Reviews for Jellybean, the Collection, Vol. 1

The average rating for Jellybean, the Collection, Vol. 1 based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-03-27 00:00:00 Jonathan Aid Have you ever read a book, passed it on to someone who you think would also appreciate it, only to buy it again ... and again? This is such a book. Cancer can hit anyone. The author of this book never thought it would affect her; she was young and fit. So is the person to whom I am giving the copy I have in front of me. She also is young and fit, with a 7 month old baby. Of course progress is being made in the medical world all the time, but the stark facts still apply. Cancer is a killer. This book is by a survivor. Not everyone is, even if they are in spirit and fully intend to be in fact. A lot of it is still a matter of luck even with all our knowledge. But Marisa Acocella Marchetto faced her diagnosis and treatment with defiance and humour. And in that, many of us feel a kindred spirit. There are many books about cancer written by survivors now, from all points of view and styles. This graphic book seems unique. The author uses a technique she knows to convey her innermost thoughts and reactions, personal to her but so very understandable to us all. Marisa Acocella Marchetto starts from before the original diagnosis. As a young professional, a cartoonist and graphic artist in the city, she had a high-octane, partying, fashionable lifestyle. Cancer was the furthest thing from her thoughts. She also had no health insurance at the time of her diagnosis. And she lived in the USA. As much as anything I was gripped by her personal situation. This woman was very different from me. For instance I could not understand how losing your hair could seem at all important at such a time. But we shared a common humanity, and so will you. I was moved by her plight, and shocked that the first thing hospitals do in the US is to ask for your credit card. The "story" drew me in. Make no mistake, it is a searingly honest account. Marchetto pulls no punches as she uses her artistry to chronicle her experience of breast cancer, and all through the various treatments. Her dour sense of humour makes this a real page-tuner. She goes into many aspects of her life, attitudes by others, and alternative suggestions of treatment. I read it alongside my own treatment and was amazed that she could continue to work at this. Some people cope well with the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, which are all described in great detail. Others have to rest, to recover, to adjust - or even perhaps sadly to accept their new situation if the diagnosis is terminal. We are all different. But this author had such guts and determination that she pushed through on sheer willpower, and finished her 216-page book. (A colourist has put the final touches to ensure that it is a bright and attractive read.) I am grateful that she did. And also of course that she survived to be able to do this, which is the other, less predictable, component. I recommend this as essential reading for anyone afflicted by cancer - or anyone close to them. Others too, as it is an eyeopening account. It is specifically very informative about the breast cancer treatment Marchetto experienced, but the techniques apply across all cancer treatments. And, unexpectedly, it's a fun read. If you too feel that there is still humour to be had in some of the direst situations in life, you will enjoy this book. The author states at the end, "I would like to acknowledge those who will battle, who are battling, and who have battled not just breast cancer but all cancers. I pray for a cure, and look forward to the day when we are all cancer-free." I have rewritten this review, on the day chemo starts for the person I am giving it to, in her honour. I know she has the guts to face whatever is to come. Perhaps reading this book might help others to face a grim situation with similar courage.

Review # 2 was written on 2008-04-07 00:00:00 Michael OHanlan Thank You to Jean, (Goodreads friend), for recommending this book! Marisa Acocella Marchetto is a graphic cartoonist artist....and Cancer Survivor. In this true story Marisa says..."Cancer, I Am Going To Kick Your Butt". With humor, warmth, colorful expressive drawings, Marisa reminds us and awakens us that Cancer is more than surviving an illness ... It can transform a person's life. The journey we take with Marisa begins when she was swimming laps and noticed her arm hurt..."something fishy". She was diagnosed with a lump in her breast. Her book is a realistic honest storytelling of the ins and outs of what comes next... ( after the lump). Feelings, ( the full range), phone calls, conversations with family & friends, her thoughts about shoes, style, and her ongoing desire to continue to enjoy living as close to normal as she ever has, working and meeting deadlines, exercise, ( good days and not so good), and a close look at the process with chemo and radiation. Marisa opens herself up fully to us...( letting us see her sparkling-and down to earth personality), by telling us about her life before Cancer -- and how Cancer changed everything. She warns us about the risks of not having health insurance. Statistics of surviving Cancer without health insurance is much lower. Marisa - herself did not have health insurance -( she had let it lapse), was offered Financial help from her parents and fiancé. A fiancé at her side ( a beautiful love story), and support coming out of the woodwork ... much of Marisa's story is very inspiring. Many thanks to Marisa for adding lightness to darkness, charming us with your drawings, and being an inspiration to many. Perfect gift book for my friend Meara... who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has started treatment at Stanford. NOTE: I wouldn't suggest an ebook. ( it's possible), but couldn't be nearly as colorful.