It takes inner strength, courage and conviction to do what
Iris Sechriest has done; chronicle the events of her daughter's fight with
cancer. This is not an ordinary book,
the subject deals with unyielding determination and faith. It shows the
difference caregivers can make how positive attitudes promote healing. Sybil's Choice is certainly a
necessary book. First it is a tribute, a
memorial, to Sybil, bringing to the reader the true story of a real person from
the small town of Forest City, North Carolina. Secondly it was a necessary labor of love for Iris to write this book to
help cope with her loss. Finally it is
necessary to have all that has happened not be lost but be both instructional
and inspirational to those of us that may find ourselves or loved ones in such
an unfortunate position.
For me, I found it often easy to slip from book reviewer to
empathic reader; from a witness of Sybil's demise to remembering my own
family's similar circumstances. From the
true story of Sybil to the story of my losing my mother after her fight with
cancer. As few of us live a life
unscathed by medical tragedy, Sybil's Choice brings the sober reality of
surreal decisions people are faced with in the light of such devastating
alternatives.
Iris Sechriest has an amazing emotional constitution; deeply
embedded in her faith however noticeably she doesn't take her daughter's demise
as an opportunity to preach her personal belief. Her writing is as objective as a journalist,
and as honest as a witness under oath. She respectively names and identifies the scores of doctors, places, and
procedures Sybil had undergone. She
honestly assesses the contribution each has made to guide them through their
ordeal. She has shaped her book to
become a tool for others undergoing similar choices.
Sybil's Choice is a terse 173 pages with a thought
provoking cover photograph of a woman walking towards a light at the end of a
tunnel. Iris Sechriest stays “on topic”
throughout her book, as if she were to digress into telling stories about Sybil
this would no doubt rival War and Peace in word count. There is a lovely high school picture of
Sybil at the end of the book, revealing her charismatic smile and intelligent
eyes.
For any person or family faced with a malignant diagnosis,
this book is a must read. Signed books are easily available by mailing a
check for $16.95 plus $4.95 for shipping to: Iris Sechriest, 166 Carolina Avenue, Forest City, NC 28043.
