Review by Booklist Review
In 1995, writer Goldberg had her palm read and was told, You are very sick. Zen Buddhism had taught Goldberg that death is inevitable; it took 20 years after the palmist's prophecy for her to truly believe it. That's when Goldberg learns that she has CLL, a form of blood cancer. Resolved to fight in spite of the looming uncertainty, she is quickly dealt a second blow. While still coming to terms with her own diagnosis, her partner is also diagnosed with cancer. Dubbing the two of them cancer twins, Goldberg and Yu-kwan are forced to surrender their lives to doctors, invasive treatments both surgical and pharmaceutical, and the care of friends. Burdened by her disease yet unbroken, Goldberg reflects on what makes a life worth defending. For fans of her Zen-inspired works on writing, this newest memoir will offer a host of new mantras for living. Goldberg's account of a courageous, emotional journey is a meditation on living, not merely surviving a guide for not only those gripped by illness but also for those confronting forces beyond their control.--Andie Paloutzian Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this moving memoir, Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones) shares the story of her battle with cancer. After she is diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Goldberg struggles to make sense of her suddenly conspicuous mortality. She admits that, when she came to face her own death, her training in the Zen tradition did not leave her ready to receive the teaching that "the horror and unknown of human life-and death" must be accepted. While she attempts different treatment plans, her partner, Yu-kwan, also receives a cancer diagnosis. In emotionally intense prose, Goldberg skillfully portrays the sorrow that can invade relationships when people are dealing with cancer ("Cancer demanded that I let the whole thundering world come home, that I accept the horror and unknown of human life-and death") and recalls her anxiety about death, her fear of the lack of control over her condition, and her desire to avoid acknowledging the impermanence of life. Despite her suffering, Goldberg holds to the teachings of Zen: pay attention to this moment, savor every experience, and live life in full bloom with vigor and gusto. Luckily, Goldberg and Yu-kwan find a happy ending to their experience, as both go into remission. This touching book beautifully captures the frailty of human life and relationships. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
