Sam & Me and the Hard Pear Tree is a deeply moving memoir by Jami Yeats — a South African mother, entrepreneur, psychologist, and storyteller — that explores the unthinkable pain of loss, and the extraordinary power of love to carry us through.
When Jami and her family lost their youngest son, Sam, their world was shattered. But in the years that followed, her journey of heartbreak became one of healing — filled with grace, unexpected humour, synchronicities, and a fierce determination to live a life still full of meaning and joy.
This book is as much about grief as it is about rediscovery — of purpose, of connection, and of self. Alongside Sam’s story, Jami shares the honest and beautiful experience of raising her eldest son, Jack, who has special needs. His journey helped inspire the creation of The Butterfly Centre, a one-of-a-kind learning centre for children who don’t thrive in conventional schooling systems.
Written with the kind of raw vulnerability that invites you to exhale, Sam & Me and the Hard Pear Tree is for anyone who has ever lost someone, or felt lost themselves. It reminds us that, even after the deepest sorrow, light can return — and love doesn’t end where life does.
Why Readers Love This Book:
-
Honest, relatable, and uplifting storytelling
-
A South African voice with universal truth
-
Beautifully written with warmth and humour
-
A tribute to parenting, special needs advocacy, and hope after loss
-
A portion of proceeds supports The Butterfly Centre, a non-profit that’s changing lives
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.