A BREAST CANCER ALPHABET

In these 26 short personal essays, Sikka shares her musings and observations on being diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer. As executive producer of NPR, Sikka is aware of the power of spoken words, and her reading is enriched by that understanding. Her slightly British-sounding voice infuses the reading with the warmth, personal experience, and attitude that only she could bring. "J Is for Journey" questions society's need to transform this disease into a mystical journey, and "Q Is for Quitting" gives listeners permission to give up when they feel like it. Sikka couches insights in the practical and often poignant language of her own experience ("you will find . . ." and "don't be surprised if . . .") rather than the neutral language of medicine. This is valuable information many listeners will find helpful and comforting. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2014]