Reader reviewed by Dede

This story is about Myra, a spinster at 51, who is a visiting nurse.  The characters she nurses to vary greatly and are a fun part of the book.  When Chip ( a boy who she kind of had a thing for in high school) moves back to town after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Myra becomes his visiting nurse.  He is staying with his parents and she visits there.  He is refusing any more treatment because he's done everything and the only thing left to try is experimental and he wants to die his way and enjoy it.  His parents disagree with him but try to support him.  Myra goes through conflicting emotions while caring for Chip and they become close in a way they couldn't have in school.  They were in two different "groups" back then.  Their conversations are at times touching.  Myra is the main character and her inner thoughts and feelings are displayed well throughout the book.  When she talks about cancer and the stages people go through, there is some really good writing about how people think that they won't die from it because they are too loved, too needed, too strong, etc.  I would have liked a little more depth in the Chip character.  For anyone who has been in any way affected by cancer, this book will resonate.  The ending doesn't line up with my beliefs but it is still understandable.