Below are book reviews by our staff here at Cancer Services, highlighting thoughtful encouraging reads for any one impacted by cancer. We hope these summaries inspire you to explore our library. To access any of these books, call us at 260.484.9560 or visit our office at 6316 Mutual Drive in Fort Wayne.
This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley
Reviewed by Staff: Cheryl Hayes
Cole Arthur Riley is a wonderful storyteller who honors the human, spiritual experience through daily living in a physical body. She lives with a chronic illness and days that are filled with discomfort and also, she describes with raw and beautiful language, the wonder and awe of her one and only body living in clumsy wholeness.
She tells her story of origin, specifically her family, her illness and her faith, in a most human way. I was most impacted by how she holds her faith close, fearlessly asking questions of it, embracing the mystery of it, she challenges it and finds peace with it. Her experiences living with a chronic illness in this way gives a perspective of life that has challenged me to consider my beliefs and perspective as I realize they have been limited to serve in only small and very specific ways. I am considering all of what she shares.
Riley is honest about the hard things of life including chronic illness and those who provide care. It is common for those living with illness to question their faith. This book allows space for all the questions, while also feeling encouraged, validated and even hopeful in the midst of those things we cannot change.
Book Title: The Cancer Diet Cookbook by Dionne Detraz, RDN
Reviewed by Staff: Sue Delagrange
Cancer can affect every aspect of your health, including your appetite and diet. Dionne Detraz points out that while not everyone’s experience will be the same, it continues to be seen that eating the right foods and making appropriate lifestyle choices can dramatically impact a person’s cancer journey. This cookbook contains valuable cancer fighting recipes which are packed with powerful anti-inflammatory foods, such as Omega-3 rich fish, avocadoes, nuts, seeds, and extra virgin olive oil.
Your diet can dramatically help with some of the most common side effects that people with cancer experience including constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and unintentional weight loss. I like that each recipe includes a list of symptoms that the dish can help alleviate. Detraz also includes a chart of superfoods that can help you heal.
The recipes in this book are so easy to make for either the person with cancer or their caregiver. Each recipe is labeled from three easy categories: 1) They can be made with five or fewer ingredients, 2) They can be cooked in 30 minutes or less from start to finish, and 3) they can be made in one pot, pan, or baking sheet. The dietary information is also listed for each recipe. Several recipes I would suggest trying are “Cinamon-Spice Apple Compote with Nut Butter” (pg.48), “Lemon-Herb Chicken Salad” (pg.64), and “Nourish Bowl” (pg.79). These recipes are just a few you will find in this book that are easy to prepare and contain simple ingredients you can find easily at your local grocery store.
Book Title: In Waves by AJ Dungo
Reviewed by Staff: Sara Schultz
In Waves retells the story of AJ Dungo’s girlfriend Kristen’s battle with cancer. He shares the moments leading up to her diagnosis, the specifics of her battle with cancer, and intimate details about her death. Kristen loved to surf, so the author and her other loved ones took up surfing while she was sick. This novel beautifully weaves together two stories: that of Kristen’s cancer journey and that of a famous surfer who made surfing popular in the early 1900s.
This graphic novel is very well illustrated, and the pictures on each page tell the story well. I also liked how the author chose to use aspects of history to relate to his personal experience with cancer.
In Waves shows how you can still make meaningful memories with a person battling cancer. The book also demonstrates how shared hobbies and memories of a loved one that you lost can help you to feel connected to them after they pass away.
Book Title: My Parent has Cancer and it Really Sucks by Maya and Marc Silver
Reviewed by Staff: Sandra Thomas
My Parent has Cancer and It Really Sucks is a great book for teens whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. This book lets teens know that they are not alone and there’s help to get through it all presented by other teens.
The most important thing about this book is that teenagers are expressing themselves and their experiences are shared with other teens. Young people and teens want to know that they are not alone.
For teens whose parents or loved ones are affected by cancer, the book helps them to express their feelings, identify stress and find ideas for coping, where they fit in with the life changes cancer brings, and realizing what their parents are going through. The book also shares some information about cancer and the types of cancer treatments and includes a section for parents and other resources.
Book Title: Everything You Hoped You’d Never Need to Know about Colorectal Cancer by Dr. Anisha Patel
Reviewed by Staff: Liz Fenimore
Everything You Hoped You’d Never Need to Know about Colorectal Cancer offers an overview of Dr. Patel’s experiences from diagnosis to survivorship with colorectal cancer as well as interviews and anecdotes from others. This book really covers everything you need to know, including discussions of risk factors, symptoms, treatment, stoma care, what to ask your doctor, how to speak to your loved ones and children, and care for the mind, body, and emotions.
I valued Dr. Patel’s ability to cover nearly all facets of the colorectal cancer experience with a very readable and personable approach. I found myself thinking, “wow, she even remembered to discuss [fill in the blank]!” many times.
Dr. Patel is straightforward, realistic, and compassionate throughout the book. She has clearly done her research and anticipates what someone with colorectal cancer will likely encounter physically, mentally, and socially while instilling hope during the entire reading.
Book Title: The Big Ordeal by Cynthia Hayes
Reviewed by Staff: Loren Hayes
The Big Ordeal is an insightful guide that delves into the emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. The author Cynthia Hayes is a cancer survivor herself and combines personal experiences, interviews with other survivors, and expert insights from oncologists and psychologists to explore the wide range of emotions and challenges faced by someone with cancer.
The book provides a comprehensive look at the psychological aspects of cancer, including fear, anxiety, anger, and grief, as well as strategies to manage these feelings. Hayes highlights the importance of understanding that these reactions are normal and rooted in biology. The narrative also emphasizes the value of a strong support system and offers practical advice for patients and caregivers alike.
This book is a compassionate and well-researched resource for anyone navigating the complexities of cancer. Hayes’ candid storytelling resonates deeply, making the book both informative and emotionally engaging. I particularly found her “Science Sidebar” segments helpful and logical in a way that balanced the emotional stories. To me, this balance of empathy and evidence makes The Big Ordeal a valuable tool for those with cancer and their families. It is a testament to resilience and a roadmap for coping with one of life’s most challenging journeys.
Book Title: Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron
Reviewed by Staff: Taylor Cobos
Start Where You Are is all about learning to be kinder to yourself and others, even when life feels messy. Pema uses Buddhist teachings to show how we can shift our mindset and see challenges as opportunities to grow instead of things to avoid. Shifting mindsets helps you manage stress, frustration, and self-doubt with more patience and compassion. It also helps you navigate through life with a more open heart.
One of the most eye-opening ideas in this book is the concept of leaning into discomfort instead of running from it. The idea that struggles aren’t something to “fix” but rather opportunities to open our hearts and build resilience really stuck with me.
Someone with cancer, or someone supporting a loved one with cancer, might find this book helpful because it teaches how to face difficult emotions with compassion instead of fear. It encourages staying present, even in uncertainty, and finding moments of peace in tough times. For caregivers, it’s a reminder that simply being there with an open heart is sometimes the most important thing you can do.
This was a very inspiring read and I highly recommend!
