It's Not About the Hair: And Other Certainties of Life and Cancer (Hardcover)

by Debra Jarvis (Author)
Key Phrases: not about the hair, Martha Miyagi, The Plan, Everyone Subject (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Jarvis is an ordained minister with a bawdy sense of humor, and a breast cancer survivor who believes in telling it like it is. She's probably not everyone's cup of tea, especially if you believe certain topics are meant only for a doctor's office and/or the bedroom. Still, don't pass this book by without giving it a go-if you have breast cancer, it might be exactly what you need. A chaplain at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Jarvis cares deeply about others, and for all her fast talk, she's a listener. The accounts of other people's struggles are among the most moving in the book. She is also guided by a spiritual sensibility that transcends organized religion. But most of all, she's walked the walk. Diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time as her mother was, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and an implant with courage and, yes, a sense of humor that signals a deep appreciation of life. The title comes from patients whose first question after being diagnosed with breast cancer often is, will I lose my hair? And Jarvis, because she is truly wise and compassionate, understands what they are really asking: will I lose my life? (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review
"No matter what your belief system, Jarvis is a breath of fresh air in the congested world of health memoirs." --Library Journal, September 2007

"You don't need to have experienced cancer to appreciate this book--not by a long shot." -Reader's Digest, July 2008 --Reader's Digest --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sasquatch Books (September 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570615365
• ISBN-13: 978-1570615368
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #374,564 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I cried, I wanted more! , August 19, 2007

By	Kathy P. Byrd "byrdwoman" (SEATTLE, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just finished reading an advance copy of "It's Not About the Hair" and I'm blown away. There is so much wisdom and truth packed between the covers of this book! Debra takes us from her biopsy to surgery, chemo and beyond, with love, honesty and courage--plus she is funny, funny, funny.

This book is much more than the garden-variety cancer memoir, because Debra is an oncology chaplain at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, where her job is to listen to, care for, and counsel cancer patients every day. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her friends said "Why you?" but Debra said, "Why not me?" and walked into the experience with her eyes and her heart wide open. In the book, she lets us into her unique relationship with God, which is by turns moving, inspiring and even irreverant. Debra spots God in surprising places. As I read, I pictured God saying, "You go, girl!"

Throughout her story Debra weaves thought-provoking insights about her patients and her co-workers, her caregivers and her marriage. She taught me how to better befriend anyone with a life-threatening illness. If you have cancer, have had cancer, love someone who has cancer, or if you are a caregiver, you'll discover a real gem in "It's Not About the Hair." Buy this book.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You've said it all!, August 20, 2007

By	Carla Granat (Seattle) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I doubt that I could write a better review than Kathryn Byrd's; it captures very well why Debra Jarvis' book is so powerful. Debra's down-to-earth style, while very engaging, has depth and nuance. She hits the target in such a way that we can understand the complexity of her experience - the simultaneous pain and humor - and almost experience it with her. She talks about issues that most people - and books - don't even mention, such as the issues around cancer and sexuality, and does so in a way that real people can relate to.

Best of all, it's a page-turner! No, really! We want to know what happens next, and how is she going to handle it! And the minute we start to sigh with the enormity of what she is going through, she makes us laugh, and see how it's possible to find balance and humor and meaning in the most challenging situations.

This is a wonderful book. Get it! Send copies to friends!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Not About the Hair- and other certainties of life and cancer, September 25, 2007

By	Lyn (Sacramento, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

You won't find any religious or feel-good platitudes in Debra Jarvis' It's Not About the Hair. Yet, it is an intensely inspirational book. As a chaplain at The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the author faces her own cancer diagnosis and treatment with candor, and humor. Sparked with deep insight this moving and often hilarious account of her journey is a rich read! Jarvis shares stories of her ministry to cancer patients who in turn minister to her. Sometimes silly, sometimes sad this book explores the life-changing diagnosis of cancer. (No skipping to the hysterically funny sub-heading :" Like a Virgin" in chapter 10.)