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How to Ride a Dragon
Text copyright © 2002 by Michelle Tocher and Eleanor Nielsen
ISBN 1-55263-397-7
How to Ride a Dragon has been described as a “beautifully crafted tapestry of mythology, fantasy, narrative and first-hand human experience that tells the stories of 22 women, their families and friends, and their epic struggles to come to terms with cancer.” The book was voted by Canadians as #11 on the CBC’s Reader’s Choice list of Best Canadian Fiction (though it is not fiction!) The book speaks to anyone who is dealing with major adversity in their lives.
Here’s what others have said about How to Ride a Dragon:
“I loved this book, consuming the 229 pages in one sitting. I was humbled by the experiences recounted. I found the book intellectually challenging, emotionally wrenching, and practice changing. After reading the stories and allowing the words to enter my person, I will be a better nurse and a more caring human being. Without having had breast cancer, I cannot truly know what the experience is like. However, How to Ride a Dragon brought me as close to understanding as is possible without firsthand experience. This I view as a literary success.”
—Beth Perry, RN, Ph.D., Canadian Nursing Oncology Journal
“This is not a book to take up lightly. Readers should be prepared to be moved deeply by the determination and resilience of these women to fight, come to terms, and ultimately live with their dragons. I recommend this book to anyone who seeks to learn and understand how their patients, friends, or family members learn to live with the daily challenge of life-threatening disease and find ways to live life to the fullest. It is an inspiring book and one I recommend all family doctors have on their bookshelves.”
—Marjorie Wood, MB, CHB, MCLSC, CCFP, Canadian Family Physician, November, 2004
Riding the dragon is as empowering as it is horrifying. Why must we suffer and agonize before we recognize the abundance of our own untapped strength and our plenitude of spirit? The book offers hope and affirmation to those who are willing to take it. It affords us an opportunity to celebrate the triumphant and indomitable nature of the human spirit.
—Mary Blackstock, cancer survivor, Talespin
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