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Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips

by Kris Carr (Goodreads Author), Sheryl Crow (Foreword)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 396 ratings · 93 reviews

Actress and photographer Kris Carr thought she had a hangover, buta Jivamukti yoga class didn’t provide its usual kick-ass cure. A visit to her doctor confirmed her �liver looked like Swiss cheese,” covered with cancerous tumors. She entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, �Cancer needed a makeover and I was just the gal to do i...more

Paperback, 208 pages

Published August 1st 2007 by skirt! (first published 2007)

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The Cancer Survivors Club by Chris Geiger

Funny Books About Cancer

3rd out of 19 books — 22 voters

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Books to make you feel better even if you do still have cancer!

5th out of 8 books — 4 voters

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Nov 29, 2008 h rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: cancer

I learned some interesting therapies and techniques, including some yummy recipes, and the power of positive thinking goes a long way to curing yourself, no doubt. HOWEVER the author comes across as irritatingly narcissistic. Don't get me wrong--cancer was an opportunity for me to focus on myself too, but I never assumed everyone in the world wanted to hear how awesome I am all the time, how much my parents adore me, how omigosh I landed a man in the middle of all this! Here's his picture! Isn't...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Shari Larsen rated it 2 of 5 stars

Even though I am living with stage IV breast cancer myself, I don't read a lot of "cancer books"; most of them don't address the issues of people like me, who have to live with a disease that is incurable. But since this one was free on Kindle, and the author herself has an incurable cancer, I gave it try.

I have mixed feelings about this book; some parts I could relate too, some not at all. Ms. Carr's cancer is one that cannot be cured, but can be managed and lived with, which is my situation ri...more Even though I am living with stage IV breast cancer myself, I don't read a lot of "cancer books"; most of them don't address the issues of people like me, who have to live with a disease that is incurable. But since this one was free on Kindle, and the author herself has an incurable cancer, I gave it try.

I have mixed feelings about this book; some parts I could relate too, some not at all. Ms. Carr's cancer is one that cannot be cured, but can be managed and lived with, which is my situation right now. She was diagnosed at an age considered "young" for cancer; I was kind of at the "tail end" of what is considered young for breast cancer when I was diagnosed at the age of 39 about 7 years ago. I know what she means by learning to live with the cancer as a chronic disease. A lot of the things she learned though, I have already figured out for myself having lived with the disease for as long as I have, I think this book would be more helpful to someone newly diagnosed than someone who has been living with it for awhile.

I liked her sense of humor about her situation; kind of a "gallows" humor at time, but that kind of humor is something that usually only another person with cancer can understand. Sometimes you just have to laugh just to keep from crying all the time.

I really liked the section of things NOT to say to someone with cancer, especially, "Your so brave!" I HATE it when people say that to me!

The chapter on nutrition I was not very impressed with; Ms.Carr really believes in colonics and enemas, something I am not in to. She pushes a raw food diet also, and as someone who is is living with gastroparesis, can't eat most of the foods she talks about. There are recipes in the book, some of which sound good, and even if they were foods I could eat, most have ingredients that are expensive or hard to find.

I also think she made cancer sound for the most part, easy to live with, and it's not. I'm glad she is doing a lot better, and found things that work for her, but there are many of us struggling day to day with health problems from our cancer, and permanent side effects from the treatments.
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Mar 23, 2009 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: health, 2009

If I can get something from a book that will help me improve my health, then I'm gonna read it. Most of this book as you can imagine is for cancer patients, but there are a couple of chapters on the author's diet.

Kris Carr has been living with incurable cancer for the last 5 years, and I mean 'living' not just surviving. 80/20 raw foods, exercise, sleep. You know, all the things you should have been doing anyway.

Western medicine treats symptoms. Nothing wrong with that a times, but for many illn...more

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Feb 19, 2009 Marci rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have been trying to learn about the medical & technical factors surrounding breast cancer in order to keep pace with my sister, but the emotional/psychological stuff is just as important, especially for me - since I want to understand what she's going through, as this evil thing has forced the humanization of cancer in general for me.

So this book was great - a quick and fun read (yes, fun) about Kris Carr's experience (a follow-up to her documentary, which is really good too) - it also pu...more

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Apr 26, 2011 Sharri rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Analogy: This book is women who are dealing with cancer what the Red Hat Society is to women of a certain age (ie, aging). Both promote a positive, whimsical attitude toward something often shrouded in dread and fear. Both are useful to some women and seem superficial to others. Like me.

Some of the advice in this book is straight from your doctor and your own common sense: get plenty of sleep, drink clean water, eat a healthy diet, surround yourself with supportive people. Other advice is anecdo...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Amazon Summary:
An advice-from-the-trenches cancer survival guidebook for young women with cancer.

Actress and photographer Kris Carr thought she had a hangover, but a Jivamukti yoga class didn't provide its usual kick-ass cure. A visit to her doctor confirmed her "liver looked like Swiss cheese," covered with cancerous tumors. She entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, "Cancer needed a makeover and I was just the gal to do it!" She began writing and f...more Amazon Summary:
An advice-from-the-trenches cancer survival guidebook for young women with cancer.

Actress and photographer Kris Carr thought she had a hangover, but a Jivamukti yoga class didn't provide its usual kick-ass cure. A visit to her doctor confirmed her "liver looked like Swiss cheese," covered with cancerous tumors. She entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, "Cancer needed a makeover and I was just the gal to do it!" She began writing and filming her journey, documenting her interactions with friends, doctors, alternative "quacks," blind dates, and other women with cancer--sadly a growing group. These include hip, young women such as illustrator-author Marisa Acocella Marchetto (Cancer Vixen), Glamour writer-editor Erin Zammett (My So-Called Normal Life), MTV personality Diem Brown (Real World/Road Rules Challenge), model Sharon Blynn (founder, Bald Is Beautiful), and music manager Jackie Farry, among others.

This was an impulse download for me. Sometime after my diagnoses I was surfing the free kindle books on Amazon and ran across this one. I thought why not. I'm sure I'll be adding lots of books on cancer to my to be read pile.

There were many things I liked about this book. There were some things I didn't.

First, I think there must of have been some glitch when transferring it from a print book to an e-book. The formatting was off and that was sometimes distracting. I mention this, because for some readers this can be a big distraction and keep a reader from finishing a book.

Second, some of the tips Carr offers are just not practical for many women. Not all women diagnosed with cancer have the financial means to take a "cancervation", shop at Whole Foods or attend the retreats around the country - and many women will not have the means to travel across the country searching for the right treatment plan. (Though I do think that it is important to get more than one opinion and to search for the right fit on medical care.)

Some of the reviews I've read of this book have criticized the book for making cancer seem more fun than it is. I thought the point Carr was making is that cancer is not fun, it's devastating, but that doesn't mean you have to let it define you. You have to choose how you're going to fight it. I think she's encouraging you take as much control as you can. Yes, cancer is going to make you feel like something scraped off the bottom of cattle rancher's boot, but part of fighting the cancer is fighting that feeling. Maybe Carr's tips are not practical for everyone, but they are worth considering.

I liked the irreverent approach Carr took towards fighting her cancer. I don't think she was making light of it at all. Carr refuses to let cancer OWN her. She fights it with laughter and a fierceness I rather admire. Even if your cancer is as "innocent" as mine, it's often hard to find a reason to laugh. Carr's book made me laugh. It made cry sometimes. It made me think. It made me appreciate the many good things I still have in my life.

For me, this book worked. However, you must realize that this is the story of a cancer survivor (Carr's cancer will never be cured. The best she can hope for is that it will stay dormant.) It's not a medical how to book or a clinical study. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure encourages cancer patients to share their stories. What works for Carr might not work for you, but it might work for the next person who reads her story. Or just maybe there is one thing in Carr's book that will be helpful for you. It's worth giving her book a try. If you find her approach too irreverent or just not what you are looking for you don't have to finish the book.

I needed to hear the story of someone who is doing her best to kick cancer's butt and not let it be the other way around. Even though there is no cure for Carr's cancer, Carr seems to be winning the overall battle. (And yes, once I finished the book I googled her to see if she was still alive. You can find out more about her by visiting her website.)

It's not a medical resource - it's an account of what worked for one woman and her group of friends. If you read this book, take what you find useful and disregard the rest.

A side note: Carr also made a documentary for the Learning Channel. The documentary was supposed to be based on the book. I checked the DVD out from the library, but found for some reason that Carr's vibrance that bursts forth in the book, somehow didn't make the transfer to film. The documentary was rather disjointed. I think you will get more from reading the book than watching the film.(less)

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Feb 09, 2011 Kate Mollohan rated it 1 of 5 stars

I read this based on the title, and the fact that I REALLY appreciate the author's impetus to give cancer a make-over--trying to get others to see us as people and not just cancer patients is indeed important. That said, I would not recommend this book to any of the cancer patients that I know.

First, the author clearly is a model/actress (which she mentions a lot) and not a writer, it shows in her prose and the fact that she uses exclamation points every other sentence! I'm encouraged to write m...more

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Aug 19, 2009 Christine Hewitt rated it 3 of 5 stars

Although Carrs cancer is rare and not easily treated, I found her commentary around the whole process to be very similar to what I experienced early on, including the tests and responses from the world around me. "I hate using the G word- you know, cancer is a gift. Yuck it isn't! There is no return receipt, and it certainly isn't a present I'd give to you. Cancer isn't something to say thank you for, but it can be a catalyst."
She also introduced me to "the cancer card". It's a pretty shitty clu...more

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Jan 14, 2008 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: have-read-recently

Even if you don't have cancer-this is a fabulously fun read about a lot of amazing women, and tips for healthy living

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Sep 08, 2011 Gigi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

Kris Carr's outlook on cancer isn't for everyone, but for me it was a perfect fit. Being in your 30s with your whole life ahead of you when diagnosed with cancer is shocking, and people react differently. For me, my diagnosis has helped me see with more clarity what's important in my life. Kris Carr's positive attitude in this book is exactly how I found myself reacting to my cancer, yet many people around me were skeptical. Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips not only helped me see that it wasn't wrong of m...more

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Aug 16, 2010 Hilary rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: bookclub

This was our book club book for August. My friend that chose it is dealing with being a cancer-co-partner according to the book. Although much of the information was interesting (food, recipes, etc) much of it was not - I find it hard to believe masturbating gets rid of cancer. Although I suppose you never know. I found the author to be so beyond annoying that even if what she was saying was correct, it was presented in the most annoying way that I automatically discredited her. I don't recommen...more

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Aug 21, 2010 Shauna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Women going through a cancer journey can benefit from reading this book---it is written by someone who knows the thoughts and feelings of being faced with cancer even at a young age. It helps the reader to overcome the diagnosis and transform it into an opportunity to thrive and grow as a result of the experience. This is a fabulous book for living robustly rather than living as if one has died/is dying because of a diagnosis of a potentially terminal disease.

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Dec 03, 2008 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 01, 2012 Grace Dadoyan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Quick and easy read full of tips and stories from Kris and other young, women cancer survivors. You may not agree with everything she says or recommends or even how she says it. She profiles Ramy, a cancer survivor who developed his own line of makeup, but his makeup contains parabens, dyes and other chemicals thought to be cancer-causing. If you only walk away with a few tips, it's worth the short time it takes to read the book.

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Aug 28, 2012 Rebecca Waring-Crane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Chris brings humor and an original voice to a sobering topic. I don't have cancer, but if I did, I think her book would be more than helpful, once I got over her delightfully cheeky "f**k cancer" attitude.

She chronicles her story from diagnosis to owning her status as a survivor. She doesn't make any of it sound heroic or fake. Her passion for diet and living well inspire. And I have to ask myself, why what for a diagnosis, or a crisis? Why not live a vibrant, attentive life of self-care right...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Alicia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: medicine, self-help

Great book in inspiring others to learn to live with Cancer as a chronic illness. Author is inspiring and vivacious. Book is fun to read and hard to put down. Definitely not a downer - even for a cancer patient. A real page-turner.

Kris Carr has practical suggestions for forming a "Cancer Posse", a group of vivacious like minded Cancer patients with whom you (a cancer patient [her intended audience]) can "hang out". She manages to meet someone she loves and get married. Her career as a writer fl...more

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May 24, 2012 Rhonda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nutrition

This is a great book for someone in your life with cancer. I only gave it 3 stars because I don't have cancer and found it not applicable to my life so much. But Kris Carr is a HUGE inspiration to me and the way I live my life. I will continue to read her books and follow her life/blog. I'm certain that this is something I will recommend to my future patients one day, as well.

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May 17, 2011 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite

What an amazing woman Kris Carr is. She has put together an amazing group of women to tell their journeys through cancer, treatment and everything in between. This isn't a book that is exclusively for one type of cancer, this book is for everyone.

I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with illness - no matter what kind - whether you are a survivor or a co-survivor.

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May 06, 2012 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cancer-college-books

A book that touched my heart, as well as being incredibly informative. It's a new found bible for a cancer babe like me. Kris Carr helped me feel not so alone with some of the incredibly daunting experiences of going through cancer. Knowing that another person has been there has helped me endlessly through this. I recommend this book to EVERYONE - even cancer free babes.

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Sep 14, 2009 Lily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: onlythebest

A great book written by a hip & cool gal. It was like being given a life preserver and a map to get back on track. I still flip through it often to re-read little nuggets of wisdom. Kris started a great website for cancer survivors. One of her messages is to try a meatless Monday; my meatless days never land on Mondays but it really makes you think.

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Aug 11, 2012 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loads of useful health and positive living information from someone who has been there, rather, is there. Kris is quite edgy in her thinking compared to my conservative mindset but I love her support of women and instruction on how to love and care for the body God created just for you!

Still us this book as a resource often!

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Aug 21, 2008 Jennifer Lee rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is full of a lot of good information and humor. The author decides to create a "posse" of fellow survivors after her own diagnosis of cancer. However, all of her "posse" are good-looking, successful women - all with hair except one. I think the group of survivors that she portrays in the book is a bit unrealistic. She doesn't really cover going through treatment (chemo)as she does not have to have chemotherapy herself. Also, she describes selling her apartment and traveling the country...more

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Sep 10, 2009 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you know anyone who is diagnosed with this dread disease - go get them this book.

It was given to me the first week and was such a breath of air. It confirmed things I thought, gave me ideas and is so uplifting,I just cannot describe how awesome it is. My fav tip is #16 - Incurable is a Dare!

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Sep 26, 2012 Casey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Exactly what I needed. Probably not for everyone. You can tell that from the other reviews. it was a gift from a coworker. It did help me focus and deal with my initial diagnosis and surgery. She gave a voice to my fears and emotions. i wish I would put more of her ideas in place in my life.

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Dec 14, 2012 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge

Crazy Sexy Cancer tips was a good book, I really enjoyed it until the last few chapters. By the end of the book I felt like Kris was putting her finger and saying this is how you should feel and this how you should eat. However for the most part the book was uplifting and inspiring.

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Apr 14, 2008 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: any affected by cancer

Fabulous book! Can't say enough good stuff about it. Even though the author has a very rare form of cancer (and I'm still not sure I buy into all her nutritional recommendations), this book is a must for anyone diagnosed with any kind of cancer. You have to smile at chapters titled "Holy Shit, I have cancer! Now what?"! I read this book just days after a devastating cancer diagnosis from someone in my family and was surprised at how much I honestly laughed out loud (while I wasn't crying that is...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

After receiving my cancer diagnosis, this was the first book i found & enjoyed. It gave me hope and a sense of purpose. Everyone who receives a cancer diagnosis or has a loved one that receives a cancer diagnosis should read this.

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Sep 25, 2012 Patty Schultz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reading Kris' outlook on cancer helped me make the time I needed for myself. I have breast cancer, and am a single mom. There are ZERO support groups for single parents. I tweaked the book to help myself through my cancer I journey.

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Sep 29, 2012 Sheri Velarde rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book! Really helped me during my cancer journey. Not for everyone, but perfect for a sassy girl like me who likes to take charge and still be a girly girl at the same time, even when going through chemo!

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Feb 10, 2009 Ji rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: dealing-with-illness

I liked the energy the author carried throughout the book. Conversational & easy to read. The nutrition part of the book was interesting and made me want to know more about the impact of food on healing.

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About Kris Carr

Kris Carr is a multi-week New York Times best-selling author, speaker and wellness activist. Kris is the subject and director of the documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, which aired on TLC and The Oprah Winfrey Network, and the author of the award-winning Crazy Sexy Cancer book series. Her latest books, Crazy Sexy Diet and Crazy Sexy Kitchen, will change the way you live, love and eat! Kris regularly l...more

More about Kris Carr...

Books by Kris Carr

Crazy Sexy Diet: Eat Your Veggies, Ignite Your Spark, and Live Like You Mean It!

Crazy Sexy Kitchen: 150 Plant-Empowered Recipes to Ignite a Mouthwatering Revolution

Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for Your Healing Journey

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