In 2004, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. While receiving treatments, well-meaning friends presented me with inspirational and comedic books. A couple of health professionals in my circle strongly urged me to cross read and expose myself to new ideas. Their expert advice: By reading unfamiliar and challenging material, I could create new neural pathways in my brain and reduce the likelihood of developing the dreaded chemo brain.

After thanking everyone for their good intentions and advice, I confided that none of their offerings appealed to me. All I wanted to read were cozies, those delightful murder mysteries that include a bloodless crime and contain little violence, sex or coarse language.

Continue reading at Sarah Hegger’s blog.