Elena Dorfman | Heidi Schultz Adams
1 Another survival story
If you are looking for another most inspirational story about a cancer survivor, read Tapestry: The Journey of Laurel Lee. CBS turned her hospital journal into a movie several years ago. Tapestry is her entire life story - it is filled with laughter, tears, hope and grace.
2 Telling It Like It Is.
I am a cancer survivor and a personal coach for cancer survivors (rle444@yahoo.com). I have recommended this book to all of my clients. The stories tell it like it is: the good, bad and ugly. It's so important for current cancer patients to see the possibilites through the angst of having cancer and cancer survivors to have examples of the various tribulations and exhilaration of "cancer after life." cancer (little "c") is what you have, not who you are. I thank the authors for this beautiful and powerful evidence of the human spirit.
3 Read this book
Everything the earlier revieiwers have said is true. This book inspired me to live my life more fully. You do not need to be a cancer survivor to be touched by these stories. They are stories about being human, and being ALIVE.
4 A welcome Honesty
What characterizes this book is its intellectual and emotional honesty, and in that spirit, this reviewer acknowledges he knows one of the authors.
The book tells the stories of 38 cancer survivors-38 very different individuals with very different stories to tell about how they first learned of their cancer, how they coped with it, how it changed their lives, how they face the world now.
There is no false sentimentality, there's no polyanna, no posing. This is truth, not always pretty, but real. The two authors, themselves cancer survivors, have produced something that is greater than the sum of its 38 brief narratives. There is a powerful cumulative impact on the reader that lingers.
What I was left with was a recognition that all of the very intense personal experiences these people had, making each one of them so very special, ultimately makes them very ordinary, just like you and me. And the scary, diagnostic names of their cancers also become strangely ordinary in their hideousness.
These survivors tell us about themselves very simply; they demystify themselves. And they demystify the pathology of cancer. Ultimately the reader gets to see beyond the emotional fall-out of confronting cancer--the fears, the feelings of hurt and unfairness, of rejection, of loneliness, and so many more.
This is a fine book. I'm sure it will have special meaning for both cancer survivors and cancer victims alike. But just as importantly, for many of us who are neither of these, it also helps us better understand ourselves. "The proper study of mankind is man," said Alexander Pope. You might adapt that truism to the study of mankind through this book.
5 Not just for Cancer Survivors
This book is a collection of uplifting stories about the strength of the human spirit. From the introduction to the last account, I couldn't put the book down--it's something that has to be read in one sitting. And, I am not a cancer survivor, just someone who enjoys good writing and thought-provoking subjects. This book will make you think and stay with you for a long time.
The photography, as well, is incredibly good.
Read it and pass it on to everyone you know!
6 Inspiring
This was a great read! Each story reminds the reader that life is a gift. The writers have done excellent work inspiring cancer survivors to share their stories! The photos capture the spirit of each individual.
I personally am not a cancer survior but I found the book still reached out to me. One of the authors in her introduction says "in facing down a life threatening illness I had discovered the missing essential element in my life: taking a stake in it." That is a statement anyone can benefit from.
7 when survivors unite
This book sets the record straight with inspiring stories about normal people overcoming great odds. The stories are not so much of loss and hardship, as I had expected, but of overwhelming strength and courage. It is unbelievable to see not just how people have beaten the odds, but then how they have gone on to make a difference. A wonderful book!
8 It's Here and Now!
You will meet people in this book that personify courage and strength. Here and Now is a book I keep turning to when I hear about someone newly diagnosed so I can be reminded of what they will encounter, the challenges they will meet, and importantly, how to live with cancer.
If I could face life with one-tenth of an ounce of the grace that Heidi and Elena have demonstrated in their battles against cancer, I would consider myself victorious.
You must read this book!
9 A must-read book for everyone
Dorfman and Adams give the reader access to a world of hope in a world many view only as laced with misery. Each person interviewed has dealt with their cancer differently, but each has survived it--no,surpassed it--and has arrived at an understanding about life that will help any reader fear cancer less and cherish life anew. Credit to the authors for the sensitivity and vibrancy they bring to their interviewees, the subject, and us readers. A true celebration of life and its challenges.
