Expression. My Cancer: a Gut Feeling. / Kerry O'Brien

Reading a book about an individual's journey with a terminal bowel cancer diagnosis would ordinarily seem to be a rather depressing read. However, Kerry's light-hearted sense of humour and unending positivity and love of life shines through in her writing.  In this very personal book, Kerry overcomes the stigma of talking openly about the symptoms and treatments for bowel cancer: there are graphic descriptions of some of the intimate details of bodily (mal)functions; reflections on her research into what may have contributed to her diagnosis and nutritional and other lifestyle changes she has found helpful. Kerry shares how she has made sense of her situation and developed coping strategies, in the hope of helping others. The insights gained from this book will be valuable for a broad range of readers: patients with bowel cancer, wanting to learn more about other patients' experiences; families and friends of bowel cancer patients (who perhaps feel uncomfortable asking those difficult questions); healthcare professionals who want a deeper understanding of their patients' emotional, as well as physical needs; researchers exploring the lived experiences of bowel cancer patients and writers investigating comparative healthcare provision for cancer patients. Kerry's book is an inspiring and readable story, written from the heart.