"Music is the light of the soul.  Marilyn's poignant story tells us that any circumstance can be improved through the right combination of imagery, prayer, hope and soul-uplifting music.  She healed herself of Lupus with this." Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul 

"I am sitting here in tears after having finished reading your beautiful, moving book. I guess it was not an accident that I "just remembered" to order it recently. It spoke to me with great force at a time when I really needed to hear what you had to say. I am amazed at the story of your life, the journey that you described so magnificently and with so much love. It was incredibly inspiring, I hardly know how to congratulate you adequately. Thank you for writing this book. . . This is something that is going to have a real impact in my life, and I'm sure on the lives of many others." Sato Moughalian, flutist

“...Being able to play my small role in your wonderful book was a rare privelege. . .largely because your work inspired me. Your sense of mission, your selflessness--that is what affected me most. Still does. It is a lovely book. The print, the cover, and all those pictures--how clearly they, with the descriptions, tell your story.
I feel sure that your book will be an empowering gift for those suffering from lupus--and for others who are in the grips--directly or (friends/family members) indirectly.
Of course, even beyond the book, I have very good reason to know how inspiring and empowering you are.” Allan Brick, editor of Hanging by a String and piano student

“Thank you for the book and for signing it. . . It looks wonderful and with your talent for writing, I’m certain that it is. . . It is so revealing and so well written. I picked it up last night at 11:30 to read a couple of paragraphs before going to sleep and couldn’t put it down. 100 pages later, I forced myself to stop and go to sleep. . .It was worth it. I can’t stop thinking about it. . .I loved reading about Tim. I always liked him but didn’t realize. . .what a truly special guy he is. . . You were put on the planet to write this book.” Kathy Kienke, author of Suzuki supplement to BK I and violinist for Phantom of the Opera

“This book is very inspiring. It taught me a lot about becoming a musician and coping with a life-threatening disease. My violin teacher, the author of this book, is shown to be a very brave person. Her life is changed when she is diagnosed with lupus. She survives through many difficult hospitalizations, and is able to make a new life for herself after her kidney transplant. Throughout all her experiences, her love for making music with her violin endures. Just think; I’m lucky enough to be her student!” Kate Dreyfuss, violin student

“I stayed up late reading your book instead of going to bed early because I had a long day of conducting ahead. I want to give thus copy to my son who is a nephrologist.” Eve Queler, conductor of Opera Orchestra of New York

“Thank you for a wonderful book. It’s enlightening for everyone. A strong book.” It's going to be a Best Seller!" Gerry Tarrack, concertmaster of the Long Island Philharmonic

“I am beyond moved by what you have gone through. . . Of course, I knew little bits and pieces but had no conception of just how harrowing it all was. . .But you do us all a big service by sharing your story--You are an inspiration!” Erica Kiesewetter, concertmaster of Opera Orchestra of New York

“I just finished your book this morning and I want to thank you for your honesty and your spiritual search. It meant so much to me. Thank you for sharing, and I send you much love.” Linda Stux, lung cancer sufferer

“Thank you so much for the book. It’s just fantastic. I can’t stop reading it (which I’m sure many people have told you). All I can say is, Wow. You have really experienced a lot. I’m so glad you’re doing so well.” Kate Light, violinist with the New York City Opera and author of The Laws of Falling Bodies, a book of poems

“Congratulations on the publication of your book. It sounds intriguing as well as inspiring. I look forward to reading it with great interest.” Dr. Carolyn Diehl, Director of Development and Public Affairs, The Rogosin Institute

“Just wonderful. It was compelling, it was passionate, it was moving, it was heartache. . . . I'm so happy that you wrote this, and I know you are going to make so many people happy when you publish it." Johanna Tacadena, actress in Miss Saigon

"I couldn't put it down." Louise Behrend, director of The School for Strings

"As inspirational as Tuesdays with Morrie." Allan Schiller, violinist with the New York Philharmonic

“It’s an honest book. I stayed up until 4 am reading it. I also practiced four hours today, as a result of your inspirational story. Many people have interesting stories, but they can’t write. I could see the hospital rooms.” Peter Borten, violinist with Colonial Symphony

“I hope you write another book. During the rests in my show I couldn’t stop reading it, and a friend wanted to know what I was reading, so I loaned it to her. It’s great to read about someone you know and to ‘get inside’ someone going through such horrible procedures.” Illiana Mendoza, cellist for The Lion King on Broadway

“I finished reading the book. It’s wonderful! You write so well. Consider writing another book!” Joe Wargo, violist with the Richmond Symphony

“Your personal story was so moving. . .Congratulations on your book. . . the cover is terrific.” Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, philanthropist and lupus fund raiser

“Your story is very well written and takes the reader into your suffering and point of view as you strive to understand and take control of the illness. . .All suffering enobles the soul and teaches many lessons--one of the most important results is feeling a great compassion for others who suffer for any reason.” Deborah Morgan, cousin

“Marilyn, I’m reading your book, and I really, really like it. You are very talented and it’s a wonderful book.” Michael Levin, sub violinist in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

“I’m enjoying your book. It’s very moving.” Sandi Strenger, assistant concertmaster for ABT Orchestra

“Thank you so much for writing this book. What does someone say to someone who has written such a book---and gone through such an experience? It was warm and wonderful.” Virginia Benz, horn player with ABT Orchestra

“I don’t know what to say. I was stunned. I’ve always stayed within Judaism. It was deeply moving. You have an incredible story to tell. . . You’re like a Holocaust survivor. And you’re here sounding great.” Lisa Batchelder, violinist with Westfield Symphony

“I was so moved by your book.” Sophie Arbuckle, violinist with Scandia Symphony

“I read and loved your book. It was so well-written. You could do this for a living, in another career. Some people have biographies but they have nothing to say. But you have something to say and you can write.” Rebecca Osbourne, violist with Opera Orchestra of New York

“Enclosed is a check for your book which I have been reading. It is great. Congratulations!!! When are you going to be on Oprah?” Ragga Petersdottir, Icelandic violinist

“Thank you so much for the gift of your book. It is a great inspiration to see how much adversity you’ve overcome! It has also encouraged me to begin a search for negative attitudes that I’ve built up over the years. So far, I’ve found quite a few to work on. I think I’ll be busy for the rest of my life with them!” Melissa Putt, sister-in-law

"I've just finished reading your book. Your passages through life are incredible. I am overwhelmed by your courage and your father's. You are an inspiration for me."
Anne Lieberson, violinist with Colonial Symphony

"Your book was very moving, powerful, and painful at the same time. I appreciate the opportunity to know that much more about you and for you to share that."
Gerald Anders, head of Fine Arts, Dwight Englewood School

"I want to...let you know that I finished your book two days ago..I so enjoyed it...your writing is beautiful...Many of your insights made me feel hopeful...and I think we would agree that LOVE is a tremendous factor in the healing process...You seemed to have been surrounded by it...with Tim and your family...and the ultimate and precious gift from your Father...God bless you Marilyn...it takes such courage to keep going...and now you are well...I admire your strength...Again I thank you for writing your most inspiring story".
Peggy Lavake, violist with lupus

"Will be looking for THE BOOK at a local bookstore here in Columbus. What others have written is certainly a send off for a new book on LUPUS. Thanks again for being another person who can write "for the common man", suzie s. was another author who helped me get through the first year of "It's LUPUS"
Holly J. Pugh

"Thank you for being on Erskine Overnight Sunday May 19th.  You are one of the most courageous people I've encountered.  Not only do I enjoy talking with you, but my audience appreciated your most important message.  A message of life from the other side gives all humanity hope.  Thank you for sharing with the "rest of us".  You are fulfilling a mission and we are all stronger and informed, thanks to your accepting the challenge to return and inform."  Erskine, host of Erskine Overnight, www.erskineonline.com

"I just read Hanging by a String and it is just fabulous!  I gave it to another member of the respiratory therapy team and they thought so, too.  I'm going to get it to the transplant team here at Norfolk General and see if they would like to use it as a resource."  Jeff Gibson, respiratory therapist and brother

"Your writing awakened something that was kicking around in my head for a long time."  Edith House, 81-year old Vermont resident

"I felt the same way.  I really enjoyed your book." Henry House, Marine WWII veteran

Marilyn Gibson] [Daryl Goldberg] [Joan Stein] [Guestbook] [Schedule and Newsletter] [Email]
[Hanging by a String