Daughter of Family G
In 1895, Ami McKay’s great-great aunt Pauline Gross set into motion events that would one day answer the question that plagued her family for generations: what was causing many of her family members to die so young? Weaving together her family history, genetic discovery, and moments from her own life, McKay tells the compelling story of her family’s journey with Lynch syndrome in the memoir Daughter of Family G.
This story was impossible to put down. I’ve enjoyed every novel written by McKay, so when I spotted this memoir I knew I had to have it. When one sees a book is about cancer, it’s easy to assume the story will be full of hopelessness, loss, and despair. But McKay conveys such hope as she tells readers about her family’s connection to the discovery of Lynch syndrome and this genetic mutation’s impact on her ancestors and herself. Although she has lost many family members, including her own mother, to cancer because of the mutation, McKay shows how proactive such devastating knowledge can make you. She, along with other family members, has shown incredible strength and determination as they live with an overwhelming diagnosis.
I loved how McKay weaved together chapters told from her perspective, along with those in Pauline’s and other family members’ perspectives. It really helped create a clearer picture of McKay’s history and just how important this discovery was not only for her family but many others like hers. The revelation of Lynch syndrome has not only saved her life but countless others as well.
I couldn’t imagine knowing I had a mutation that would likely lead to a cancer diagnosis. Knowing that I had passed that mutation onto at least one of my children would be almost too much to bear. But throughout the book, McKay continues to be hopeful not only for her future but for her children’s as well. With more scientific breakthroughs happening every year, we may one day see a future where cancer is not a heart-stopping diagnosis.
I don’t think there is a single person who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way, whether it’s through a family member or friend. That’s one of the reasons this memoir impacted me so much. McKay gave us a story of hope that everyone can connect to. I’m so glad McKay was brave enough to be so open and write this book. She not only told us about cancer’s impact on her life, but other moments like her journey to become an author. That was inspiring for me especially.
Intimate, candid, and probing, Daughter of Family G tells a fascinating story.
Daughter of Family G Rating: ★★★★★
This story was impossible to put down. I’ve enjoyed every novel written by McKay, so when I spotted this memoir I knew I had to have it. When one sees a book is about cancer, it’s easy to assume the story will be full of hopelessness, loss, and despair. But McKay conveys such hope as she tells readers about her family’s connection to the discovery of Lynch syndrome and this genetic mutation’s impact on her ancestors and herself. Although she has lost many family members, including her own mother, to cancer because of the mutation, McKay shows how proactive such devastating knowledge can make you. She, along with other family members, has shown incredible strength and determination as they live with an overwhelming diagnosis.
I loved how McKay weaved together chapters told from her perspective, along with those in Pauline’s and other family members’ perspectives. It really helped create a clearer picture of McKay’s history and just how important this discovery was not only for her family but many others like hers. The revelation of Lynch syndrome has not only saved her life but countless others as well.
I couldn’t imagine knowing I had a mutation that would likely lead to a cancer diagnosis. Knowing that I had passed that mutation onto at least one of my children would be almost too much to bear. But throughout the book, McKay continues to be hopeful not only for her future but for her children’s as well. With more scientific breakthroughs happening every year, we may one day see a future where cancer is not a heart-stopping diagnosis.
I don’t think there is a single person who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way, whether it’s through a family member or friend. That’s one of the reasons this memoir impacted me so much. McKay gave us a story of hope that everyone can connect to. I’m so glad McKay was brave enough to be so open and write this book. She not only told us about cancer’s impact on her life, but other moments like her journey to become an author. That was inspiring for me especially.
Intimate, candid, and probing, Daughter of Family G tells a fascinating story.
Daughter of Family G Rating: ★★★★★