their differences。 Despite that， you can feel their love for each other in the stories Amanda shares from their walks in New York to simply eating cheese and tomatoes in their one bedroom apartment together。I've always viewed Amanda as a very positive person。 She's empowering， strong and resilient。 She reflects a lot on their love for music and her faith throughout the memoir and how certain moments during Nick's hospitalization related back to lyrics， verses and passages in the Bible。 She was patient， kind and understanding throughout his ICU experience despite the times she couldn't visit， the panicked phone calls that he wouldn't make it but would and it was heartbreaking to read that she couldn't bring Elvis with her until it was too late。 The memoir was incredibly detailed and descriptive of Nick's procedures， conversations she had with his doctors and nurses and the times she was allowed to see him。My favorite part of this memoir was how many people in her community， family， social media， etc。 came through for Amanda and their families during this time。 People brought them meals and groceries， she had places to stay while her house was under renovations， family and friends to watch Elvis， her siblings （Anna and Todd） dropping everything to come be with her and so much more。 Incredible。 I love that Amanda continues to play music every day for Elvis and shows him pictures and videos of Nick as a constant reminder of who is Dada is。 Overall， I think this memoir is a reflection of the importance of family， friends and a good surrounding community。 Rest in Peace， Nick Cordero。 You are very loved。 Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this Advanced Reader Copy。 。。。more
Teri Kratz
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Not knowing the author but knowing a bit of her story was probably an advantage to me。 She is very honest and shared her feelings easily。 I didn't realize what a world wide thing this was during the pandemic。 It was a good read。 Not knowing the author but knowing a bit of her story was probably an advantage to me。 She is very honest and shared her feelings easily。 I didn't realize what a world wide thing this was during the pandemic。 It was a good read。 。。。more
Margaret
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I usually do book reviews as pros and cons， but that doesn’t feel appropriate with this book。 I followed Amanda Kloots’s story in real time on Instagram and wanted to read this book as soon as it was announced。For me， the most powerful part of this book is how it tells a piece of history that isn’t really history yet （as I read it in May 2021）—it’s one family’s experience of a history we are still living。 Because of its topic， some readers may not be ready to read this book—it might feel too soo I usually do book reviews as pros and cons， but that doesn’t feel appropriate with this book。 I followed Amanda Kloots’s story in real time on Instagram and wanted to read this book as soon as it was announced。For me， the most powerful part of this book is how it tells a piece of history that isn’t really history yet （as I read it in May 2021）—it’s one family’s experience of a history we are still living。 Because of its topic， some readers may not be ready to read this book—it might feel too soon， and they might need more distance from the pandemic。 Others might find comfort and hope in reading it at a time when we have vaccines。One of my favorite things about this book is that so much of it is about families and friends/found families （“quaran-teams”）。 The sibling relationships in the book were lovely， and this book feels like an extension of the time the authors spent together supporting each other。 This book is very much Amanda’s story， and I look forward to reading the memoir Anna is currently working on to learn more about her。 Thank you to NetGalley and Harper for the opportunity to read this book！ 。。。more
Cassie’s Reviews
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I followed Amanda on Instagram after hearing about her husband Nick’s battle with covid， I prayed that he would beat it and was so heartbroken to hear of his passing。 Amanda showed so much strength and hope， I loved seeing everyone coming together singing for Nick to wake up。 I knew going into the book that I would cry， but Amanda and her sister Anna did an amazing job bringing Nick to life and showing everyone what an amazing person he was。 From flashbacks to how they met and their love story w I followed Amanda on Instagram after hearing about her husband Nick’s battle with covid， I prayed that he would beat it and was so heartbroken to hear of his passing。 Amanda showed so much strength and hope， I loved seeing everyone coming together singing for Nick to wake up。 I knew going into the book that I would cry， but Amanda and her sister Anna did an amazing job bringing Nick to life and showing everyone what an amazing person he was。 From flashbacks to how they met and their love story we get a glimpse into their life before Covid。 While many people argued and said Covid was a hoax Amanda showed the world that a perfectly healthy 41 year old with no pre-existing conditions could catch it。 In the book she shows the ups and downs that he faced daily and how her heart would drop when the phone would ring and it would be the hospital。 Her family came to show support and help in any way possible， her brother and then her sister it brought them closer and little Elvis was there to bring a smile to their faces in the darkest times 。 The many times they told her that Nick wasn’t going to make it so she would frantically beg them to let her see him， to the times she was told he had a good night and was doing better。 This book was so beautifully written she wasn’t afraid to be open and address that this was a time of unknown， she was raw and she admits she had times she broke down and prayed and begged God to save him， but she also informs us that it’s ok to ask for help and even in the darkest times there were moments of light， Elvis smiling and cuddling with her， people bringing flowers or food or the times the neighborhood sang Nick’s song。 I cannot count the times I cried while I read this book， but this book was also a celebration of Nick’s life and I admire Amanda for being so open and sharing their story with us！ Five Stars。 。。。more
Hannah Brasier
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I was familiar with both Amanda Kloots （from taking online fitness classes with her） and Nick Cordero （as a Broadway fan， I was familiar with him from shows that he had been in） prior to his hospitalization， and I followed their story throughout the time that Nick was sick。 I always admired Amanda's positivity and ability to be optimistic despite the circumstances， and I was so drawn to their story and family。 I found this book to be a great read， and it expanded so much on Amanda and Nick's sto I was familiar with both Amanda Kloots （from taking online fitness classes with her） and Nick Cordero （as a Broadway fan， I was familiar with him from shows that he had been in） prior to his hospitalization， and I followed their story throughout the time that Nick was sick。 I always admired Amanda's positivity and ability to be optimistic despite the circumstances， and I was so drawn to their story and family。 I found this book to be a great read， and it expanded so much on Amanda and Nick's story and how Amanda survived during this difficult time。 She has an amazing outlook on life， and it was incredible to see all of the little signs and things that she noticed from Nick。 I really enjoyed reading this， and I would definitely recommend it！ 。。。more
booklifelisa
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This book has been on my radar for quite a while now。 In the early months of COVID， Amanda Kloots started sharing her husband Nick's story on Instagram。 Nick was a young and healthy father and husband who was fighting a severe case of COVID-19 in the hospital。 With seemingly infinite optimism， Amanda took to Instagram each day to sing his song "Live Your Life" with her followers， hoping and praying for Nick to wake up and recover。 It seemed like the world was following their story， hoping for Ni This book has been on my radar for quite a while now。 In the early months of COVID， Amanda Kloots started sharing her husband Nick's story on Instagram。 Nick was a young and healthy father and husband who was fighting a severe case of COVID-19 in the hospital。 With seemingly infinite optimism， Amanda took to Instagram each day to sing his song "Live Your Life" with her followers， hoping and praying for Nick to wake up and recover。 It seemed like the world was following their story， hoping for Nick to recover and mourning when he passed away。This book， written by Amanda and her sister， Anna， is a beautiful love story to Nick and a stunning testament of a mother and family's love。 This is the first book I've read that really dealt with or addressed COVID in any way。 It is raw and real and brings you right back to those early weeks and months that were full of unknowns。 But， it also reminds you of the hope that could fill those days and bright patches that we all held on to - relying on one another for strength， communities uniting to support one another，， the essential workers who kept us all going。 I don't know where Amanda found the strength to share this intimate story of her fight for her husband and optimism and hope for her and her son's future， but I'm glad she did。 I read it with my heart in my throat and tears in my eyes and sorrow for everything that's been lost this past year。 I didn't know if I'd be ready to read a book about COVID， since it is still such an ever present part of life， but this was the perfect reminder to recognize the joy in everyday life， hug our loved ones close， and never take a day for granted。 。。。more
Mischenko
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Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero is Amanda Kloots' reflection on the life she shared with her late husband， Nick Cordero。 In this memoir， she shares details about when they met， married， and eventually went on to have their beautiful son， Elvis。 After moving to L。A。 in late 2019 to follow Nick’s dream and further his career， he contracted a mysterious illness with unrelenting fatigue。 It affected him for days until he progressed into a more serious condition which would Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero is Amanda Kloots' reflection on the life she shared with her late husband， Nick Cordero。 In this memoir， she shares details about when they met， married， and eventually went on to have their beautiful son， Elvis。 After moving to L。A。 in late 2019 to follow Nick’s dream and further his career， he contracted a mysterious illness with unrelenting fatigue。 It affected him for days until he progressed into a more serious condition which would eventually be diagnosed as Covid-19。 In an instant， Amanda and Nick’s lives were turned upside down。 Nick was only 41， and in perfect health， which led everyone to believe that he would pull out of it without complications。 He fought a hard battle while Amanda raced to chronicle his story with the world on social media。 People from around the world began to pray and sing for Nick and the family。 Amanda was determined to do everything she could to help Nick fight his illness， and with the help of their families， that’s exactly what she did。 I learned about Nick and Amanda through media not long after she began sharing their story。 It was something I connected with straight away， and I began praying for them。 There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think of them。 It was such a hopeless feeling to have， but Amanda’s positivity was intoxicating。 They were all tenacious fighters。 During such an early and uncertain time in the pandemic， everyone seemed to be in the same learn and go approach。 We were all dealing with an infodemic of too much information—some accurate and some not—which made everything more confusing。 I sympathized with Amanda and put myself in her shoes。 After reading this book in its entirety and learning more about the other struggles she faced， I was literally aghast。 One of the struggles I connected with pertained to the hospital rules due to the fragility of our healthcare system and all the big unknowns。 The thought that your loved one could be sucked into the healthcare system and never be seen again is horrifying。 I’ve dealt with a similar situation in my past although not as extreme。 In Amanda’s case， following the hospital's rules created even more isolation and heartbreak。 What I loved most about this memoir is the way it’s written。 This isn’t just a memoir about Nick’s battle with a virus and the aftermath that came with it， but it’s a reflection of Nick and Amanda’s relationship， their families， and their love for one another。 It’s beautifully written and woven together perfectly with pieces of the past， giving the reader insight into their family lives growing up and how they banded together—bonding all over again during this crisis。 It’s a story of hope， faith， perseverance， gratitude， and resilience in the face of a horrible pandemic。 It’s also a story that shows the goodness of humanity and how it came out during the Covid-19 pandemic。 I have to mention the music and film references and the comical family anecdotes that were included because I loved them。 The power of music and the strength of the family is evident， and it helped pull them all through。 I imagine writing this book was a cathartic process for Amanda and her sister Anna， and it must have been difficult at times。 Overall， this was both a poignant and beautiful read。 I can’t recall the last time a book caused me to be overcome with emotion like this。 The biggest takeaway after reading this book follows the title to one of Nick’s songs and the title of this book， Live Your Life。 Never take for granted a single day; treat each day as a gift， and live each day as if it’s your last。 5*****Publication date: June 15th， 2021。I'd like to thank NetGalley， the publisher， and the authors for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review。You can also read this review @www。readrantrockandroll。com 。。。more
Books And Briefcase
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Beautiful book - I found myself holding back tears multiple times。 Amanda Kloots is teaching us the power of optimism， perseverance， faith， family， and love。 This book is not just a love story to Nick - it’s Amanda’s own love story of finding her own voice and courage during this heartbreaking ordeal。 Read it - but buy tissues before you do。
Cozy Cat Reviews
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While anyone can sympathize with her story its the story behind the story that does not sit right with me。 I watched their story unfold on social media as did the rest of the world。 It was during these beginning times of covid that perfectly healthy people such as Nick began to die。 His story is certainly tragic as is the tragedy of over 350，000 Americans plus those millions around the world who lost family to covid。 "They must not be forgotten。" I myself lost friends， no pre existing conditions While anyone can sympathize with her story its the story behind the story that does not sit right with me。 I watched their story unfold on social media as did the rest of the world。 It was during these beginning times of covid that perfectly healthy people such as Nick began to die。 His story is certainly tragic as is the tragedy of over 350，000 Americans plus those millions around the world who lost family to covid。 "They must not be forgotten。" I myself lost friends， no pre existing conditions ， healthy people lost to covid 。 It is a terrible tragedy for anyone lost to covid。 While their story grew they were everywhere on all media and news while the others fighting covid and dying were forgotten 。 It seemed a media blitz was put into action and then the donations started rolling in until soon it was blared across media that Amanda had amassed over a million dollars ！ The call for donations continued as did the media that seemed it was orchestrated 。 It did not seem right but somehow she kept managing her media blitz until it grew and grew。 People loved their story and her fight to keep Nick alive 。 People loved to donate to them。 People kept posting and following her to extremes her followers numbers even posted on the news。 They were on the news every day and front and center on every social media outlet daily。I was continually asking， what is going on with this media campaign 。 It does not feel right to me as the daughter of a widow。 I know the realities of losing a spouse 。 Its a private time of great grief。 I understand the grief of losing a spouse certainly and the way he suffered was a terrible shame。 We all feel for them and of course for any child like myself growing up without one parent is a terrible loss for the child。 The loss of a parent can never be replaced in a child's life and I applaud her for being a hands on parent to her child。 While the book seems told honestly that is what sells books is human interest。 There is this second side of her story that does not fit the narrative of the book。 Albeit a sweetly told story of a families terrible tragedy during covid。 。。。more
Camra
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I won an ARC of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway （but I am also planning to purchase it when it's released）。 I don't know how to even begin to review this book， but I want to express just how much I absolutely loved it， so here goes a stream of consciousness review。 First of all， I started following Amanda and Nick's story on Amanda's instagram last year。 I didn't know of her or Nick at the time， but I was so attracted to her positive attitude。 While I was quarantined at home， I followed her jo I won an ARC of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway （but I am also planning to purchase it when it's released）。 I don't know how to even begin to review this book， but I want to express just how much I absolutely loved it， so here goes a stream of consciousness review。 First of all， I started following Amanda and Nick's story on Amanda's instagram last year。 I didn't know of her or Nick at the time， but I was so attracted to her positive attitude。 While I was quarantined at home， I followed her journey。 I watched her instagram updates。 I found myself praying for her， for Nick， and for their family。 Amanda was so open about sharing so much that I felt like I knew her and I was rooting for her every step of the way。 This book is a beautiful tribute to Amanda and Nick's love story and their marriage。 It chronicles the darkest days and Amanda bravely shares every detail from small moments of celebration to having emotional breakdowns。 I cannot imagine what Amanda went through with Nick's hospitalization， but her and her sister Anna do an incredible job of telling their story。 There are parts that made me laugh and parts where I had tears streaming down my face。 I am still in awe of Amanda's positivity and openness with everyone who has followed her story。 My favorite part was at the end where she describes a phone call with Dr。 Ng。 I felt the same way as Dr。 Ng， Amanda has set the tone as positivity。 What she shares in this book and what she shares on Instagram， has helped me set the tone to live a more positive life myself。 I find myself noticing signs， seeing rainbows everywhere， and feeling grateful for being able to move my body every day。 Thank you Amanda and Anna Kloots。 。。。more
Diana N。
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I have to admit that I wasn't sure about this book going in since it surrounds trajedy from Covid-19。 I wasn't sure how I'd feel reading about it while being in the midst of the pandemic still。I was very surprised at how beautifully Amanda （with help from Anna） tells her and Nick's story。 This book really is a celebration of Nick's life and family through the good and hard times。 Be prepared to shed some tears reading this book。 It takes a lot of courage to share such a hard and emotional journe I have to admit that I wasn't sure about this book going in since it surrounds trajedy from Covid-19。 I wasn't sure how I'd feel reading about it while being in the midst of the pandemic still。I was very surprised at how beautifully Amanda （with help from Anna） tells her and Nick's story。 This book really is a celebration of Nick's life and family through the good and hard times。 Be prepared to shed some tears reading this book。 It takes a lot of courage to share such a hard and emotional journey。 。。。more
Stephanie
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I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review。 I’ve followed Amanda’s and Nicks story since the early days on Instagram。 I played Live you Life at 3pm。 I checked hourly for updates from her， and I cried when Nick died。However as a reader， this book does fall a little short。 It feels rushed and why I enjoyed the look into their relationship， they tend to come at the wrong time， or feel misplaced in the storyline。 The details given given in the houses they stay in are unnecessary I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review。 I’ve followed Amanda’s and Nicks story since the early days on Instagram。 I played Live you Life at 3pm。 I checked hourly for updates from her， and I cried when Nick died。However as a reader， this book does fall a little short。 It feels rushed and why I enjoyed the look into their relationship， they tend to come at the wrong time， or feel misplaced in the storyline。 The details given given in the houses they stay in are unnecessary and the lack of details given in other places in the book are lacking。 This book could have been one of the best memoirs ever written。 I hope it goes through at least one more round of edits。 I have so much respect for Amanda and what she has gone through， I just needed more from this book。 。。。more
Lindsey | bookmeallnightlong
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As someone who followed Amanda’s story in 2020 as it was unfolding， this book takes me right back。 It is a truly remarkable story to see all the Cordero/Kloots family went through and the strength， positivity， and faith Amanda carried through so many dark days of Nick’s illness - I wish I could give this woman a hug。 I’m also astounded of all the little parallels and signs from Nick。 Anyone who doesn’t believe in the effects of COVID needs to read this。 Read with a box of tissues。
Rebecca
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Thank you so much to HarperCollins for the ARC of Live Your Life。 As an actor， I was very excited to read Amanda's book about her and Nick because Nick's death was so personal to the theatre community。 I am so grateful Amanda （along with Anna） shared their story。 So many lives have been lost due to COVID-19。 By sharing their story， Amanda was able to incapsulate what many people in the world have gone through and this book gives voice to loved ones lost and their families。 This story is also a t Thank you so much to HarperCollins for the ARC of Live Your Life。 As an actor， I was very excited to read Amanda's book about her and Nick because Nick's death was so personal to the theatre community。 I am so grateful Amanda （along with Anna） shared their story。 So many lives have been lost due to COVID-19。 By sharing their story， Amanda was able to incapsulate what many people in the world have gone through and this book gives voice to loved ones lost and their families。 This story is also a testament to the power of kindness， love， and the power of family。 Amanda's book reminded me to never be shy in both asking， giving， and receiving help。 So thankful to read this book。 Pub date is 6/1/2021！ 。。。more
Kate
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A slew of Covid books are soon to be published， but this was the only book I wanted to read about it。 Like many Americans in the early days of this pandemic， I followed Nick Cordero's battle with Covid-19。 While people argued whether or not Covid was even a thing， or that it only killed old people， Amanda Kloots， Nick's wife， showed that it could come for a healthy， 41 year old man with no pre-existing conditions。 She shared the ups and downs of his struggle to survive， before he ultimately pass A slew of Covid books are soon to be published， but this was the only book I wanted to read about it。 Like many Americans in the early days of this pandemic， I followed Nick Cordero's battle with Covid-19。 While people argued whether or not Covid was even a thing， or that it only killed old people， Amanda Kloots， Nick's wife， showed that it could come for a healthy， 41 year old man with no pre-existing conditions。 She shared the ups and downs of his struggle to survive， before he ultimately passed。 To the world， Amanda shared her faith and love， her utter belief that Nick would recover and come home to her and their son Elvis。 And for the people who followed Nick's story， that's what we wanted too- a miracle in the midst of so much tragedy。 Kloots book shares the whole story- from the moment Nick got sick to the very end， with flashbacks to their love story。 The visits to the hospital that she couldn't reveal to the public because of the hospital's fear of coverage。 The many times the doctors predicted Nick's demise。 The horrible aftermath of Covid on Nick's body。 Her story is ultimately uplifting- she shares how so many people came together to support her husband and his family， her faith and her connection with her family， and her optimism。 I probably fall more on Nick's side of belief， but it's hard not to find Amanda's faith inspiring （don't worry though， this book isn't try to convert anyone）。 Amanda is never embarrassed to care， to advocate， to share， and her book will take the reader to the hospital bedside， to the family huddles， and to the 3pm singing of Live Your Life。 。。。more
Sarah
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*I received a digital review copy from NetGalley & the publisher*I was one of the those individuals who followed Amanda and Nick's story last year as everything was unfolding and so much was unknown。 It all felt so heartbreaking so reading this felt similar。 It's a tough read but one that can easily be finished in one sitting。 The writing feels like having a deep conversation with a friend which makes it feel more relatable as well as harrowing。 Amanda does a wonderful and tough job at detailing *I received a digital review copy from NetGalley & the publisher*I was one of the those individuals who followed Amanda and Nick's story last year as everything was unfolding and so much was unknown。 It all felt so heartbreaking so reading this felt similar。 It's a tough read but one that can easily be finished in one sitting。 The writing feels like having a deep conversation with a friend which makes it feel more relatable as well as harrowing。 Amanda does a wonderful and tough job at detailing what she and her family went through during her husband's battle and shows us a glimpse at what thousands of others have also gone through。 。。。more
Tina
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