Tribute Books: "Dianna's Way" by John Catenacci Book Review

Dianna is a young woman in her late 20’s when she meets John, a man in his late 40's. They fall in love and marry. A central feature of their life plan is to have one child to fulfill her fervent lifelong dream of being a mother.

Not to be.

Not long into their marriage, Dianna discovers she has an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Hand in hand, they begin a 17 year spiritual journey into the nature of love and healing. Along the way, she discovers and fulfills her life purpose and, in the process, takes John by the hand, gently helping him to reveal, then fulfill, his own.

In the beginning, John, being much older, thought he would be her teacher but gradually discovers in the most important dimensions of life quite the opposite is true. With Dianna’s guidance, he ultimately discovers we are all teachers, we are all students and we are all one.

Theirs is a story of courage, determination and a lightness of being, as they descend into the deepest valleys of crushing disappointment, pain and suffering only to rise again to ever higher peaks of appreciation, gratitude and love. Throughout it all, their journey is laced with light and laughter.

Even today, after her passing, they continue their relationship, piercing the Illusion that veils this reality, exploring its limits while continuing a spiritual journey without end.

Dianna's Way by John Catenacci

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is so tough when I review books that have their ups and downs.  This is a memoir, and it celebrates the life of a remarkable young woman through the eyes of a man who loved her so unconditionally.  Her struggle against cancer--more than once, I might add--is absolutely inspiring.  I honestly don't think I could have ever done all that she did, but I can only hope that I would face cancer as she did.  She is a testament to the strength of womankind.

I was touched by her husband's care for her during this time.  He did what I believe very few men would have done, and it must mean a lot to get those words down on paper.  The book definitely read like a memoir and often has quite raw emotion.  I was not terribly offended by the profanity--it wasn't too bad.  And although the issue of sex was touched upon, I am so grateful we did not go into their bedroom for those kinds of scenes!

My reasons for marking the book down just slightly is twofold.  I will admit that I found my interest waning from time to time throughout the book.  I didn't find myself terribly immersed in the writing style of the author, but that is not his fault. It is only a personal preference of mine.

My biggest issue lies in the astrology, religion, and psychic references.  I know that pointing these things out should not affect my view of the book, but the author did make these an integral part of the story--in fact, these ideas dominate the last section of the book.  I didn't see the point of these sections, and I grew tired of the syncretist ideas put forth in the book. I know this is merely a personal preference of mine, but this did impede my enjoyment of the book.  If this section and these references had been left out, I do believe that I would have enjoyed the book more.  However, when it comes to a cancer story told with heart, this is definitely a book I can recommend.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

John Catenacci's Bio: 

After spending his youth doing cement construction work while getting his education, John Catenacci earned a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He went on to work on the Apollo 11 Project as a member of the USAF in California, then  as an engineer for the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI, doing both process research as well as designing and building chemical plants.

Mid-career he became interested in group dynamics, leading to another 20-year career in team building that took him across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Saudi Arabia.

With a sprinkling of published short stories and articles in small magazines along the way, his abiding passion has always been writing, something now coming to fruition in this, his first book.

Price: $16.95
Format: paperback
Pages: 365
Publisher: Spiritdogtalking
Release: December 14, 2012

John Catenacci's Web Site:
http://www.diannasway.com/

John Catenacci's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Catenacci/107719899384439

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Dianna's Way blog tour site:
http://diannasway.blogspot.com/

Freschetta® pizza team’s The Strength of 1™ campaign

Now through the end of October, 2012, the makers of Freschetta® pizza are helping to promote breast cancer awareness through their new The Strength of 1™ campaign, which includes sponsoring Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, while providing support to high-risk individuals. The mission of this The Strength of 1™ initiative is to inspire everyone to realize they can make a difference in some way in the fight against breast cancer.

Now, I don't know wjat you think, but Freschetta Pizza is one of the best frozen pizzas out there (in my humble opinion). And breast cancer is still a major killer of women.  I think when  company does something wonderful like this, we should support them.  I took the pledge, and I think you should, too!

Check out the pledge on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freschettapizza

There are several things you can do:

• share stories
• share via social media
• proper breast prevention (including monthly exams)
• And much more!

I took the pledge, so be sure to take it, and share it with your friends and family.  Together, we can find a cure!

 “I occasionally receive compensation in the form of products for posts. However, the opinions I share are solely my own.”

Think Pink: Ways to Join in the Fight Against Breast Cancer (Guest Post)

Fall has arrived but it’s time to change the color we associate with October from orange to pink.  Continuing with the theme that comes along with the month, I think it would be a great opportunity to shine a little more light on the efforts surrounding the fight against breast cancer and increasing the awareness of this devastating disease. 

This year, it is estimated that 200,000 people will be told that they have breast cancer.  Almost 40,000 will lose their lives.  And over the next 25 years, 10 million more will be diagnosed.  Recently there have been big breakthroughs made in treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and awareness of breast cancer, but if we expect to see more improvement then we all have a part to play.  Here are some ways in which you can help, not only during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but all the time:

Donate.  This is an easy step that can make a huge difference.  With organizations like Susan G. Komen, The American Cancer Society, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, you can conveniently make a donation online or by sending a check through the mail. 

Volunteer.  Donating isn’t just restricted to money.  One of the most valuable gifts you can give someone is a donation of your time.  Most of the races and walks organized by the Komen Foundation and American Cancer Society are looking for dedicated volunteers to make the events happen each year.  You can also volunteer at local cancer centers, participate in clinical trials and donate blood.  Search online for volunteer opportunities and sign up with an organization in your area.

Participate in an event.  A number of events are offered through different fundraising organizations.  Some raise money to fund research, some offer prevention programs, some provide outreach and education for those who have just been diagnosed; all are worthy causes that are dependent upon your participation and enthusiastic support.  So join in activities ranging from anything such as bowling, to cooking, to golfing.  A great way to celebrate survivorship and honor those who have lost the battle is by finding a local Race for the Cure—put on by Susan G. Komen, this is noted as the most successful charity event ever created. 

Start your own fundraiser.  This is your opportunity to get creative.  Gather friends, church members and neighbors in your community and host an event to raise money by means such as a bake sale, silent auction, pot luck dinner, or even your own sporting event or marathon. 

Become an advocate.  To do this, sign on to the Breast Cancer Bill of Rights and you are signing on to a foundation to ensure the protection of rights for breast cancer patients.  You will be joining thousands of other advocates and voicing the opinion that access to quality health care is not an option, but a right.

If you or a loved one has been afflicted with breast cancer, this month probably touches close to home and carries with it a lot of significance.  With over 25 years of awareness, education and empowerment, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has come a long way…but there are still great strides that we need to take to achieve results leading ultimately to a cure.  Join in the fight today and make a difference in someone’s life.

“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

Amy Reynolds is a guest post author bringing to us her thoughts on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  She also writes about the advantages of online dating for Best Free Dating Sites.

Solution Sunday--Lovable Labels Review and Giveaway (Ends 10/18) U.S./Canada (closed)

Well, it is officially October, and we are now in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I am so glad that in recent years more and more companies are creating products to help remind us of this terrible disease that affects so many women in the world.  I do hope and pray along with everyone else that a cure will be found one day. At least it is not a taboo topic, and we are willing to do all we can to prevent and treat it.

Lovable Labels recently contacted me to review one of their products.  I was quite familiar with their products.  I had just won a back-to-school gift pack, and because we didn't need it, my daughter was able to present it to one of her friends (whose mother was extremely appreciative).   They offered me a fantastic product that shows the world that I support breast cancer research not just this month but all the time.  I was able to order their Think Pink labels.  I was able to personalize them with my name.  I really liked that part because I am always personalizing things with my daughter's name--never my name!  You know how it is for a mother.  You have 200 pictures of your daughter for every picture of yourself!!

I was quite impressed with these labels.  They have a nice pink script text and a think pink logo.  They are nice and slim so they fit on anything you want.  I put them on my cell phone case, my school bags, and my lunchbox.  I like the fact that they are strong and durable as well as microwave and dishwasher safe!  I have many more things I need to label, and there are still plenty left!  Forty of these wonderful labels come in each pack.

The best part about these labels is something that you actually cannot see.  On the news this morning, they did a segment which cautioned the buyer against buying "pink" products that really do not go to support breast cancer research.  I never thought about that.  I figured that it if had a pink logo, a small portion of the proceeds went to breast cancer research.  That is not necessarily true.  But you can rest assured with this company.  They say very clearly that:
 .50 cents will be donated to benefit the Research and Cure for breast cancer through the Breast Cancer Society of Canada: http://www.bcsc.ca/  


The really neat thing is that Lovable Labels has agreed to give one of my U.S. or Canadian readers the same Think Pink label pack I received!  Thanks, Lovable Labels! All you will need to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below, and you will be entered to win.  Don't delay!  This giveaway will end on October 18 at 9 P.M. Pacific Time.