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Book Review: ‘Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies’

by LINCEE RAY for The Associated Press
This book cover image released by Atria shows "Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Other Four-Letter Words," Michael Ausiello. (Atria via AP)
AP | Atria

NOTEWORTHY

“Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies”

Michael Ausiello

Atria Books, 2017

Michael Ausiello is a respected television journalist whose wit and candor are well-received by those who love reading behind-the-scenes reports in the entertainment industry.

He is open and honest in his memoir, an account of his husband Kit Cowan’s yearlong battle with cancer. “Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies” chronicles the couple’s instant chemistry, their relatable love story and the unrelenting bravery both men displayed in the darkest of days.

When Cowan is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, their livelihood comes to a halt. Things may not have been perfect in the partnership, but when you know you have less than a year left to live, priorities change. Ausiello transitions from a hardworking entertainment guru to a full-time caregiver.



Ausiello spares no expense detailing the range of emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis. From Cowan’s first round of chemotherapy to his last breath, Ausiello paints a vivid picture of shock, grit, denial, acceptance and steadfast love. It is simultaneously poignant and shockingly funny. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh and you’ll cry again.

“Spoiler Alert” is both tender and raw. It almost feels inappropriate to be invited into such a deeply personal chapter of someone’s life. It’s a story about love and loss, joy and heartbreak. And in the midst of personal turmoil, we learn that bravery comes in many forms.

Aspen Times Weekly

Bar Talk: sway Thai

sway opened its Aspen doors at the beginning of February with nine cocktails on the menu including some options not offered in Austin, such as a Thai coffee martini, fitting in with this mountain town’s espresso martini infatuation.



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