Here and Now: Inspiring Stories of Cancer Survivors »

Facing cancer is a life-changing event, one that prompts soul-searching and a reevaluation of all that one holds to be true. In the years following their own cancer treatments, authors Elena Dorfman and Heidi Schultz Adams were left wondering, What difference has cancer made in other people's lives? What does it mean to survive a life-threatening illness? In Here and Now, Dorfman and Adams offer photographic portraits and personal stories of 38 people — of all ages and from all walks of life — who have confronted cancer at some point in their lives. Their stories explore both the universal questions raised by a cancer diagnosis, and how their unique answers to those questions shaped each survivor into who they are today. Here and Now is a beautiful volume that will provide comfort and insight to everyone from the recently diagnosed to the 20-year survivor, eloquently demonstrating how seemingly insurmountable adversity can bring forth surprising courage and strength, both in us and those around us.

Library Journal

The theory behind support groups is that sharing your experiences with others who have "been there" is mutually beneficial. Here & Now is a collection of narratives from men, women, and children of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds (including well-known actors, authors, and musicians) who describe their cancers and the ways they coped (or didn't) with a life-altering diagnosis. The authors (a photographer/author and a writer, respectively) are both cancer survivors. The portraits are unflinchingly direct, from the graphic descriptions of the cancers themselves (from breast cancer to leukemia to rhabdomyosarcoma) to the straightforward reactions to it: "I sold mugs that said, `Fuck Cancer.' " Many discuss complementary and alternative therapies, being in denial and being in control, wanting a better life and not fearing death. The narratives are mostly upbeat; lots are downright scary ("I had to have my ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and bladder removed"). For some cancer survivors (or "graduates"), this may be just too much. Others will find intriguing information, especially the options some people chose. There are similar books from breast cancer patients (e.g., Barbara Delinsky's Uplift), but this title is rare for its inclusion of so many forms of the disease. Libraries should certainly acquire. Bette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal" Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.