Promise Me: A Review

Promise Me is the recently released memoir of Nancy Goodman Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. I had really looked forward to reading this book, so I am happy to report that it didn't disappoint.

Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer

Ambassador Brinker intertwines the history of breast cancer and breast cancer research with story of her own life and development (with her older sister Suzy's role and continuing influence in her life woven into the narrative). The stories of survival peppered throughout the book are heartwarming and do an excellent job of illustrating how far research and treatment options have advanced (due in large part to the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure).

I almost wish this had been 3 books instead of one; or perhaps wish that she'd write two follow-up books; one with more details of the nuts and bolts of the creation of the Susan G. Komen Foundation; the other delving deeper into her years of government service, first as Ambassador to Hungary, later as the Chief of Protocol for the White House.

Some of my favorite quotes from Promise Me:

"The first step toward giving to others is grateful recognition of our own assets."

"she embodied the idea of tzedakah, which isn't about performing acts of kindness; it's about the state of being kind."

If you enjoy memoirs and don't mind a few tears along the way, give Promise Me a read. You'll enjoy it and you'll definitely learn a thing or two.