What do you think?
The Light in the Darkness: Musings on Living With Cancer
The Light in the Darkness is a must-have companion for anyone living with a serious illness, or caring for a loved one with such an illness.
With this collection of reflections and personal essays, Jo St Leon shares her experiences, her darkest moments and her greatest joys. She tells of the journey from fear and denial to acceptance and a determination to live her best life. She shares her deepest thoughts and feelings, always with her characteristic blend of wry humour and wisdom.
The Light in the Darkness is the book Jo wishes she could have found when she first received her cancer diagnosis.
With this collection of reflections and personal essays, Jo St Leon shares her experiences, her darkest moments and her greatest joys. She tells of the journey from fear and denial to acceptance and a determination to live her best life. She shares her deepest thoughts and feelings, always with her characteristic blend of wry humour and wisdom.
The Light in the Darkness is the book Jo wishes she could have found when she first received her cancer diagnosis.
94 pages, Hardcover
Published August 25, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 12, 2021
UPDATE JULY 2023
I fell afoul of Jo’s aversion to euphemistic terms that many of us and the press use when someone dies of cancer. When I heard about her death, I told someone she had succumbed to the disease. I’ve just re-read her words:
“Even worse than ‘fought a brave battle’ is ‘lost their battle.’ It implies that if the person had fought harder, they would still be alive. This may be a comforting notion for well people, but, as anyone with an illness knows, it’s really a crock of shit.”
RIP Jo St Leon.
Thank you for your chats about writing and your special brand of humour.
Jo’s love for the viola, and spreading this to others, was relentless. The last I heard, she had co-tutored, in her usual witty and supportive way, at a viola convention/fest here in Hobart on the 9th July.
You will be missed by many.
...........
ORIGINAL REVIEW OCTOBER 2021
Like many others in Tasmania, I come across Jo in the music circles. It is with this familiarity that I initially approached a review of her book with a touch of trepidation. How to be objective? What if I give it less than a 5-star rating?
However, with confidence I can say these concerns went out the window the moment I finished page 1, and such a rating is well deserved. What an insightful, discerning, concise (Jo expresses volumes in such short sentences) and valuable personal essay. Jo’s wit is evident, but also her willingness to describe her ongoing adjustment to change that such a condition can demand.
I take one issue: the book is described as ‘a must-have companion for anyone living with a serious illness, or caring for a loved one with such an illness.’ Although such a recommendation is without question, I do not fall into that category and would strongly like to also endorse the book for all interested readers.
I particularly responded favourably to Jo’s ‘understandable’ disapproval of how we often deal, or not deal, with illness and dying; the euphemisms and clichés often used to describe cancer (fighting the battle – lost the battle); and her dislike of that too-often used word, ‘journey’. She challenges all this – and more.
SPOILER: Her dialogue between herself and her hair (during treatment) is a sensitive blend of honest disclosure, wit and poignancy.
It is the positivity of Jo’s approach to her ‘adjustment to change’ that shines through, brightly, and I have little doubt it will resonate with others.
I fell afoul of Jo’s aversion to euphemistic terms that many of us and the press use when someone dies of cancer. When I heard about her death, I told someone she had succumbed to the disease. I’ve just re-read her words:
“Even worse than ‘fought a brave battle’ is ‘lost their battle.’ It implies that if the person had fought harder, they would still be alive. This may be a comforting notion for well people, but, as anyone with an illness knows, it’s really a crock of shit.”
RIP Jo St Leon.
Thank you for your chats about writing and your special brand of humour.
Jo’s love for the viola, and spreading this to others, was relentless. The last I heard, she had co-tutored, in her usual witty and supportive way, at a viola convention/fest here in Hobart on the 9th July.
You will be missed by many.
...........
ORIGINAL REVIEW OCTOBER 2021
Like many others in Tasmania, I come across Jo in the music circles. It is with this familiarity that I initially approached a review of her book with a touch of trepidation. How to be objective? What if I give it less than a 5-star rating?
However, with confidence I can say these concerns went out the window the moment I finished page 1, and such a rating is well deserved. What an insightful, discerning, concise (Jo expresses volumes in such short sentences) and valuable personal essay. Jo’s wit is evident, but also her willingness to describe her ongoing adjustment to change that such a condition can demand.
I take one issue: the book is described as ‘a must-have companion for anyone living with a serious illness, or caring for a loved one with such an illness.’ Although such a recommendation is without question, I do not fall into that category and would strongly like to also endorse the book for all interested readers.
I particularly responded favourably to Jo’s ‘understandable’ disapproval of how we often deal, or not deal, with illness and dying; the euphemisms and clichés often used to describe cancer (fighting the battle – lost the battle); and her dislike of that too-often used word, ‘journey’. She challenges all this – and more.
SPOILER: Her dialogue between herself and her hair (during treatment) is a sensitive blend of honest disclosure, wit and poignancy.
It is the positivity of Jo’s approach to her ‘adjustment to change’ that shines through, brightly, and I have little doubt it will resonate with others.
March 8, 2022
Make sure to read About the Author. You get to know a little bit about the person behind the book. It also had me wanting to listen to some healing music as I read. It’s a book that I can see reading more than once so I need to get a playlist ready.
Even though there are many types of cancer, and yours (or someone you know) may or may not be mentioned here, you can still take away something from the author’s words. You’ll find that no two people are alike; your type, your stage, or even your treatment may be different. But you can use the book as a learning tool.
In my own journey, I learned to stay strong and think positive. You need support so don’t try and go it alone. People are willing to help so don’t be afraid to reach out. Also, don’t give up on what makes you happy.
Part of the author’s story was a dialogue she has and the forthcoming response. I found it interesting, and yes even a little bit funny, because it had something to do with my own journey. She mentions self-care, something my support group has discussed. So you see, even I got something out of her trek.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Even though there are many types of cancer, and yours (or someone you know) may or may not be mentioned here, you can still take away something from the author’s words. You’ll find that no two people are alike; your type, your stage, or even your treatment may be different. But you can use the book as a learning tool.
In my own journey, I learned to stay strong and think positive. You need support so don’t try and go it alone. People are willing to help so don’t be afraid to reach out. Also, don’t give up on what makes you happy.
Part of the author’s story was a dialogue she has and the forthcoming response. I found it interesting, and yes even a little bit funny, because it had something to do with my own journey. She mentions self-care, something my support group has discussed. So you see, even I got something out of her trek.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 22, 2022
Reading this book felt like having a terrific conversation. There are moments of laughter, tears and wisdom—all beautifully captured in Jo's unique narrative voice. Interspersed with musical anecdotes and inner perceptions we can all relate to; this book is inspiring, contemplative and enlightening.
February 5, 2022
Great Read
Unlike most books about cancer, this book does not offer advice. It tells Jo St Leon's experience with cancer. It's awesome. As a cancer patient, I understood what she was saying. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is or knows a cancer patient. I also recommend it to anyone who counsels cancer patients and their family or caregivers.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Unlike most books about cancer, this book does not offer advice. It tells Jo St Leon's experience with cancer. It's awesome. As a cancer patient, I understood what she was saying. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is or knows a cancer patient. I also recommend it to anyone who counsels cancer patients and their family or caregivers.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
October 16, 2021
Jo has been a friend and colleague for a long time. In her first book she brings to bear the depth of her experience of struggling with an undiagnosed and seemingly undiagnosable health ailment followed by the subsequent detection and treatment of her cancer. It is a story most of us have heard in some version or another. Too many of us will live through it or watch a loved one grapple with it.
Jo has not published the ultimate cancer handbook nor has she blazed the best and fastest path to finding peace with cancer. She has crafted a book that anyone can reach for, spend even just a few minutes with and reaffirm that they are not alone when they face something that threatens to spoil something we all deserve - a life in which we can find some satisfaction and fulfillment. The day may come in my life when I reach for it to seek comfort in my own moment of need. I know that a modicum of comfort and the refusal to abandon humour, self improvement and some hope of living well despite cancer waits amongst these pages.
Jo has not published the ultimate cancer handbook nor has she blazed the best and fastest path to finding peace with cancer. She has crafted a book that anyone can reach for, spend even just a few minutes with and reaffirm that they are not alone when they face something that threatens to spoil something we all deserve - a life in which we can find some satisfaction and fulfillment. The day may come in my life when I reach for it to seek comfort in my own moment of need. I know that a modicum of comfort and the refusal to abandon humour, self improvement and some hope of living well despite cancer waits amongst these pages.
October 16, 2021
A difficult subject explored with wonderful humour and humility to create a surprisingly enjoyable read despite cancer being one of the words we all fear the most.
This book is not a dictatorial "how to" guide for people with cancer, rather an insight into the author's own experiences along the way and an invitation to allow, nurture and openly discuss the various emotional and life changes a cancer diagnosis can bring.
An informative read for absolutely anybody, regardless of whether cancer is a current issue for you, your loved ones, or not.
This book is not a dictatorial "how to" guide for people with cancer, rather an insight into the author's own experiences along the way and an invitation to allow, nurture and openly discuss the various emotional and life changes a cancer diagnosis can bring.
An informative read for absolutely anybody, regardless of whether cancer is a current issue for you, your loved ones, or not.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews