The Bright Side Running Club by Josie Lloyd

We can never underestimate the power of relationships – especially those that share a common bond that is full of positivity. The Bright Side Running Club (aka The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club) is an impactful story of one women’s breast cancer diagnosis and the importance of support when confronted with such a life challenge.  I loved it.  This book publishes today.

From The Publisher:

When Keira first receives her breast cancer diagnosis, she never expects to end up joining a running group with three women she’s only just met. Blind-sided, all she can think about is how she doesn’t want to tell her family or step back from work. Nor does she want to be part of a group of fellow cancer patients. Cancer is not her club.
And yet it’s running – hot, sweaty, lycra-clad running in the company of brilliant, funny women all going through treatment – that unexpectedly gives Keira the hope she so urgently needs. Because Keira will not be defined by the C-word. And now, with the Cancer Ladies’ Running Club cheering her on, she is going to reclaim everything: her family, her identity, and her life.
One step at a time.
Moving, uplifting and full of hope, this is a beautifully crafted novel about love, family and the power of finding your tribe.

Book Review:

Before I begin this review, let me first say that I normally choose not to read books in which the protagonist has cancer.  It just feels a little too close to home for me.  But when I read the synopsis for this book, it spoke to me.  This book is memorable and meaningful and I’m happy I decided to read it.

Keira is a wife, mother and business owner when her breast cancer diagnosis is made.  The book chronicles her life through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and provides a realistic view of the impact on her life.

One of the areas that this book excels is in pointing out that a cancer diagnosis cannot be nicely compartmentalized outside of everything else that happens in life along the way.  The author does a great job of recognizing and revealing the uncomfortable, and sometimes insensitive manner, it which others relate to the character after a cancer diagnosis.

She meets Tasmin early in this journey outside of the breast heath clinic.  Tasmin has been on a run, and Keira admires the positivity and ease of speaking to her.  Tasmin suggests maybe Keira would like to start running and that she can join her on any Friday she’d like to.  Keira is not a runner but feels she’d like to speak with Tasmin again.  She later learns is that Tasmin is on her own cancer journey and so is another woman who has joined them.  When Keira invites another cancer survivor to join them on a Friday, the women decide to form The Bright Side Running Club.

The bond between these woman is one built on positivity, common experience and the need to carry on.  This is particularly important bond as Keira learns to adjust to her identity as a woman with cancer.  The book is emotional and uplifting, and one I will be recommending over and over again.

Audiobook Review:

I listened to the audiobook version of The Bright Side Running Club which was narrated by Danielle Cohen. Her performance was excellent and enhanced an already amazing book.  I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those readers who appreciate audiobooks.

What I Liked:

• The positive, uplifting message regarding the importance of support  groups
• The notion that we can’t compartmentalize health issues – life goes on despite them
• The way the author reveals how what we say to others needs to be carefully thought out so as to provide positive messaging.

I Recommend This Book To:

Those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction of positive stories of friendship.

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Add The Bright Side Running Club to your Goodreads shelf

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey

When Harry Met Minnie by Martha Teichner

A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber

Thanks for reading!  What are you reading this week?  Let me know in the comments.

I hope you have a wonderful day!