Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped: Unfiltered Reflections on Life After Breast Cancer by Diane M. Simard explores the aftermath of her battle with breast cancer. This follow-up to her initial memoir extends her narrative into the realities of life post-treatment, where the physical and emotional scars continue. Simard shares her transformative journey with an honest reflection that those who have navigated similar paths can relate to. Simard organizes her experiences into thematic “gifts,” a narrative choice that juxtaposes the notion of cancer as a destructive force with the idea that it can also bring blessings. She holds nothing back, and her candidness makes it easy for readers to connect with her struggle and determination.

Diane M. Simard shares her daily challenges, from dealing with the physical aftermath of treatments to the emotional toll of adjusting to a new normal. Her reflections on society’s perceptions of cancer survivors add a critical layer to the discussion and one that’s often overlooked. Perhaps one of the memoir’s most compelling aspects is Simard’s emphasis on the importance of mental health support for cancer survivors. Her advocacy for more comprehensive care frameworks addresses a significant gap in current healthcare practices and offers a hopeful vision for future improvements. I read the first book, and Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped is a necessary follow-up to understand the cancer journey fully. Simard’s narrative is a valuable contribution to the literature on health and wellness, providing support and inspiration to those with cancer and anyone close to someone with this disease. I highly recommend it to all adult readers.

Diane M. Simard’s memoir, Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped, chronicles her experience with breast cancer, addressing both the physical and emotional toll of her diagnosis and treatment. Following her 2015 diagnosis, Simard underwent chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, and endured side effects like lymphedema and joint pain. Simard speaks on the lack of mental health support for cancer patients, leading her to establish the COPE program at the University of Denver to integrate psychosocial care into oncology. Simard talks about a host of issues, such as adjusting to changes in self-image, and critiques superficial awareness campaigns in favor of personalized care. Simard gives readers a peek into her marriage, career shifts, advocacy work, and lifestyle changes to improve her health, which she continues to share through writing, blogging, and leadership development.

My mother-in-law died from breast cancer at the age of 43, which is the biggest reason why I, as a man, picked up Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped by Diane M. Simard. I wanted a candid account of what the journey looked like to better understand it. What makes Simard's book unique is that she uses humor and raw, no-holds-barred assessments to describe all that she went through. I connected with the issues she had with the chemotherapy drug Tamoxifen, as my wife took it for five years as a preventative measure. I saw the hot flashes in person! Simard’s style of writing is wonderfully conversational and has the feel of a chat with a friend. I appreciate her reflections on the enduring impact of cancer on her body, relationships, and sense of self, which are deeply moving. This memoir is a powerful reminder of the strength that can emerge from the darkest places, and a thoughtful guide with nuggets of advice for those on, or supporting someone on, a similar path. Very highly recommended.