Dear Stranger, Dearest Friend

I suppose this novel is remarkable on one level for its thoughtful but not heavy-handed treatment of breast cancer. I notice other reviewers have devoted considerable words to that aspect. However, where I think this book has carved itself a new niche in mainstream fiction is that it shows us the slow but gradual evolution of a friendship and its coming to full flower in the online world. We've certainly read a great deal about sexual messes men and women have gotten themselves into online. This writer, however, focuses on something a lot quieter taking place and arguably more powerful. This is the formation of lifelong relations with others through a medium of communication which never existed before. In a way, these two women are the Lewis & Clark of exploring life in the cyber world. Is it possible to form a completely life altering, life bonding relationship without physically being in the presence of another? We knew from history that a few achieved it with letters and now we can see how it can be born again and again around the world over the internet via email. If you are reading this, you are already on the internet and you, therefore, should read this book. Highly recommended.

This book moved me like few books have moved me before! The story of two women whose friendship blossoms by way of the Internet is thought provoking and touching. Susan and Lara couldn't be more different. They, however, have a strong thing in common: Breast Cancer. Having found a lump on one of her breasts, Lara seeks help in an online Breast Cancer forum. That is where she meets BC survivor, Susan. A unique friendship has begun and a wonderful story develops.The ending is extremely touching without being too sentimental and the e-mail correspondences are poignant and funny at the same time. You can never be too young to read a novel about Breast Cancer and the struggles women and their families go through. I recommend this beautiful novel most highly!

Laney Katz Becker has written a marvelous book! This epistolary novel is composed of e-mails between two women in different parts of the country who *meet* on an online breast cancer message board. At the beginning of the novel, Susan, who lives in Ohio, is in remission after being diagnosed with breast cancer three years earlier, while Lara, in a suburb of New York, has just found a lump and is in the process of having a biopsy to determine what it is and what treatment she will have. In a panic, she signs on to a cancer message board and then e-mails Susan with her many questions and fears.The book traces the correspondence between these two very different women whose common problem allows them to find strength in and through each other. Lara's search for a definitive diagnosis is a revealing look at the frightening and startling scenarios that face women with this disease.This is an uplifting story of friendship in the face of adversity, offering insight into the turmoil of a cancer diagnosis. The author, a breast cancer survivor herself, has written a book that every woman should read. She includes a good list of breast cancer resources at the end of the book.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this terrible cancer and read a story of a great friendship and caring.

This morning, this book arrived on my doorstep. The note attached read: This is a one year anniversary gift celebrating your strength and courage. We hope it helps you heal the wounds that are hidden deep inside of you. Love Always! My sister, ever so thoughtful, remembered the day I went to the doctor to show him my pea sized lump.I put everything down and read the entire book this afternoon. I laughed and cried and understood exactly how these women felt. I will be passing this book onto my friends who have helped me through this long year, as well as my friends who have survived. Thank you for this wonderful tribute to those of us who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

This is one of the most touching books i have read in a long time. While i have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, i have watched others...and the spirit between these two online friends is so inspirational...it is sad, but uplifiting...the story has made me reflect on the value of my friendships with other women...if only we could all have a Susan or a Lara in our lives. The conversations between these two women about their children are terrific, especially about their teenage daughters...i think someone has been eavesdropping at my house! I confess I could not put the book down until the last few pages; i needed courage to finish those last pages. I hope we see more from this author!