Thursday, October 25, 2012

Review: In the Pink

Summary: Susan McBride, author of The Cougar Club and Little Black Dress, opens her heart in this irresistible memoir about how she got married, got pregnant, and beat breast cancer—all after her 40th birthday. By turns deliciously funny and utterly poignant, In the Pink is definitely Susan's story . . . but her experiences are parts of every woman's journey. -- William Morrow

As a blogger, I tend to receive a fair amount of books every month. Of course, there are those that I have accepted "for review," but I also get some unsolicited ones too. That was the case with IN THE PINK: HOW I MET THE PERFECT (YOUNGER) MAN, SURVIVED BREAST CANCER, AND FOUND TRUE HAPPINESS AFTER 40 by Susan McBride. The publisher's timing was perfect since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and they packaged this little book with some other breast cancer awareness swag including a cute teeny tote bag with an animal print ribbon as well as a cute button and rubber bracelet.

Part of the reason that I decided to feature IN THE PINK today is because I believe that breast cancer is a HUGE issue, and we all need to be aware of this horrible disease that touches so many women's lives. I think we all know of someone who has been affected by this disease, and it's through stories like IN THE PINK where we not only learn about breast cancer, but we also see that it's okay to share our feelings about this subject.

IN THE PINK is author Susan McBride's memoir about meeting her dream guy (finally!), getting married, battling breast cancer, and finding herself pregnant. And believe it or not, all of these things occurred after she turned 40! Her story is informative and heartfelt, but it is also very funny; and I thoroughly enjoyed learning how Ms. McBride managed to keep everything in check and eventually find happiness.

The first thing that came to mind as I was reading IN THE PINK is that I need to get my yearly mammogram scheduled; and truly, if this book has that reaction in every woman that reads it, then it should be considered a success. However, I was also inspired by Ms. McBride's personal story. In many ways, she was a late bloomer in finding love -- both with a man and a baby; and her life proves that it's never too late. In addition, she is a role model for how well she handled her breast cancer diagnosis. She had some valuable advice for dealing with doctors and medical information that every woman should know when facing serious decisions about her health.

IN THE PINK is a very quick read. Ms. McBride's story is only 70 pages and it's available in paperback and as an ebook for $2.99. There is also a Q&A with Ms. McBride along with "Susan's Tips for Dating after Forty," "What I Learned from My Diagnosis," and an excerpt from her new novel THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE AND LIGHTNING. I think this book is perfect for women who are battling (or have battled) breast cancer, but it's also a nice read for anyone who needs to be reminded about the importance of living your life to the fullest!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book.

6 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I met Susan last year and just adored her. She is truly inspiring in a lot of ways. After the concern I had this month, I hope this book finds itself in the hands of lots of women and inspires them to get mammograms.

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I've read other positive reviews of this book. I agree with Kathy's hope!

Beth F said...

Ditto. So important. I'll have to take the time to read this story.

Laura at Library of Clean Reads said...

What an inspirational book. It's an issue that touches most women because we know of or have had someone in the family deal with breast cancer.

Beth Hoffman said...

Had it not been for your review, I'd have passed this one by due to its cover, and not because of the cougar (I adore animals), but because of all the pink. Your review is terrific and I'll definitely pick this one up.

Sandy Nawrot said...

I am a crazy woman when it comes to getting the mammos, especially since my aunt had breast cancer. And I'm so inspired by Susan. I met her at SIBA with Kathy and she is drop-dead gorgeous and so so personable and sweet. You just want to take her home with you, and be her BFF. This is a woman who deserves everything good in her life.