Tag Archives: doctors

The Princess Has Cancer: A glimpse into the journey of a support group by Mary Wilson Galasso (Book Spotlight)

Four children, each facing the unimaginable challenge of cancer, find strength and solace in a support group. What begins as quiet companionship soon blossoms into a lasting friendship that carries them through years of treatment, hope and healing. Along their journey, they encounter a kind-hearted princess whose compassion leaves a lasting mark on their lives. As they enter remission, their bond remains unbreakable-and the story of their courage begins to inspire other children walking the same difficult path.

Amazon Purchase Link

Reedsy’s Review Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Mary Wilson Galasso is a retired Nurse Practitioner, in addition to being a wife, mother of three boys, and a grandmother. She comes from a large family and has a deep passion for understanding people. She believes reading is one of the greatest skills a person can be proud to have and to share.
 

 

 

 

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Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors by Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors (Book Review)

Benji and Briana, a brother and sister duo, begin a magical journey to the fantastical hospital in Surgeryland, or “Surgiland,” to cure Briana’s sniffles. But the fairies have a surprise in store—they also have a remedy for Benji’s pesky nose problems!

In Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, readers will join this sibling pair as they explore the silly, slimy, and surprisingly fun world of snot and sneezes.

Mascot Books Purchase Link

Amazon Purchase Link

Goodreads Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Snot comes in multiple colors and consistency. It can continuously drip out our noses like a leaking faucet. It can fill up numerous tissues with no end in sight. It can indicate an illness or produced when you consume hot or spicy food or cry. Snot can form due to seasonal allergies. It can be thick like molasses or clear and sticky. Whatever reason excessive boogers are formed, most of us want it gone. We definitely do not want a snot explosion like the one Briana suffered from. The poor little girl sneezed, and snot coated her from head to toe. The images were grossly funny, and kids will love them. Parents, too!

Thankfully, Briana’s brother is close by with a grand idea to cure her booger woes— let’s visit the Boogie Doctors! Benji and Briana embark on a magical journey to the fantastical hospital in Surgeryland (or Surgiland, as the kids like to say). On the yellow road to the castle that doubles as a hospital, the duo meet a doctor overseeing all boogie surgeries in this fantabulous world. They shared Briana’s nasal woes and discovered a case of the sneezes could be related to the seasons. To be specific, “The season of the birds, the bees, and the big allergies …” according to the three colorful, winged rhyming fairies.

The Boogie Doctor and his adorable medical helpers, the fairies, looked inside Briana’s nose to spot the snot problem. Even Benji sits and allows Doctor Boogie to insert a surgical camera up his nostril. I can practically hear kids say, “Eww or yuck,” when they see the forest of boogers on the monitor. It was another hilariously gross image that I enjoyed.

Not every ENT (ear, nose, and throat) visit will result in surgery. Some snot issues can be cured with medicine as was the case with Briana. But, if is needed, kids will be more relaxed thanks to Benji and Briana’s bravery in Surgeryland. I recommend sharing Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors with children two years and up. Parents and kids will laugh at the snotty mess. Readers will notice and love how each mucus word is enlarged, bolded, and shaded bright green and how other words pop off the pages using different font styles, colors, and sizes.

Join the siblings on their wondrous, magical adventure in Surgeryland as they visit a doc to stop Briana’s snot!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

Mascot Books Purchase Link

Amazon Purchase Link

Goodreads Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is an advocate, actress, physician and writer with a passion for storytelling that spans genres. Her work includes the heartwarming children’s book “Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors,” coming in spring 2025, and the deeply personal memoir “TOO MUCH,” which explores mental health challenges within the demanding fields of military and medicine.


Cindy’s artistic journey began in her childhood in Honolulu. She explored her love of performance through acting in commercials, theatre, and competing in pageants. She later pursued acting in Los Angeles, earning a degree in theater at the University of Southern California. Her path then took her to military medicine, where she served as a physician in the United States Army. Her research to reduce opioid prescriptions has garnered national recognition through publications, speaking engagements at national conferences, and awards.

Now retired from the Army, Cindy is pursuing her lifelong passion for writing. Her diverse background and experiences inform her unique voice and allow her to connect with readers of all ages.


TOO MUCH is available now everywhere books are sold online and in select retailers nationwide!

I wonder if it all started with a single impulsive decision: joining the U.S. Army for “free” medical school. But the reality of military medicine was far different. I found myself trapped in a system that values hierarchy, patriarchy, and conformity over compassion and care. My mental health deteriorated. Addictive habits became my crutch.

TOO MUCH is the story of my battle to reclaim my sanity and my voice. It’s a raw and honest look at the dark side of medicine and the challenges of mental illness. It’s a story that will remind you how a brighter future is possible, even when it feels like everything is broken.

This is my story.

But maybe it’s your story, too.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Let’s Connect…

Website Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

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Gentle Hugs by Lily Guzmán (Book Review)

Alex treasures the time he spends with Nico, his loyal and curious dog, who is always by his side. Day by day, Alex confides in Nico about his mother’s health challenges, sharing his concerns and hopes. Despite her illness, Alex witnesses the unwavering depth of her love, a love that remains constant, though gentle. This story explores themes of resilience and the quiet strength of love.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Starting at a young age, kids pick up on cues that a friend or loved one isn’t feeling well. They make the connection between a cough or sneeze, which means a person is sick. That doesn’t mean they fully understand why mommy or daddy can’t play with them. In their eyes, parents are superheroes; nothing can keep them down for long. However, what happens when one day becomes two, two becomes three, and so on? Will their young mind understand why their parent isn’t getting better? Will their mood change? Kids are observant; they listen and see more than we realize. They catch whispered conversations. They notice a person is going to the doctor, sometimes a lot. They take notice of changed behavior and appearances. They may not fully grasp the root cause, but they know something isn’t right. That’s why we must include kids in the conversations and reassure them that they can talk to us about their feelings and that we’ll answer all their questions to the best of our ability.

Lily Guzmán beautifully explained what was happening to Alex’s mom and allowed us to view her “not-so-good days” through his eyes. When mom had a fever, Alex compared her body to the sun. A simile that kids of many ages can comprehend. When his mom was too tired to read a bedtime story, Alex explained to his best friend and dog, Nico, that he knew his mommy still loved them because she checked on them while they slept.

Love. Whether mom’s skin felt like it was being stung by a hundred ants or her legs felt like big balloons, Alex knew his mother loved him. Even when Alex couldn’t receive big bear hugs, he reassured himself and his furry companion that Mommy still loved them. Sickness can come in short-term bursts or long-hard battles. Our job is to share with our kid(s) what we believe they can handle at their age and reassure them that, through it all, they are loved. This story is an excellent demonstration of both.

Gentle Hugs is a touching picture book showing how love can be expressed, not only with words but also with our actions. The book is filled with lovely illustrations that vividly depict Alex’s journey and his mother’s battle with an illness. The heartwarming storyline moved me. I teared up at Alex’s observations and how he never once doubted his mother’s love. I recommend sharing this story with your child, especially if someone close to them is battling a health issue. It’s a beautifully crafted storybook that’ll leave a lasting impression on every reader, young or old.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2
(rounded to 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Lily Guzmán is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, currently based in Puerto Rico. Born and raised on the island, she spent a formative period in Miami, Florida, where she trained to become a Rheumatologist. Her passion for medicine stems from a deep desire to improve the lives of her patients, particularly those living with chronic pain.

Outside of her medical practice, she cherishes time with her family and her beloved dog, Nico. It was the comfort and companionship she found in Nico, along with the resilience of her patients facing chronic pain, that inspired her to write Gentle Hugs. The book serves as a heartfelt reminder that empathy and compassion, like any other qualities, need daily care to thrive.

Through her writing, she hopes to offer comfort and support to families facing similar challenges, particularly those affected by chronic illness. Gentle Hugs helps children understand the emotional complexities of having a loved one who struggles with health issues, while also reminding readers of all ages that love, empathy, and care can endure even on tough days. Lily hopes the book encourages a deeper sense of kindness and compassion in everyone who reads it.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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Gentle Hugs by Lily Guzmán (Book Review)

Releasing April 5, 2025!

Alex treasures the time he spends with Nico, his loyal and curious dog, who is always by his side. Day by day, Alex confides in Nico about his mother’s health challenges, sharing his concerns and hopes. Despite her illness, Alex witnesses the unwavering depth of her love, a love that remains constant, though gentle. This story explores themes of resilience and the quiet strength of love.

Amazon Preorder Link

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Starting at a young age, kids pick up on cues that a friend or loved one isn’t feeling well. They make the connection between a cough or sneeze, which means a person is sick. That doesn’t mean they fully understand why mommy or daddy can’t play with them. In their eyes, parents are superheroes; nothing can keep them down for long. However, what happens when one day becomes two, two becomes three, and so on? Will their young mind understand why their parent isn’t getting better? Will their mood change? Kids are observant; they listen and see more than we realize. They catch whispered conversations. They notice a person is going to the doctor, sometimes a lot. They take notice of changed behavior and appearances. They may not fully grasp the root cause, but they know something isn’t right. That’s why we must include kids in the conversations and reassure them that they can talk to us about their feelings, and we’ll answer all their questions to the best of your ability.

Lily Guzmán beautifully explained what was happening to Alex’s mom and allowed us to view her “not-so-good days” through his eyes. When mom had a fever, Alex compared her body to the sun. A simile that kids of many ages can comprehend. When his mom was too tired to read a bedtime story, Alex explained to his best friend and dog, Nico, that he knew his mommy still loved them because she checked on them while they slept.

Love. Whether mom’s skin felt like it was being stung by a hundred ants or her legs felt like big balloons, Alex knew his mother loved him. Even when Alex couldn’t receive big bear hugs, he reassured himself and his furry companion that Mommy still loved them. Sickness can come in short-term bursts or long-hard battles. Our job is to share with our kid(s) what we believe they can handle at their age and reassure them that, though it all, they are loved. This story is an excellent demonstration of both.

Gentle Hugs is a touching picture book showing how love can be expressed, not only with words but also with our actions. The book is filled with lovely illustrations that vividly depict Alex’s journey and his mother’s battle with an illness. The heart-warming storyline moved me. I teared up at Alex’s observations and how he never once doubted his mother’s love. I recommend sharing this story with your child, especially if someone close to them is battling a health issue. It’s a beautifully crafted storybook that’ll leave a lasting impression on every reader, young or old.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2
(rounded to 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads)

Amazon Preorder Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Lily Guzmán is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, currently based in Puerto Rico. Born and raised on the island, she spent a formative period in Miami, Florida, where she trained to become a Rheumatologist. Her passion for medicine stems from a deep desire to improve the lives of her patients, particularly those living with chronic pain.

Outside of her medical practice, she cherishes time with her family and her beloved dog, Nico. It was the comfort and companionship she found in Nico, along with the resilience of her patients facing chronic pain, that inspired her to write Gentle Hugs. The book serves as a heartfelt reminder that empathy and compassion, like any other qualities, need daily care to thrive.

Through her writing, she hopes to offer comfort and support to families facing similar challenges, particularly those affected by chronic illness. Gentle Hugs helps children understand the emotional complexities of having a loved one who struggles with health issues, while also reminding readers of all ages that love, empathy, and care can endure even on tough days. Lily hopes the book encourages a deeper sense of kindness and compassion in everyone who reads it.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors by Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors (Book Review)

Hardcover Releases May 6, 2025!

Benji and Briana, a brother and sister duo, begin a magical journey to the fantastical hospital in Surgeryland, or “Surgiland,” to cure Briana’s sniffles. But the fairies have a surprise in store—they also have a remedy for Benji’s pesky nose problems!

In Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, readers will join this sibling pair as they explore the silly, slimy, and surprisingly fun world of snot and sneezes.

Mascot Books Purchase Link

Amazon Preorder Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Snot comes in multiple colors and consistency. It can continuously drip out our noses like a leaking faucet. It can fill up numerous tissues with no end in sight. It can indicate an illness or produced when you consume hot or spicy food or cry. Snot can form due to seasonal allergies. It can be thick like molasses or clear and sticky. Whatever reason excessive boogers are formed, most of us want it gone. We definitely do not want a snot explosion like the one Briana suffered from. The poor little girl sneezed, and snot coated her from head to toe. The images were grossly funny, and kids will love them. Parents, too!

Thankfully, Briana’s brother is close by with a grand idea to cure her booger woes— let’s visit the Boogie Doctors! Benji and Briana embark on a magical journey to the fantastical hospital in Surgeryland (or Surgiland, as the kids like to say). On the yellow road to the castle that doubles as a hospital, the duo meet a doctor overseeing all boogie surgeries in this fantabulous world. They shared Briana’s nasal woes and discovered a case of the sneezes could be related to the seasons. To be specific, “The season of the birds, the bees, and the big allergies …” according to the three colorful, winged rhyming fairies.

The Boogie Doctor and his adorable medical helpers, the fairies, looked inside Briana’s nose to spot the snot problem. Even Benji sits and allows Doctor Boogie to insert a surgical camera up his nostril. I can practically hear kids say, “Eww or yuck,” when they see the forest of boogers on the monitor. It was another hilariously gross image that I enjoyed.

Not every ENT (ear, nose, and throat) visit will result in surgery. Some snot issues can be cured with medicine as was the case with Briana. But, if is needed, kids will be more relaxed thanks to Benji and Briana’s bravery in Surgeryland. I recommend sharing Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors with children two years and up. Parents and kids will laugh at the snotty mess. Readers will notice and love how each mucus word is enlarged, bolded, and shaded bright green and how other words pop off the pages using different font styles, colors, and sizes.

Join the siblings on their wondrous, magical adventure in Surgeryland as they visit a doc to stop Briana’s snot!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

Mascot Books Purchase Link

Out May 6, 2025: Amazon Preorder Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is an advocate, actress, physician and writer with a passion for storytelling that spans genres. Her work includes the heartwarming children’s book “Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors,” coming in spring 2025, and the deeply personal memoir “TOO MUCH,” which explores mental health challenges within the demanding fields of military and medicine.


Cindy’s artistic journey began in her childhood in Honolulu. She explored her love of performance through acting in commercials, theatre, and competing in pageants. She later pursued acting in Los Angeles, earning a degree in theater at the University of Southern California. Her path then took her to military medicine, where she served as a physician in the United States Army. Her research to reduce opioid prescriptions has garnered national recognition through publications, speaking engagements at national conferences, and awards.

Now retired from the Army, Cindy is pursuing her lifelong passion for writing. Her diverse background and experiences inform her unique voice and allow her to connect with readers of all ages.


TOO MUCH is available now everywhere books are sold online and in select retailers nationwide!

Website Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized