Customer Reviews

Lopsided: A Memoir

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Meredith Norton's memoir is unexpectedly funny about a very serious subject. I found myself reading the novel,not wanting to put it down, eager to find out how she brings the story to an end. The comparison to Sedaris is appropriate as Meredith maintains the humor throughout yet pauses at times to allow us to understand the severity of cancer she faced. Memoirs are supposed to be self-reflections of personal experience, not self-help books that offer advice to others who may be suffering from the same disease; I disagree with the reviewer who suggests caution. Meredith brings us into her world and experiences, so we understand her confusion, frustration, anger, and humor. A great read from a woman who has a wonderful spirit and drive to survive against all odds. And she can write.

I picked up this book even though I had never heard of it because a) I'm interested in memoir and b) my sister-in-law is battling cancer. I never expected to be this enthralled. I simply could not put it down. Several times I found myself sneaking away from work just to read another page or two. I was riveted.

You can't help but fall in love with Meredith, this quirky character who doesn't take herself seriously and seems like just the kind of person I'd love (or be) in real life. Her battles are real but her wit is what moved me. I laughed out loud several times. I know, how is cancer funny? But you just have to read it for yourself. Really. You have to!

Don't miss this great read!

I've read a lot of the breast cancer literature for the woman diagnosed since I was diagnosed 8 years ago - doing fine, thanks. This is the first one I think I've seen by a woman of color. A good combo read with Cancer Vixen.

If you're looking for easy consolations and wishful thinking, don't look here. Meredith Norton pulls no punches and tells simple but hard truths: as her dad puts it, "No one gets out of here alive." But this isn't a depressing book; it's a story of (temporary) survival, and it's wickedly funny. Norton has a great eye for the ridiculous and outrageous in others and in herself. Recommended to anyone who may die.

Move over Lance Armstrong - I predict this funny and bittersweet book about cancer will become the new go-to gift book for newly diagnosed cancer patients. This book is refreshingly BS-free, offering a clear-eyed, witty, and brutally honest portrait of lives touched by cancer.

What a life too: Norton has piles of ridiculous personal stories that spice up the tale, such as her stories about her hardboiled mom and Cosby-style dad, plus enough crazy friends to fill up a football stadium. Norton's deft avoidance of saccharine-sweet cheese keeps this book true, clearing room for her humorous meditations to strike.

This book is a blast of fresh air for anyone who has battled cancer directly or by the side of a loved one. It is written almost completely without self-pity: frank, intensely aware, perhaps afraid inside -- but brash and full of life outside. I'm not sure how much direct application it will have for most people -- the author seems to have lived a pretty unique life -- but it certainly gives one an unexpected, helpful, and ultimately very wise perspective on life with this awful disease.

I read "Lopsided" in less than a day -- couldn't put it down. Meredith Norton is a fabulous storyteller with a wicked sense of humor. What I find most appealing about her writing is her ability to poke fun of family and friends while simultaneously treating them with great affection. The book humanizes (and "humorizes") the process of living with a devastating form of cancer, a gift to many.

The book is not for everyone. The occasionally coarse language is one reason, and another is that it's not intended to be an "inspirational" memoir, which some desire or need. (I thought of giving it to one friend with terminal cancer, and decided against it.) But to those who can handle it, you will be left wanting more in-depth versions of each salacious anecdote!

I think it's a great companion to Adam Gopnik's "Paris to the Moon" -- both offer hilarious inside looks at the French-American tete-a-tete in our modern world.

"Lopsided" is a jolt of reality and hilarity for those of us that have, tragically but understandably, almost become used to the idea of breast cancer. So many women are being diagnosed each year that unless it strikes someone you love, the shock of cancer doesn't seem to reach inside and grab you. Until now... Meredith Norton makes absolutely certain that readers become part of not only her breast cancer story, but of her life. A cancer diagnosis affects real, live, original people and their families. We must never forget that each diagnosis is personal, unique and frightening. What a gift and a bonus that we can be reminded with such an absolutely hysterical, irreverant and fabulous story.

What a compelling book - I read it in one day - dare I call it a good beach read. It is amazing to see someone tackle cancer with such humor. While I certainly see the need for inspirational/advice books, I really appreciate the idea of just telling a story that happens to center on cancer. I think the author should be lauded for her fresh take on a topic in need of some levity. And I hope she gets to write more books on other topics.

This is not a self help book or a traditional book to console the ill. Unless you consider laughter to be good medicine, that is. When a vivacious young woman is blindsided by a rare and deadly form of breast cancer, she finds herself suddenly plunged into exhausting medical treatments. All around her, friends and well meaning acquaintances offer "inspirational" advice, oh yes, and wigs. Through her ordeal Meredith retains her unique sense of humor. The book switches between her struggle against cancer, and memories of the previous chapters of her life. I was literally laughing out loud at some parts and brought to tears by others. It's unfortunate it took such drastic measures to bring Ms. Norton's voice into publication, but we are the luckier for it. A story you won't soon forget.