Synopsis
1. Rebecca and Liza have different ideas and feelings about breast cancer. Rebecca wants her family to see the changes in her personality and the ways in which she is stronger now. Liza is afraid to talk about her mother’s illness. Discuss the reasons for these different responses. How would you feel? 2. Liza feels anxious when her mother talks about cancer. Liza describes the “panic rising . . . like a siren that’s going off” and the need to stop her mother from elaborating on her fear of dying. (p. 138) Why do you think Liza resists these discussions? 3. How would you describe Liza’s reaction in the wig store? Why is she afraid to lose control of her emotions? 4. Rebecca describes Liza as “holding on too tight, trying to hold on to something that’s not there any longer.” (p. 132) How are Liza’s actions affecting her emotionally? 5. What function do the characters of Richard, Mr. Sorenson, Rory, Emma, and Beverly serve in the story? How do they represent part of Liza’s other world, outside her home life? 6. When Rebecca tells her family she does not want the stem-cell transplant, Liza realizes, “We thought we’d been protecting her for years. That’s what Dad had told me, and that’s what I’d thought. But maybe it wasn’t nearly that simple. . . . I wonder how much Mom’s protected me without my knowing it.” (p. 199) What does Liza recognize now about her mother’s strength of spirit? 7. “I feel as if I’ve been picked up and shaken and thrown back down to earth. And now I have to put things back together.” (p. 202) What do you think of Rebecca’s description of her experience as a breast cancer survivor? How does this relate to Liza’s feelings? 8. How does the ending make you feel? Discuss the ways Liza and Rebecca are better equipped to talk with each other after honestly discussing breast cancer. 9. Do you know someone with breast cancer? Have you ever discussed your family history?
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
<b>Ruth Pennebaker</b> has written about her own experiences with breast cancer in <i>The Dallas Morning News</i>.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Both Sides Now (Readers Circle)
Stock Image
Both Sides Now
Published by
Laurel Leaf (edition ), 2002
ISBN 10: 0440229332
ISBN 13: 9780440229339
Used
Mass Market Paperback
Seller: BooksRun, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting. Seller Inventory # 0440229332-11-1
Stock Image
Both Sides Now
Published by
Random House Children's Books, 2002
ISBN 10: 0440229332
ISBN 13: 9780440229339
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 49015589-6
Stock Image
Both Sides Now
Published by
Laurel Leaf, 2002
ISBN 10: 0440229332
ISBN 13: 9780440229339
Used
Mass Market Paperback
Seller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_249474555
Stock Image
Both Sides Now
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Unknown. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0440229332I3N00
Stock Image
Both Sides Now
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Unknown. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0440229332I4N00
Seller Image
Both Sides Now
Seller: SZ Global, Toronto, ON, Canada
Seller rating 1 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Collectible-Very Good. Liza thinks she and her mother, Rebecca, are as different as a mother and daughter can be. Liza, a successful high school junior, works hard at keeping her life under control while maintaining a positive outlook. Rebecca, who gave up writing after her book was rejected, recently completed grueling treatment for breast cancer. When tests reveal that more painful treatments are needed, it seems to Liza that Rebecca has given up. As the control of Liza?s once predictable life unravels, she sees her mother?s courage and strength in a whole new light. Perhaps they can share the pain of the unknown together. Seller Inventory # 9780440229339
Stock Image
Both Sides Now
Seller: GoldBooks, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # 78M97_93_0440229332
Stock Image
Both Sides Now
Seller: BennettBooksLtd, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Mass Market Paperback. Condition: New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # Q-0440229332