Overview

S.L. Wisenberg, known for writing that is ""seriously funny,"" proves in this acerbic chronicle that a cancer diary can be at once hilarious, rageful, and feminist. She passes through the expected rites of breast cancer-diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy-buther responses are less expected: she throwsa farewell party for her left breast, and rejects a ""cranial prosthesis"" in favor of using her bare scalp as a canvas for political messages. She insightfully criticizes the ad campaigns of cancer charities, the inept medical staff, and the inequities in the U.S. health care system she encounters as she navigates daily life with cancer and chemo. (There is much she disapproves of, from Brazilian waxes to books that blame patients for their own diseases.) Drawing on a wealth of personal, literary, and historical sources, The Adventures of Cancer Bitch creates an indelible image of a politically engaged, self-aware woman facing a daunting disease while examining her soul and society. (And riding the subway and teaching one-breasted.) It's a thought-provoking memoir from a woman who questions everything and everyone, including herself. This revised and expanded second edition features new observations and reflections from the author.

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9781948954938

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Reviews

"""Wisenberg brings her serious writing chops to bear in unflinching observations on breast cancer, cancer research, and teaching."" -- Library Journal ""...virtuosic...poignant..."" -- Salon ""The Adventures of Cancer Bitch is funny, touching, sad, uplifting and informative--all at the same time."" -- Chicago Tribune ""Best book for someone who likes the idea of the Oprah Book Club but thinks they're too cool"" -- Time Out Chicago ""...deeply personal, often darkly funny..."" -- Kirkus Reviews ""(An) incredible book.... Wisenberg is acerbic, unsettling, truthful, and often hilarious."" -- Rain Taxi ""A frank, funny and insightful account of one woman's battle with breast cancer. Wisenberg reveals the realities of life with cancer and how smarts, style and a self-deprecating sense of humor help her fight back against disease."" -- Self magazine Cancer Resource"

“Wisenberg brings her serious writing chops to bear in unflinching observations on breast cancer, cancer research, and teaching.” — Library Journal “…virtuosic...poignant…” — Salon “The Adventures of Cancer Bitch is funny, touching, sad, uplifting and informative—all at the same time.” — Chicago Tribune “Best book for someone who likes the idea of the Oprah Book Club but thinks they're too cool” — Time Out Chicago “…deeply personal, often darkly funny…” — Kirkus Reviews “(An) incredible book.... Wisenberg is acerbic, unsettling, truthful, and often hilarious.” — Rain Taxi “A frank, funny and insightful account of one woman's battle with breast cancer. Wisenberg reveals the realities of life with cancer and how smarts, style and a self-deprecating sense of humor help her fight back against disease.” — Self magazine Cancer Resource

Author Information

S.L. Wisenberg is a one-breasted feminist born and raised in Texas and now ""a Chicago literary icon"" (Hypertext magazine). She is the author of The Wandering Womb: Essays in Search of Home, which won the Juniper Prize in nonfiction; a short-story collection, The Sweetheart Is In; and an essay collection, Holocaust Girls: History, Memory, & Other Obsessions. She edits Another Chicago Magazine and has received a Pushcart Prize and has won first place for a story in Narrative Magazine, as well as fellowships from the Illinois Arts Council, Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Wandering Womb was a finalist for the CHIRBy (Chicago Review of Books) award in nonfiction. She walks at least four miles daily, mostly at night, and tries to hypnotize wild rabbits. After working as an adjunct instructor all over town, she's now a writing coach and editor.

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