Books for the Girls: Cancer Vixen
Photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash
Those who know me know I love books and I enjoy telling people about my favorites. I plan to occasionally share about books that are relevant for the Girls.
Cancer Vixen
written and illustrated by
Marisa Acocella Marchetto
2006
Let me start with a word of CAUTION:
This book may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I am sharing it with you, dear readers, because I enjoyed it and found it to be encouraging. Although it is in cartoon format, this book is definitely NOT for kids. It will surely change what image pops into your mind when you think “cancer memoir.”
If you are looking for a calm, relaxing book, this isn’t it. If you find the high pace and energy of New York City draining, this is not your book. If you want a survival story with sass, that is realistic about the ups and downs, then this is the book for you.
The author’s humor is edgy. She depicts cancer cells seen under the microscope as making rude hand gestures. She refers to her female parent as her (s)mother. She does not shy away from grown-up words or situations. She uses her razor sharp wit to deal with her diagnosis and treatment. As a cartoonist for The New Yorker magazine and other publications, she tells her cancer story in the language she speaks best.
We meet her many friends, complete with their vastly different opinions on treatment options and which hospital to use. She gives a realistic perspective on the treatment process - the good and the bad. She shares about her own personal growth toward becoming a kinder person through the experience. There is her love story as well. What more could you want?
If you happen to pick up the hardcover version of the book, be sure to look under the dust jacket for bonus content!
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Look for this book at your local library or independent bookstore.
Blog For the Girls does not receive a commission or payment for reviewing this book.
If you have an encouraging book you want to tell us about, mention it in the comments below.