100 Perks of Cancer by Florence Strang and Susan Gonzalez

100 Perks of Having Cancer

plus 100 Health Tips for Surviving It!

Authors:  Florence Strang (registered psychologist) and Susan Gonzalez (registered nurse)

Published:  August 2013

Publisher:  Basic Health Communications

Pages:  500
Includes Recommended Websites, Suggested Reading and Viewing, References and Index

ISBN:  9781591203568

Edition:  Trade Paperback

Genre/Category:  Self Help, Health, Cancer

Source:  A complimentary copy was provided by the authors and the publisher via JKS Communications.  Receipt thereof does not influence this review nor my opinion expressed here.  

While the authors recognize that cancer is certainly no laughing matter, both cancer survivors set out to remind readers that no matter how bad one's life circumstances may be, there are always reasons to smile - and steps that can be taken to improve one's health, outlook, and prognosis. Containing many healthy-living tips to promote healing of the body as well as healing the mind and soul. (Goodreads)

How often do you hear the words “healthy”, “happy” and “cancer” mentioned in the same sentence?  That is precisely what gives 100 Perks of Having Cancer (Plus 100 Health Tips for Surviving It) its unique character.  Its authors not only “talk the talk” of living a healthy lifestyle with a positive attitude on the cancer journey, they also continue to “walk the walk”.

Florence’s perks, which are a combination of inspirational and humorous anecdotes, have made her audiences laugh and cry.  Susan’s tips are sought after because of their educational content with a witty twist. Together they provide a valuable resource which will inspire and motivate their readers, while keeping them smiling. 

See more at the 100PerksofHavingCancer.com! (from JKS Communications)

My Thoughts:

Twenty-one years ago this August my father died of lung cancer.  My step-father has battled with prostate cancer.  An uncle with prostate cancer.  My sister-in-law's mother.  A dear friend with breast cancer which has now spread.  This friend has battled valiantly and cheerfully, beating all odds predicted.  I remember years ago, maybe twenty five or so, I didn't know anyone with cancer.  Now I have had and do have people close to me battling the disease so when the book 100 Perks of Having Cancer came to my attention, I really wanted to read it.

Both authors have at some point personally received the diagnosis of cancer.  Both are doing very well and through their collaborative efforts this book came into being.  It's just incredible! Their optimism, humour, experiences and knowledge is evident on each page as they share a perk of having cancer as a chapter heading, then delve further into therapies, nutrition, recipes, things to avoid, things to do and eat, and things to be aware of.  There's so much here!  I think, even for someone who is not personally fighting cancer, but who perhaps knows someone or is related to someone who is, this is a valuable resource.  100 Perks of Having Cancer offers support with each paragraph and insight as well.  If you want to know what your loved one is feeling, just read this book.  The best way to relate to someone is to understand them.

Take for example the Chapter Perk # 73 Cancer Brought Out the Family Resemblance to My Son.  

"Ever since the day Donovan was born, I've been hearing the same thing over and over again, "He looks JUST like his father." However, following my cancer treatments, people started to notice my resemblance to my handsome son.  Maybe it's the eyes?  Could it be the nose? No, it was definitely the hair!" (page 304)  There's a photo of the two of them with a crew-cut hairstyle.

She speaks of how she didn't mind when her hair fell out from the chemotherapy treatment (not all chemo drugs cause hair loss she tells the reader) but she was not comfortable going out in public until it began to grow back in again.  It was then that if she squinted her eyes just right she could see her resemblance to Demi Moore in the film G.I. Jane! 

"While being bald as a pumpkin has its perks, it is a joyous day when new hair starts to grow in.  Be patient, it will grow back." (page 305)

Following this experience Health Tip #73 talks about the benefits of pumpkins after which is a recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Soup which I just might give a try.  I still have a pumpkin left over from Halloween.  (yes, it's still good!)

Alas, there's a tip about sweets.  I have such a sweet tooth!!!   There's a short lesson on the function of the pancreas (remember one of these authors is an RN) and the liver.  After reading this I think I may be able to curb that appetite a bit better.  The authors included a list of ingredients that really are just synonyms for sugar like date sugar, lactose, barley malt, honey, maltodexrin, agave nectar, to name a few.  The reader is reminded that a healthy diet contains no artificial, chemical, "no-calorie" sweeteners.  

There's a lot to learn in the 500 pages of 100 Perks of Cancer and a lot of support as well.  I highly recommend this as a resource for anyone dealing with cancer in any form and for their loved ones as well.  "Whether you are a cancer warrior, a cancer survivor, or a cancer avoider, this book has something for you!" (quoted from the back cover)

 February 5th is World Cancer Awareness Day!

Listen to an interview with the authors:  http://100perksofhavingcancer.com/interviews-and-publications/

Author Links below:

Author Website
Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Amazon

IndieBound

Virtual Tour Page 

The Professor by Robert Bailey

The Professor

Author:  Robert Bailey

Published:  January 2014

Publisher:  Exhibit A Books

Pages:  411

Genre:  Legal thriller

ISBN 9781909223585

Source:  A complimentary copy was provided by JKS Communications in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  Receipt thereof bears no influence over my opinion nor this review.

Thomas Jackson McMurtrie is a living legend scorned. Forty years ago, he gave up a promising career as a trial lawyer to become a law professor at the University of Alabama at the request of his mentor, Alabama football Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Now Tom is forced into retirement, betrayed by both a powerful colleague and his own failing health.

Meanwhile the young family of one of his oldest friends is killed in a tragic road collision. Believing his career is over, Tom refers the case to a brilliant, yet beleaguered, former student, who begins to uncover the truth behind the tragedy, buried in a tangled web of arson, bribery and greed.

But as the eve of trial approaches, the young attorney’s case begins to unravel. In over his head and at the end of his rope, he realizes there’s only one man who can help…

“The Professor” is the first in a series of tense legal thrillers featuring the enthralling and brilliant legal team of McMurtrie and Drake, combining the thrills and authenticity of a John Grisham novel for the audience that flocked to “Friday Night Lights.”

My Thoughts:

2014 is proving to be the year of promise!  Robert Bailey and his new legal thriller, The Professor, is on my growing list of note-worthy books of the new year.  The Professor is Bailey's debut novel.

When the author of Forrest Gump, Winston Groom, said The Professor was "gripping from the first page to last" he was bang on.  I began this book Saturday morning and finished early afternoon.  I just couldn't put it down and this is no light weight coming in at over 400 pages.  

When a young family is killed in a collision with a semi in a small town in Alabama, questions arise about hours logged in by drivers and the timetables of the companies they work for.  Professor Thomas McMurtrie is approached by the mother of the young mother killed in the crash to find answers about responsibility for the accident.  She doesn't believe her son-in-law is in the wrong and wants those who tore her family apart to be held responsible.

Professor McMurtrie, Tom, has too much on his plate and hands the case to a former dynamic pupil struggling to start his own practice nine months out of law school.  When arson, bribery, and murder further complicate the case, the young lawyer turns to Tom for assistance.  Together they search tirelessly for the clues and witnesses who are brave enough to come forward in the name of justice.

Grisham turned me on to legal thrillers more than twenty years ago and I have been an avid fan since.  Now along comes Robert Bailey, another lawyer/author sharing the thrills of courtroom drama.  I enjoyed the flow, the legal drama, the hidden clues, the tenacity of the small firm vs the giant...it all adds up to a good thrilling read.

Warning to sensitive readers:  sexual content, though not graphic, in the form of prostitution and abuse is dotted occasionally through the novel.  The story, in my opinion, didn't need it.  It felt gratuitous.  There's enough strength in Bailey's plot and skill without it.  I would be a dedicated fan if future novels withheld this content.  Otherwise, The Professor has an excellent plot told by a sharp legal mind.  

Author Links below:

Author Website

Twitter
Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon

Virtual Tour Page 

Meet the Author:

From the time he could walk,Robert Bailey has loved stories, especially those about the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and his beloved Crimson Tide football team at the University of Alabama.

In law school, Bailey was honored with the Award for Outstanding Achievement at the American Judicature Society Interscholastic Trial Competition. He made Law Review and was a member of the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society. Somehow, between studying and preparing for the bar exam, Bailey managed to watch every home football game.

For the past 14 years, Bailey has practiced law as a civil defense trial attorney in Huntsville. In addition to representing health care providers and nursing homes in medical liability cases, he defends trucking companies, insurance carriers, insureds and businesses in injury-related lawsuits.

Bailey is admitted to practice before the U.S. 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court – Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama and Western District of Tennessee – and in all Alabama state courts.

He is a member of several professional associations including the International Association of Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute, Alabama Defense Lawyers’ Association, Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association and the Alabama Bar Association.

Bailey’s first novel, “The Professor,” will be published Jan. 28, 2014 by Exhibit A Books.

Bailey is married with three children. When he’s not writing or practicing law, he’s playing golf, coaching his sons’ little league baseball teams and, of course, cheering on the Crimson Tide.

Q&A with author and attorney Robert Bailey

How did you come up with the story for “The Professor?”

The answer is twofold.  First, I’ve always been interested in stories of legends, especially Alabama football legends. Second, when I was in law school, I always wondered what it would be like if a professor had to try a case. Could he or she do it?  Would the classroom cross over to the courtroom? These questions piqued my interest, and Thomas Jackson McMurtrie was born.

What do you think readers will like about “The Professor?”

The answer, in my opinion, is the redemptive nature of the story. This is the story of a man in the twilight of his career that is done wrong, but he won’t quit. He comes back against all odds. A backstabbing former student. Cancer. Nothing can get Tom McMurtrie down. He embodies the principles of those men that played for Coach Bryant, some of whom stand with Tom in the courtroom in one of the climactic final scenes of the book.

What are the elements of a great legal thriller?

I’m not sure there is any recipe or formula.  However, I think any story, whether thriller or not, has to have an emotional hook.  Something that makes the reader climb on board for the journey. A lot of times that hook is identifying with a character and what he/she is going through or the situation he/she faces.  I think this is particularly so in thrillers.  Having a protagonist encounter a situation that stimulates the reader’s emotions and makes the reader want to follow the protagonist’s journey through it. 

Have you ever considered a career in teaching law?

No, I never have.  However, teachers have had a profound influence on me.  I was blessed to have many wonderful teachers in elementary school, high school, college and law school.  My mother and grandmother were also teachers, so I have a great regard for that profession.

How did growing up in the south influence your writing?

Obviously, you write what you know, and I have lived my entire life in the South. I have always been drawn to southern literature and stories with a southern flare to them.  

You’re obviously a huge fan of the legendary Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. What do you think made him such an iconic figure?

I think it starts with the winning.  Coach Bryant was an incredibly successful football coach for over thirty years.  There were many great college football coaches during his heyday in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, but Coach Bryant was undoubtedly the best and his record speaks for itself.  323 victories.  Six national championships.  But it’s more than just the winning. He was such a great character.  He was tall and had that gravelly voice.  He wore the Houndstooth hat and smoked Chesterfield cigarettes.  He carried himself like an Old West gunslinger.  In fact, there were many comparisons between Coach Bryant and John Wayne. There is also the regard that his former players show him.  So many of them count Coach Bryant as their most significant influence in life.  Finally, Coach Bryant’s story is so inspiring.  Here was a man born of the most humble of beginnings, one of nine children to a poor family in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, who grew to be one of the most recognizable figures in sports history.  A man who dined with Presidents and celebrities.  Who, when he died, was given his own stamp.  Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant personified the American dream.  

How in the world did you find time to write a novel while working as a full-time attorney and caring for three young children?

Simple: I got up at 4:00 in the morning before work and before the kids were awake, and wrote for a couple of hours every morning. The pages eventually began to pile up.

“The Professor” is billed as “the first McMurtrie and Drake investigation.” So can we get any sneak peek into what’s next?

Book two, which is entitled “Between Black and White,” will take Tom and Rick to Pulaski, Tennessee, where they will defend an old friend on charges of capital murder.

(Q and A courtesy of JKS Communications)

Restrike by Reba White Williams (JKS Communications Blog Tour)

Restrike
Author: Reba White Williams
Published:  June 2013
Publisher:  Delos
Edition:  ARC (advanced reader's copy)
ISBN 978939052001

Thank you to Samantha at JKS Communications for an ARC of Restrike.  Receipt of such bears no influence over my opinion nor this review.

"Money and murder go hand in glove in the rarified art world of Reba White Williams’ exciting first novel, Restrike.

Cousins Coleman and Dinah Greene moved from North Carolina to New York after college to make their mark on the art world: Coleman is the editor of an influential arts magazine and Dinah is the owner of a print gallery in Greenwich Village. But their challenges are mounting as one of Coleman’s writers is discovered selling story ideas to a competitor and The Greene Gallery is in the red because sales are down.

When billionaire Heyward Bain arrives with a glamorous assistant, announcing plans to fund a fine print museum, Coleman is intrigued and plans to get to know Bain and publish an article about him. Dinah hopes to sell him enough prints to save her gallery. At the same time, swindlers, attracted by Bain’s lavish spending, invade the print world to grab some of his money.

When a print dealer dies in peculiar circumstances, Coleman is suspicious, but she can’t persuade the NYPD crime investigator of a connection between the dealer’s death and Bain’s buying spree. After one of Coleman’s editors is killed and Coleman is attacked, the police must acknowledge the connection, and Coleman becomes even more determined to discover the truth about Bain. In an unforgettable final scene, Coleman risks her life to expose the last deception threatening her, her friends, and the formerly tranquil print world."

My review:

Restrike was a fun read that both entertained and informed me.  I have a close artist friend who has been exposing me to the local art scene through art walks and gallery visits, so this book definitely grabbed my attention!  

Williams has penned her first mystery novel based in a field of which she has immense knowledge, which she readily imparts to the reader.  The art scene is the "setting" for this who-dunit complete with shady masterminds who are experts in creating "forgeries" of prints, selling them at inflated costs.  But art forgeries of any kind are a dangerous business and when people start dying, Coleman (art magazine owner, editor and writer) gets suspicious.  She turns to those whom she believes she can trust as she prepares to expose the fraudulent activities in the print scene.

" Restrike:  

1.  Verb: To hit again

 2.  Noun: A fine art print made later than the first edition, usually inferior, and often made after the artist's death."

Coleman's investigations turn up many suspects and she finds she doesn't know who to trust.  As someone close to her is brutally killed; she reluctantly, for reasons best explained by the author, turns to her cousin Dinah to assist her in the investigation.  The more she reveals, the greater the danger to her and those with whom she is associated.  The web Williams weaves spins a quick read that is sure to keep you guessing.  Just when you think you have it figured out, voila!  You're wrong, or are you?

If you are a patron of the arts, love a good mystery, or both; Restrike comes highly recommended!
  

Reba White Williams has a PhD in Art History and has written for American Artist, Art and Auction, Print Quarterly, and Journal of the Print World.  She has also served at the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum, and the Whitney Museum on their respective print committees.  This is her first novel in her Coleman and Dinah Green mystery series and she is currently writing her second titled Fatal Impressions.  

For More Information, Please Visit RebaWhiteWilliams.com