Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss: 30 Powerful Stories

by Ali Rogin (Editor)

Edie Falco, Sheryl Crow, Athena Jones, and other breast cancer survivors and “previvors” tell their powerful, inspiring stories in this collection. Drawing from first-hand interviews of successful, high-profile women from myriad industries and perspectives, award-winning journalist Ali Rogin brings together an all-star support and recovery team to inspire anyone confronting a cancer diagnosis, along with their loved ones. Learn how preeminent actresses, musicians, politicians, journalists, and entrepreneurs faced a formidable disease and put it in its place. In their own words, the women of Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss inform and encourage other women by sharing their experiences and advice. Learn how they told loved ones about their diagnoses, navigated treatment options, and managed the work/life/cancer balance. Rogin, too, faced great uncertainty when she tested positively for the BRCA1 genetic mutation at age twenty. She found answers in the vibrant community of breast cancer survivors and “previvors” who also stared down the odds. With her brave decision to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy before even graduating college, Rogin joined this diverse sisterhood of women confronting breast cancer in its many forms with dignity, strength, and humor.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2020

Reviews

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read for anyone who is personally battling breast cancer or knows someone who is. It’s informative, revealing, real and emotionally raw at times. One thing to note is that many of the stories were of diagnoses from the early 2000s so cancer detection and treatment has come a long way (thank goodness!). Although inspirational, it’s hard for me to not think about the millions of women that don’t have the privileges or access to good medical care like the women in this book. Aside from that, I do think they are powerful and important stories to share.

On a complete side note, I need to comment on the editing and layout of this book (a world I have firsthand experience in). I do not understand why they decided to use pull quotes in these stories. Those work in magazines and newspapers but in a book it's very distracting. And why have feature stories embedded within the other stories? Why not call these out separately?

[Jacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I got this in an audio book, it is probably better as a physical book. The book is told in first person when someone is sharing their story, but it switches to 3rd person when the author talks about the participants... then a few times the author talks about herself in the 1st person as well. The constant back-and-forth was too much in an audio book (with only one voise actor). I had trouble following it at times.

Still an inspiring collection of stories.

[KT · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you or someone you know is impacted by breast cancer (which is unfortunately most of us), this is a must read. I learned so much and feel better equipped to be a supportive friend to people who are survivors. I wound up buying multiple copies to give to friends and family members.

[Peggii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawing from first-hand interviews of high-profile women, the author brings visibility to various recovery journeys. I learned a lot! I wish it also included the voice of "low-profile women" to bring more diversity to those difficult yet inspiring stories.

[Sakeenah Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories. A few scared me and I had to stop reading until I was further along in treatment.