Flying Crooked

Book excerpt: There are many books about the processes people go through when they discover they have cancer. What makes Flying Crooked different is the author's acceptance of the disease and its consequences. She continues to enjoy life, refuses radiotherapy, and rejects the idea of wearing a prosthesis after a mastectomy. The choices she makes are in sharp contrast to those made by her ex-lover, Simon, who shortly after her operation is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Their different ways of coping form a well-balanced diptych: on her part, acceptance and the peace that this brings; on his, fighting and anger at the cost of precious energy and enjoyment. Flying Crooked describes the process of a search for balance. The open, direct, and unsentimental manner in which Michael describes her decisions as well as her experiences in and out of the hospital take this from an account of coping with disease to an inspirational story of love, friendship, and faith.