Book review of Fingerprintz

by Lisa Printz Roday (Author)

Updated at: 28/02/2025

In Fingerprintz, Lisa Printz Roday shares her intensely personal journey of loss, love, and motherhood. Beginning with the sudden death of her father at age 21, the book chronicles her subsequent struggles with infertility and two harrowing premature births. With raw honesty and a touch of humor, Roday explores the complexities of grief and resilience, revealing how profound challenges can forge unexpected strength. This poignant memoir offers a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and find light even amidst profound darkness, inspiring readers to navigate their own life's obstacles with grit and gratitude. It's a story of perseverance, the unwavering strength of the human heart, and the enduring power of love.

Fingerprintz: One Womans Journey through Loss, Love, and Very Little Babies

4.9 / 20 ratings

Review Fingerprintz

Reading Fingerprintz felt like sitting down with a dear friend who’s bravely sharing her life story, both the beautiful and the brutally difficult parts. Lisa Printz Roday’s memoir isn’t just a recounting of events; it's a raw, honest exploration of grief, resilience, and the unexpected twists and turns of life. From the devastating loss of her father at a young age to the terrifying journey through premature births and neonatal intensive care, she doesn’t shy away from the darkness. Instead, she shines a light on it, illuminating the complexities of her emotions with a surprising blend of humor and heart-wrenching vulnerability.

What struck me most was her unwavering commitment to honesty. There’s no sugarcoating the fear, the exhaustion, the sheer terror she and her husband faced. She describes the NICU experience with brutal honesty, painting a vivid picture of the anxieties, the tiny triumphs, and the constant worry that kept them awake at night. It’s a testament to her strength, but also a powerful reminder that even the most capable people face moments of profound vulnerability. It’s in those moments of vulnerability, though, that her strength truly shines.

While the book explores profound sorrow, it’s far from a depressing read. Roday’s dry wit and self-deprecating humor frequently surface, offering moments of levity that perfectly balance the intense emotional weight of her experiences. These moments are crucial, serving as a reminder that even amidst overwhelming challenges, laughter and joy can still find a way to creep in. This delicate balance between darkness and light makes the book incredibly relatable, even for those who haven’t experienced similar traumas.

The strength of Fingerprintz lies not just in its emotional honesty, but also in its universal themes. The book explores the complexities of family relationships, the challenges of marriage and parenthood, and the often-unseen struggles of balancing career and personal life. It’s a story that resonates deeply because it’s a story about human experience, about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder that grief doesn’t have to break you; it can shape you, strengthen you, and ultimately, lead you to a place of deeper understanding and gratitude.

Reading Fingerprintz was both heartbreaking and uplifting. It’s a testament to the power of love, family, and the enduring human spirit. Roday’s willingness to share her most vulnerable moments makes the book incredibly powerful and deeply moving. It's a book that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, prompting reflection on your own life, your own resilience, and the importance of embracing both the light and the darkness within your journey. It’s a must-read for anyone who needs a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, hope and love can persevere.

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