Cheating Destiny

[Momof4gr8kids]

I am always looking for a good book, and well, I am so tired of reading manuals about diabetes that I thought something more like a biography, or story would be good. Another member mentioned Cheating Destiny in another post, but I am starting a new thread to ask about it b/c I don't want to thread high jack. Anyhow, is this book about type1 or type 2? As I understand it, it is just the views of a person with D, who is also the parent of a diabetic. The ratings I read seemed to be both good and bad, but weren't really clear on why - well the one person who was suggested technical manuals as another option, but that really isn't what I am looking for. If anyone has read, or is reading this, or another story type, or biography about D please let me know what it is, and how you like it, and a little about why.

Thanks in advance, Jamie

[Kirsten]

The author lives in my area and his wife runs a local D group for parents and kids. After hearing him speak I did buy the book (I guess that's an endorsement.:p He has D and his son has D and his brother is an endo. he had some interesting things to say about the development of D treatments and his personal experiences. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Who has time to read? :rolleyes: :cwds:

Kirsten

[JanetM]

Jamie,
I bought it and read it and thought it was a brilliant book. The author provides historical and political "fact" to the page and it's brought to life with his own narrative woven skillfully throughout the book. He puts voice to the many frustrations most of us have when it comes to diabetes (whether we're a parent, or a person living with diabetes--names the feelings and fears, and also provides a context within which to place ourselves. Yes, we feel isolated and alone and guilty and frustrated sometimes--he gives meaning to that by enabling us to see that we're also part of something--a culture, a diabetes culture that no one can even hope to understand unless they're living it, or at least have read this book.

It's not a happy book, nor does it have a 'feel good' ending. But it's an honest book.

I was overjoyed when my mother read it while she was here visiting. She was one of those people who thought she understood what we were going through, tried to empathize, but like many, she thought Type 1 diabetics get a couple of shots a day, and have to eat "sugar free" food and they're good to go. This book explains just how constant diabetes management is.

Yes, there's something there about Type 2 as well, at least for the purpose of making a statement about how the 2 types are conflated by the public at large, but I felt like the focus was on Type 1.

It was an amazing book for me. Others may read it completely differently. Sometimes I suppose it depend on "where" you are in your head and your life when you read it. It was my first "diabetes book" of any kind (after the pink panther guide, of course!)

Hope this helps,
Janet

[Momof4gr8kids]

Thanks for the reviews ladies. I think I will pick up a copy. Sounds like it may be something I'll have to step back from on a as needed basis, but it sounds like a good journey. Jamie

[bethdou]

I'm halfway through it right now. Be prepared for some Kleenex moments, like when he describes his son's dx (right in the beginning) - that hit me hard.

So far it's a very interesting read, and he's a very good writer; I'm learning lots about the history of diabetes and what happened after the discovery of insulin. He also weaves in stories about people living with the disease now, and the impact it has on their lives and their communities.

I would definitely recommend it! It's not a happy-happy-joy-joy kind of a read, but it's a heck of a lot easier to read than "Pumping Insulin".....that one was tough! :)

One other good one I've read is Think Like a Pancreas - it's more "technical" but it was an easy-to-read book and made a lot of sense.

(I read at night when I'm supposed to be sleeping..then I get up and do the 2 AM bg test! :rolleyes: )

[zeb'smom]

I finished reading this just a few weeks ago and would also recommend it. I had a few teary eyed moments reading it, mostly when reading about the pre-insulin "treatments". I am hoping to get my parents and other family to read it as well as I think it really does a good job showing the constant work and worry that goes into being the parent to a child with diabetes.

Robyn

[Mom2Madi]

I read the book and found it to be excellent. The history of Diabetes is fascinating...and sad knowing it was pretty much a death sentence in the old days. I try to keep that in mind (how fortunate to have a child dx in modern times) when I go through hard times now 8 mths into this and still feel sad that this is our life. I got tired of reading the manuals too and this gave me a break from that and I could relate to the author since he knew what it felt like to raise a child with Diabetes...plus he has it himself. The parts relating to complications were hard to read but overall I'd recommend the book - well written and interesting.

Jo Ann

[Dawnsmom]

My husband bought me Cheating Destiny for Christmas. I have not read it yet but I have read "Dana's Disease" by Jim Kanerva and highly recommend it.

Dawnsmom

[Twinklet]

I'm off to Borders to find this book, too. Thanks!

[Jeff]

I've read many books about or related to diabetes. Cheating Destiny is, in my opinion, one of the best, and not just because I'm mentioned in the book. (I was with Jim, the author, the day his son was diagnosed.)

I also recommend The Discovery of Insulin my Michael Bliss. It's an amazing story.

[Momof4gr8kids]

I have ordered cheating destiny, and will have to put The Discovery of Insulin, and Dana's Disease on my wish list to order next time. Thanks so much for the reviews, and ideas for books. I have also added extra klenex to my shopping list, and will make sure I have it in hand before I start reading.

Jeff, I will make sure to keep my eye out for you in Cheating Destiny. You must have been a great source of support to have made it to the book :cwds:

Jamie

[bethdou]

The description James Hirsch gives of the FFL conference in Orlando just makes me want to go even more!

I finished the book today, and I have to say that it was a really good book. I haven't read nearly as many as most have (especially Jeff!) but Cheating Destiny has a great mix of telling personal stories of his own, stories of others with D, the history of diabetes, insulin, and treatment since the discovery of insulin, and "technical" information about how diabetes works in the body, research, and so on.

I wish it had the happy ever after ending that we all want....hopefully there will soon be a second edition that does! ;)