PRETTY IS WHAT CHANGES by Jessica Queller chronicles the intertwining journey of Jessica's mother's death from complications of ovarian cancer, as the result of her first bout of breast cancer, and Jessica's discovery of inheriting the breast cancer gene and the difficult decisions she must face as the result of her knowledge.

When Jessica learns about the genetic test for the breast cancer gene, she decides to get tested to put her mind at ease. But she tests positive for BRCA-1 and her life spirals out of orbit. Now she is faced with a decision: to get tested regularly for breast cancer or have a preventative double mastectomy to eliminate 90% of the risk of developing cancer.

Although the topic is serious, the book is written with life-affirming warmth and gentleness. The tender mother-daughter relationship flowers with unexpected urgency. Jessica's own internal battle about what to do with her knowledge is heart-wrenching and poignant.

I never expected the magnetic pull of the book or the magical impact it would have on my life. Suddenly my desire to become healthier has taken on a new meaning and challenges I once thought insurmountable have instead become the proverbial molehill.

If you get a chance, please visit Jessica's website at www.jessicaqueller.com ( )

A heart wrenching, devastatingly honest memoir of a young woman who must make a incredibly difficult, life changing decision based on the outcome of a genetic test that comes back positive for the breast cancer gene.

Jessica's mother was beautiful, vivacious and had a great job. Then breast cancer hit. She fought hard and thought she had won the fight. Then she got the news later....ovarian cancer. Meanwhile Jessica and her sister began a difficult journey as caregivers for their very sick mother.

Jessica learned of a blood test that was available that could predict if the person had the genetic marker for breast and ovarian cancer. Jessica decided to take the test....and it came back positive. The test results gave the odds....87% chance of developing breast cancer and a 40+% chance of developing ovarian cancer. The choices of treatment? A lifetime of vigilant testing, via MRI, sonogram and mammogram. Or....a preventative double mastectomy and removal of both ovaries.

Jessica was 34 years old, unmarried without children. She very much wanted to get married someday and to definitely bear children. She went into denial for awhile but came to realize she had to decide one way or the other. She did lots of research and finally made her decision.

Although the subject matter was difficult to read about, the writing was smooth and it was a very fast read. ( )

As someone who is wondering if I myself may carry this BRCA gene, I felt compelled to read this story. If nothing else, it gave me a lot of great resources and information. I did however, truly enjoy reading Jessica's story. ( )