Dena Taylor is a humorist, copywriter, and microwaves a mean Amy’s burrito. Her writing has been published in Austin Woman magazine and on Fresh Yarn, and her copywriting has been recognized by HOW Magazine, PRINT, and Graphic Design USA, among others. She has written and performed with Austin’s Gag Reflex sketch comedy group, and was hailed a “freak” by megawatt entertainer, Wayne Brady, after generating life-like wind sound effects as a volunteer in one of his Las Vegas shows. She lives in Seattle surrounded by loving friends, gifted creatives, and a commotion of fur called Bridget. I Don’t Wanna be Pink is her first book.
I Don't Wanna Be Pink
How a single, 39-year-old woman refused to let breast cancer and its fervent culture define her
by Dena Taylor
I Don't Wanna Be Pink
How a single, 39-year-old woman refused to let breast cancer and its fervent culture define her
by Dena Taylor
Published Aug 23, 2019
306 Pages
Genre: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Personal Memoirs
Book Details
“Taylor’s account of her sudden derailment into cancer is honest, moving and sneaks-up-on-you funny. Personable and endearing, she takes us along as she navigates treatment, a maze of emotions, and what it means to be a survivor. If you’ve ever struggled to find your way through tragedy, I Don’t Wanna Be Pink will inspire.” — Kee Kee Buckley, author of Seeking Shama; Co-creator/Producer, “Real America Road Trip”
A month before she was to celebrate her fortieth birthday in Italy, Dena Taylor was diagnosed with breast cancer. In seconds, she was transformed from enthusiastic traveler to frightened patient. Told with grace, candor, and inimitable wit, I Don’t Wanna Be Pink is the story of a single, independent woman and the tumor that threatens to change her life. With support from a colorful cast of loved ones and her own determination, Taylor contends with painful procedures and upsetting encounters with callous insurance reps, well-meaning strangers, and potential lovers. In her darkest moments, she doubts her strength and worthiness of love. Ultimately, she grapples with whether she must join the pink, public march of advocacy or give herself permission to live life undefined by disease.
“Taylor’s I Don’t Wanna Be Pink is a frank and funny take on what it’s like to be young, single, self-employed, and diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. It’s good authentic stuff, heartbreaking one minute, hilarious the next, and her one-liners will make you bark laugh. She shoots from the hip and leads with her heart. A great guide for anyone going through cancer.”
—Diane Mapes, aka @double_whammied, author of How to Date in a Post-Dating World
“Taylor is like your wittiest, most honest friend who unexpectedly finds herself dealing with the indignities of breast cancer just when she was flourishing as a single woman turning 40. From braving a plane ride with a bald head to navigating sexy hook-ups after a double mastectomy, Dena inspires and entertains with her candid, smart and often laugh-out-loud story of the year she never dreamed she’d endure. Loved this one.”
—Wendi Aarons, award-winning humor writer
Cover art and design: 2020 Chad Otis
www.chadotis.com
Inside author photo: Pamela Farrington
www.idontwannabepink.com
www.denataylor.com
@denagram16