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Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew
Resurrection Lily shares a story of inheritance and intuition, of what can surface in the body and the spirit when linked by DNA. As Amy Byer Shainman discovers she has inherited a BRCA gene mutation that puts her at high risk of developing certain cancers, she struggles to come to terms with preventively removing her breasts when she does not have a breast cancer diagnosis. Through her experience making decisions about her health, Amy becomes invigorated with purpose and establishes herself as a leading advocate for those with BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes, tirelessly working to educate others facing the same daunting reality.
Painting a timely and moving portrait of what it feels like to carry a BRCA gene mutation, Resurrection Lily provides firsthand insight into the patient experience. Weaved throughout Amy's open and vulnerable story is the expertise of her doctors, education from top medical experts in cancer genetics, and whispered lifesaving guidance from her grandmother Lillian.
Painting a timely and moving portrait of what it feels like to carry a BRCA gene mutation, Resurrection Lily provides firsthand insight into the patient experience. Weaved throughout Amy's open and vulnerable story is the expertise of her doctors, education from top medical experts in cancer genetics, and whispered lifesaving guidance from her grandmother Lillian.
316 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2018
11 people are currently reading
8649 people want to read
About the author
Amy Byer Shainman
1 book121 followersAMY BYER SHAINMAN, also known as the BRCA Responder, is an advocate, author, and film producer providing support and education surrounding BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes.
Shainman is a BRCA1 gene mutation carrier and a "previvor,"--meaning she is a survivor of a predisposition to cancer (a previvor is someone at high risk for cancer who has not had the disease). In 2010, she had two prophylactic surgeries to reduce her cancer risk drastically: a nipple-sparing, skin-sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction, and an oophorectomy with a hysterectomy.
Cure Magazine, The Jewish Journal, and The Palm Beach Post have featured Shainman's story. She has also appeared nationwide on numerous live and taped television and radio segments. Shainman has published articles in The American Journal of Managed Care, Jupiter Magazine, and Oncology Nursing News.
Shainman's 2018 medical memoir "Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew" won 14 independent book awards and was a 2020 book club selection of The National Library of Medicine.
Shainman executive produced the 2015 award-winning documentary Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer. She is the executive producer and producer on a new (2024) feature film, LOVE, DANIELLE; it's the first scripted feature film to address the decisions and issues faced by an individual who carries a BRCA gene mutation and does not have cancer. The film features an all-star cast: Devin Sidell, Jaime King, Barry Bostwick, and Lesley Ann Warren. Learn more at: lovedaniellefilm.com
Follow Amy @BRCAresponder on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Shainman is a BRCA1 gene mutation carrier and a "previvor,"--meaning she is a survivor of a predisposition to cancer (a previvor is someone at high risk for cancer who has not had the disease). In 2010, she had two prophylactic surgeries to reduce her cancer risk drastically: a nipple-sparing, skin-sparing mastectomy with breast reconstruction, and an oophorectomy with a hysterectomy.
Cure Magazine, The Jewish Journal, and The Palm Beach Post have featured Shainman's story. She has also appeared nationwide on numerous live and taped television and radio segments. Shainman has published articles in The American Journal of Managed Care, Jupiter Magazine, and Oncology Nursing News.
Shainman's 2018 medical memoir "Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew" won 14 independent book awards and was a 2020 book club selection of The National Library of Medicine.
Shainman executive produced the 2015 award-winning documentary Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer. She is the executive producer and producer on a new (2024) feature film, LOVE, DANIELLE; it's the first scripted feature film to address the decisions and issues faced by an individual who carries a BRCA gene mutation and does not have cancer. The film features an all-star cast: Devin Sidell, Jaime King, Barry Bostwick, and Lesley Ann Warren. Learn more at: lovedaniellefilm.com
Follow Amy @BRCAresponder on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
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October 12, 2019
Before reading this memoir I had some small knowledge regarding the BRCA gene. If I had been asked before reading this book whether I felt I was fairly well informed on the subject of breast cancer and the BRCA Gene, I would have confidently said that I was. Now, upon completion of Amy Byer Shainman's memoir, I know I was mistaken.
The reason I am including the above fact is that, I think many people will feel that they already have enough knowledge on Breast Cancer and on the BRCA Gene. I urge those of you who are thinking along those lines, to trust me and to pick up a copy of this memoir (and one for each of your friends and family members.) I guarantee that if you do, you will be grateful that you did. IT MIGHT EVEN SAVE YOUR LIFE - OR THE LIFE OF SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU.
I do not want to misrepresent this book. It is NOT a dry, medical text full of facts, figures and survival rates. Instead, first and foremost it is the story of Amy and her family. It is a memoir, but is not JUST a memoir. Amy's story is an interesting one and what struck me the most was the utter normality of her life before her unasked for trip into the world of Breast Cancer and gene studies. She could have been anyone. In fact, she could have been you. She could have been me.
When Amy's sister is diagnosed with cancer, it changes Amy's whole life. Then, her husband's co-worker and close friend to both him and to Amy, is diagnosed with breast cancer as well.
Amy began looking into these cancers and discovered that there are some genetic components to breast cancer and especially to having the BRCA gene.
This book also contains quotes by specialists as well as short anecdotes written by other people who have had their own personal experiences with the BRCA Gene.
Because Amy I a "regular" person and not a doctor, this story as well as the information contained within, is written in easy to understand prose and is NOT written too technically.
Amy does a fabulous job of conveying the conflicting emotions she experienced while worrying about her sister and her friend, as well as while making difficult decisions regarding her own medical issues. Readers will find themselves invested in the decisions and I even cried a few times.
Maya Angelou once said "When women take care of their health they become their own best friend." I firmly believe this and reading this memoir has served to strengthen that belief even further.
This book is all about Maya's message which has become Amy's mission in life. She has become the BRCA RESPONDER and is dedicated to helping other BRCA positive people to navigate through the health care system.
Simply put, this book might save your life, and because of that fact, to me, it is a "No-brainer." You should not only want to read this book, you NEED to read this book.
To read the full review and to see video stories as well as links that correspond to this book, go to
http://bit.ly/brcabook
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
To follow me on Instagram go to
http://www.instagram.com/Amiesbookrev...
The reason I am including the above fact is that, I think many people will feel that they already have enough knowledge on Breast Cancer and on the BRCA Gene. I urge those of you who are thinking along those lines, to trust me and to pick up a copy of this memoir (and one for each of your friends and family members.) I guarantee that if you do, you will be grateful that you did. IT MIGHT EVEN SAVE YOUR LIFE - OR THE LIFE OF SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU.
I do not want to misrepresent this book. It is NOT a dry, medical text full of facts, figures and survival rates. Instead, first and foremost it is the story of Amy and her family. It is a memoir, but is not JUST a memoir. Amy's story is an interesting one and what struck me the most was the utter normality of her life before her unasked for trip into the world of Breast Cancer and gene studies. She could have been anyone. In fact, she could have been you. She could have been me.
When Amy's sister is diagnosed with cancer, it changes Amy's whole life. Then, her husband's co-worker and close friend to both him and to Amy, is diagnosed with breast cancer as well.
Amy began looking into these cancers and discovered that there are some genetic components to breast cancer and especially to having the BRCA gene.
This book also contains quotes by specialists as well as short anecdotes written by other people who have had their own personal experiences with the BRCA Gene.
Because Amy I a "regular" person and not a doctor, this story as well as the information contained within, is written in easy to understand prose and is NOT written too technically.
Amy does a fabulous job of conveying the conflicting emotions she experienced while worrying about her sister and her friend, as well as while making difficult decisions regarding her own medical issues. Readers will find themselves invested in the decisions and I even cried a few times.
Maya Angelou once said "When women take care of their health they become their own best friend." I firmly believe this and reading this memoir has served to strengthen that belief even further.
This book is all about Maya's message which has become Amy's mission in life. She has become the BRCA RESPONDER and is dedicated to helping other BRCA positive people to navigate through the health care system.
Simply put, this book might save your life, and because of that fact, to me, it is a "No-brainer." You should not only want to read this book, you NEED to read this book.
To read the full review and to see video stories as well as links that correspond to this book, go to
http://bit.ly/brcabook
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
To follow me on Instagram go to
http://www.instagram.com/Amiesbookrev...
December 27, 2018
A Soul Baring Memoir
In Yiddish, there is a word, bashert, which translates to "meant to be". Would I want Jan to have three cancers? No! But Amy, as detective for her family, became the voice of a grandmother who was gone at a young age and left a legacy of breadcrumbs to be followed. Amy followed those breadcrumbs to try and find answers. So, it was meant to be, that Amy became an advocate for BRCA positive people as well as for herself. Brava!
In Yiddish, there is a word, bashert, which translates to "meant to be". Would I want Jan to have three cancers? No! But Amy, as detective for her family, became the voice of a grandmother who was gone at a young age and left a legacy of breadcrumbs to be followed. Amy followed those breadcrumbs to try and find answers. So, it was meant to be, that Amy became an advocate for BRCA positive people as well as for herself. Brava!
June 22, 2022
For me, reading Resurrection Lily was, in equal parts, terrifying and inspiring. It was my introduction to a world filled with life-threatening disease, uncertain prognoses, pain, and the miasma of modern medicine. At the same time, I felt in awe of the courage of the author, her sibling, her friends, and, indeed, every woman mentioned in the story. Their ability to navigate the complexities of genetically-linked malignancies and to act proactively to save their lives was awe-inspiring. A painfully powerful and beautiful read.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is one to treasure.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is one to treasure.
August 7, 2025
Grateful to have the story of another Previvor. I had my preventative double mastectomy two weeks ago and am always grateful when I find first person accounts like this one. Makes me feel understood. 💞 Amy analogy of this whole preventative surgery process to a plane crash right at the top of the book completely resonated with me and I will use that analogy with others going forward! Thank you Amy!
January 10, 2019
Phenomenal memoir by a phenomenal woman. Amy shares her deeply personal account of how the BRCA gene mutation has been a recurring story in her life and the story of her family long before anyone even understood what a BRCA gene mutation is. It is clear that Amy took tremendous care in putting this book together for the BRCA community with the purpose of helping, educating, and supporting others. Her story alone is powerful and moving. But, Amy goes beyond her personal account and presents the perspectives of numerous healthcare providers, patient advocates, friends, and family. This book has a well of information laced throughout it. It is well researched and supported. This book is an invaluable tool to anyone who is on their own BRCA journey.
January 13, 2019
Many thanks to the author for sharing her experience, research and information upon learning that she tested positive for the BRCA 1 Mutation and her research into her family history of cancer on her father’s side through her maternal grandmother’s family. The author not only shares her personal experience, but the points of view of family members, doctors and researchers. A must read!
March 5, 2025
The book does an excellent job of explaining complex medical topics—particularly in genetics and cancer research—in a way that is accessible and engaging.
What I appreciated most was its hopeful tone. While the subject matter is deeply personal and, at times, emotional, the author’s focus on the progress of medical technology and genetic studies offers a sense of optimism. It highlights how advancements in science are not just theoretical but actively changing lives.
Overall, Resurrection Lily is both educational and inspiring. It’s a great read for anyone interested in medical breakthroughs, personal resilience, and the future of healthcare.
What I appreciated most was its hopeful tone. While the subject matter is deeply personal and, at times, emotional, the author’s focus on the progress of medical technology and genetic studies offers a sense of optimism. It highlights how advancements in science are not just theoretical but actively changing lives.
Overall, Resurrection Lily is both educational and inspiring. It’s a great read for anyone interested in medical breakthroughs, personal resilience, and the future of healthcare.
January 25, 2022
I found this book so interesting, engaging, and a good balance of emotion-driven and fact-based. I got this book from GoodReads First Reads and I've already recommended it to my friends.
August 16, 2019
Amy Byer Shainman begins her book, “Resurrection Lily” with a provocative question: “What if I told you that the airline just tested the airplane you are in and they found that it has as high as an 85 percent chance of crashing?” It’s a scary proposition, but her intent soon becomes clear. Shainman’s book is a memoir about living her life as a carrier of an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 gene that puts her at high risk – as high as 85 percent – of getting breast, ovarian, pancreatic and other cancers. Based on her family history, it was the mutation that killed her grandmother at 34 from ovarian cancer and likely many others in her family.
In the years since discovering she is BRCA1-positive, Shainman has become an outspoken advocate known as the BRCA Responder; she’s produced the award-winning documentary “Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer,” and spoken countless times about what it means to have the mutation that was made famous in 2013 by Angelina Jolie. That year, Jolie announced in The New York Times that she’d had risk-reducing surgeries to save her life as a BRCA-positive woman with a family history of deadly cancers. The book is both poignant and pointed. Shainman bares her own physical and mental health challenges as a young mother who refuses to repeat her grandmother’s fate. But she also insists physicians must do more in evaluating family histories and becoming better educated about hereditary cancer so they can save lives. She also castigates the media for failing to accurately report on BRCA, often omitting the fact that men are just as likely as women to carry the mutation and pass it on.
Shainman’s story is often heartbreaking, especially when describing her sister’s cancer battles, and the death of a dear friend from ovarian cancer. Shainman also has her doctors and genetic counselors weigh in on surgery, genetic testing, breast reconstruction and other topics. Her writing, along with the professionals’ sidebars, is compelling and accessible to the lay reader. This is a very personal memoir, not a medical book. It’s about saving lives, not dying. I did not learn I was BRCA2-positive until my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 and we were both tested. She died 3 year later. Had we known our risk years earlier, she probably would be alive today. I recommend “Resurrection Lily” for anyone wondering if they could be at risk for hereditary cancer. As Shainman would say, “knowledge is power.”
In the years since discovering she is BRCA1-positive, Shainman has become an outspoken advocate known as the BRCA Responder; she’s produced the award-winning documentary “Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer,” and spoken countless times about what it means to have the mutation that was made famous in 2013 by Angelina Jolie. That year, Jolie announced in The New York Times that she’d had risk-reducing surgeries to save her life as a BRCA-positive woman with a family history of deadly cancers. The book is both poignant and pointed. Shainman bares her own physical and mental health challenges as a young mother who refuses to repeat her grandmother’s fate. But she also insists physicians must do more in evaluating family histories and becoming better educated about hereditary cancer so they can save lives. She also castigates the media for failing to accurately report on BRCA, often omitting the fact that men are just as likely as women to carry the mutation and pass it on.
Shainman’s story is often heartbreaking, especially when describing her sister’s cancer battles, and the death of a dear friend from ovarian cancer. Shainman also has her doctors and genetic counselors weigh in on surgery, genetic testing, breast reconstruction and other topics. Her writing, along with the professionals’ sidebars, is compelling and accessible to the lay reader. This is a very personal memoir, not a medical book. It’s about saving lives, not dying. I did not learn I was BRCA2-positive until my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 and we were both tested. She died 3 year later. Had we known our risk years earlier, she probably would be alive today. I recommend “Resurrection Lily” for anyone wondering if they could be at risk for hereditary cancer. As Shainman would say, “knowledge is power.”
March 3, 2019
Essential information and guidance about hereditary cancer
An informative and interesting book about hereditary cancer, with loads of practical advice and information on where to get help and guidance.
The author tells her story of life with the BRCA gene (breast cancer), and that of her family and friends, in a factual and non-emotional way - though the contents may well make the reader emotional. There are also sections by doctors, surgeons and friends, giving their perspective. The psychology, medical procedures experienced by the author, highs and lows are all included, including plenty of useful things to think about and questions to ask. The importance of genetic testing, and counselling, for breast cancer (and other cancers) for men and women at risk is discussed in detail.
The chapters are well written, easy to follow and very informative. At the back of the book are pages of useful facts about cancer, including contact details. There are discussion questions for readers and a different set of questions for students. Plenty of sources and web-sites listed. All clearly set out and a great place to start looking for more information.
5*s from me for this informative and interesting book, where the author opens up about her experiences. A great book for everyone to read, and, I would have thought, an essential read for anyone affected by cancer.
Note: The author is based in the US, so many of the contact details and medical matters are US focussed, however I think that most of the information in this book will be useful to readers worldwide.
An informative and interesting book about hereditary cancer, with loads of practical advice and information on where to get help and guidance.
The author tells her story of life with the BRCA gene (breast cancer), and that of her family and friends, in a factual and non-emotional way - though the contents may well make the reader emotional. There are also sections by doctors, surgeons and friends, giving their perspective. The psychology, medical procedures experienced by the author, highs and lows are all included, including plenty of useful things to think about and questions to ask. The importance of genetic testing, and counselling, for breast cancer (and other cancers) for men and women at risk is discussed in detail.
The chapters are well written, easy to follow and very informative. At the back of the book are pages of useful facts about cancer, including contact details. There are discussion questions for readers and a different set of questions for students. Plenty of sources and web-sites listed. All clearly set out and a great place to start looking for more information.
5*s from me for this informative and interesting book, where the author opens up about her experiences. A great book for everyone to read, and, I would have thought, an essential read for anyone affected by cancer.
Note: The author is based in the US, so many of the contact details and medical matters are US focussed, however I think that most of the information in this book will be useful to readers worldwide.
June 27, 2022
First off, let me start by saying that this book has a lot of great information in regards to the BRCA gene mutations and how hereditary cancer can change your life. There are plenty of good points made, and stories of not just the writer but also other people who have had their lives changed by either having cancer or being close to someone who does. The reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because although there are many good points, some parts of the book are repetitive. As in, she will write basically the same sentence two lines apart with a few words moved around. It did throw me off a little. Some of the information is repeated so many times it will make your head spin. All in all, there is a lot of knowledge to be gained, and even if hereditary cancer does not run in your family, it is an eye-opener to the things that could be out there. It is also wonderful for understanding someone else's situation that may be going through this, even if you are not. I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends, especially after our hardship last year of losing an aunt to breast cancer (it was not hereditary, but I learned from this book nonetheless). Read this book for yourself if you like to have knowledge, or to support someone you know who is living with cancer.
September 11, 2019
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/19)
When Amy Byer Shainman learned that she carries the BRCA 1 gene mutation, which puts her at risk for breast and other deadly cancers, she chose to be proactive about reducing her risks. She made a difficult but educated decision to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and have both her ovaries removed. Shainman educates family members, friends and readers about what is involved with this process by sharing her story in “Resurrection Lily.” She also provides a great deal of information about the genetics involved with the BRCA mutations. It is important to note that both men and women need to be aware of the diseases that can develop from inheriting these mutations. As Shainman did her own research, she discovered that she had several family members that had been affected by this, including her father’s mother Lillian who died young. Lillian’s story is shared and heard in this book.
While I found myself getting caught up in Shainman’s personal story, especially about people around her that suffered huge losses from this hereditary issue, I also learned a great deal about the process that one should take if they have inherited the BRCA mutations. These steps include how to research board certified genetic counselors and surgeons for both mastectomies and reconstruction. She also stresses the importance of following up with specific tests to make sure that cancer has not occurred. It was scary to learn that there is no definitive test for ovary cancer.
The medical information is very easy to understand. Readers will not need a medical degree to grasp the information presented. In addition to information being presented for the person who has a BRCA mutation, readers who want to help those going through either the preventive process or those with cancer will benefit greatly from gaining a greater understanding about what their loved one needs help with when having to go through the processes involved. This information made me feel much more empowered because I truly want to be there to help my friends.
I highly recommend that both women and men read “Resurrection Lily.” The amount of knowledge and access to resources is priceless. I am truly grateful that Amy Byer Shainman shared her story so that readers can pass this information on. Lives will be saved.
When Amy Byer Shainman learned that she carries the BRCA 1 gene mutation, which puts her at risk for breast and other deadly cancers, she chose to be proactive about reducing her risks. She made a difficult but educated decision to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and have both her ovaries removed. Shainman educates family members, friends and readers about what is involved with this process by sharing her story in “Resurrection Lily.” She also provides a great deal of information about the genetics involved with the BRCA mutations. It is important to note that both men and women need to be aware of the diseases that can develop from inheriting these mutations. As Shainman did her own research, she discovered that she had several family members that had been affected by this, including her father’s mother Lillian who died young. Lillian’s story is shared and heard in this book.
While I found myself getting caught up in Shainman’s personal story, especially about people around her that suffered huge losses from this hereditary issue, I also learned a great deal about the process that one should take if they have inherited the BRCA mutations. These steps include how to research board certified genetic counselors and surgeons for both mastectomies and reconstruction. She also stresses the importance of following up with specific tests to make sure that cancer has not occurred. It was scary to learn that there is no definitive test for ovary cancer.
The medical information is very easy to understand. Readers will not need a medical degree to grasp the information presented. In addition to information being presented for the person who has a BRCA mutation, readers who want to help those going through either the preventive process or those with cancer will benefit greatly from gaining a greater understanding about what their loved one needs help with when having to go through the processes involved. This information made me feel much more empowered because I truly want to be there to help my friends.
I highly recommend that both women and men read “Resurrection Lily.” The amount of knowledge and access to resources is priceless. I am truly grateful that Amy Byer Shainman shared her story so that readers can pass this information on. Lives will be saved.
August 21, 2019
Through words, Amy Shainman was able to bring to life the unspoken stories and implications of obtaining genetic information. It was enlightening to hear the voices in Amy's head and the voices of her loved ones -- I learned how subjective opinions, values, and life situations alter the route and navigation of challenging medical issues. Amy artfully wrote at the intersection of science and emotion -- educating her readers and providing a guide for others while writing honorably and honestly. Through "Resurrection Lily," Amy started "the conversation" to promote discussion amongst medical professionals, patients, and their family members about powerful, controversial, intimate, and emotional medical issues. The book serves to let other know that they are not alone -- especially within the current rise of genetic testing, screening, and accompanying contentious decisions that patients will be forced to make. Thank you for a wonderful read!
October 14, 2023
Special thanks to Archway Publishing and the Goodreads Giveaways for my having received a copy of Resurrection Lily!
Resurrection Lily is a deeply moving, highly informative read that explores the ramifications of having BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations primarily through accounts of author Amy Byer Shainman and her loved ones’ personal experiences with them, accounts which are intermixed with the commentary of medical experts. (A small caveat: Please note this book is about five years old at the time of my writing this review, so certain statistics included in the text might not reflect the most current research, which the text itself readily acknowledges will probably occur as more time passes and for this reason also encourages readers to consult other reputable sources in addition to this one.)
For someone who is looking for easily digestible resources or personal reflections on BRCA1, BRCA2, or hereditary cancer more broadly, I would recommend Resurrection Lily as one worth checking out.
Resurrection Lily is a deeply moving, highly informative read that explores the ramifications of having BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations primarily through accounts of author Amy Byer Shainman and her loved ones’ personal experiences with them, accounts which are intermixed with the commentary of medical experts. (A small caveat: Please note this book is about five years old at the time of my writing this review, so certain statistics included in the text might not reflect the most current research, which the text itself readily acknowledges will probably occur as more time passes and for this reason also encourages readers to consult other reputable sources in addition to this one.)
For someone who is looking for easily digestible resources or personal reflections on BRCA1, BRCA2, or hereditary cancer more broadly, I would recommend Resurrection Lily as one worth checking out.
February 18, 2019
I am an avid reader of memoirs and I went into this one with very little knowledge about the BRCA gene except for the fact that Angelina Jolie has it (yes, I'm an avid People Magazine reader too). This book explains what the BRCA gene is and all its ramifications in incredible detail which could be incredibly boring except that Shainman weaves the medical and scientific information into her personal story. Following her as she discovers her family history and faces the hard medical decisions BRCA carriers have to make, we feel every piece of her experience along with her. Written with authenticity and a generous dose of humor, this book is a wonderful memoir and a great resources of BRCA information.
November 12, 2022
This book came into my life when I myself was in the middle of a breast cancer diagnosis. While I tested negative for the BRCA gene, I was in the middle of all my tests, and appointments while I was reading this book. The author does a great job weaving in succinct information (with references) that was easy to understand but gave me a feeling of empowerment as well. She took us through he own journey, but also that of her sister and a few friends. It was nice to be able to read through others' feelings and emotions while trying to get a grip on my own. I would recommend this book to anyone though- not just someone that may have the BRCA gene or have cancer. It's great for all women to read the stories of other brave women and the importance of sisterhood and friendship.
February 26, 2019
I am moved by the discovery journey and can understand the need to educate women and get tested to make better informed health decisions so that you are active in your health and how you want to handle what may occur. Amy expresses her experience with clarity and detailed description of her inner battle with how she believed her options to be and what she knows she had to live with. Educating others is a healing beautiful gift and will be remembered for all eternity.
October 31, 2022
I received this ARC as a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review of the book. I am very grateful for receiving it. I found it full of such useful info & I can’t wait to pass it on as a gift! Thank you again!
August 30, 2019
Wonderful book as a mother of daughters WHO had genetic testing because of my breast cancer ! I will be buying this book for them . LOTS of good info for ALL who have Cancer in families!
December 13, 2021
Great book! It was very interesting to read.
April 3, 2019
I won this book off Goodreads. Awesome read. One of my favorites. Will read again. Highly recommend.
August 13, 2019
Excellent book!!!
August 14, 2020
Powerful and moving. Hard to put everything I think and feel into words at this time.
June 30, 2019
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was a lot of interesting information in this book and it would be very useful for others facing the choices that must be made when discovering they have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
I did however find much of the narrative and information repetitive which made it a little cumbersome.
There was a lot of interesting information in this book and it would be very useful for others facing the choices that must be made when discovering they have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
I did however find much of the narrative and information repetitive which made it a little cumbersome.
July 7, 2020
I have had to put down this book a multitude of times. Since I have gotten to page 100, it has been easier to read and stay engaged with.
While there is a decent amount of information, information I did not have before reading this book, I do believe it could have been better streamlined. She covered things she wished she had known prior to getting some of her surgeries and gave helpful suggestions for questions or things to look into for others. There’s even a resource guide and informational statistics located in the back of the book. It’s very apparent that she is passionate about the topic and wanting others to know and be informed about BRCA.
The reason it’s been hard to stay fully engaged with this memoir is it’s rather joltingly put together. There are three different font types found within the book. When the author is narrating, emails, and quotes from other people. Frequently there is more than one font type on the page. This breaks up the passage and draws the reader out of the book. At times it got frustrating for me to keep getting thrown off by this. Furthermore, the author seems to repeat herself on a few plot points, more than once. This just adds unnecessary passages to the book and it’s just repetition that is not needed.
Another drawback is the fact there are so many quotes shoved in here. Not all of them are necessary or add to the narrative. When there is one on pretty much every page or every other page, it gets to be a bit too much. It makes it less of a memoir and more of a half memoir, half other people’s quotes on a subject. Some quotes are useful, truly they are. Others…not so much.
While the author is insightful to the BRCA gene and hereditary cancer, there are a few times where her ignorance shows. One such time is when she is talking about resigning to the fact she can’t have anymore kids. As someone who is adopted, I found this a bit insulting. Adoption is a viable option. Just because you personally are unable to birth kids doesn’t mean you can’t have more. They just might not be genetically yours.
There are a few graphs and photos of her medical paperwork in the story, however, not all of them were really legible. I couldn’t really make out what was said in a few of them and thus, just kind of glossed over them. I wish they would have been larger and/or clearer for the reader’s benefit.
TL;DR I believe the author had the best of intentions while writing this book. It is certainly informative and you can feel the writer’s passion in the words she writes. I just feel like the writing could have been streamlined a little better and some unnecessary quotes taken out to make it more digestible for the reader.
(*Note I received this book in exchange for an honest review from either GoodReads Giveaways or LibraryThing's Giveaways. I honestly can't remember which site.)
While there is a decent amount of information, information I did not have before reading this book, I do believe it could have been better streamlined. She covered things she wished she had known prior to getting some of her surgeries and gave helpful suggestions for questions or things to look into for others. There’s even a resource guide and informational statistics located in the back of the book. It’s very apparent that she is passionate about the topic and wanting others to know and be informed about BRCA.
The reason it’s been hard to stay fully engaged with this memoir is it’s rather joltingly put together. There are three different font types found within the book. When the author is narrating, emails, and quotes from other people. Frequently there is more than one font type on the page. This breaks up the passage and draws the reader out of the book. At times it got frustrating for me to keep getting thrown off by this. Furthermore, the author seems to repeat herself on a few plot points, more than once. This just adds unnecessary passages to the book and it’s just repetition that is not needed.
Another drawback is the fact there are so many quotes shoved in here. Not all of them are necessary or add to the narrative. When there is one on pretty much every page or every other page, it gets to be a bit too much. It makes it less of a memoir and more of a half memoir, half other people’s quotes on a subject. Some quotes are useful, truly they are. Others…not so much.
While the author is insightful to the BRCA gene and hereditary cancer, there are a few times where her ignorance shows. One such time is when she is talking about resigning to the fact she can’t have anymore kids. As someone who is adopted, I found this a bit insulting. Adoption is a viable option. Just because you personally are unable to birth kids doesn’t mean you can’t have more. They just might not be genetically yours.
There are a few graphs and photos of her medical paperwork in the story, however, not all of them were really legible. I couldn’t really make out what was said in a few of them and thus, just kind of glossed over them. I wish they would have been larger and/or clearer for the reader’s benefit.
TL;DR I believe the author had the best of intentions while writing this book. It is certainly informative and you can feel the writer’s passion in the words she writes. I just feel like the writing could have been streamlined a little better and some unnecessary quotes taken out to make it more digestible for the reader.
(*Note I received this book in exchange for an honest review from either GoodReads Giveaways or LibraryThing's Giveaways. I honestly can't remember which site.)
May 29, 2024
What an beautiful read. As a BRCA2 carrier I was gifted this before my own preventative double mastectomy. I have an extensive family history of ovarian and breast cancer in my family. This book was helpful for me to prepare for surgery and I highly recommend for family members or friends who have someone that has a cancer gene.
February 8, 2020
Women with the BRCA1 gene mutation are more prone to cancer. Author Shainman shares her family's cancer history and the impact the gene has for early detection. Her story is an emotional roller coaster that will resonate with anyone who has had or knows somebody that has cancer.
November 3, 2020
This book was both inspirational and informative. I found this book to be an engaging and pleasurable read. I love the way she weaved in important information in such an organic way. I highly recommend!
August 3, 2022
This book was very helpful to understand the process that breast cancer patients and breast cancer mutation patients go through when facing a breast cancer diagnosis or genetic risk. It helped me to better understand the roles of genetic counselors within the greater context of a cancer diagnosis and treatment (which is a very helpful perspective as a genetic counseling student). Amy is very open and honest about her experiences--both the practical details and the emotions she wrestled with throughout this process--which made for a full story. Her writing style makes me suspect that she is not primarily an author by trade. The "whispers from her grandmother" felt rather forced, especially for an idea that she felt was important enough to include in her title. However, overall I found this book a quick, enjoyable, and informative read, and would recommend it to other genetic counselors and genetic counseling students (as well as patients).
January 23, 2020
Really interesting patient perspective of having a BRCA gene mutation and how that impacted her and her family. However, it was a little repetitive at times.
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