BUY THE UNLIKELY GIFT OF BREAST CANCER

“Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped tells the next chapter in a story that, for most, is an unending fight for a normal life.”

“From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Diane’s writing is full of raw, unfiltered emotion—sometimes funny, sometimes gut-wrenching, but always incredibly relatable. She has this unique ability to find humor in the toughest situations.”

“Diane’s style of writing is wonderfully conversational and has the feel of a chat with a friend.”

“Diane gives us a gift by bringing a new level of understanding to better support our family and friends on their cancer journey. An unlikely gift unwrapped, indeed.”

About Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped

When the active phase for cancer treatment ends, does life magically return to normal?

How is one supposed to feel besides exhausted? Grateful? Rational?

What does routine even mean anymore?

Award-winning author Diane M. Simard presents an unapologetic dive into the aftereffects of her experience with Stage III breast cancer, including the struggles she encountered as she attempted to rebuild her identity. Moments of triumph, tragedy, transformation, and humor are recounted with inspirational hope and raw, no-holds-barred interpretation. Through her defining memoir writing style, Diane covers everything post-cancer, ranging from why she now despises ginger to her first cavity in third grade to lymphedema to Nebraska football. There’s even a story about cockroaches.

Editor Reviews

Literary Titan Review
“This book is for the people who think the hardest part of cancer is the treatment. It’s not. It’s what comes after—the loneliness, the mental fog, the weirdly orange hair, the way you stop recognizing yourself in the mirror. If you’ve survived something big—or loved someone who has—this book will meet you right there, no matter how messy your “after” is. Highly recommend for cancer survivors, caregivers, mental health professionals, and anyone who’s been sucker-punched by life and lived to tell the tale.”
Thomas Anderson
Editor in Chief, Literary Titan
Readers' Favorite
“My mother-in-law died from breast cancer at the age of 43, which is the biggest reason why I, as a man, picked up Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped by Diane M. Simard. I wanted a candid account of what the journey looked like to better understand it. What makes Simard's book unique is that she uses humor and raw, no-holds-barred assessments to describe all that she went through. I connected with the issues she had with the chemotherapy drug Tamoxifen, as my wife took it for five years as a preventative measure . . . Simard’s style of writing is wonderfully conversational and has the feel of a chat with a friend . . . This memoir is a powerful reminder of the strength that can emerge from the darkest places, and a thoughtful guide with nuggets of advice for those on, or supporting someone on, a similar path. Very highly recommended.
Asher Sayed
Readers’ Favorite
Literary Titan Review
“Diane’s courage to reveal the raw and unexpected turns of her cancer battle inspires us to confront our own hidden strengths and embrace life with renewed perspective. A must-read for anyone seeking the courage to thrive in the face of adversity.”
Mordecai Ian Brownlee
Ed.D., President, Community College of Aurora (Colorado)