Received in email on 2/10/16:
Hi Marla,
I just finished reading your wonderful book and here it is, the anniversary of your surgery. I learned so much upon reading it and so appreciate this gift to me and to the many others who are going through the process of understanding this complicated diagnosis and how to move forward.
Again, many, many thanks,
All the best,
Maria
Recent from Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving.,By Michele Day –
I bought this book after I too dicovered I had an acoustic neuroma. Having known nothing about this type of thing, this book helped to educate me about this condition. It is written in an intersting way, with notes of support from others, blog posts, etc. It has shown me that I am not alone in theis battle and has helped me to become more optimistic. The willingness of the author to share her story will have a positive affect on any reader. Thank you again for sharing your journey into recovery!
5.0 out of 5 stars Help where least expected, By Mickey Swor –
I recently experienced a medical situation, and during that time I happened to read this book. While my experience was a drastically different one, I was surprised at how much this book helped me through it. Sometimes reading someone else’s story makes you appreciate how much worse your won situation could be. Thank you to the author for being willing to share what she went through so eloquently.
5.0 out of 5 stars For Everyone Who Gets the Diagnosis By GailLB –
The journey of acoustic neuroma has been made easier for those who have been or will be diagnosed with a tumor.
Marla Bronstein has written a detailed, funny, encouraging autobiographical love note to fellow sufferers, who will come away knowing that they are not alone, and that there are others who empathize and understand the fear and uncertainty they experience.
Five Stars for this well-written book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Beth Henry –
This book is such a gift to the readers. You will laugh and cry and find yourself captivated as you read Marla’s journey. Thank you Marla for being such an inspiration to others.
October 2013 Entertainment News Northwest
“Marla 1, Norman 0 —
A Whole New Normal
by Christopher Key
When Marla Bronstein was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma in 2009, she named the tumor Norman. Norman had no idea whom he was dealing with. Now that Norman’s butt has been thoroughly kicked, Bronstein has written a book about her experience, called A Whole New Normal: an acoustic neuroma journey.
An acoustic neuroma is a tumor on an auditory nerve in the brain that can cause loss of hearing, tinnitus, pain and even death. By naming her tumor, Bronstein helped herself focus on the long battle ahead.
This is a beautifully written memoir, full of joy, pathos, wit, and it reads just like Bronstein sounds: brash, straightforward and in-your-face. She has a flair for understatement, as evidenced by her nicknames for physicians: Dr. Death, Dr. Superman, and Dr. Wonderful.
But A Whole New Normal is far more than a memoir. It is also a love story between a strong, but often frightened woman, and a community of fervent supporters who helped Bronstein give Norman the heave-ho. There is plenty of medical detail about her condition, but it’s never dull.
Bronstein enlivens her narrative by including responses to her patient blog from her friends. Throughout the book are delicious tidbits of Bronstein’s famous wit, sometimes savage, sometimes gentle. While she takes Norman quite seriously, Bronstein rarely takes herself seriously and that helps keep the reader entertained.
This is a can’t-put-it-down tale of one person’s astounding journey through a fairly rare, but debilitating disease. It is also an immensely touching tale about how a community comes together to help one of its most beloved members. It may take a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to heal.
Marla Bronstein will be reading excerpts from A Whole New Normal at Village Books, on Wednesday, October 9 at 7pm. It is available for $14.95. ”
=======================
“Most AN patients recover well from their treatment and go on happily with their lives. Unfortunately, some of the few who do have complications are much more vocal, and their stories are very accessible. Marla’s story offers balance. I would recommend this book to give hope and comfort to any person recently diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or considering undertaking treatment.”
Farrokh Farrokhi, MD, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA
=======================
This is the memoir of a self avowed strong woman, with a “be everything to everyone” stance, traveling into a place of becoming comfortable as a “mere mortal.” She takes us along on her journey toward being able to express fear and vulnerability, toward asking others for help, and toward learning the importance of setting boundaries.
It is my belief that when “bad” things happen to us, we can use that stuff as life enriching fertilizer. Marla Bronstein’s story is a powerful illustration of this idea. In addition, her book is a good, enjoyable read, sprinkled with lots of wisdom, humor, and inspiration.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone taking the acoustic neuroma journey. In addition to the examples of emotional growth, it provides much practical information for various stages of the journey.
Kate Boswell MFT
Presenter on “Coping and Beyond with the Emotional Impact of Acoustic Neuroma” at the 21st Acoustic Neuroma Symposium (Los Angeles 2013)
=====================
“After being diagnosed, I was scared and began my search for positive experiences — they were few and far between. Just before my own surgery, I met Marla through her on-line journal. Her honest memoir is enough to make anyone dealing with the uncertainty of a serious medical condition feel like they aren’t alone in this world. Marla’s wit, candor, positive attitude and genuine spirit is what makes this such an enjoyable read.”
Joey Mechelle Stenner, AN survivor, Director of Communications, Sweet Adelines International, Tulsa, OK
=====================
Thank you for contacting the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada to update us on your recently published book. I think its inspiring to people impacted by Acoustic Neuroma, to have stories such as yours published and available to the public-congratulations for having the courage to do this and thank you for assisting others throughout your journey.
ANAC would be honoured to receive donations from the sale of your book-thank you for thinking of us.
Take care,
Theresa Forson
National Coordinator
Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada