The Red Devil : A Memoir About Beating The Odds

by Katherine Russell Rich

Book Overview

When Katherine Russell Rich was 32, a newly divorced magazine editor living in New York City, her 10-year ordeal with cancer began. Soon she was bald, scrambled, and living in two worlds simultaneously: the world of the ill, of treatments, exhaustion, and doctors focused on avoiding malpractice suits; and the "normal" world, where dating, career, vacations, and 401(k) plans still mattered. Dazzling in its writing, The Red Devil is alternately wise...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0609803247
• ISBN13: 9780609803240
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group, The
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Courageous

For a cancer survivor to record the whole nasty experience and not succumb to the fear that the words she writes will be her last is so courageous and selfless. They don't have to share, but they do. My mother-in-law is in her second remission from ovarian cancer. As a family member who so dearly loves her and wishes this evil cancer would be silenced, Kathy's novel is refreshing. I agree with the fact a cancer patient has to keep her head in the game. Trusting one doctor is foolish when you're gambling with your life. It's better to ask, then lose time. Loved it.

Touching and ironically humorous

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May of 2000; I am seventeen years old. Although this memoir deals with breast cancer, I still found it extremely helpful, funny, comforting, sad, etc. It illustrates the experience of cancer as not only harrowing, but as a learning experience. Ms. Rich attacks her disease with truth and strength. I recommend this book to ANYONE, involved with cancer or not.

A Powerful Story

This book was recommended to me by my sister, a breast cancer survivor. She said it was the best book she had read about a woman with breast cancer. My sister is correct. Katherine Russell Rich has hightened my awareness of the breast cancer experience. Every health care provider should read this book, especially physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, especially if they work with cancer patients. Unlike others who have reviewed this book, I not only could "put it down," I had to put it down often. It was a story so powerful and emotional, I could only take it in parts, but it delivers a very important message. Katherine Russell Rich, thank you for writing and sharing your story.

Hey Oprah, Here's your next book club book!

Katherine Russel Rich is an excellent example of a strong womanwho has a serious story to tell. Breast cancer is scarey enough for meto think of, but after reading this remarkable experience, it is definitely something I would NOT wish on my worst enemy. The terrible experiences she suffered through weren't only caused by her cancerous body, or the medications pumped into her, but by other people and their unbelievable reactions to her and her disease. I laughed. I cried. I got really mad that someone could go through such a time. I feel Katherine is a part of my family now. I'm eager to hear more. I hope and pray for her complete recovery, both physically and emotionally. She has touched my heart and soul through her words. Everyone should read this book. Maybe more people would be sympathetic towards cancer patients and survivors if they did. I never quite realized what it all meant until reading her story. END

Red Hot Writer

kathy rich is a true fighter and she brings a unique, inspiring perspective to the fight against breast cancer. she shows that you can fight in your own personal way and discover a tremendous amount of inner strength in the midst of this horrible disease. a great book for women who have battled cancer and for women facing other battles as well.