RESURRECTION LILY: THE BRCA GENE, HEREDITARY CANCER, & LIFESAVING WHISPERS FROM THE GRANDMOTHER I NEVER KNEW
Resurrection Lily shares a story of inheritance and intuition, of what can surface in the body and the spirit when linked by DNA.
As Amy Byer Shainman discovers she has inherited a BRCA gene mutation that puts her at high risk of developing certain cancers, she struggles to come to terms with preventively removing her breasts when she does not have a breast cancer diagnosis. Through her experience making decisions about her health, Amy becomes invigorated with purpose and establishes herself as a leading advocate for those with BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes, tirelessly working to educate others facing the same daunting reality.
Painting a timely and moving portrait of what it feels like to carry a BRCA gene mutation, Resurrection Lily provides firsthand insight into the patient experience. Weaved throughout Amy's open and vulnerable story is the expertise of her doctors, education from top medical experts in cancer genetics, and whispered lifesaving guidance from her grandmother Lillian.
RESURRECTION LILY: THE BRCA GENE, HEREDITARY CANCER, & LIFESAVING WHISPERS FROM THE GRANDMOTHER I NEVER KNEW
Resurrection Lily shares a story of inheritance and intuition, of what can surface in the body and the spirit when linked by DNA.
As Amy Byer Shainman discovers she has inherited a BRCA gene mutation that puts her at high risk of developing certain cancers, she struggles to come to terms with preventively removing her breasts when she does not have a breast cancer diagnosis. Through her experience making decisions about her health, Amy becomes invigorated with purpose and establishes herself as a leading advocate for those with BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes, tirelessly working to educate others facing the same daunting reality.
Painting a timely and moving portrait of what it feels like to carry a BRCA gene mutation, Resurrection Lily provides firsthand insight into the patient experience. Weaved throughout Amy's open and vulnerable story is the expertise of her doctors, education from top medical experts in cancer genetics, and whispered lifesaving guidance from her grandmother Lillian.
PRAISE
"Shainman's memoir is poignantly inspirational throughout...she provides sensible information about medical due-diligence, especially involving genetic testing."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Powerful and intelligent...Resurrection Lily is an applause worthy memoir that will affect its audience in deep and unexpected ways."
- Feathered Quill Book Reviews
"A moving, informative, and powerful memoir, Resurrection Lily is highly recommended."
- Self-Publishing Review
"Reading Resurrection Lily, I felt understood and, most importantly, not alone."
- Devin Sidell, actress, BRCA 1 positive previvor
"Amy Byer Shainman achieves a powerful thing in Resurrection Lily - she brings highly curated clinical information and personal experience together. By sharing her own 'previvor' voice, the voices of family and friends with cancer and hereditary risks, and the expert voices of the clinical care team that supports individuals at high risk for cancer, she has created a fantastic resource for those who want to understand the experience of genetic counseling and genetic testing, whether they are seeking information for prevention, treatment or for the benefit of their family."
- Erica Ramos, MS, LCGC, Past President - National Society of Genetic Counselors
"Phenomenal memoir."
- Shannon H. Pulaski, Esq. Patient Advocate Author of Mom's Genes
"A deeply intimate story of personal discovery, I recommend this book for anyone looking to find out more information about hereditary cancer and the Ashkenazi population. Readers will also find the additional resources and charts useful. This book is appropriate for a public library, but it is an especially important resource for synagogue libraries to have in their collections as well."
- Laura Schutzman, Association of Jewish Libraries Publications Chair
"A Very Moving Read! Resurrection Lily is a compelling account of the author's experience of coming to grips with the knowledge she carries a BRCA1 gene mutation. The voices of her sister, a dear friend and beloved grandmother are 'heard' throughout as the author writes tenderly about each of them. Five Stars!"
- Nancy Stordahl, Author of Cancer Was Not A Gift & It Didn't Make Me a Better Person, Breast Cancer Blogger, nancyspoint.com
"Told with a brutal honesty, while still maintaining the occasional foray into lightheartedness of everyday life, Resurrection Lily resonates with as much inspiration as it does information. As a guide to monitoring one's health and remaining vigilant for any possible detriments to that health, this story should be recommended reading for anyone with a genetic makeup and breast tissue - meaning, of course, everyone.”
- IndieReader
"A book about illness is a precarious thing, and cancer is possibly the most difficult to approach. However, Shainman maneuvers through this topic with ease, tact, and an emphasis on education and motivation...Shainman writes with honesty, sensitivity, and vulnerability."
- The US Review of Books
“5 out of 5 stars. Simply put, this book might save your life, and because of that fact, to me, it is a ‘No-brainer.’ You should not only want to read this book, you NEED to read this book.”
- Amie Gaudet, Amie’s Book Reviews, amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
“Beautifully told and incredibly researched. This book explains what the BRCA gene is and all its ramifications in incredible detail which could be incredibly boring except that Shainman weaves the medical and scientific information into her personal story. Written with authenticity and a generous dose of humor…a wonderful memoir and a great resource of BRCA information.”
- Valerie Staggs, Founder pandoraskids.org, Author of This Side of Heaven