Review: "Cancer Vixen" by Marisa Acocella Marchetto

"Cancer Vixen" is a graphic novel written by a professional cartoonist who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43.

I've had this book in the TBR (to be read) section of my mind for some time, so when it was chosen for Discussing Breast Cancer's monthly read, I was finally motivated to actually getting around to reading it.

Going in, I was 50/50 on predicting whether or not I'd enjoy this book.

My biases going in:

Pro: I L00000VE graphic novels. Ever since I discovered Maus, I've been smitten with the form.

Con: I can't stand chick lit - probably because my idea of fashion is replacing my Levis and my Born shoes when they wear out. The cover, the dust jacket, and what I'd already heard about "Cancer Vixen" tipped me off that shoes and shopping were going to be major themes.

The Result? I do think that "Cancer Vixen" is a great read, and very creative. Everyone has a unique and interesting cancer story, but not everyone has Marisa Acocella Marchetto's unique talent to convey it graphically.

There are numerous panels that are just so clever that I find myself looking at them over and over again.

According to several websites, Cate Blanchette will be starring in the upcoming movie. Hmmm. Unless the movie gets glowing reviews, I won't bother seeing it. For me, it was the form of this book that really swept me away, not the love story or the hip, urban setting.

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Review from Discussing Breast Cancer