Ugh. Cancer.
That’s what I thought the first time I heard about Gail Konop Baker’s debut memoir, CANCER IS A BITCH (Or, I’d rather be having a midlife crisis.)
I have a number of friends who are breast cancer survivors. Several of my great aunts, women I loved and admired were afflicted with various forms of cancer. I do the walk every October, donate whenever someone asks me to, offer hugs and lasagna for friends who have received the terrifying diagnosis.
But I don’t want to read about cancer. I don’t want to think about cancer. I especially don’t want to spend the few hours I have to myself reading a cancer book.
When the 2008 Debs and I started blogging together last year, we didn’t know very much about each other, other than our book titles and that we’d been hand-picked by founder Kristy Kiernan. But Eileen, Danielle, Jenny, Jess, Gail and I got to know each other through a year of writing and reading each others posts.
What I learned about Gail was that she is funny and thoughtful and interesting and strong. In the beginning, I planned to read her book because it was the nice thing to do. But after a year of reading her posts, I was shockingly, actually excited to finally read her book CANCER IS A BITCH when it came out.
And while Gail’s book has CANCER in the title, and CANCER is the catalyst for her journey, it is not really a book about cancer.
It’s hilarious and heartwarming and sad and brave and wonderful. It is the kind of book that keeps you up all night while you prune in the bathtub and your butt falls asleep because you’ve been sitting in there so long but you don’t want to get out because you’re just going to read one more page. Or two more pages.
It’s about the strength and humor and balls of a woman whose perspective was changed by her circumstances.
And isn’t that what the very best stories are all about.
Read it.
It sounds like I’m not the only one whose butt falls asleep in the tub! I look forward to pruning while I read Gail’s book…
Leave it to you to steal all the brilliant stuff I was going to say! I couldn’t agree more with you.
Beautifully put, Lisa! (And once again between you and Jenny, you’ve said everything I wanted to say…)
Everyone, go buy this book!
This is the most supportive group of writers–and I feel so lucky to be following in your footsteps. I’m really excited to get a book (and get it signed) when Gail comes to NYC this weekend. And then stay up all night reading it…
I LOVE you Lisa!! Thanks for being honest and thanks for giving me and the book a chance. I hope others will also. Did you see my TV thing? I need your professional critique Lisa!! And I agree Meredith… this is the MOST amazing group of women including past and present debs. xo, g
Deb kristina,
π
Eileen,
I always liked you π
D-
π
Deb Meredith,
We’re thrilled with how all of the new debs have run with the Deb Ball. We’re so proud of all of you!!
XO,
Lisa
For those of you who want to see Gail’s fabulous TV appearance on View From the Bay, San Fran’s BEST local show, check it out here:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=view_from_the_bay/health_fitness&id=6422046
Gail,
I thought you did a FABULOUS job — charming and wonderful.
A few quick pointers (you asked, so I’m happy to help π
Again, you did a WONDERFUL job, and I only notice these things because I work in television. Most people won’t, but if you polish these up a bit, you’ll be even better.
1) Look at the host while you’re thinking of your responses instead of off to the side or up in the air.
2) Watch the head bobbing when you’re agreeing with what they’re saying, or when you’re listening. (This is a common woman thing — a way of communicating that is great in person, but makes us all look like bobbleheads on TV. THIS WAS THE HARDEST THING FOR ME TO LEARN.)
3) Don’t say “shit” on TV. π Even though it’s in the book. π
4) Watch your body language (try watching with the sound off) — you open up some when you’re talking, but when you’re listening, you have your arms crossed over your body (resting on your knees) which makes you look closed off. (hiding something, protecting yourself– this is not the image of a woman who has just written an honest memoir that lets it all hang out) Open up those arms a bit, shoulders back, sit up straight.
5) Clothing color. Normally, black is good, but YOU are a skinny minnie and you don’t need any slimming colors. Also, with the turtleneck, the scarf, it’s too many layers. Since you have darker hair like mine (and darker hair absorbs more light with the camera.) I’d love to see you in brighter colors, and a V-neck (most flattering) or just a more open neckline.) Show off that yoga body, girl!! Remember you are the bright light in a difficult journey, not just yours, but others’ too.
6) You’re funny and smart and you have a wonderful smile. (no advice here, just thought I’d mention it.)
I’m really so, so proud of you, you did an amazing job. On to Bonnie Hunt!
XO,
Lisa
Lisa is a rock star and could have a second (or would it be more like a fourth or fifth?!) career as a media training coach/consultant.
I am taking notes for myself, as always!
I loved the segment, Gail!
Lisa –
Your post was a lovely tribute not only to Gail and her book, but to the community that last year’s Debs created and that the 2009 class has been lucky enough to step into. Please promise to check in on us and share your media savvy when our big day comes. Please?!
Well put, Lisa and your TV advice–I was thinking those very things. And I can’t believe they didn’t bleep you on the S word!!!
Lisa, that was a gorgeous post. Now I’m off to watch Gail on TV!
Urg, I tried to go buy the book tonight. Like Lisa, I was trying to avoid the “C” word. But with this kind of review, I’m convinced I need to read it and I suspect I will be sending my friends out to buy their own copy. Unfortunetly, my B&N had a power failure and was closed. I promise, I will get it by the weekend.
Any chance of a stop in Dallas?
D-
Thanks!!
Eve–
Got your ARC the other day, looks awesome, I can’t wait to read it. I do love the title.
Jenny–
View from the Bay is live π I’m surprised they didn’t bleep the video as well, but what the hey, everybody already said “BITCH” like 9 times.
Larramie–
Thanks so much! I’ve missed you π
Stephanie,
Thanks for your fantastic comments, it is a wonderful book.
Best,
Lisa
Wow, not only a beautiful post, but media training as well! Thanks, Lisa!