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Glittering a Turd: How Surviving the Unsurvivable Taught Me to Live
Kris was living a totally normal life as a twenty-three-year-old: travelling the world, falling in love, making plans. However, when she found a lump in her boob and was told that it was not only cancer, but also incurable, life took on a completely new meaning. She was diagnosed at an age when life wasn’t something to be grateful for, but a goddamn right.
Little did Kris know it was cancer that would lead her to a life she had never considered: a happy one. From founding a charity to visiting Downing Street, campaigning at festivals to appearing on TV, and being present at the birth of her nephew; in the face of all the possible prognoses, Kris is surviving, thriving, and resolutely living.
Glittering a Turd is more than just another cancer memoir; it’s a handbook for living life to the fullest, shining a new perspective on survival and learning to glitter your own turd, whatever it might be. Kris has survived the unsurvivable for twelve years. Here, she begins to discover why.
Little did Kris know it was cancer that would lead her to a life she had never considered: a happy one. From founding a charity to visiting Downing Street, campaigning at festivals to appearing on TV, and being present at the birth of her nephew; in the face of all the possible prognoses, Kris is surviving, thriving, and resolutely living.
Glittering a Turd is more than just another cancer memoir; it’s a handbook for living life to the fullest, shining a new perspective on survival and learning to glitter your own turd, whatever it might be. Kris has survived the unsurvivable for twelve years. Here, she begins to discover why.
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2022
90 people are currently reading
1605 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
March 8, 2022
I got this as a library loan and raced through it in under a day. It has taken me a while to review however as I was in a complete rage after reading.
Not rage towards the author. Not rage towards the millions of women who get cancer.
Rage at the egotistical, dismissive, offhand, "I know better because I'm a professional type" doctors who won't f**king listen to their patients who know their own bodies best!!!! This book just brings home how disparaging some doctors, particularly GP's can be, towards women with clear symptoms of cancer. For some reason there seems to be a "can't be arsed" attitude to even refer people for scans, biopsies, mammograms, ultrasound scans, MRI's. Everything is dismissed as "your hormones, your age, your lifestyle", with a definite leaning towards the "watch and wait" scenario. It's not good enough, nor has it ever been.
Kris Hallenga is absolutely right in seeking second opinions, questioning her specialists, enquiring about the latest treatments. She has had to learn the incredibly shitty way of medical negligence and incompetence.
Her writing is honest and brutal, and it needs to be. If people take away one message from this book , it should be this, above all else, don't ever take no for an answer, particularly from a doctor. Question everything!!!!!
An aside to this review: Just to highlight that lack of action from GP's is more common than you think:-
I am a health professional with 20 years experience. I will question everything. As does my friend who is a health professional with over 40 years experience. Her husband (late 60's, fit and active) started feeling nauseated & belching after meals and had weight loss. (Both her and I thought hmm red flags, hello). They got an e-consul with their GP who advised a 4 week trial of omeprazole for gastric reflux, no mention of investigations, nothing else!! My friend (rightly so) wasn't happy so got an appointment with a private gastro consultant. In the 4 weeks the husband would have been trialling omeprazole (!!), he has since had a gastroscopy, biopsy, been diagnosed with a stage 3 oesophageal tumour, has had a JEJ tube sited for feeding and is awaiting radio/chemotherapy to shrink the tumour before surgery!!! And the GP just wanted to try omeprazole! Watch and wait hey?
In the very same setting where I and my friend work, another colleague has a daughter who was told by a MALE GP that her bleeding between periods was likely due to rough sex with her boyfriend!! After pushing to get a cervical smear, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and subsequently treated!!
This culture of dismissive GP's needs to change. Right now.
Not rage towards the author. Not rage towards the millions of women who get cancer.
Rage at the egotistical, dismissive, offhand, "I know better because I'm a professional type" doctors who won't f**king listen to their patients who know their own bodies best!!!! This book just brings home how disparaging some doctors, particularly GP's can be, towards women with clear symptoms of cancer. For some reason there seems to be a "can't be arsed" attitude to even refer people for scans, biopsies, mammograms, ultrasound scans, MRI's. Everything is dismissed as "your hormones, your age, your lifestyle", with a definite leaning towards the "watch and wait" scenario. It's not good enough, nor has it ever been.
Kris Hallenga is absolutely right in seeking second opinions, questioning her specialists, enquiring about the latest treatments. She has had to learn the incredibly shitty way of medical negligence and incompetence.
Her writing is honest and brutal, and it needs to be. If people take away one message from this book , it should be this, above all else, don't ever take no for an answer, particularly from a doctor. Question everything!!!!!
An aside to this review: Just to highlight that lack of action from GP's is more common than you think:-
I am a health professional with 20 years experience. I will question everything. As does my friend who is a health professional with over 40 years experience. Her husband (late 60's, fit and active) started feeling nauseated & belching after meals and had weight loss. (Both her and I thought hmm red flags, hello). They got an e-consul with their GP who advised a 4 week trial of omeprazole for gastric reflux, no mention of investigations, nothing else!! My friend (rightly so) wasn't happy so got an appointment with a private gastro consultant. In the 4 weeks the husband would have been trialling omeprazole (!!), he has since had a gastroscopy, biopsy, been diagnosed with a stage 3 oesophageal tumour, has had a JEJ tube sited for feeding and is awaiting radio/chemotherapy to shrink the tumour before surgery!!! And the GP just wanted to try omeprazole! Watch and wait hey?
In the very same setting where I and my friend work, another colleague has a daughter who was told by a MALE GP that her bleeding between periods was likely due to rough sex with her boyfriend!! After pushing to get a cervical smear, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and subsequently treated!!
This culture of dismissive GP's needs to change. Right now.
October 7, 2021
Brilliant. If you're not familiar with Kris then it may surprise you to know that eleven years after a terminal breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 23 she has written the most positive, inspiring and life affirming book. Her outlook on life and cancer is probably familiar to everyone who feels like we're winging it day by day. When a huge turd of an obstacle (in this case cancer) is thrown in your way how do you deal with it? In Kris's case you start a brilliant charity CoppaFeel and decide to live life how you can. A reminder to everyone do your best, be happy, enjoy your life and live your dreams. Also if you can add glitter then you probably should.
September 1, 2021
There is just so much I could say about this book but I won't. You need to read it yourself to really absorb the joy you get from it (yes, a weird word to choose about a book written by a wonderful human with Stage 4 cancer but you'll get it when you read it).
I know she hates being called inspirational but she is. And not necessarily for all the cancer stuff but for the absolute zest for life that she has. She has inspired me to make want to make myself happy and what more do you need?
P.s. My name is in the back!!! Of a Sunday Times best seller!!!! How cool is that?
I know she hates being called inspirational but she is. And not necessarily for all the cancer stuff but for the absolute zest for life that she has. She has inspired me to make want to make myself happy and what more do you need?
P.s. My name is in the back!!! Of a Sunday Times best seller!!!! How cool is that?
September 19, 2021
Such an important, funny, possibly life changing but also affirming & wondrous read. Absolutely love Kris.
December 27, 2024
An amazing woman on a palliative care ward recommended this book to me as a medical student new to the world of what holistic care really means. Kris’ book highlights the importance of being in charge of your own health and it is inspirational for everyone; from patients dealing with their own “turd” diseases, friends and family understanding what they can do to support their loved ones, and to healthcare staff - helping them realise that surgery, drugs, radiation and chemicals are only a small fraction of a cancer patients treatment.
May 13, 2024
I had this book on my shelf for around 6 months and when I saw the sad news that Kris had died I knew I had to read it to honour her and her extraordinary life. Kris herself said people who have cancer shouldn't be deemed inspirational just because they have cancer, but Kris was inspirational for all she did. In both living life to the fullest but also in raising awareness, saving lives and making a lasting impact. She took an awful situation and made something amazing from it- she took a turd and well and truly glittered it. What a lady and what a legacy.
I chose to listen to Kris read her book, I always find it more powerful hearing the authors voice and she really brings her personality to it 💛 But I loved having my copy alongside the audiobook as there are some wonderful photos in the book.
I hope I never have to be in the position of hearing a serious cancer diagnosis (I only say serious as I had skin cancer at 19, so have been told I had cancer, it was a melanoma that was quickly removed in 2 operations, so no need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy and definitely not a terminal diagnosis) but if I was ever to be in that position I know that I would read this book again and it would help me to deal with it.
Read this book. Hear her words. I'm just going to check my boobs now...
I chose to listen to Kris read her book, I always find it more powerful hearing the authors voice and she really brings her personality to it 💛 But I loved having my copy alongside the audiobook as there are some wonderful photos in the book.
I hope I never have to be in the position of hearing a serious cancer diagnosis (I only say serious as I had skin cancer at 19, so have been told I had cancer, it was a melanoma that was quickly removed in 2 operations, so no need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy and definitely not a terminal diagnosis) but if I was ever to be in that position I know that I would read this book again and it would help me to deal with it.
Read this book. Hear her words. I'm just going to check my boobs now...
February 7, 2022
I’ve been in love with Kris Hallenga for a few years now after first hearing her on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place. “I believe in hope, I believe in happiness, I believe in cups of tea” has circled my head since my first listen and now since reading this book I have plenty more of her quotes to guide me.
When I first started reading this I almost felt a little arrogant, saying to myself “Of course that’s breast cancer!!” Then I realised the only reason I recognised those symptoms were because of Coppafeel, the resources from them I’d seen online and resources/pop ups during my time at uni. So my first thank you to Kris is for the knowledge.
My second thank you to Kris is for the resilience, in reading this book I have realised that I’ve never known such a hardship - it has both humbled me and given me such a respect for you and the many others that have felt such struggle. It has put things into perspective and taught me that no day will be too hard.
My third and final thank you to Kris is just for existing. Although a complete stranger I am so proud of you and everything you have done and have yet to do. I hope the next time I’m in Cornwall I can visit Beyoncé and meet you there. Lots of this book has sat with me and will sit with me the rest of my life, I have already shared quotes with all of my friends and I’ll continue to buy copies and gift them as it’s truly something everyone should read. I hope you continue to live and be happy for many years to come and when the time comes, as it will for us all I hope you know that your presence on this earth will be forever - in the work you’ve done and the minds of people like me and everyone else who has followed your journey and passed it on.
Sending all my love, Kris. You are truly immortal ✨💕
When I first started reading this I almost felt a little arrogant, saying to myself “Of course that’s breast cancer!!” Then I realised the only reason I recognised those symptoms were because of Coppafeel, the resources from them I’d seen online and resources/pop ups during my time at uni. So my first thank you to Kris is for the knowledge.
My second thank you to Kris is for the resilience, in reading this book I have realised that I’ve never known such a hardship - it has both humbled me and given me such a respect for you and the many others that have felt such struggle. It has put things into perspective and taught me that no day will be too hard.
My third and final thank you to Kris is just for existing. Although a complete stranger I am so proud of you and everything you have done and have yet to do. I hope the next time I’m in Cornwall I can visit Beyoncé and meet you there. Lots of this book has sat with me and will sit with me the rest of my life, I have already shared quotes with all of my friends and I’ll continue to buy copies and gift them as it’s truly something everyone should read. I hope you continue to live and be happy for many years to come and when the time comes, as it will for us all I hope you know that your presence on this earth will be forever - in the work you’ve done and the minds of people like me and everyone else who has followed your journey and passed it on.
Sending all my love, Kris. You are truly immortal ✨💕
February 22, 2022
Audiobook. Perfect combination between funny comments, tearjerks and giving stuff to think about
February 16, 2022
Learnt so much. Had never heard of the author before, or her journey. A brilliant and important read!
September 9, 2021
Well this title jumped right up at me! Both my Mum and my Grandmother had breast cancer and when they were ill we searched out shared experiences- there were very few back then. I was therefore really interested to read this book.
There can’t be a better title than this one. Glittering a Turd is the story of Kris Hallenga, CEO of Coppafeel the charity which encourages people to examine their breasts and pecs, twin sister to Maren, and a force of nature who by the way has cancer..Kris explains the choice of title much better than I could, but suffice to say being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 23 is pretty much *
If you were sitting in a room chatting to Kris I cannot imagine the conversation to be any more intimate and engaging than the writing in this book. Kris talks about her childhood, her family, her relationships, the things she loves and hates, how she set up Coppafeel because she believed in cancer prevention and early diagnosis. Starting in a little tent at a festival, winging it, the charity has become a huge force in making changes in health education, a dialogue about the C word and has literally saved the lives of many women who have gone to their GPs armed with Kris’ story. And yes Kris writes about her cancer. Diagnosed at 23 - and isn’t that the ‘turd’ of the title - after a series of terrible missed opportunities/ mis-diagnoses which meant that her eventual diagnosis had a ‘terminal’ label.
I loved this book for so many things. The writing is open and honest; funny and sad; full of hope and some fears. Kris has a terminal diagnosis but this book is so much about how to live. And it does consider what a good death might be in such a very open and positive way. I loved it because there are far too few people talking about cancer and yet so many people who have been or will be diagnosed - and if you have ever come close, a book like this is an absolute dream. I loved it because it’s full of a very big and wonderful personality who I enjoyed spending 300 plus pages with. And I loved it because it really made me reflect on life and what’s important to me. It was a huge infusion of glitter.
At one point, Kris writes, ‘Would you like me and admire me and see me without cancer?’ The answer is a very big YES!
There can’t be a better title than this one. Glittering a Turd is the story of Kris Hallenga, CEO of Coppafeel the charity which encourages people to examine their breasts and pecs, twin sister to Maren, and a force of nature who by the way has cancer..Kris explains the choice of title much better than I could, but suffice to say being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 23 is pretty much *
If you were sitting in a room chatting to Kris I cannot imagine the conversation to be any more intimate and engaging than the writing in this book. Kris talks about her childhood, her family, her relationships, the things she loves and hates, how she set up Coppafeel because she believed in cancer prevention and early diagnosis. Starting in a little tent at a festival, winging it, the charity has become a huge force in making changes in health education, a dialogue about the C word and has literally saved the lives of many women who have gone to their GPs armed with Kris’ story. And yes Kris writes about her cancer. Diagnosed at 23 - and isn’t that the ‘turd’ of the title - after a series of terrible missed opportunities/ mis-diagnoses which meant that her eventual diagnosis had a ‘terminal’ label.
I loved this book for so many things. The writing is open and honest; funny and sad; full of hope and some fears. Kris has a terminal diagnosis but this book is so much about how to live. And it does consider what a good death might be in such a very open and positive way. I loved it because there are far too few people talking about cancer and yet so many people who have been or will be diagnosed - and if you have ever come close, a book like this is an absolute dream. I loved it because it’s full of a very big and wonderful personality who I enjoyed spending 300 plus pages with. And I loved it because it really made me reflect on life and what’s important to me. It was a huge infusion of glitter.
At one point, Kris writes, ‘Would you like me and admire me and see me without cancer?’ The answer is a very big YES!
August 17, 2022
Brilliant. Just brilliant. 💖
September 4, 2021
‘You can’t polish a turd but you can roll it in glitter’
What an inspiring story of a 23 year olds journey with what started as breast cancer during a pandemic. I loved how witty it was and how the authors spirits were so high. I’ve read a few memoirs and this was so powerful.
From being a twin obviously there was a lot of emotions to be read during this. I was so angry at the GP and felt every bit of anger and hurt the family was going through. For me the quotes within this read were inspirational. I loved the notes from the mums baby book about when the twins were young and I loved the mini journal entries and dates.
This book time hops to give you an insight into the life growing up, the life before diagnosis and the life during the diagnosis. It emotionally connects you more the further you read into every chapter. The chapter titles made me smile. I’m glad the chapters were not just labelled a number.
Every page of this book is complete honesty. It gives you the motivation to embrace life. It gives you the reassurance that every little part of you that might be niggling at you is worth getting checked out. Kris is a phenomenal human being with not only supporting herself but others too.
This book will have you in tears and you won’t want to put it down at any point. Make sure you got a few tissues ready.
What an inspiring story of a 23 year olds journey with what started as breast cancer during a pandemic. I loved how witty it was and how the authors spirits were so high. I’ve read a few memoirs and this was so powerful.
From being a twin obviously there was a lot of emotions to be read during this. I was so angry at the GP and felt every bit of anger and hurt the family was going through. For me the quotes within this read were inspirational. I loved the notes from the mums baby book about when the twins were young and I loved the mini journal entries and dates.
This book time hops to give you an insight into the life growing up, the life before diagnosis and the life during the diagnosis. It emotionally connects you more the further you read into every chapter. The chapter titles made me smile. I’m glad the chapters were not just labelled a number.
Every page of this book is complete honesty. It gives you the motivation to embrace life. It gives you the reassurance that every little part of you that might be niggling at you is worth getting checked out. Kris is a phenomenal human being with not only supporting herself but others too.
This book will have you in tears and you won’t want to put it down at any point. Make sure you got a few tissues ready.
November 2, 2021
I first came across the author Kris because of the organisation I worked for was offering some start up support in the early days of her charity Coppafeel! I ran the Bath Half Marathon thinking everyone was shouting my name, “Jodie” when it was in fact “Boobie” they were shouting to all the runners dressed as coppafeel! Boobs! I remember chatting with Maren during the run. Then I saw the tv documentary “Dying to Live” and I’m a Newquay local so often bump into their delish Coffee van. Why mention all this? Because when I started reading this book, I admit I thought I knew what to expect. Knew what the story would be to a certain extent. But I got it all wrong. Kris has written her story yes, the chronology of her cancer diagnosis and treatment, there’s the glossy pics everyone always turns to first (right?) and inspiring bits about how her fab charity was born. But I didn’t realise how thoroughly thought-provoking and philosophical it would be nor how much it would make me question my own mortality, my prejudices and my outlook on life! But also… no tears… it’s so uplifting and optimistic. It would be a fabulous book to give to teens and young adults who feel a bit lost. She writes with such honesty and charm it’s a real privilege to read.
November 9, 2021
A wonderful book from Kris Hallenga who was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago and is still very much living her life!
Kris tells her story of how its changed the way she lives her life, from how she's surviving, despite many medical treatments, to information on the charity "Coppafeel" which she set up and raises money every year to support breast cancer sufferers.
Kris is a true inspiration and shows how you really can have an amazing life despite being terminally ill.
Kris tells her story of how its changed the way she lives her life, from how she's surviving, despite many medical treatments, to information on the charity "Coppafeel" which she set up and raises money every year to support breast cancer sufferers.
Kris is a true inspiration and shows how you really can have an amazing life despite being terminally ill.
April 7, 2022
🎧 I listened to the book narrated by Kris herself. What a an amazing and funny author. I can never listen to anyone longer than a few minutes generally but Kris did the impossible. I absolutely loved her positive perspective. It really showed me how important it is to live in the moment and fully enjoy all the wonderful things life has to offer.
August 28, 2021
The author made me feel Good... What better review can I give it than that. And Kris Hallenga and other fellow readers will know exactly what I mean by that... And that's all I need to say
September 16, 2021
What an incredible book written by a remarkable lady! I couldn’t stop listening and feel ready to start glittering as many turds as I can!
Also Kris’ voice on the audio book is so soothing!
Also Kris’ voice on the audio book is so soothing!
September 17, 2021
Everyone should read this to learn how to live their life. The small things are really the big things - some people never ever learn this.
Read
November 29, 2024I admire Kris Hallenga so much. She had this quality that seemed to draw people towards her, me included. What a woman.
Guidance from CoppaFeel! on how to check your chest: https://coppafeel.org/breast-cancer-i...
".. a new woman, a woman who started to question whether it was living with cancer for many years that she wanted or whether it was the LIFE in those years she should be striving for. And fuck, did I like her."
"It was terrifying. I mean, almost everything about my life was new. But it wasn't life-threatening, and somehow cancer had made me brave enough to jump in the deep end, and so I told myself that unless the consequences might be death, I shouldn't let fear stand in my way."
"My 'all' is simple: to just be. Your all could be sheep shearing in the Outer Hebrides with a pet pig. Your 'all' is exactly that: yours, no matter what pressures society, interviewers or Instagram put on you. Just remember to simply put 'being' at the centre of your 'all'."
"The longer I have cancer the more I realise that the small things in life are actually the big things. Most of life is made up of everyday connections, big bright moons, blossom, laughing, fresh coffee and handwritten letters - the everyday constants. Big things are fun, but I doubt they will be what I will want to remember about my wonderful life. I want to honour my life and the people in my life."
"You can RIP before you die."
"I want us to find our superpowers, our strengths, our BIG-ness, our glitter without a terminal illness, and discover and relish our reasons for living. Please do that for me. I am giving you permission to exist fully without cancer. Without turds. Just the glitter."
Guidance from CoppaFeel! on how to check your chest: https://coppafeel.org/breast-cancer-i...
".. a new woman, a woman who started to question whether it was living with cancer for many years that she wanted or whether it was the LIFE in those years she should be striving for. And fuck, did I like her."
"It was terrifying. I mean, almost everything about my life was new. But it wasn't life-threatening, and somehow cancer had made me brave enough to jump in the deep end, and so I told myself that unless the consequences might be death, I shouldn't let fear stand in my way."
"My 'all' is simple: to just be. Your all could be sheep shearing in the Outer Hebrides with a pet pig. Your 'all' is exactly that: yours, no matter what pressures society, interviewers or Instagram put on you. Just remember to simply put 'being' at the centre of your 'all'."
"The longer I have cancer the more I realise that the small things in life are actually the big things. Most of life is made up of everyday connections, big bright moons, blossom, laughing, fresh coffee and handwritten letters - the everyday constants. Big things are fun, but I doubt they will be what I will want to remember about my wonderful life. I want to honour my life and the people in my life."
"You can RIP before you die."
"I want us to find our superpowers, our strengths, our BIG-ness, our glitter without a terminal illness, and discover and relish our reasons for living. Please do that for me. I am giving you permission to exist fully without cancer. Without turds. Just the glitter."
May 15, 2024
I started this book during my own cancer treatment, so it took me a long time to get through it. While I loved Kris’s words and way of telling her story, it was difficult to get through for me. I was about 60 pages from the end when I learned she had died. “When you read this book it is possible that I'm no longer here.” I’m sorry it took me so long. Thank you.
“Let me hear you say this out loud (or in your head is
cool too:
I am worthy of surviving cancer (or substitute with any brand of turd if not applicable).
I am worthy of hope.
I am worthy of success, joy, love and laughter, with or without offspring. With or without cancer.”
“Let me hear you say this out loud (or in your head is
cool too:
I am worthy of surviving cancer (or substitute with any brand of turd if not applicable).
I am worthy of hope.
I am worthy of success, joy, love and laughter, with or without offspring. With or without cancer.”
January 5, 2023
I love every part of Kris story she did not shy away from any of crap that she going with her cancer.
I would recommend this book to everyone young and old to tell them that life is short that they have seize the day and to always check your boobs.
I gave it five star because Kris is truly inspirational in tell her story and for right for treatment and for her life as well as others
I would recommend this book to everyone young and old to tell them that life is short that they have seize the day and to always check your boobs.
I gave it five star because Kris is truly inspirational in tell her story and for right for treatment and for her life as well as others
March 23, 2023
Wow. I was not expecting to love this book so much. The author is adorable, funny and has the best outlook on life. She’s been living with terminal cancer for 14 years now and has officially mastered how to glitter a turd. She’s inspirational.. and her book was brilliant.
December 2, 2024
What an honest, inspiring and fantastically told book with factual humour and a great writing style. Kris lived life to the fullest, even being handed the shittiest of cards time and time again, and what a legacy she leaves behind
April 23, 2022
I loved this book so much and finished it feeling all kinds of emotions, but mostly inspired.
August 25, 2022
Interesting perspective with amazing ideas for help with managing your own cancer which I hope I never have to make use of.
June 21, 2023
Brilliant book, made me laugh, cry and think. I completely recommend it to anyone going through a hard time in their lives.
May 19, 2024
A re-read of this informative and wonderful book full of passion for living and also just being.
May 25, 2024
Audiobook
October 7, 2024
Having been inspired by Kris since I discovered her blog when she was in early diagnosis, her story has always drew me in. Her story is incredible and by listening to it on audiobook you really immerse yourself in her journey. A fantastic book!
January 24, 2025
Beautiful and life-affirming - what a woman 💓
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews