Better off Bald is an extraordinary book by Andrea Wilson Woods describing the journey she took with her younger sister Adrienne, who was diagnosed with liver cancer. The book serves as a profound statement on how cancer affects both patients and caregivers. Andrea carries on the legacy of Adrienne through nonprofit organizations she founded to provide awareness and education related to cancer.
Better off Bald is written as a journal, with each chapter representing a certain number of days after Adrienne’s diagnosis. Each chapter begins with a journal entry written by Adrienne. These entries provide insight into Adrienne’s character. Andrea brings the reader into her thought processes as she copes with the progression of Adrienne’s cancer. She writes in short sentences often with contradictory viewpoints reflecting a person in the panic of the moment. Interspersed within each chapter are remembrances of the lives together of the two sisters. Andrea obtained custody of her sister after her mother was no longer capable of taking care of Adrienne.
Andrea’s book is essential reading for anyone serving as a caregiver for a loved one. Beginning with the shocking and unexpected diagnosis of advanced cancer in Adrienne, Andrea has to navigate through the world of hospitals and doctors, keeping up with all the medications and daily crises in Adrienne’s condition. Although Adrienne’s condition appears hopeless, Andrea conducts extensive research on liver cancer and becomes very knowledgeable on the subject. However, doctors treating Adrienne do not find the alternate treatments found by Andrea to be viable alternatives.
The profile of Adrienne shows a spirited young woman who is a fighter. The diagnosis of cancer served as a wake-up call to develop strength of character and an overall positive approach to life. Instead of giving in to depression, Adrienne looks forward to new experiences and events.
The loss of Adrienne’s hair during treatment inspired the title, Better off Bald. In this way, Adrienne’s inner beauty can better come forth, not hidden by hairstyles as a means of self-expression.
The photos in the book very nicely complement the text; Adrienne is always smiling and in good spirits. Adrienne’s favorite photo sees herself as an elegant mannequin instead of wasting away from disease. Adrienne is beaming during her meeting with her idol, Dave Navarro. The “View from Adrienne’s grave” at the end of the book was particularly touching as Adrienne was fond of the Hollywood sign.