The Choice : The True Story of a Mother Fighting for Her Life - And Her Child

by Bernadette Bohan

A truly inspirational cancer survivor's story of an ordinary woman who decided to have a child even though doctors had told her she probably wouldn't survive to raise her. Having twice defeated breast cancer, Irish Bernadette truly found her calling and now helps others win back their health, inspiring them to live life to the very fullest.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2005

Reviews

[Winifred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bernadette is married and has 2 children. when cleaning she hit her groin with the edge of a table and when she is on holiday her husband notices a large swelling at the place, so when she goes home she goes to the doctor and fins out that she has cancer. She loses a baby and she has treatment for the cancer which makes her very ill and she finds it hard to look after her children. She recovers from the cancer and as she gets older she would like another child but her doctor told her that it could increase her chances of having cancer again. Has a child and when her daughter is about 4 she finds a lump and she is told that she has cancer again. This time she finds out everthing about it and she decides to eat healthly and purifies her own water.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Choice is a book that was recommended to me by an acquaintance. Like many who have left reviews on this book, I shared the sentiment that much of the information in the book is outdated, disproven, or false.
However- it provides a valuable insight into what going through cancer and the treatment for cancer can be like, not only physically, but emotionally. It is an honest depiction of the emotions and thoughts that can come from going through the process of cancer treatment.
Many of the changes that the author suggests to help someone live healthily are good to have whether you are healthy already or sick. I appreciated that she did not claim these changes cured her cancer, nor did she claim to be educated more than the average patient on the medical treatment of cancer. However, I was put off by her attitude towards the team of medical professionals who were trying to help her. Her belief seemed to be that they were intentionally keeping life-saving knowledge from her, or trying to make her dependent on pharmaceuticals.
While it is true that during a time of having cancer you are highly vulnerable and will be more susceptible to skewed thinking, I think the honest account should have been followed by an acknowledgement that since that time to the time of writing- roughly 6 years later- There was a recognition that they were doing what they needed to to save her life.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book to read as a memoir, but I can't say I would recommend it for informative purposes, both as it is outdated from the time of publishing in 2004, and because it could encourage straying from proper medical treatment for those already in vulnerable positions.

[Trish G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This inspiring story of Bernadette’s battle with cancer shows the power of belief, love & change.
Instead of becoming a passive patient, she researched & worked in making small but permanent positive changes to her diet, living conditions & personal care products. Through research, elimination & trial & error she not only undertook control of her body but went on to be a strong advocator for her beliefs.
Well covered at the end of her biography is the explanation & listing of her beliefs & changes which revert to basic sound good healthy life style.
At the date of publishing , she had remained cancer free for many many years.

[Melanie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember last reading a book in less than 7 hours. It was so easy to read and was good to read a honest real story for a change. With people around me struggling and fighting cancer i really want to know more. Hopefully i can be more helpful and encouraging to them and hopefully prevent my family from also getting it.

[Sandra Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book by a very courageous lady

[Orla Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read, some tough times were had but good to see how the right mindset and simple lifestyle change can aid a person so much. An inspiration to many.

[Sarah Hajbok · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good

[Lisa Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good book, such a terrible story to hear, she went through cancer twice, and her daughter went through it once in her late teens. Scary stuff. She's a remarkable woman, and her story is inspirational. I'm sure her tips for beating cancer are worthwhile also, but I don't be following them, I don't have the patience or money. A great book to read for anyone with cancer, or had cancer, or knows people with it, or who have had it, or even those affected by it through loved ones. The only thing that pee'd me off was the constant mention of God! If there was a God, there wouldn't be such a thing as cancer. God doesn't exist!!!

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an inspiring and moving story and made me think about the things we eat and drink and how they affect our health, even better that it was a true story. however, i am writing this review a couple of years after reading it, so that is how i remember it to be but i cant actually remember the details of the story

[Tanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I suffer from an auto-immune disease myself and could totally relate to Bernie's frustration with all the conflicting health information out there. I definitely think her ideas seem easy to implement and will be looking to make some changes to my lifestyle.

[Jen Roe · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good book

[Suriya Jabeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

never read before

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant true story