Scan barcode
kdurham2's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, what a great book, by great I mean - I couldn't put it down, I laughed and cried, and I had to email my closet family and friends to share it immediately.
A fresh story on the makings of a huge organization that has changed the landscape of breast cancer and influenced decisions makers from citizens in their home to lawmakers in Washington, D.C. I have participated in SGK events, but I had no idea the trials that Brinker endured while starting this non-profit. She has fought breast cancer herself - who would have been able to do that while encouraging women to be aware of this devastating disease.
As to whom I would recommend - absolutely anyone. This was a great read that made me want to support this organization even more. I loved hearing this story and finishing it on the second day of 2011 made me motivated to make a resolution to be more involved in charity with this new year.
A fresh story on the makings of a huge organization that has changed the landscape of breast cancer and influenced decisions makers from citizens in their home to lawmakers in Washington, D.C. I have participated in SGK events, but I had no idea the trials that Brinker endured while starting this non-profit. She has fought breast cancer herself - who would have been able to do that while encouraging women to be aware of this devastating disease.
As to whom I would recommend - absolutely anyone. This was a great read that made me want to support this organization even more. I loved hearing this story and finishing it on the second day of 2011 made me motivated to make a resolution to be more involved in charity with this new year.
janethewriter's review against another edition
5.0
Having lost my mom to breast cancer, I was anxious to read Nancy Brinker's memoir about her sister and the founding of the grassroots organization, SGK for the Cure. Just a few pages in, I was deeply awed by Brinker, by her promise to Suzy, and by the love (and loss) that drove her to make good on that promise. In imagining and building SGK for the Cure from the ground up, Brinker not only created a meaningful and enduring legacy to her beloved sister, but also ensures that high quality research, education and other resources are available to the countless women (and men) who continue to fight breast cancer today. Brinker's memoir is a fast, engaging read that pays tribute to Suzy and to all whose lives are touched by this disease.
elisacp's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting story of bow the Susan g komen foundation began. It was interesting to hear Brinker's response to some of the criticism of the pink ribbon movement, but I fo think some of the politics got left out.
maryannsophia's review against another edition
5.0
Not just a story of sisters, but a history of breast cancer and a hopeful look at the future.
lgwritermn's review against another edition
5.0
This was an excellent book. I finished it in one day, and couldn't put it down. It really helped to put a face behind a name of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which is for the fight against breast cancer.
booknrrd's review against another edition
3.0
First, I think I should state that I volunteer one day a week with my local Susan G. Komen affiliate. I have a friend who works there for pay, and she suggested that I volunteer, and so I do. I support their work. I support Planned Parenthood.
Anyway, what Nancy Brinker accomplished is pretty amazing. The sheer size of it. Parts of the book were really good, parts were not, but overall I admire Nancy Brinker. I might not always agree with her, but I admire her nonetheless.
The book is structured so that the chapters alternate between Nancy and Susan's personal story and an overview of breast cancer and its treatment. It works. It is lay person science, but it's enough to give a shape and context to the personal story.
Overall I liked it, and I am glad I read it. It made me want to look for more biographies of inspiring women.
Anyway, what Nancy Brinker accomplished is pretty amazing. The sheer size of it. Parts of the book were really good, parts were not, but overall I admire Nancy Brinker. I might not always agree with her, but I admire her nonetheless.
The book is structured so that the chapters alternate between Nancy and Susan's personal story and an overview of breast cancer and its treatment. It works. It is lay person science, but it's enough to give a shape and context to the personal story.
Overall I liked it, and I am glad I read it. It made me want to look for more biographies of inspiring women.
jezebelparks's review against another edition
2.0
This story is heart-wrenching to say the least. Unfortunately, I was only able to get through half of it. I got up to where Susan loses her battle with breast cancer, but even then I had to push myself. Of course, you know what the outcome will be before you even turn the first page.
I tried to connect to both Nancy and Susan, but found that I couldn't. They both make silly decisions that had me almost screaming at the book. Nancy marries a man who, just before their wedding, shows her that the marriage would not be emotionally healthy at all, and said husband was more of a patriarch than a partner. Still, because of how lavish the ceremony is and Susan's encouragement (her reason for her going through with it is also shallow), she marries him and is pretty miserable.
While I hate to say it, Susan annoyed me as well. When she finds out she has the early stages of cancer, instead of going to a doctor who specializes in treating the disease, she goes to a "handsome" doctor from a clinic she's familiar with. This insistence really annoyed me, especially since the cancer comes back because of the doctor's inexperience in treating cancer. Even when it comes back, Nancy tells her to go to an actual cancer practice, and it takes her a while to finally give in. By then, it's too late. I feel bad speaking ill of the dead, but better decisions could have been life-saving ones. Hopefully this will teach others who read this book not to ignore symptoms and such.
There are informational sub chapters between each biographical chapter. They start with the early stages of breast cancer treatment, then go on to cover breast cancer survivors and participants in charity activities. The early segments are especially gruesome, and had me nearly clutching my own breasts in fear. Just be glad we have the technology we do now, ladies.
I wish I could have finished this book, but the players, the pace, and other factors left me bored. Even my interest in the subject (breast cancer runs in my family) couldn't keep me going. Maybe I'll pick it up at a later date. For now, it will sit on my self.
I tried to connect to both Nancy and Susan, but found that I couldn't. They both make silly decisions that had me almost screaming at the book. Nancy marries a man who, just before their wedding, shows her that the marriage would not be emotionally healthy at all, and said husband was more of a patriarch than a partner. Still, because of how lavish the ceremony is and Susan's encouragement (her reason for her going through with it is also shallow), she marries him and is pretty miserable.
While I hate to say it, Susan annoyed me as well. When she finds out she has the early stages of cancer, instead of going to a doctor who specializes in treating the disease, she goes to a "handsome" doctor from a clinic she's familiar with. This insistence really annoyed me, especially since the cancer comes back because of the doctor's inexperience in treating cancer. Even when it comes back, Nancy tells her to go to an actual cancer practice, and it takes her a while to finally give in. By then, it's too late. I feel bad speaking ill of the dead, but better decisions could have been life-saving ones. Hopefully this will teach others who read this book not to ignore symptoms and such.
There are informational sub chapters between each biographical chapter. They start with the early stages of breast cancer treatment, then go on to cover breast cancer survivors and participants in charity activities. The early segments are especially gruesome, and had me nearly clutching my own breasts in fear. Just be glad we have the technology we do now, ladies.
I wish I could have finished this book, but the players, the pace, and other factors left me bored. Even my interest in the subject (breast cancer runs in my family) couldn't keep me going. Maybe I'll pick it up at a later date. For now, it will sit on my self.
annhartman67's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book...it is a beautiful story, and a tribute to Nancy who overcame tremendous obstacles and had amazing vision to keep her promise. I am more tuned in than ever now to the little pink ribbons that are everywhere...in the grocery store on your bags of chicken, my computer laptop case, harmons had a whole line-up of pink kitchen appliances on display, clothing, etc etc. Highly recommend...even to men!
athomewithbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Promise Me is a touching story of love and friendship between sisters and how that love spurred Nancy on to do more to fight breast cancer. As I read about Nancy’s upbringing I realized that her whole family was amazing, and loved how her mom encouraged service and volunteerism from a very young age. That upbringing sets the stage for her adult years as she raised money for research and formed the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
One of my favorite quotes from the book deals with that positive influence her mother had when it came to helping others. She said, “Instead of dwelling on all the things that you can’t do. . . figure out what you can do. What you will do.” (Page 7) And when her children decided to do something to raise money she backed them up all the way.
Much of the first half of the book is about Nancy’s close friendship with her sister Susan. This includes an entertaining account of a trip they took together through Europe. Their escapades were silly and fun, and they both seemed like girls with whom you would want to be friends.
The second half of the book is about Nancy’s life after her sister dies: how she copes with that loss, her personal life (marriages and son), and the development of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I especially enjoyed the stories of the early fundraisers and how successful they were despite the trials encountered.
Interspersed between the chapters about Nancy’s story are sections including facts about breast cancer: the history of diagnoses and treatments, personal stories from survivors, current developments in the field of breast cancer research, and stories about the work and events that the foundation has done. These sections are filled with stories that are inspirational, moving and fascinating. I was stunned to read about some of the early treatments for breast cancer, and touched by the many personal stories.
Promise Me was a quick and compelling read. I was surprised that, regardless of the seriousness of the subject matter, I didn’t want to stop reading her story. If you are looking for a good inspirational book then you can’t go wrong with Promise Me. Even though the core of the story (the loss of her sister) is very sad, it does not leave you without hope for the future.
One of my favorite quotes from the book deals with that positive influence her mother had when it came to helping others. She said, “Instead of dwelling on all the things that you can’t do. . . figure out what you can do. What you will do.” (Page 7) And when her children decided to do something to raise money she backed them up all the way.
Much of the first half of the book is about Nancy’s close friendship with her sister Susan. This includes an entertaining account of a trip they took together through Europe. Their escapades were silly and fun, and they both seemed like girls with whom you would want to be friends.
The second half of the book is about Nancy’s life after her sister dies: how she copes with that loss, her personal life (marriages and son), and the development of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I especially enjoyed the stories of the early fundraisers and how successful they were despite the trials encountered.
Interspersed between the chapters about Nancy’s story are sections including facts about breast cancer: the history of diagnoses and treatments, personal stories from survivors, current developments in the field of breast cancer research, and stories about the work and events that the foundation has done. These sections are filled with stories that are inspirational, moving and fascinating. I was stunned to read about some of the early treatments for breast cancer, and touched by the many personal stories.
Promise Me was a quick and compelling read. I was surprised that, regardless of the seriousness of the subject matter, I didn’t want to stop reading her story. If you are looking for a good inspirational book then you can’t go wrong with Promise Me. Even though the core of the story (the loss of her sister) is very sad, it does not leave you without hope for the future.