Thursday, February 12, 2009

Book Review: Cancer is a Bitch by Gail Konop Baker


"Cancer is a Bitch: (Or, I'd Rather Be Having a Midlife Crisis) " by Gail Konop Baker

Published by Da Capo Press, a member of Perseus Books Group


Rating: 4.5 stars

Simply put, "Cancer is a Bitch" is about Gail Konop Baker's experiences after having been diagnosed with breast cancer. However throughout the book, Gail explores her relationship with her mother, husband, children and friends before her diagnosis as well. There are a lot of insightful observations made and we soon see that the diagnosis has initiated a lot of self reflection and symbolizes so much more. Having breast cancer was a wake-up call to live life to the fullest and she certainly took that challenge by spending more time with her family, becoming more fit (including running several marathons) and lucky for us all, pursuing her writing!

This story is inspirational and heartfelt but the best part is that everything is relayed with an amazing sense of humor. You would think that a book revolving around cancer would be depressing, but you would be wrong. If anything, I was even more hopeful after finishing the book, not to mention having laughed my way to the end. This book may technically be classified as a 'Health' book but for me, it belongs in the 'Humor' and 'Inspirational' categories!

Gail Konop Baker was a member of the Deb Class 2008 from The Debutante Ball - to read her archived posts click here

For even more of Gail Konop Baker, click here to read her articles that she has written as the 'Bare-breasted Mama' for Literary Mama.


BIG THANKS to Megan of Goldberg McDuffie Communications, Inc. for my review copy!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've avoided this book because I thought it would be depressing. Your review has made me re-think it. Thanks!

avisannschild said...

This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the review, Sheri!