A New Kind of Normal - Softcover

Keenan, Alison

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1916495303 ISBN 13: 9781916495302

Publisher: Ali-k-productions.com, 2018

Synopsis

 

They say there’s a book in all of us, but I doubt I would ever have written one had it not have been for my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2011.  ‘A New Kind of Normal' is the story of my life up to and moving on from that moment. Growing up in the 60's, working through the 70's and 80's, juggling a career in TV and radio while bringing up three children and surviving two divorces.  From the moment I knew what a bra was, I’d wanted breasts: I even crafted a pair of blue plasticine boobs for myself, as nature made me wait until I was 15 for breasts of my own!  Through cancer I lost them both, and with the chemotherapy; all my hair, my fingernails, and more worryingly, a sense of whom I was.   My hair grew back, as did my fingernails, but I still struggled with my identity.

What I’ve written isn't a diary, nor a self-help guide, and it's not just about cancer.  I’ve taken a really good look at the little girl I was and the woman I grew into, and why I went to such lengths to try and claw back some of what cancer had taken from me - it's not everyone's way I appreciate, and it’s been an interesting exercise trying to ascertain why it was mine!

I’ve been honest, open, and meticulous when it comes to detail, as I firmly believe that if you take away the mystery, you can take away some of the fear.  But there’s a lot to laugh about here too, as luckily I’ve always been able to see the funny side of a situation, preferring that to the occasional overwhelming despair I felt.

In this book I've tried to move the disease away from the medical professionals and the hospitals, and to bring it into the day to day, because that's where it sits.  Over the last seven years I’ve come to realise that the ripple effect of cancer is far reaching, affecting not just those of us living with it but everyone around us. 'A New Kind of Normal' gives an insight into my relationship with my then partner, now husband; my children and their reaction to my illness, my family and friends, my work colleagues, people who wrote to me, and the professionals who cared for me; everybody reacts differently.  Breast cancer assaults your femininity - the treatment is tough and the surgery brutal.   It isn't easy, but it is possible, and I'd like to feel this book may be a source of comfort to anyone who's life is touched by breast cancer; maybe even help them to find their 'New Kind of Normal'.  There are many things in life we may have to give up on, but hope is not one of them.

About this title

Review:

 

Beautifully written with so many echoes.   I couldn’t put it down.  I read it in a day, and was touched, reminded and walked so many places with you in my mind.

This book is a powerful story about love, loss and triumph, friends, family, fear, occasional despair, but ultimately hope.  It's funny, frank and informative - Ali's a fighter and I know this book will give hope to so many other women who might find themselves treading this same path’

Alison’s character comes through each chapter with clarity and humour so that you are instantly engaged in her life. She writes in a way that draws the reader in.  She is able to convey intimately her feelings about what is happening, what led her to this point in time and gives a reassuringly normal reaction to what is inarguably a situation that anyone would dread having to face.  But face it she does, with immense courage and empathy for those around her.

Her honesty is so raw that you feel you are right there with her and the way she tells her story is both reassuring and hugely relatable in its grounded and very real narrative.

If you don’t know Ali you will want to and will feel like you do having read this story.

A New Kind of Normal is not just another book about cancer and all its associated trials – It is a story of kindness, bravery and humour which readers will find hugely enjoyable and moving.

Your personality really shines through - I get the sense that I’m reading YOU, Alison Keenan, and that has made reading your writing a joy. You come across as warm and funny, and above all positive and with a real fighting spirit. You also have a beautiful turn of phrase. I really loved 'When you’re young, life stretches ahead of you like a skipping rope.’ I found myself nodding - yes, that’s exactly how it feels!

 

 

 

About the Author:

ABOUT ALISON KEENAN Alison Keenan was born in Buckinghamshire, educated in Surrey and now lives in Berkshire. She started her career at Shell Centre on the Southbank in London; from their public affairs department she moved into book publishing, then advertising. A chance meeting led to work as a voice-over artist, then more regular work presenting a daily chat show for BBC local radio, in Shropshire. Three years later Alison moved into television, working on ITV's flagship show 'This Morning' for four years, standing in for then-hosts, Richard & Judy. Alison also worked as a reporter for the BBC's Watchdog and The Holiday Programme, before embarking on her current role at QVC, the shopping channel. Alison's interest in writing brought about opportunities for her to write for the BBC TV series Doctors, and to work on Channel 4's documentary Dispatches. In 2011, Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer. Some years later she decided to write this, her first book: A New Kind of Normal. The book was inspired by the popularity of the blogs she wrote throughout her cancer treatment and those followers who supported her. Alison is married, with three children, five step-children and a granddaughter. You can follow Alison Keenan on twitter @alikqvc, or find her on Facebook. For more information, please visit: www.ali-k-productions.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Ali-k-productions.com
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1916495303
• ISBN 13: 9781916495302
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 376