"I do have a future, and the picture of that future is made up of a multitude of tiny dots called 'right now.'"

Carrie Host knows that the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness takes a split second to change your life, as well as the lives of your partner, parents, children and all who love you. Packed with inspiration, advice, comfort and hope, Between Me and the River is Host's candid and uplifting memoir of how she found the strength and fortitude to triumph over a rare form of cancer, and craft a new and meaningful life.

When told at forty, with her youngest child just ten months old, that she had carcinoid tumor, Host felt as if she'd been hurled into a raging river, stripped of all forms of potential rescue. The voyage of this strong-minded, openhearted woman out of that river and onto safe shores is told with uncompromising honesty and respect for the miracles that medicine and love can work.

While dealing with practical issues such as how to find the best medical team and what to tell the children, Host also recounts the many spiritual and eye-opening lessons that made her journey so bearable: how to see what is available rather than what is absent, how to free up energy to heal by letting go of anger and fear, and how to believe in the future.

Host's unquenchable sense of humor in the midst of suffering creates poignant moments of laughter through tears. Bracing, lyrical and deeply moving, Between Me and the River is a tribute to one life, and all lives, rerouted by illness. This remarkably honest book provides a deep sense of insight and understanding for survivors, caregivers, family members and friends.

About The Author (Author's Website)

Carrie Host serves on the board of directors for the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (www.caringforcarcinoid.org), which is the only not-for-profit foundation dedicated to discovering a cure for carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumors. An accomplished public speaker, Host addresses cancer patients and the medical community at CFCF and other cancer-related fundraising events across the country. A third-generation Colorado native, she lives in Boulder with her husband and their three children: Chanel (19), Marco (17) and William (6).

As many of you have, I've lost close family members to cancer. This extremely moving account was very difficult for me to read.

This is a compelling book that is both raw and candid, and beautiful written. Host takes us on her journey through cancer not giving us just the clinical details, but also the emotional details.

I can't say enough about how this book touched me. I cried through the entire book. It's inspiring and uplifting at the same time it is raw and gritty.

For anyone who has loved ones going through this battle, or has lost someone to cancer this book will give you real insight into what that experience is like. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and what we can endure.

Thanks to Lisa Roe for sending me a copy to review!