Michael Rosen acknowledges that his statement might seem surprising, but he doesn’t believe he’s been traumatized by his son’s death or his own 40-day coma. He is deeply affected – he feels concern, worry, and sadness – but he explains that ‘trauma’ implies something different: a feeling of being stuck in a nightmare, unable to move forward. He feels he can remember and grieve for his son without being consumed by that stuck feeling, allowing him to both love his memory and continue living his life.
As a total cinema buff, I’m always looking for stories about real life, and Rosen’s new book, ‘Good Days’, feels like one of those. There are so many people out there telling you how to live, but what really gets my attention is someone who’s actually been through it. Rosen clearly has, and the fact that he’s come out on the other side feeling okay? That makes me want to hear what he has to say. It feels like advice you can actually trust.
He’s previously written about deeply personal experiences, including the loss of his son Eddie at 18 in 1999 and his own serious battle with Covid, which left him in a coma for 40 days. He’s also well known for his beloved children’s poetry, like ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’. However, his latest book is his most down-to-earth work yet. Described by the publisher as an ‘A-Z of Hope and Happiness’, it’s filled with his characteristic insightful and witty observations, along with practical advice, reminders, and suggestions for readers to try in their own lives.
This film really reminded me of classic BBC programming – the kind made to inform rather than just to show off. It’s deeply personal, and I think that’s what draws you in. People are naturally curious about how others cope with big life events, and I’ve found that’s especially true with this story. I’ve had people ask me how things are going, and honestly, I feel the same way – I want to know how others navigate similar challenges. It’s a bit like listening to Nick Cave on Desert Island Discs, talking about losing his sons – it’s just incredibly compelling and you can’t help but listen.
I recently met Eva Clarke, a Holocaust survivor born in a concentration camp. Hearing her share her mother’s story is incredible – it’s hard to imagine how anyone could survive such hardship. People often wonder how the human spirit can endure so much, asking what kept them going. Surprisingly, the answer is often something simple, like forcing themselves to get up and make breakfast each day.
It’s difficult for those who dislike repetitive tasks to understand, but after experiencing trauma, fully focusing on simple, everyday activities can be surprisingly comforting or help take your mind off things. It’s not as dramatic as turning to alcohol or drugs, but often, finding joy in those small moments is what really makes a difference. This book explores that idea.
Want to see this content?
We can’t display this content because of a security measure called reCAPTCHA. If you’re signed in to Contentpass, please sign out to see it.
This isn’t a preachy or overly sweet self-help book. In fact, the author’s daughter describes him as an “optimistic nihilist.” He acknowledges that many people face real difficulties, but explains that his goal with this book was to explore ways to overcome unhappiness.
He explained, using an example about a Turkish restaurant on Holloway Road, that he used to go there with his teenage sons for late-night meals. He realized he could easily spoil those fond memories by reminding himself of Eddie’s death, but he’s actively learned not to. Now, he focuses on remembering the good times without immediately adding the sadness of knowing those moments were among the last they shared, effectively protecting the happy memories from being overshadowed by grief.
Interestingly, the book dedicates an entire chapter to the topic of death – something the publishers initially hesitated about. Rosen explains this inclusion by saying that acknowledging death’s certainty helps us appreciate life more fully. He adds with a touch of humor, “And, of course, because you can’t live forever. I’ve given it a shot, but it hasn’t worked out!”
- Good Days by Michael Rosen is available now
Authors
Read More
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- How To Watch Call The Midwife 2025 Christmas Special Online And Stream Both Episodes Free From Anywhere
- Tougen Anki Episode 24 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Emily in Paris soundtrack: Every song from season 5 of the Hit Netflix show
- Avatar 3’s Final Battle Proves James Cameron Is The Master Of Visual Storytelling
- Arc Raiders Guide – All Workbenches And How To Upgrade Them
- Avatar: Fire and Ash’s Biggest Disappointment Is an Insult to the Na’vi
- Almost 50 Years On, New Star Wars Release Retells The Death Star Destruction In the Weirdest Way
2025-12-29 20:36