Cancer Was Not a Gift & It Didn’t Make Me a Better Person – Reviews, Updates & Requests!

It’s been four years since I published my memoir, Cancer Was Not a Gift & It Didn’t Make Me a Better Person: A memoir about cancer as I know it. If I were publishing it today, I’d likely add a few things and take some things out too. Such is the nature of writing and editing, I suppose.

One thing I definitely would not change is the title. Still long, I know, but it’s the one that still works best.

You might want to read, So, You Want to Tell Your Story – 13 Tips for Self-publishing Your Memoir.

Reviews

Recently, my memoir was reviewed by a professional reviewer at Online Book Club. I didn’t know what to expect from a professional reviewer, so I was pleasantly surprised when I read it.

Here’s one highlight from the review:

With a straightforward, clear, and candid writing style, the author depicts the details of her journey with this malicious disease. Striking is the honesty of her recollection and the lack of sugarcoating of facts.

I am pretty weary of cancer books that gloss over the hard stuff and instead, depict cancer as some grandiose opportunity for enlightenment – like you needed a horrendous cancer experience to get your head on straight, figure out your priorities and learn to stop and smell the roses.

And malicious, what a perfect adjective to describe this insidious disease.

Another highlight:

I appreciated the messages of survivorship and hope that shone amidst the pain and raw emotions. I honestly cannot think of anything I disliked about this book.

It’s always validating to have an objective reader acknowledge that there can be messages of hope and perhaps even inspiration from words that have not been “pinktified”.

In other words, keeping it real has merit too.

If you’d like to read the review in its entirety click here. To read more reviews, click here.

Updates and Reminders

The Kindle price for Cancer Was not a Gift has been reduced!

In addition, it’s now available in Amazon Kindle’s Unlimited program. Some of you might be subscribers for that option.

For those of you who prefer not shopping via Amazon, my memoir is available most anywhere you buy books online including Barnes & Noble, BAM! Books-A-Million and Indie Bound.

Reminders

Signed copies are available. Learn more about that here. Bulk pricing is available. Email me for details.

When you purchase my memoir (and/or my other books) in any format, 10% of profits will be donated to support metastatic breast cancer research. Last year’s donation went to METAvivor. This year’s will too.

Since it’s nearly year’s end, this is a great time to purchase and help with this important advocacy.

Requests

Fours years later, I still suck at marketing, but nonetheless, it’s a necessity for any author. This is where YOU come in.

How can YOU support any author you like, including me?

You might want to read, Let’s Talk Cancer Books!

1. Write a review on Amazon (or elsewhere).

When I shop online, I read reviews. (Do you?) Reviews are super helpful for improving rankings, increasing sales and yes, making authors feel good. Everybody needs encouragement.

2. Follow authors you like on social media and subscribe to their email lists.

Subscribe to my weekly emails here. If you’ve already subscribed, thank you! You can unsubscribe at anytime if you decide it’s not for you.

3. Ask your local library to order books by authors you like and not currently on the shelves.

4. Donate books to your cancer center’s library or other places that accept donated or used books.

5. If you belong to a book club, suggest titles by authors you want to support to be your club’s pick.

6. Tell others, pass on copies and/or give the gift of books.

Word of mouth matters, be it literally or via social media. Shares, likes, posts to your page(s) or actual gifting physical copies are invaluable ways to show support.

So, that wraps up this shamelessly self-promotional post. If you’re still reading, thank you! That alone, says something about your support and it’s appreciated. YOU are appreciated.

If you’ve read any of my books and done any of the things on the above list to help promote, thank you.

Finally, thank you for sharing this post!

How do you support authors you like?

Do you generally write book reviews? Why or why not?

Do you prefer reading print books or is your preference via Kindle (or other)?