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    Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood: Pledging the Pink Sorority
    Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood: Pledging the Pink Sorority
    Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood: Pledging the Pink Sorority
    Ebook419 pages5 hours

    Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood: Pledging the Pink Sorority

    By Joanna Chapman

    4.5/5

    ()

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    About this ebook

    "Several years ago, my gravity-challenged, middle-aged boobs started attracting more attention than those belonging to a Hooters waitress. The guys checking me out, unfortunately, all wore white coats...and I ended up as a pledge of the pink ribbon sorority nobody wants to join.

    Yet, somehow, I found humor in unlikely situations, such as when before one more surgery, the nurse warned me not to use hairspray. Forgoing the Aquanet? That is so not a problem with a peach fuzz coiffure. Bad hair day? No, more like a bad hair year."

    Advance praise:

    "A pitch-perfect blend of humor, hope, and help for those extradited to Cancerland. And for those of us who aren't, 'Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood' is a unique memoir that reads like a novel...the story of a spunky, flawed, hilarious 45-year-old woman trying to find the normal in a life that is anything but." - Barbara Claypole White, author of "The Unfinished Garden"

    "Joanna Chapman's wise and hilarious 'Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood' just shot to the top of my list of essential reading for breast cancer patients and the people who love them. It's that rare resource that combines huge heart and meaningful help. The voice is fresh, witty and frank...the pragmatic Secrets are spot-on." - Joni Rodgers, New York Times bestselling author of "Bald in the Land of Big Hair"

    "Joanna Chapman writes, if cancer is a 'gift, it's a tacky and passive-aggressive one.' Her book, on the other hand, is a fantastic gift for anyone confronting this insidious disease: honest, poignant and deeply, darkly funny." -Marc Silver, author of "Breast Cancer Husband" and co-author of "My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks"

    "A funny, honest memoir of breast cancer...Short chapters lead the reader through her doctor's appointments, quiet family moments, unexpected hospital stays and the emotional highs and lows of her battle with cancer. The author often refers to how her offbeat sense of humor helped her cope, and it comes through clearly in these pages...'Divine Secrets' and quick tips are tucked into the narrative via text boxes...One of the memoir's strengths is the author's determination to confound readers' expectations...An engaging story of one woman's cancer fight." - Kirkus Indie Reviews

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJoanna Chapman
    Release dateJun 5, 2013
    ISBN9780989043113
    Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood: Pledging the Pink Sorority

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    Reviews for Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood

    4.5/5

    20 ratings12 reviews

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    • 3/5
      There is much to admire in the book: the honesty; the frankness; the tips for other women going through the same experience and the appreciation for all the encouragement and assistanceI also found much to annoy me. Everyone except personal friends gets a nickname. I remember for example: Rock Star Surgeon, Caring Nurse, Faux-Hippie Facilitator, Cat Fanatic, and those are just a few of the many labels the author sticks on persons she encounters. Doesn't anyone else recognize how judgmental she is? While I recognize that loving yourself is important, I do believe the author carries it a bit far. 365 pages all about her. To me, it got a bit old.And finally, I felt that she was trying a bit too hard for the humor, especially at the very first part of the book.Nonetheless, I hope it helps women who are facing this horrible disease and does not irritate them as it did me.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book ! The strength and willpower of the main character was simply amazing and so heartfelt. Although listing to her suffer she still had the power to use her humor and be human.
    • 5/5
      First of all, the title is genius. I would grab this book without a doubt just to see what it is all about. Even the look of the book works well.I think this is a good read for the following reasons: everyone knows someone that is affected by cancer, this gets the point across but in a humorous way (hard thing to pull off), & gives u an idea of the entire process. You know how sometimes you skip the epilogue, ok well I do sometimes, but this book had me laughing out loud! This is a book that you will share with friends and family. My best friend is already excited to read it and she's an english professor in South Korea. Not everyone can deal with the stigma that comes with the word "cancer" but I think this book is a good book to have around because it will be picked up and read. Great book..
    • 5/5
      I received this as an Early Reviewer. To be honest, I think I accidentally requested it- as I was a bit put off by both the subject matter and the cover. I have a little problem regarding the favoritism of the 'pink' revolution- having had relatives with different forms of cancer, I wonder why all the support is for only one. However, it turns out this was a good book to read, mainly because the author is down-to-earth and talks the reader- as well as her self- through the entire process- from the alarming mammogram, through surgery, etc. It's the little things that add up- like having a bitchy woman doing the sonogram that will determine whether or not you have cancer. These things happen, and no- it's not YOU- it's them! Sometimes knowing this can make it easier to deal with.It would be so beneficial to have a book for ALL of the different sicknesses and ailments, though I'd hate to wish these things on anyone. If they could be written with this candor, humor, grief frustration and insider knowledge it would be invaluable. I also wish they could all end on such a high note. I give this book 5 stars because to a person who needs support during such a traumatic experience, this book might be priceless.
    • 5/5
      This book was a funny, straight forward, no-holds-barred look at breast cancer. Joanna takes us thru her struggle from diagnosis, to becoming a survivor. She also gives great advice on how to manage your way thru the doctors and treatments if you, yourself get diagnosed with breast cancer. This book was truly a great read. Just wonderfully written. A great book even if its not you, yourself diagnosed, even if it's a loved one. I recommend this book to women and men alike!
    • 5/5
      I wish I had received this book a month earlier. A dear friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and this book would have given her invaluable advice and a few smiles. I am still giving her a copy, as her fight is not yet done. The author takes the reader through her journey with breast cancer and its treatment, and provides helpful links for more information. She writes of the uncertainty and the many decisions to be made. It was enjoyable to read the names she gave to her caregivers-which matched their personalities-such as " Rock Star Surgeon." I know that I will be including this book, along with the ginger tea, in the baskets I give to those I know who are diagnosed with breast cancer. I have not been compensated in any way (other than being given a copy of this book) and my opinion on the book is entirely my own.
    • 5/5
      I cried, I laughed, I sighed, I even got angry. Cancer has a way of affecting all of us, whether we are the person with cancer or whether we are the family member or friend. The fight against all forms of cancer is never easy but that doesn't mean there aren't good-times in-between and after the fight. Joanna Chapman is a strong woman for being able to write and share her story with the world. I can relate very much to many of the things she has had to face on her journey to defeat breast cancer. Joanna, congratulations to a stupendous book and may all the readers who come to read it see just how blessed they are and/or will be.
    • 3/5
      There are lots of things to admire and appreciate about this book, but mostly I love the honesty in the writing. It's a delightfully funny and sincere memoir that really reads more like a novel. Breast cancer runs in my family and I enjoyed reading a book on the subject that was so frank about the whole experience.
    • 5/5
      This is a heartening read. Honest yet emotional, it would be encouraging for anyone who has gone through breast cancer, or knows of one now walking through this journey. I would recommend this book to my friends or those struggling with any health issue. Reading reminds us that we’re not alone, and in this is great comfort.
    • 5/5
      By: Joanna ChapmanPublished By: Cosmic Casserole PressAge Recommended: AdultReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: 5Review:"Divine Secrets Of The Ta-Ta Sisterhood" by Joanna Chapman was indeed a good informative read. This survivor lived it. Therefore, I was very interested in what she had to say about it: CANCER. "Ms. Chapman "reveals some of the best advice she wished she’d had, including: how to stop your head from spinning from conflicting advice, why you should accept those foil-covered casseroles, and when to give out “Stupid Passes” for well-meaning but clueless comments." I loved this book because she give you her real thoughts and emotions of what she endured and how her family felt about her on this Ta-Ta ride. Whether you have gone through cancer or not it is a incredible read. If Joanna can laugh with some of her humor she gave us, so can we. For me, I not only 'laughed and cried....tears of joy and sadness' but to me it was so real to have read this amazing book. Again, whither you have been through cancer, yourself, or had a family or friend go through it, or may be you have had not experience with it, I still would recommend this book as a incredible read.
    • 5/5
      This is a fabulous piece! I've honestly never read anything quite like it before. You have a brilliant premise and wonderful person narration. Your conversational wit is superb. You will feel all your emotions when reading. It was such an inspiration to me. I laughed and cried tears of joy and sadness.This book was great! It was well written and honest, poignant, and deeply, darkly funny. If you’re stuck in a rut and looking to read something interesting (& true) this is your book. The author manages to keep the characters interesting and dark at the same time.It has a lot of details so you know what's happening at every moment. Taking us through her journey of breast cancer. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
    • 5/5
      Breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter, is not funny, nor should it be taken lightly. It is an extremely serious condition and needs to be fully understood with all the options available.Joanna Chapman not only wants you to know how devastating it is when you are first told, and how confusing all the terminology can be, plus the options based on how serious the cancer is at the first discovery, but she wants you to know, you can still live your life and keep a sense of humor. Do research and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from others.There is no one correct way. Every woman has her own situation and needs to make the best decision for her. What seems like the best solution may not be after speaking with the professionals. It goes back to knowing your own situation. Don’t be afraid to ask for all your records, lab results, etc. This is YOUR body.Interspersed along the way are small tidbits of advice, along with websites, books, etc to help aid you in your research and travels.You may not have the same family and friend closeness, but don’t feel you must bear this alone. Search out your local support groups, try your religious groups and most importantly are your Pink Sisters who have and are going through the same diagnosis.This book is a must read for anyone with breast cancer. Not only does Joanna write the beginning, when she was diagnosed, and the during, but the difficulty in the after surgery.

    Book preview

    Divine Secrets of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood - Joanna Chapman

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