Rachel Bown

I picked this up on a whim at the library on a day when my husband was facing an unexpected colonoscopy and I'm so glad I did. (His colonoscopy was fine, by the way, but I kept on reading this wonderful book.) It seems odd to describe a book about having advanced colon cancer as a "delight" but this book is. I highly recommend it to anyone who had, has, or thinks that they or a friend or loved one might at some point in the future have cancer. In other words, everyone should read this book. The author manages to keep a very light tone throughout and it is a quick and easy read, but she also conveys lots of valuable information and insights about how to deal with this disease, what it is really like to go through chemo, what to say or not say to patients, etc. That may sound grim and like a real chore, but it is not at all. The book was based on a blog, apparently, and as is usually the case for such books, there are a few cases where the verb tenses get all wacky (it was "now" when she wrote it but "then" now...). Any rough patches are totally forgiven because of her delightful energy and attitude and sincerity and wisdom. By the end you feel that the author is a dear friend, or at least you wish she was, and that she has given the world a wonderful gift, both with this book and by being herself.… (more)

A very touching and yet humorous story of the journey through colon cancer. Much of what she writes is also applicable to any other form of cancer and its treatment. As a breast cancer survivor, a lot of what she writes rang true to my experiences. I will definitely be recommending this book to others, and sharing my copy with friends/family members.

DISCLOSURE: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review, and all thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.… (more)