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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Battling Cancer: Hope and Inspiration for the Journey Ahead, Penelope Cortez chronicles her journey following a 2011 breast cancer diagnosis, positioning faith as the central aspect of her experience. Initially focused on career success and self-reliance, she reassessed her life’s purpose after being diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Her treatment included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and long-term hormone therapy, during which she managed physical and emotional side effects through exercise, nutrition, and prayer. Cortez talks about the role of God in providing strength, guidance, and healing, and her frequent turn to scripture and spirituality. She speaks on the limits of human control and the importance of surrendering to God’s will. Her account encourages emotional awareness, community support, and the belief that trials can deepen faith and reveal a greater divine purpose.
Battling Cancer by Penelope Cortez is a really thoughtful and well-written look at how illness can upend priorities and reframe what truly matters. Cortez shares moments of discord and grace with a quiet honesty, especially in her candid experiences of strained relationships and emotional fatigue. Her perspective on forgiveness, toward both others and herself, feels authentic and hard-earned, particularly when she talks about conflict during vulnerable times. The writing is clear and conversational, marked by sincerity and akin to a chat with a friend, even in the face of physical transformation. Cortez’s thoughts on dependency and letting go of perfectionism are heartfelt, and I love how she points toward a more meaningful, intentional way of living. Her encouragement to embrace faith, spiritual disciplines, and physical care gives the memoir a practical dimension that many will appreciate, and I have no doubt that readers will come away feeling both inspired and comforted by her guidance and approach. Very highly recommended.
