Take a photo of a barcode or cover
betweentheshelves 's review for:
Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir
by Walela Nehanda
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
First of all, the audiobook for this is amazing. Nehanda narrates the audiobook, and there are sound effects and such that just make it a very immersive experience. If you're thinking about picking it up, check the trigger warnings and then definitely try the audiobook.
Also, I am confused about the need to publish this as young adult. This isn't to say that teens don't read books about 20-year-olds (because they do), it feels more like an adult memoir that maybe has crossover appeal. There are moments where Nehanda talks about their childhood/teen years, but it's definitely way more focused on their medical journey and how that lead them to discover more about their own identity.
Aside from that, this is definitely a powerful story that hits hard about the US medical system, about racism, about family, and about identity. If you're a fan of memoirs in verse, I'd recommend picking this one up!
Also, I am confused about the need to publish this as young adult. This isn't to say that teens don't read books about 20-year-olds (because they do), it feels more like an adult memoir that maybe has crossover appeal. There are moments where Nehanda talks about their childhood/teen years, but it's definitely way more focused on their medical journey and how that lead them to discover more about their own identity.
Aside from that, this is definitely a powerful story that hits hard about the US medical system, about racism, about family, and about identity. If you're a fan of memoirs in verse, I'd recommend picking this one up!
Graphic: Cancer, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Deadnaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic