This is a Christian novel about women bound together through their fate with breast cancer. Shawneda Marks certainly touches an important issue raising awareness in her book and it definitely shows how she puts her heart into it. That said, I have to admit that I didn't realize it was very focused on the Christian faith. While I'm not religious I have to say that this was the one good thing the novel had going for it, because it didn't come across as preachy but instead showing characters living a Christian life. My problem was that I simply couldn't relate with the characters. Their fate was tragic, of course, but I couldn't quite "feel" this while reading and I think it's the narrative that's to blame - the flow of the story was sluggish and simply didn't manage to grab me. It read more like a factual report than a novel, which isn't bad as such, but I really believe that the book would work a whole lot better if the narrative showed more vigor.In short: As a message very convincing, as a novel not quite as strong! To be honest this story was difficult for me to read because it dealt with triple negative breast cancer and I had a cousin die from that form of cancer. The story follows three friends and how the tackle the issue of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. The life events they encounter are real life and heart wrenching. I applaud Marks for tackling a issue not discussed much - triple negative breast cancer. It attacks African American women at higher proportions than any other race. We must perform self-exams, get regular check-ups and tell our testimonies often. Kudos to Marks for being honest and writing to educate and edifying God.
What do You think about My True Essence (2011)?
More like 2.5 stars. It was okay, but I didn't finish it. A bit too confusing for me.
—mike
I did not care for this book . Three chapters in I was beyond confused.
—ida
This book was very predictable and the writing was not the best quality.
—timabar
