336 Hours


Fiction - Social Issues
186 Pages
Reviewed on 06/30/2017
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Rachel Cathan is a writer from Bedfordshire. In 2001, a mutual friend introduced her to a part-time pub DJ in Southend-on-Sea. A month later, they had moved in together, around seven years later they tied the knot, and a little while after that – just like so many couples before them – they made the exciting and terrifying decision to start a family. And then, like a growing number of couples today, well…not a lot happened.
Throughout the subsequent years of fertility investigations and failed treatments, Rachel kept a diary of her experiences, and it’s from these first-hand encounters in the world of infertility and IVF that her first book, 336 Hours has been adapted.

Thanks to the eventual discovery of a wonderful fertility specialist, she is now the mother of two small children.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Rachel Cathan's 336 Hours is the humorous story of a young woman determined to get pregnant. Rachel is in her early thirties, a wife, and formerly successful career woman. Five years ago, Rachel quit her high-stress job to focus full-time on her current career; getting pregnant. After several years of happy marriage, Rachel and her husband, DH, realized that something was wrong. No matter whose advice they took, what they did and where, they just simply couldn't conceive a baby. Rachel finally convinces DH to try a doctor. Several years and many thousands spent, Rachel and DH find themselves nearly at the end of the road. Rachel is about to start their third and last IVF treatment. She is petrified. If this last treatment doesn't take, what will she do? They can't afford another procedure. She wants a baby. She wants to experience pregnancy in all its undignified glory. She wants to hold her precious baby in her arms. But now it is up to the Fates to decide. Follow Rachel and DH on a heart-wrenching journey through pain, disappointment, and hope as they show you what life is like inside the heads and hearts of an infertile couple. This story begins at the final fourteen crucial days of her last procedure; this account is taken from the author's diaries of the most trying and grueling five years of her life. At times it is laugh-out-loud funny, and at others, devastatingly sad, but so very honest. What will be the result of the next 336 hours?

Rachel Cathan's 336 Hours is the memoir of a woman undergoing IVF treatments. The story is based on real life problems and events, taking the reader inside the turbulent life of a desperate couple trying to conceive. The author's honesty about her feelings, emotions, and sometimes overly-stressed thoughts was refreshing. I knew a couple that wanted children, but like Rachel and DH, they just couldn't seem to get the BFP (Big Fat Pregnant) sign. I used to wonder what she was thinking as she waited for the results of her last treatment. I wasn't sure I would ever know - until I read this book. I knew something had changed since she had started IVF; she aged twenty years overnight. Thanks to Rachel and DH, I can better understand the private hell she and husband were living. It is such a shame, too. It shouldn't have to be that way. This book was an eye-opener. I was laughing, crying, and screaming at the injustice of it all alongside Rachel. I would recommend this book to those that know someone going through IVF or simply having trouble conceiving, and of course to those that are on their own IVF journey. The author's message is clear. Just because some people don't understand doesn't mean that you are alone.

Amazon customer (3rd March 2017)

I absolutely loved this book. It made me laugh and cry (and sometimes cry with laughter). As a single woman with no desire to have children I wasn't sure whether this was going to be for me but it was a very relatable story of the emotional and psychological torture we all put ourselves through when nature or fate puts something we really really want, seemingly out of reach. I sincerely hope there is another book to follow.

Ms S E Metianu (17th May 2017)

I really enjoyed this book! I especially loved the author's voice - her humour and the honesty all the way through and it made me laugh out loud. It's given me a real insight into the emotional struggle around infertility and into IVF treatment. A great read - thanks!

Mark (7th March 2017)

A really enjoyable read whilst also providing some insight into the rollercoaster journey of undergoing IVF treatment. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down - the end of each chapter left you wanting to the read the next. A very talented author - I can't wait to read her next book!

D Ives (25th June 2017)

A funny, amusing, emotional insight into the trial and tribulation of undergoing IVF treatment. Once started could not put down as eager to know the next stage. Was laughing and crying throughout, the author bared her soul for all to see, can totally empathise with her.

AJB (15th February 2017)

Couldn't put it down. Really hoping there is another book to follow !! A very open and honest diary full of highs and lows that herself and DH (darling husband) encountered along the way, nice to hear how DH was through out as the whole IVF process is all about the female really.Reading this shows just how hard the 2 week wait really is. There are moments that are funny and then the moments that unless you have suffered with infertility you will never understand. Having been on the IVF journey myself a lot of the emotions and feelings Rachel had I could totally relate to, as I think many will. This book shows the strength it can take to keep trying and the strength as a couple.

Amazon customer (25th June 2017)

Wow- this book was such an eye opener for me! I honestly remember thinking we would just travel the world grape picking if we couldn't have children. The author has such a fantastic way of expressing the pain and sadness that they went through trying to conceive, whilst somehow managing to keep it lighthearted and making me explode with laughter so many times! I found myself not being able to book the book down, desperate to find out what the next days outcome might be. A great read even if you haven't had problems conceiving yourself, and such an insight into how so many people might be suffering. It's a helpful reminder for me not to take my children for granted - and to stop day dreaming about how life 'could' have been if I'd have ended up travelling the world grape picking instead....somehow I don't think that would have been the case!!

Louise (21st March 2017)

This is an essential read for anyone who is experiencing fertility problems or has anyone in their life who is going through this ordeal. It is an eye opening, searingly honest account of the emotional roller coaster that is IVF, which dares to say all the things you are not supposed to say. It is told in a witty, intelligent way and despite the situation, a great amount of insightful and biting humour. An incredibly worthwhile and emotional read that stays with you for a long time.

Jennifer J Thistlethwaite (21st May 2017

When I opened this book I didn't put it down until the last page. The author shares her deepest thoughts so clearly that everyone who reads it will be moved, and anyone going through this journey will realise that they are not alone and that madness is part of the course! Rachel Cathan's voice will stay with you long after you have put the book down.

Natalie Burgess (21st May 2017)

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a mother of a 2 year old & 3 year old I rarely find time to do anything let alone the luxury of reading but I couldn't put this book down when it arrived!! First book I've read in 3 years to be frank & it certainly didn't disappoint. Full of humour & wit
but also so much that I could relate to having gone through the struggles of infertility myself & numerous IVF cycles. A very enjoyable read that in sure many will enjoy!

Cemel Mustafa (6th April 2017

I love this book! While I haven't had to endure infertility myself, I have friends and family who have. This book is funny, sad, enlightening and a real life journey sucks you in. It reminds me of Bridget Jones Diary as it's written in a similar way. Very easy to read and digest with a shocking ending!
Would recommend that all women read this book, not just women who are struggling with fertility.

Amazon customer (18th June 2017)

Would definitely recommend this book . A very good read . A really good insight of the struggles of infertility and the emotions . This book made me laugh and cry . The humour is great . Very well written. Would love to read more from this author .

Amazon customer (21st June 2017)

An insightful book written with humour depicting the all encompassing emotional roller coaster journey while undergoing IVF. Sad and funny it shows the effect it has on relationships and friendships. Excellent read.

JB Johnston (15th February 2017)

Books that are written straight from the heart are the books that seem to affect readers the most. And, 336 Hours was one such book. Written in diary form from the author's own experiences it was clear from the very beginning of the book that the story was going to touch me, make me cry and make me feel those feelings of frustration too. Tackling a difficult subject matter - infertility - the book describes so wonderfully the feelings of desperation, need and want that any person who desperately wants a child feels. I was so glad to read a story that also tackled how infertility affected men too. Sometimes forgotten about when their partner can't conceive, men are often left to just get on with things and many people assume don't feel that same desperation and longing for a child that a woman feels. This book handles this so well.
Yes there are some humourous moments and some tongue in cheek bits but overall this is a book that follows one couples long and ardous journey through the minefield that is IVF treatment. And the waiting! Oh my god the waiting..........the countdown until the day you can take the pregnancy test. Having had some personal experience of the all consuming desire to have a child, I could relate to those feelings of helplessness when your body just won't do what its supposed to do. I did not want this book to end. I was emotionally wrung out by the end of it all, afraid to find out what happens at the end. A great read and definitely a bit of a tear jerker and emotional roller-coaster! Its a brave book, baring the facts about infertility in a no holds barred description of feelings and what infertility can do to a marriage. Loved it!

Sam Woollard (14th February 2017)

A beautifully written diary from a woman's point of view dealing with the struggles and heartache of infertility. This book made me laugh and cry and didn't put it down till I was finished! I loved the style of the writing and hope the author continues to write.

Gem (19th February 2017)

Amazing book- after 2 ivf cycles this book made me realise how normal my feelings have been this last year. All the inner thoughts of jealousy of fertile people and their ease at procreation! The lengths I have gone to in order to "help the ivf work". I actually laughed out loud and cried on occasion. I actually think I need my relatives to read this so they can understand a little more how it feels! If you are someone about go through ivf or you have someone close to you who is, its an especially goo read! When's the next one out??!!

Frances T (1st March 2017)

Very impressed by this book and its writer. Read it and be understood, uplifted and consoled. (And amused!) The author reaches out her hand and holds yours for a time, just when you really need it. Thoroughly recommended.

Margaret Cooper (22nd February 2017)

A heartbreakingly honest, beautifully written 336 hours of torturous waiting for a couple on their desperate quest for a baby. The fear, upset and desperation are all very real in this diary but the writer somehow manages to make you laugh and cry within a mere few pages. I hope she keeps writing, she has a real talent. Brilliant.

Julie P (28th Feb 2017)

Cant recommend this book highly enough for anyone going through ivf, who is supporting friends/family going through it or simply wanting a personal insight into it. The author beautifully describes the highs and lows of her journey - a real eye opener into the world of ivf.

R A Dubber (18th February 2017)

Great insight into a couple's journey through IVF