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Cocoon of Cancer: An Invitation to Love Deeply
A book of inspiration, Cocoon of Cancer: An Invitation to Love Deeply is for those diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers, families, and staff. This collection offers an insider's look at the way life changes forever when the word cancer is uttered. The essays and poems reflect an attitude of wonder, defiance, acceptance, and beauty through the painful journey.
Sometimes raw, letters to friends voice the unspeakable. The scientific voice of Jim, the patient, comes through when he has the energy to speak. His wife and caregiver Abbe witnesses and documents the signs of distress, gains, losses, and the new equilibrium that forges deep love. More than anything, this is an invitation to feel and find comfort.
Caregiver Tips, Questions I Still Ponder, and Questions for the Reader to Ponder are included at the end of the manuscript.
Sometimes raw, letters to friends voice the unspeakable. The scientific voice of Jim, the patient, comes through when he has the energy to speak. His wife and caregiver Abbe witnesses and documents the signs of distress, gains, losses, and the new equilibrium that forges deep love. More than anything, this is an invitation to feel and find comfort.
Caregiver Tips, Questions I Still Ponder, and Questions for the Reader to Ponder are included at the end of the manuscript.
118 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
About the author
Abbe Rolnick
9 books49 followersAbbe Rolnick grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. Her first major cultural jolt occurred at age 15 when her family moved to Miami Beach, Florida. In order to find perspective, she climbed the only non-palm tree at her condo-complex, and wrote what she observed. Here history came alive with her exposure to the Cuban culture. This introduction to the Latino Culture proved fortuitous. At Boston University she met her first husband, a native of Puerto Rico. Her first novel, RIVER OF ANGELS, stems from her experiences during her stay in Puerto Rico.
Stateside, she capitalized on the knowledge she gained as an independent bookstore owner and worked for one of the finest bookstores, Village Books, in Bellingham, WA. More recently she opened a healthy foods cafe.
COLOR OF LIES, her second novel, brings the reader to the Pacific Northwest where she presently resides. Here she blends stories from island life with characters in Skagit Valley.
Her short stories and travel pieces have appeared in magazines. Swinging Doors won honorary mention by Writer’s Digest. Her next novel, FOUNDING STONES, will be the third in the series, continuing the stories of characters from the two previous novels, introducing new themes that connect Skagit Valley to the larger world.
Her recent experiences with her husband’s cancer inspired, COCOON OF CANCER: AN INVITATION TO LOVE DEEPLY. Presently she resides with her husband on twenty acres in Skagit Valley, Washington.
connect with me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abberolnick/?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbeRolnick
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/1/117543798...
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 13, 2016
"Cocoon of Cancer: An Invitation To Love Deeply" is a story completely filled with structure. It was so easy to travel the journey with this author, and not get left behind. It’s written with clear development of scenes, text, and language.
What an amazing story to have read. And even impressive was the manner in which this author exposes their journey. I just loved the “email trail” effect. This story definitely pulls the reader in . . . as if they too were right there in the footsteps. There wasn’t a “show me” moment that didn’t go unnoticed. Those “show me” moments are areas often looked to be discovered when storytelling time is present.
Even through this journey, I was able to embrace the stroke of each word the author has placed on paper. And that’s a well-crafted talent, for an author to have a reader achieve. As an author, Abbe’s skill for writing brings a cluster of sunshine through the dim of darkness.
As a true life event, it’s a very educational and inspiring tale. If one wasn’t aware of this particular disease relationship and its effects, reading the "Cocoon" story will heighten their knowledge. Its story is filled with educational information (and medical at that).
I’m sure it had to be one of the most difficult challenges (a family experiences) day in and out, and this author has done a superb job in giving her readers the real deal behind the journey.
What an amazing story to have read. And even impressive was the manner in which this author exposes their journey. I just loved the “email trail” effect. This story definitely pulls the reader in . . . as if they too were right there in the footsteps. There wasn’t a “show me” moment that didn’t go unnoticed. Those “show me” moments are areas often looked to be discovered when storytelling time is present.
Even through this journey, I was able to embrace the stroke of each word the author has placed on paper. And that’s a well-crafted talent, for an author to have a reader achieve. As an author, Abbe’s skill for writing brings a cluster of sunshine through the dim of darkness.
As a true life event, it’s a very educational and inspiring tale. If one wasn’t aware of this particular disease relationship and its effects, reading the "Cocoon" story will heighten their knowledge. Its story is filled with educational information (and medical at that).
I’m sure it had to be one of the most difficult challenges (a family experiences) day in and out, and this author has done a superb job in giving her readers the real deal behind the journey.
April 15, 2016
I won a copy of this book on goodreads. Although I don't have much to say on this book , here is my unbiased and honest review.
Abbe Rolnick's book is an insider's look at how the diagnosis of Cancer changes one's life forever.
Ms. Rolnick has written a beautiful book for patients newly diagnosed with cancer. Just the mention of cancer is enough to scare anyone let alone having to deal with it on a daily basis. Cancer is also not just about the treatment. It's about rolling emotions, anorexia, nausea, hair loss, often the inability to care for oneself, and sometimes death. In some cases it's peg tube feedings and porta-caths and home health and Hospice. What the author has done is shared emails between her and a patient, poetry and essays and insight into what it's like. Her book is meant to inspire the patients as well as caregivers. Living with a cancer patient is not all roses as I know first hand. Very helpful book.
Abbe Rolnick's book is an insider's look at how the diagnosis of Cancer changes one's life forever.
Ms. Rolnick has written a beautiful book for patients newly diagnosed with cancer. Just the mention of cancer is enough to scare anyone let alone having to deal with it on a daily basis. Cancer is also not just about the treatment. It's about rolling emotions, anorexia, nausea, hair loss, often the inability to care for oneself, and sometimes death. In some cases it's peg tube feedings and porta-caths and home health and Hospice. What the author has done is shared emails between her and a patient, poetry and essays and insight into what it's like. Her book is meant to inspire the patients as well as caregivers. Living with a cancer patient is not all roses as I know first hand. Very helpful book.
January 16, 2016
This small book would be a comfort and guide to any couple dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Told in a combination of emails and essays, Cocoon of Cancer follows Abbe and Jim through the year that cancer took from them. Abbe concentrates on the love that she and Jim felt for each other and the support they received from their friends and family. Many of the emails chronicled in great detail all the tests and procedures Jim underwent during his treatment.
As a cancer survivor, I appreciated Abbe and Jim's candor in relating how difficult and consuming treatment is. My only critique is that Abbe glosses over the debilitating anxiety and anger many cancer patients experience.
As a cancer survivor, I appreciated Abbe and Jim's candor in relating how difficult and consuming treatment is. My only critique is that Abbe glosses over the debilitating anxiety and anger many cancer patients experience.
March 9, 2021
Goo book for anyone trying Goodreads figure out their Silk in caring for someone with c.ancer
I chose a 4 star rating because I felt the auther could have been a bit more in depth throughout the book. That, being said as a MM patient myself the author's ability to generalize a tuff topic for anyone caught up in the all consuming world of cancer is a real help. This book should be required reading for anyone finding themselves thrust into the roll of caregiver.
I chose a 4 star rating because I felt the auther could have been a bit more in depth throughout the book. That, being said as a MM patient myself the author's ability to generalize a tuff topic for anyone caught up in the all consuming world of cancer is a real help. This book should be required reading for anyone finding themselves thrust into the roll of caregiver.
February 5, 2016
This is an important book for those who are trying to cope with an illnesses. Way to go Ms. Rolnick. Many will benefit from this heartfelt account of survival.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews