HER Reading List: Books mostly by, for or about women

This list first appeared in HER Stories 2025, an annual special section that features Eastern Iowa women who have experienced powerful paths of achievement for themselves, their families and their communities.

The Gazette asked Allison Zordell, materials librarian at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, to share her book suggestions with our HER readers. All of Zordell’s selections are available at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

“Beyond Breast Cancer: A Mayo Clinic Guide to Healing and Wellness” by Tufia C. Haddad (Cedar Rapids Public Library)

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“Talking to My Tatas: All You Need to Know from a Breast Cancer Researcher and Survivor” by Dana Brantely-Sieders (Cedar Rapids Public Library)

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“Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient” by Theresa Brown (Cedar Rapids Public Library)

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“Twisting Fate: My Journey with BRCA — From Breast Cancer Doctor to Patient and Back” by Pamela N. Munster (Cedar Rapids Public Library)

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“Flat: Reclaiming my Body from Breast Cancer” by Catherine Guthrie (Cedar Rapids Public Library)

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“Beyond Breast Cancer: A Mayo Clinic Guide to Healing and Wellness”

by Tufia C. Haddad

“Beyond Breast Cancer” provides practical advice for life after breast cancer treatment. Mayo Clinic specialists share guidance on monitoring recurrence, improving diet, sleep and exercise, managing treatment effects, supporting sexual health, and handling financial and insurance concerns.

“Talking to My Tatas: All You Need to Know from a Breast Cancer Researcher and Survivor”

by Dana Brantely-Sieders

“Talking to My Tatas” combines evidence-based science with personal experience to guide breast cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones. Covering everything from diagnostics to treatment options, it empowers readers with knowledge, humor and hope.

“Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient”

by Theresa Brown

“Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient” is a candid memoir of Brown’s breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Drawing on her experience as an oncology nurse, Brown reveals the challenges of navigating a profit-driven healthcare system from the patient’s perspective.

“Twisting Fate: My Journey with BRCA — From Breast Cancer Doctor to Patient and Back”

by Pamela N. Munster

“Twisting Fate” recounts Munster’s journey from oncologist to breast cancer patient after discovering she carried the BRCA gene mutation, offering a powerful perspective on facing the disease from both sides.

“Flat: Reclaiming my Body from Breast Cancer”

by Catherine Guthrie

“Flat: Reclaiming My Body from Breast Cancer” is an authentic memoir of facing breast cancer twice, redefining femininity and deepening Guthrie’s relationship with her partner. With honesty and resilience, she challenges conventional narratives and advocates for women’s autonomy.