Janet Maker

Dr. Maker's newest book, One Ordinary Hero, was inspired by Joseph Campbell’s work applying the myth of the hero’s journey to ordinary people. She uses that perspective to describe how she was able to respond to challenges in her own life. Through working on her own psychology, she was able to manage her fears and create a fulfilling career, establish financial security, build a family through single parent adoption, travel all over the world, and enjoy a happy life with few regrets. Her book inspires ordinary people, especially women, to build extraordinary lives.

The Thinking Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer describes the author's experience with her own breast cancer treatment in 2011. Because she has a background in research, she found a great deal of information that other people don't know. Rather than passively following her doctors' advice, she was able to make more informed decisions to give herself a better chance to recover and stay in remission. Readers might make different decisions than she did, but the information will empower them to make the decisions that are best for them.

Dr. Maker is retired from a distinguished career as a professor and author of leading textbooks in the field of College Reading. She is also the author of the award-winning The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer, which is based on her own experience with breast cancer in 2011 and the work she does to remain in remission. She maintains a website, newsletter, an Facebook page about breast cancer,

She lives in Los Angeles and spends her time reading, writing, and advocating for progressive causes, as well as being a devoted mom, grandma, and doggie mom. She also loves traveling, dining, blues music, Spanish, the arts, and the outdoors.