For all you bookworms out there, this is our selection of some informative reads that may be particularly relevant for you. If you've read something good lately, please let us know about it! 

Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips

by Kris Carr

Written by a feisty young woman diagnosed with an incurable cancer, this book provides insight into the trials and tribulations of the cancer journey. She and her “cancer posse”, other young and hip women affected by cancer, share their tips and secrets for coping with the big C. This collection of candid revelations, personal stories and resources is inspiring and empowering for anyone wanting to laugh despite their disease, and take control of their life. A wonderful and colourful read and a great comfort for feeling you’re not alone. {Review by DanT}

It's not about the bike 
 
by Lance Armstrong 

People around the world have found inspiration in the story of Lance Armstrong--a world-class athlete nearly struck down by cancer, only to recover and win the Tour de France, the multiday bicycle race famous for its grueling intensity. Armstrong is a thoroughgoing Texan jock, and the changes brought to his life by his illness are startling and powerful, but he's just not interested in wearing a hero suit. While his vocabulary is a bit on the he-man side (highest compliment to his wife: "she's a stud"), his actions will melt the most hard-bitten souls: a cancer foundation and benefit bike ride, his astonishing commitment to training that got him past countless hurdles, loyalty to the people and corporations that never gave up on him. There's serious medical detail here, which may not be for the faint of heart; from chemo to surgical procedures to his wife's in vitro fertilization, you won't be spared a single x-ray, IV drip, or unfortunate side effect. Athletes and coaches everywhere will benefit from the same extraordinary detail provided about his training sessions--every aching tendon, every rainy afternoon, and every small triumph during his long recovery is here in living color. It's Not About the Bike is the perfect title for this book about life, death, illness, family, setbacks, and triumphs, but not especially about the bike. {Review by Jill Lightner}

 

Bald in the Land Of Big Hair

by Joni Rogers

Bald in the Land of Big Hair is the hilarious-and often heartbreaking-tale of Joni Rodgers's journey through the badlands of cancer told with humor, occasional anger, and unflinching honesty. More than just a cancer book, this is a deeply affecting memoir of one woman's struggle to come to terms with everything that life throws her way.

Ultimately, this is a moving celebration of the true meaning of human triumph and courage, the importance of community and the imperative of living everyday with joy.

 

 

 
The Grief Book: Strategies for Young People

by Elizabeth Vercoe and Kerry Abramowski

This book is full of practical ideas to help you or somebody you know move through grief.

"A unique and compassionate guide, which gives people struggling with grief and loss the tools they need to work through their grief. Above all, Elizabeth Vercoe and Kerry Abramowski let young people know that even in their darkest hours they are not alone." - Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

 

Secrets of Cancer Survivors
A Book of Hope for Cancer Patients, their Families and Friends

By Elizabeth Gould

Shortly after surviving an horrific assault, Elizabeth Gould, mother of two, faced the daunting news of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Her very insightful book ‘Secrets of Cancer Survivors’, shares her story along with the stories of five other Australians who fought different forms of the disease. The book explores the deep, the dark, the emotional, the sad, the happy, and some humorous aspects of cancer from the point of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond remission. Put simply, the book spells out a lot of what’s experienced during an individual’s fight against cancer placing a focus on the different experiences of the six main characters. It’s a fast track insight into the do’s and don’ts of surviving cancer. It’s essential reading for any person who is either diagnosed with cancer as much as it is for persons who may be in a supporting role. There is a minor downside, and that being there is not a lot of focus on haematological diseases, except for one character, Richard, fighting non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Some readers from Revive may be able to associate more closely with Richard. If you replace the word Oncologist with Haematologist the differences throughout the book are mostly undistinguishable as the general content could probably be applied to any type of cancer. All-in-all a great book and definitely worth a read, especially if you’re new to the cancer community. Well done Elizabeth!
{review by Lyndon}