Any Day with Hair Is a Good Hair Day

October 1, 2007
Former publishing executive and cancer survivor Rapkin attempts to close the gap between current cancer books that are personal narratives (e.g., Margie Levine's "Surviving Cancer") and those that are medical references (e.g., Peter Teeley and Philip Bashe's "The Complete Revised and Updated Cancer Survival Guide"). This slim guide succinctly addresses such concerns as diagnosis and treatment, mental and spiritual challenges, and the reactions of well-meaning people. About one-third of the content is devoted to short lists, including organizing personal medical information, questions to ask health-care professionals and insurers, and coping tips for a range of issues (e.g., nausea, chemotherapy, visitors). Rapkin emphasizes proactive care and making informed health-care and lifestyle choices. While encouraging and inspiring, her book comes up short on medical information; the resources are slanted toward coping, and none is health-related. "A Cancer Survivor's Almanac: Charting Your Journey", edited by Barbara Hoffman, is much more comprehensive. Recommended with reservations for comprehensive consumer health collections.Janice Flahiff, Univ. of Toledo Health Science Campus Lib.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.