I have followed Michael Ausiello’s career since he was at Entertainment Weekly. His Ask Ausiello column was bookmarked on my laptop and I anxiously awaited Gilmore Girls and Grey’s Anatomy spoilers each week. I’ve since followed him to TVLine where I tend to read the recaps of shows I watch before actually watching the show. My husband always gives me crap for liking spoilers but I don’t like being surprised and, even if I’m reading it instead of watching it, there is still some element of surprise. A spoiler doesn’t automatically save you from the gut punch of seeing the moment played out on TV or, in Ausiello’s memoir’s case, reading the book.
In 2014 Ausiello’s longtime partner, Kit, was diagnosed with a golf ball sized tumor in his rectum which, besides being incredibly painful, revealed itself to be an incredibly rare cancer. After meeting with several doctors the pair settled on a chemo/radiation treatment plan with Sloane Kettering in New York with hopes of shrinking the tumor and keeping the cancer from spreading. Unfortunately, as the title explains, Kit does not come out of his journey alive.
Just as I was about to wave the white flag and declare that today’s marriage ceremony was simply not meant to be, Kit said, “We have extenuating circumstances.”
“Oh do you,” the gentleman responded, somewhat playfully. “What exactly are your extenuating circumstances?”
“I was just diagnosed with cancer,” Kit informed him. “I start chemo on Monday, which is why we need to get married today.”
In Spoiler Alert Ausiello details everything that went on in their lives between Kit’s diagnosis and his untimely death. Michael doesn’t view his partner or their relationship with rose tinted glasses, which I appreciated. He shares several of the highlights and low-lights that spanned their thirteen year relationship which frequently paints them both in poor light. Kit wasn’t perfect. Michael isn’t perfect. But this is beautiful tribute.