Reconstructing Natalie

by Laura Jensen Walker

Natalie Moore is about to lose what little cleavage she had. She'll shave her head, leave her church, fall for a man in scrubs, learn to tap, and flash a roomful of women. Natalie needs to know with or without her breasts she is more than the sum of her parts.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Chick Lit, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

About the author

Award-winning author Laura Jensen Walker has written several fiction and non-fiction books. Her historical fiction debut, DEATH OF A FLYING NIGHTINGALE, spotlighting a group of overlooked real-life women histories from WWII, releases in September 2024. A lover of mysteries since she read her first Trixie Belden in the fourth grade, Laura is thrilled to return to writing after a decade’s absence to write mystery novels. Her Agatha-nominated MURDER MOST SWEET is set in the small town of Lake Potawatomi, Wisconsin, features baker, writer, and breast-cancer survivor Teddie St. John and her irrepressible American Eskimo dog Gracie. Laura's Faith Chapel Mystery series (HOPE, FAITH, & A CORPSE, Jan. 2021) set in rural Northern California, features the movie-loving Episcopal priest Pastor Hope Taylor and her loyal Black Lab Bogie.

Grateful to be a longtime breast cancer survivor (THANKS FOR THE MAMMOGRAM! rereleases September 2020) Laura flew a typewriter across Europe in Uncle Sam's Air Force in her twenties, and lived in Oxfordshire, England for three years where she became a lifelong, tea-loving Anglophile. A native of Racine, Wisconsin—home of Wisconsin’s official state pastry, the delicious, mouth-watering Danish kringle—dog-lover Laura lives in Northern California with her Renaissance-man husband and their canine daughter, Mellie.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this started out as a light, fluffy, "fun" read, it is anything but. However, considering it deals with a 27 yo single woman who gets breast cancer, it turns out to be a very upbeat book overall. Still it has its moments of deep pathos and it challenges you to think at every turn. I'll be writing this up for booklady after Holy Week. Thanks L'il Sis, Julie for the tip! I loved it!

Here's the booklady's review: http://okie-booklady.blogspot.com/200...

[Saralyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a second time this year. Great book!

[Alyssa Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

an AMAZING read. i cried 3 separate times… 1 time in public lol

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voted Novel of the Year by Women of Faith in 2006, Reconstructing Natalie—though categorized as fiction—is very real to many women. It follows 27-year-old Natalie from the time she first discovers a lump in her breast, to her heartrending decision to have a double mastectomy, to a party celebrating five years of being cancer-free.

Between the diagnosis and the celebration, however, Natalie experiences every emotion imaginable—and Laura Jensen Walker, herself a breast cancer survivor, so poignantly tells Natalie’s story that the reader can’t help experiencing those emotions, too. Chemotherapy renders a body extremely weak, and Walker describes it well as Natalie tries to make brownies for the first time post-surgery, only to find she is too weak to lift the electric mixer. On another occasion, an elderly man helps Natalie pump gas when she realizes the nozzle is too heavy for her to lift. Those are things most of us don’t think about, and Walker brings it home in such a way that I found myself in tears.

Natalie’s friends and members of her cancer support group help her keep things in perspective throughout, and Walker’s keen sense of humor reigns as she describes Natalie’s hair loss, her search for a wig, and finally receiving her prostheses.

Natalie faces some tough times relationally, but her faith in God helps her grow through them—from being too dependent on her parents, for whom she works, to getting her own place and a job that showcases her talents; from a boyfriend who ditches her as soon as the breast cancer diagnosis is made, to finding a man who doesn’t define her by her breasts or whether she is bald. And Natalie herself comes to grips with the fact that her identity ultimately is in Christ—not in how she looks.

[JaneReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.

In this story we follow Natalie, a 27-year-old single girl, through her diagnosis and journey of breast cancer. Natalie is one brave girl, she does exhibit negative feelings about her diagnosis and throughout her journey, but majority of the time her attitude is positive even through the tough times. The community around Natalie felt very realistic in that there are some that can’t handle her situation and hid from her where there are others that are very supportive and are there with her through everything. I really connected with Natalie and cared about what was happening to her, how she was feeling and her humor at times made me laugh out loud. Natalie begins to re-examine her life choices and has the courage to take steps to make changes she feels are needed to make her happier and feel more fulfilled. I was inspired by this and the support of her family and close friends. There are some pop culture references that do date the book however I understood these references, so this didn’t bother me at all. I feel like I was given insight into various challenges those with breast cancer experience that I had never really given much thought to before. I was inspired by the book to be the kind of person the best friends are.

[Britany M Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about suffering, and answering the question "why?". The author, who is a breast cancer survivor, related what it's like to have breast cancer through a 24 year-old fictional woman. This is a great story of faith and relationships, that balances the drama of cancer with lightening moments of humor.

[Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving and meaningful book about a woman with breast cancer. Even though I have not experienced this firsthand, she captures the emotions so well.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, lets get the bad stuff out of the way. I should've read this book 10 years ago because all of the pop culture references are extremely dated. Viggo Whatshisname? Monica and Rachel? These dated the book so badly!
Secondly, the author tries to sprinkle in a few characters that aren't white, but the one that stands out is a black woman with two sons, DeWayne and DeShawn, and she speaks like a stereotypical black person. I wish the author had maybe just toned that down a little bit. It came across as very, well, stereotypical.
Third, it was clear from the beginning what was going to happen in the main character's love life. I kept hoping the author would choose some other route but of course, everything unfolds just as it does in romantic comedies.
But all is not lost! While this book was basically a Lifetime movie about a 27 year old cancer patient, it had a lot of realistic scenes. The main character's emotions were varied and I felt like, pretty realisitic to what a cancer patient would be going through. Anger, desperation, hope, frustration. I liked that aspect of the book, and looking back at the end of the book at the many ways that cancer had changed her life.

[Jessica Leigh Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book shortly after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I really didn't feel like reading anything at that time, or doing anything for that matter, but a book where the MC has breast cancer, written by a breast cancer survivor? That I could handle.

This book tackles the subject of breast cancer with humor. That may seem odd or flippant to some people, but I can totally relate. I make fun of myself and my situation a lot, too. If you don't, the thoughts of recurrence and all you've lost physically can drag you to a really dark place. I spent about 5 months in that dark place. That's why I think laughing about the things you can laugh about is so important. When it's cold outside, I say things like, "Is it cold out here? You'll never know by looking at my chest!" Yep. I think Natalie would say something very similar. So much of this story was totally real and relatable. I guess this story is for a pretty niche audience, because who wants to read about breast cancer? But maybe it would he good for women to read because it takes some of the fear away. And it definitely normalizes breast cancer, which it should--1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. I think I might cry!!

Anyway, maybe consider reading this one sometime.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The culture references in this book are very 2006, but I guess that’s par for the course. I read this book for the first time in middle school (wow) and just found the title again after some deep googling.
This book stuck with me—the story of Natalie, single, 27, diagnosed with breast cancer and choosing to get a double mastectomy and afraid what that will do to her dating life—and life in general. This book is funny, heartfelt, and faith-filled, with a dash of romance too. Probably classed as chick lit at the time, this would be women’s fiction today. The depictions of her center journey felt very real to me. I think, aside from the culture stuff, this book really holds up.

[Joanna Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been debating for months whether I’d read this book, because of the main topic of breast cancer. And while it wasn’t easy to read about the details of that illness, the story is well done, the characters are real and likable, and there is a satisfying ending. I think this book does a good service both to women who’ve been through breast cancer and those who haven’t. I think it can help the latter be more understanding and the former feel understood and encouraged. I didn’t like all the pop culture references, as many of them I wasn’t familiar with or they are outdated by now. But the main issues were addressed well and there was humor throughout. Overall, a worthwhile read.

[Rhonda (IG: growing_faith.reads)]

A humorous story about a woman who gets breast cancer at a young age (27) and has a double mastectomy, chemo, and implants. As I was going through a mastectomy the same year I read this, it was relatable in many ways but also interesting reading about dated treatment options (the book is from 2006). So much has changed!

The romance thread is friends to more; female friends play a strong role; there is some faith.

[Sarah January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tissue Alert!!!
Natalie Moore is a single 27 year old with breast cancer. Join the emotional journey as Natalie navigates life after her diagnosis. There are times of laughter, times of weeping, times of learning about who she really is...and more tears.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this will open your eyes to how some women deal with it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book about a young woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and as she is reconstructing her body, she also is reconstructing her life. Author is one from the Women of Faith group.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 4.5 stars. It was a great book about friends, family, cancer and love. But some parts were a little unbelievable.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very relatable and relevant book indeed;especially for many of us women.... enjoyable:)

[Simangele Matoba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never really cry to songs, movies, or even books. But I cried multiple time with this book. I loved it. It is really encouraging and sweet. Beautifully written.

[Wileyoneone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book - no longer have

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Natalie receives the news no 27-year-old expects when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. Her boyfriend deserts her, some of her friends can't handle the news, and the chemotherapy makes her so weak she can't continue her job. Natalie joins a support group and seeks to find God and His will for her life even through the pain and loss she experiences.

While this book was quite thought-provoking there were several things Natalie chooses to do as part of her 'healing' and for self-expression which go against Biblical standards. One thing I did appreciate were the true friendships in Natalie's life - the ones who were there for her at her darkest moments and their relationships deepened because of it. I'm so thankful such friendships do exist and they were captured well within these pages.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the predictability of this book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, if you can enjoy reading a book about cancer. The book focuses on 27-year-old Natalie. Her life is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. It is predictable in that most people in this day and age, unfortunately, know the steps that a loved one must go through to battle cancer. Natalie tries to stay strong and positive, but she is often doubtful, depressed, and angry. And, although the book focuses on Natalie's experiences, the author surrounds Nat with many friends...some who will stick by her and some who will not. The book is written from a Christian perspective, but the author is not afraid to get into the reality of emotions that cancer patients face.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book about a young woman with breast cancer. She's a very likable character, and makes you really think. I liked that she's a Christian; however, I didn't like the biggoted views that she had, based on her Christianity. Such as this gem, after learning a woman in her breast cancer support group is a lesbian: "Oh great. I hope she's not one of those political ones trying to cram her militant agenda down our throats."
Excuse me? Really?? But if you can get past the prejudice of the main character (who also makes some assumptions about the one Black woman in the cancer group) the rest of the book is a good read.

[Dee Schwinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got this book at a library book sale, I thought it was about a girl who turned her life around. Then when I started reading it, I discovered that Natalie was a 27 year old who discovered she had cancer. Then I thought--well this is going to be a downer, the it was not. It was the story of how Natalie, with the help of her family, friends and fellow cancer patients dealt with cancer--the good and the bad The 4 stars was because I wanted more at the end. But --then again that makes for a good book..you don't want it to end. Prayers for all who have cancer and must go through the "fight".

[Dona · Rating 1 out of 5]

Saccharin sweet and totally unrealistic this book was definitely geared towards the “church crowd.” I’m sorry, but with the treatments Natalie had with her breast cancer for the book to have ended the way it did, with her caressing her bump and sharing the secret of the baby’s sex with her husband, is ridiculous. Not unless she harvested eggs and went the IVF route and that was never mentioned. As an almost 30 year old virgin when she was diagnosed I doubt that she even considered that. I am sorry, life is not all sugar plums and fairy tales.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because the author verbalizes a lot of what I think I would feel or say or question if the same experience was to happen to me. I learned that changes happen and that life can go on and even become better after facing incrediable challenges. I also liked the bits of information about breast cancer. It prompted to do more research to answer my questions on breast cancer.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sincerely enjoyed the honesty in this book, which is about a woman in her late 20s who gets breast cancer. You would think it would be kind of depressing, but it really wasn't. I loved the way she had to deal with the reactions of different friends, family, and church members as the news spreads, along with dealing with it herself. Even if you just read it to experience the confrontation with her ex-boyfriend in Disneyland it would be worth it. Sweet.

[Alexis]

I'm in a class on Reader's Advisory this semester so that's why my list has some weird titles on it recently. We have to read a Christian book from any genre, so I chose this one, it's in the "Women's Lives and Relationships" genre.

Wow is it shitty! Stilted dialogue, totally out of date pop culture references, (2006 and the characters are obsessed with the show Friends? Still?) really unsympathetic characters, and of course the one non-christian is a christian by the end. blaaaah! no stars!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did give good insight into the trials a person with cancer may go through, it showed how friends and family can be a great support system (or not so great), and it had an overall hopeful message. However, something about the over-stereotyped characters and the jaunty inner dialogue made me feel like I was reading a later installment to The Babysitter's Club. I loved the inspirational message of the book, but I guess I'm just not a chick lit girl.

[Jolene Knighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I loved the main character. I liked to see her Christianity lived out in a real world. I liked the other characters. I will recommend this book to all my friends and look for more by the same author. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think. I cheered for Natalie as she grew as a person.

The only (small) thing that I didn't like: the cover. I picked up the book at a used book sale, but it sat on my bookcase for months because of the cover.

[Ellie Revert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful sharing of a medical problem that confronts so many women. There's great humor, and room for much compassion. A good read if you have breast cancer, and maybe even a better read if you have a friend who has it. It shows what we can do that is helpful---and what is NOT! A book to own for sure.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was given to me several days after my mastectomy, I didn't read it right away but waited several months as I didn't feel I was ready. I enjoyed the book was able to empathize with the main character as well as be inspired by her. I'm old enough to be her mother but many parts hit home. It was a good read, I don't think I'm be influenced by was going thought at that time.