I received this book as part of Early Reviewers from Librarything. Dear Friends is the result of a project started by a breast cancer survivor, Gina L. Mulligan. Gina shares in the introduction how once she beat cancer, she knew she wanted to start something to encourage other women going through the same experience. And the result is a series of handwritten letters of encouragement, letters written by survivors, siblings, children,men, some soldiers-to women who've been recently diagnosed, women who are feeling overwhelmed, scared and out of control. Thus this book is a bound copy of handwritten notes, pictures and poems, addressed to "Dear Friend" or "Dear Sister".
Many of the notes say the same thing- you are strong, you can beat this, you are not alone, you are brave, my mother beat cancer, my grandmother beat cancer, you will too. I think the idea is wonderful, to hand letters of encouragement to women fighting cancer. But I couldn't help feeling that there is something missing here. Not everyone beats cancer, and people know this. Women know that they may not survive it. And there doesn't seem to be any acknowledgement of this truth in this book. I know that it is culturally and societally appropriate to spread messages of "positivity" and hope, but when there is a denial of the reality of possible death, it just screams something out to me .. The big elephant in the room is stomping. Won't anyone have the courage to mention possible death? Won't anyone mention what *every* woman thinks of when she is diagnosed? And while it is encouraging to hear positive outcomes, there is something sorely missing when the obvious isn't stated: yes, you may die from this....
I guess that would make a lousy book though. The pretty handwriting (in some cases) just doesn't fit with bad news. I admire Gina L. Mulligan for all the work she put into this project. And I hope it encourages many women. ( )

I received this book through a giveaway from LibraryThing.com and Chronicle Books. This is a lovely, beautiful, and encouraging book! I will be passing it on in hope if it reaching someone who really needs it! My Grandma was a breast cancer survivor and I think she would've loved this book. Not only are the letters beautiful but the book itself is comforting and gorgeous! ( )

I actually gifted this book to a friend who has breast cancer but she told me she was thrilled with it. She said it was heartwarming, comforting and uplifting. I will consider that a win for the author. ( )

This is a wonderful book! "Dear Friend" is a wonderful book for anyone dealing with breast cancer. The book contains copies of handwritten letters by people who have experienced health proplems. The letters were collected by, "Girls Love Mail". that provides upliting support to people with breast cancer. The writters are compassionate, encourageing, givng supportive advice or just sharing their experiences with empathy and humur. I'm sure there is something for eveyone in this small book with a big heart. I really enjoyed reading the letters! ( )

I do not have cancer but I know a lot of women who have or had. These letters were so heart warming and so powerful to read. They encourage and help the person going through cancer but also the family or caregivers to have hope and know that they are not alone. Powerful words. Great book ( )