Author P.K. Smitherman's latest book 'I Think She Nose' presents a dual narrative structure, weaving together eight short stories about human experience with the author's personal account of navigating cancer diagnosis and treatment. The collection explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and resilience through varied narratives while providing a candid look at the physical and emotional realities of cancer.
The eight stories in the collection cover diverse human experiences. 'The Younger Games' follows three former friends reuniting after 25 years, examining friendship, romantic love, and the compromises needed to maintain meaningful connections. 'A Bird in the Cul-de-Sac' consists of fifteen parts that blend fantasy with emotional depth. 'Straight From The Horse's Mouth' tells the story of Wally, who returns to her grandparents' farm after college and explores her family's unique connection with animals.
Additional stories include 'Hole New World,' 'My Feet Are Killing Me,' 'Picture This,' and 'Suffocating Wealth,' each offering different perspectives on universal human experiences. Through these narratives, Smitherman explores themes that connect readers across different backgrounds and life situations, using richly drawn characters and evocative prose that lingers beyond the reading experience.
Interspersed with these fictional works is Smitherman's personal journey through cancer diagnosis and treatment. The author describes her initial shock upon learning she had cancer and her subsequent realization about the importance of seeking support. Her account details the anxiety of medical examinations, the decision to undergo chemotherapy, and the challenges of treatment including port insertion, nausea, mouth sores, and hair loss.
Smitherman emphasizes that while everyone's cancer journey is unique, the need for support remains universal. 'I discovered that strength isn't just about fighting cancer; it's also about accepting help and finding community,' she notes in the book. This perspective transforms her narrative from merely medical documentation to a broader exploration of human resilience and community.
The book's importance lies in its dual approach to storytelling. The fictional short stories provide readers with relatable narratives about everyday human struggles and triumphs, while the personal cancer account offers specific insight into medical and emotional challenges faced by many. This combination creates a work that functions both as literary entertainment and as a resource for understanding the cancer experience.
For the publishing industry, the book represents a growing trend of memoirs that combine personal health journeys with broader literary elements. For readers, it offers multiple entry points—those interested in short fiction can engage with the eight stories, while those seeking cancer narratives can connect with Smitherman's personal account. The work demonstrates how personal experience can inform and enrich fictional storytelling.
'I Think She Nose' will be available at major bookstores and online retailers. Readers can find more information about the author at her Facebook page. The book serves as both a literary collection and a testament to finding meaning and connection during life's most challenging moments, reminding readers of the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate shared human experiences.
