Author: Angelina Fast-Vlaar

ISBN: 1553060229

The following review was contributed by: E.Dian Moore &  To read more about Dian Moore’s reviews click HERE

To read Diane's Interview With the Author CLICK HERE

Cancer. The word itself is ominous and strikes terror in our hearts. Today, it’s not uncommon for people in North America to know someone who has or had cancer, have it themselves, or had a family member suffer from it.  

A diagnosis of cancer means many things to different people, but often it does not immediately conjure a feeling of hope.

In “THE VALLEY OF CANCER: A JOURNEY OF COMFORT AND HOPE,” author Angelina Fast-Vlaar has given to the world a gift of hope. It is her “prayer that this sharing of my journey may be a means of “calling back” to you to encourage you, whatever your valley may hold.” 

The small volume is arranged to document the 17 months of Fast-Vlaar’s journey, beginning with the diagnosis in July 1997 to remission of the cancer in November 1998.

The entries are excerpts from her journal, beginning with what her condition that month is, then proceeding to reflection, a poem, a place of understanding. As Fast-Vlaar states in the conclusion, the entries themselves sometimes inspired hope as a thought, scripture or poem was brought to mind. In reading the different chapters, the reader also takes the journey and experiences a renewal of hope. 

The format is unusual as it is not a memoir or in-depth story of a woman’s life after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Instead, it is a personal dialogue between the author and God, the author and herself, the author and her family, and finally, the author and the readers.

I watched my mother travel in the dark valley of cancer over a period of two years, and I wish I had had this work to share with her during that time. To know she was not alone in the moments of darkness, and to encourage her to find the peace in her heart.  

As a reviewer, I normally read a book with an analytical approach as to its overall value in content, writing skill, entertainment value, life-application, and ultimately reach a conclusion of whether I recommend it.

This review process was different. From the first page, I was enthralled, emotionally attached to the work as I wept, laughed and finally rejoiced. I have been blessed from reading this book. Though my mother did not survive her battle with cancer, I was comforted that hope springs eternal through a woman I’ve never met.  

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has cancer, fears getting cancer, has a loved one with cancer or is just curious. And along with reading the book, I encourage the reader to also journal, taking inspiration from a survivor who wishes to “call-back” to you.