Reconstructing Natalie (Women of Faith Fiction) (2006 Novel of the Year)

RECONSTRUCTING NATALIE by Laura Jensen Walker From the back cover: "You think you're self-conscious about YOUR lack of cleavage?!" You wouldn't think the words "breast cancer" and "hilarity" belonged in the same book, much less the same sentence, but chick lit author and breast cancer survivor Laura Jensen Walker knows how to address painful topics with a wink and a smile. Reconstructing Natalie is the story of a woman whose breast cancer is the catalyst for some serious changes--not the least of which is her cup size! Holding tight to her old friends while reaching out to new ones, Natalie must redefine herself and her faith on new terms. Camy here: This is a powerful book. I totally understand why this was chosen as the Women of Faith Novel of the Year. The humor lifts it above the pain and suffering of cancer patients to the hope of survival, the joy of living, and the victory of a new life. This book has given me insight into breast cancer patients that I've never experienced in just a non-fiction book. I was deep in Natalie's head, fighting with her to not be overwhelmed by depression and bitterness. Her smart mouth and quirky outlook on life is sharp and brilliant, while her moments of sadness are poignant and strong. The small moments of human drama spoke volumes about the kinds of things she faced. Natalie's friends and family are supportive without being cheesy or goody-goody. It's not just about Natalie and her cancer--it's also about how it affects the people around her, both the ones close to her and her acquaintances. At times, Natalie's banter with her girlfriends get a little corny, but their unflagging encouragement shows how much Natalie needs them in order to get through her ordeal. As a reader, I'm given a glimpse into both stalwart friends and also unsupportive friends, and the effect on a struggling patient. The subplots involving Natalie's fellow support group friends are vibrant and touching. They truly complete Natalie's story, by adding social nuances and different threads of emotions. The energetic humor makes this novel so rich and bright. It focuses on the gift of life, the joy of God's Spirit, His shining love. It doesn't paint a rose-colored world--pain and betrayal is there in all its ugliness--but it shows people rising above with the strength of Christ, the brilliance of His love. I don't know if a teen would catch all the emotional nuances, but it's an eye-opening look into a cancer patient. Young and older women alike, from all walks of life, will be truly blessed by this book.

Only a cancer survivor has earned the right to tackle such a sensitive subject by using humor. And only a gifted writer could pull it off. Laura is both. A good read for anyone who wants a different kind of novel, but a must read for anyone who has ever battled breast cancer. Nicely done, Mrs. Walker.

Laura Jensen Walker has created a captivating character. I fell in love with Natalie. She's sassy, smart, and only slightly spoiled -- the kind of little sister I'd love to have. Reconstructing Natalie is a muliti-layered tale. It's a story about love and loss, faithfulness and friendship. Natlie is complicated, funny, and flawed. What I love most are seeing her imperfections. We watch Natalie behave bravely and we see her hide. We hear her snap at her mother and we are made privy to her prayers. I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys an engaging, thoughtful story. It is to date, Ms. Walker's best.

I read this book in 2 1/2 days because it was so good. I was suprised that I would enjoy a book that centered around a subject like cancer especially since I am around Natalie's age myself, but it was funny, and romantic. Of course there is a love story in the book with a great ending. I loved it and I would recommend it to anyone. It also made me see cancer patients in a whole new light. They are real people which should be respected instead of feared. Yes we all have fear when we see someone with cancer. Read the book and you'll see what I mean. Just remember: funny, romantic, and a must read.

Natalie is about to lose more than her glass slipper and she hasn't even been invited to the ball. At twenty-seven she is still a dreamy hopeful girl longing for romance and thinking about dating the man of her dreams. That is until she discovers a lump in her breast while trying on a bra at Victoria's Secret. Hugh Jackman once said that if you back down from a fear, the ghost of that fear never goes away. He also happens to be one of the men Natalie has a crush on. With wide ranging interests in popular culture, Natalie has her list of men she would like to date and on the day she realizes she might have breast cancer, it seems her dreams are about to be replaced by fear. Natalie then embarks on a fight for her life as she encounters the challenges of chemo, blessings of support meetings and unexpected crushes on her male chemo nurse. While she is developing an aversion to chocolate and Pop Tarts, she learns that the road to healing will take every ounce of her strength. With a support team and loving best friends, Natalie's life reveals what it is truly like to encounter cancer and fight for the life you have always imagined. While having cancer is not funny, Laura Jensen Walker embraces her gift as a writer and creates engaging moments of love, laughter and friendship. The positive spirit throughout is encouraging and beautiful. Laura Jensen Walker, a cancer survivor, draws on her own experiences to create a captivating and warm story of a woman who decides to look fear in the face and take on her future with hope and determination. Laura's own love of travel and spending time with her girlfriends is lovingly woven into the story. If you have read her books, you will recognize her love of commenting on popular culture, especially movies. Laura has a unique gift for writing about the challenge of facing cancer and in this book she reaches out to women who will welcome the connection and understanding Natalie can provide. ~The Rebecca Review