This is the true story, told as a graphic novel, of a NYC cartoonist and her battle with breast cancer. She is diagnosed mere weeks before her wedding to resturantuer Silvano Marchetto, and between that, her job, and the constant nuisance of models hitting on her fiance, things start to get a little harried. The comic format lends levity when needed, but never detracts from the serious parts. Since Marchetto describes every excrutiating step of her diagnosis and treatment in great detail, I learned a lot about the process. My mom had breast cancer a few years ago (she survived and is doing fine now, thank goodness), but since I was living 700 miles away at the time I didn't really experience it first-hand. I don't usually like reading survivor stories, but this one was pleasantly non-glurgy, even if I couldn't always relate to her fashionista tendencies. This is something I would urge all women to read, especially those dealing with a recent diagnosis. It's funny and touching and ultimately uplifting. ( )

Watch Bethanne Patrick interview Marisa Acocella Marchetto about her book "Cancer Vixen" on The Book Studio

I LOVED this book! It got me choked up, it made me smile and most of all it made me laugh. It was gutsy and honest and straight from the heart. There are so many personal accounts of cancer out there but this one is unique and was enjoyable to read. I even learned a thing or two. It has seriously changed my attitude towards graphic books as well. ( )

"What happens when a shoe-crazy, lipstick-addressed, wine-swelling, pasta-slurping, fashion-fanatic, single-forever, about-to-get-married big-city cartoonist with a fabulous life finds...a lump?" In this memoir, Marisa shares her life story and her battle with cancer with humorous illustrations and amusing captions. Find out all about the cartoonist who has drawn for the New Yorker and Glamour. ( )

This is the second graphic novel I have read. The cancer sections were good--the author captured the shock of diagnois, the problems of treatment, the fear cancer patients deal with. I hated the rest of the content--too much New York chic-chic stuff--libstick colors, shoes styles, food.
The graphics were good. One thing I did agree with--the examination gown ratings--that gave me a really good laugh. ( )