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Thrive Book Club: Let's get 'Radical'

10 October, 2021

People diagnosed with cancer often fall into two categories when it comes to information about their illness. They either can’t get enough information, says Amy Thompson, ThriveNV patient navigator, or they don’t seek it out at all.

With that in mind, ThriveNV is introducing a new feature to our “What’s New” section: Thrive Book Club. We won’t be meeting regularly, except here on the website of course. But we will be sharing our thoughts on books that may be of interest to people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer, are previvors or caregivers, or just have an interest in books about cancer as part of the human experience.

Think of it as presenting a few reading options for you that don’t have long drug names or consent forms, but nonetheless may provide you with food for thought.

We hope you’ll check back with us as we share new books and let us know what you thought of the book selections we've shared. Perhaps you’ll even share recommendations of your own.


We’re kicking off the Thrive Book Club with “Radical: The Science, Culture, and History of Breast Cancer in America” by Kate Pickert and released in October 2019. Pickert is a healthcare journalist who was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at age 35 and underwent more than a year of treatment. In the book, she combines her skill at journalistic storytelling with her own cancer experience.

She discusses her experience and the book with PBS NewsHour for “Brief But Spectacular.” Watch here:

On Goodreads, readers gave the book 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reader Rachel Chapman said of it, “I picked up a lot of books from the library when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is the only one I have finished and recommend whole-heartedly.”

Look for “Radical” from major booksellers.

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Nevada Cancer Coalition's [ThriveNV program] is the best resource in Nevada for everything cancer. They are so knowledgeable and willing to assist whenever needed. I always say, ‘I wish every state had this program because the care and knowledge you all have is unmatched!' They are experts at… Read More

Nicole, Community Partner / Patient Navigator

With the help of ThriveNV and the Nevada Cancer Coalition, CHA has been able to stay up to date on patient resources, whether it's cancer prevention or cancer treatment this Coalition knows it all. Throughout the years, we have collaborated on cancer prevention projects and patient navigation. I… Read More

Liz, FQHC Cancer Care Coordinator, Community Clinic Partner, Northern Nevada

Working together with ThriveNV, specifically with Amy Thompson, made all the difference when it came to giving our mutual patient the resources and the help he needed to get back to good health. By having the support and input of ThriveNV, I found the necessary tools to pave a clear and easy… Read More

Ivonne, Case Manager, Community Clinic Partner, Northern Nevada

I have nothing but good things to say about this organization. Starting with the staff, they are caring, friendly, and very knowledgeable! I immediately felt like they were looking out for the best interest of my sick mother. My main contact was Valerie and she provided me and my mother with all… Read More

Grecia, M., Caregiver, Las Vegas

ThriveNV has been an amazing program to work with! I live in a rural part of Nevada, which means that sometimes resources are difficult to find. Working with ThriveNV and Amy Thompson made all of the difference. They were able to connect us with resources and eased the burden of trying to piece… Read More

Bre T., Caregiver and Community Partner, Rural

I have been extremely impressed with the professionalism, expertise, and supportive resources that ThriveNV has provided to our community. Additionally, having bi-lingual community partners ensures that our patient population is afforded the communication and support they deserve.

Kim D., Community Partner, Southern Nevada

Jorge, I am so grateful for you and your organization, both do so much for our cancer community. You have shown the utmost respect, knowledge and care towards me and my health. You listen, answer all my concerns and are always ready and willing to assist me. You always take the initiative and… Read More

I.A., Ovarian Cancer, Las Vegas

I am very pleased with the assistance and guidance I received from the patient navigator and ThriveNV. I will definitely refer my family and friends to this service.

R.C.G, Breast Cancer
ThriveNV has become a resource of resources for cancer patients and survivors in the state of Nevada. The patient navigators have been incredibly helpful as we share resources to help patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. The addition of bilingual navigators has been an enormous value-… Read More
Natalie S., Survivor and Community Partner