Cover Image: Glittering a Turd

Glittering a Turd

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Member Reviews

I did not get around to reading this book prior to it’s publication date and it has since been archived therefore I cannot leave a review at this time.

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This was a wonderful and informative book with all the right levels of humor in it. I surely did give my girls a little feel up after the first few chapters. The writing was nice, things always moved along easily and smoothly, and it was easy to understand. One thing stood out the most, and not just because it was important, but rather the memories it brought up for me. Too often, people go to the doctor for concerns, only to be met with a hefty bill and “It’s just anxiety.” This is a huge killer, causing minor symptoms to progress into something far more serious and deadly.

Kris shows us her cancer journey from the day she was diagnosed, over a decade ago, and how life has changed for her since then. She’s started a charity called CoppaFeel!, aiming to educate and spread awareness about breast cancer, such as knowing the signs that could save your life and reminding you to check your breasts often. She’s appeared on television, was able to live a thriving life, being there with her sister at her nephew’s birth, and even started a food truck business with her twin sister, Meron.

Beautifully written, Kris spoke to us in a way that was like as if she were a friend updating us on her condition, a mix of humor and seriousness that taught me many different lessons from making sure to check your boobs often to speaking up for yourself when you want a second opinion. She doesn’t mince words and is honest and open about her life and journey with us. The highs and lows, the joy, laughter, and tears, they’re all there and I felt every emotion. This was an incredibly inspirational read that I would recommend to anyone.

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Kris’s story is inspirational and heartwarming, she’s created something so wonderful out of truly devastating news. The audiobook itself is ok but perhaps didn’t flow as easily as I’d have liked, I possibly need something a bit more fast paced to keep my mind from wandering. Her story however is definitely one I’m glad to have heard!

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I listened to the audiobook from NetGalley (thank you 🙂)

“Even the most unpolishible turds are glitterable.”

Kris Hallenga is a tenacious force to be reckoned with. Her sad (& sometimes funny) memoir about her battle with Stage 4 breast cancer had me gripped from the beginning. The misogyny from the male Dr’s she encountered left me reeling and I wanted to scream at my phone screen in exasperation. Kris is brave, funny and one of the strongest ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about.

P.S I have booked myself in for a mammogram following listening to this audiobook, friendly reminder “mammogramming tour boobs is more important than instagramming them.”

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I listen to "Glittering a Turd", having recently lost someone to cancer and therefore I experienced a lot of mixed emotions.

I think there's a tremendous value to sharing one's story, and I'm glad that Kris Hallenga reads her book herself. It's a very inspirational tale, which some people may need in times of terminal diagnosis, however I'm not sure if it won't be a source of false hope for others. It is important to acknowledge that not every terminal cancer patient will achieve as much, and they don't have to, as not for everyone realising their mortality will be a driving force.

I appreciate the humour and the frankness of "Glittering a Turd" and my 3 star rate is of the audiobook itself, in which I found too much fluff, not Kris as a person and her work as Coppafeel, which is admirable and deserves a million stars.

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This is one of those books every woman should read. If you are familiar with Kris Hallenga’s story, you will know that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer when she was 23. She had no idea how long she had left to live, but she didn’t let that stop her. With the help of family and friends, she created Coppafeel, an amazing charity that works tirelessly to remind young women to check their boobs. Eleven years later and defying medicine, Kris is still going strong and has written such a positive and life affirming book.

I was lucky enough to listen to the audio version of this which the author narrated herself and it was so lovely to hear her telling her story. Even her voice has a positivity to it and it was like listening to an old friend. I can’t imagine anyone not instantly warming to her warm and funny personality.

Life hasn’t been easy for Kris but she has fought for the treatment she wants every step of the way. She has accepted her cancer and no longer allows it define her. If a positive attitude and a strong belief can stall cancer, then Kris is the poster woman for it.

From this book, I realised that you can talk freely about death without bringing on. You can also fight to get a second opinion. But the biggest message from this book is that no matter what age you are, you must become familiar with your boobs and recognise any changes to them.

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As a long term follower of Coppafeel / Kris I knew some of her story (and attended & loved Coppafeel a few years back) but hearing it laid out chronologically brought new meaning. Kris herself narrating gives a power to this audiobook too. A funny, moving & powerful memoir. There’s a lot of lessons to take from it.

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If you need inspiration to seize life then look no further. Kris’ story is one of strength and determination. Her attitude to life and her willingness to be so open about the ups and downs and brutal reality of cancer is empowering. This book will help so many in ways I don’t think she even realised.

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I simply loved this book! Honest and hilarious Kris tells the story of her life with cancer, from diagnosis to her work founding her own charity. Despite the hard hitting subject of cancer the main stand out of this book is the humour, this book is very funny! Kris isn’t here to sugar coat anything for the reader but the book oozes positivity, in a completely non-preachy way. I feel like I’ve come away with something, I’ve truly learnt from listening.
The audiobook version of this book is brilliant, narrated of course perfectly by the author.

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This book looks at how Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23 and her travels with it since. Even if this book isn’t for you, or just too raw for right now I urge you to take one message with you and that’s to check yourself - and do it regularly!
I first became aware of Kris years and years ago not long after she founded Coppafeel and I never fail to be blown away by her can do attitude and achievements. 💜

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I read this on my way to work in less than a week and even missed my stop on one occasion! Wonderfully written, Chris is a phenomenal advocate for checking your boobs because as we all now know the risks just do not bear thinking about.

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So positive, inspirational and life affirming. A young woman's journey through breast cancer and how she coped, when she had to surrender and hearing about her milestones in her diagnosis and care. Absolutely amazing woman and an emotional story, thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

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