Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining, no-holds-barred book about overcoming hardship
Review: Even without all those episodes of VH1's "Behind the Music," we know that there are way too many stories about celebrities who fall on hard times and have their lives wrecked for a multitude of reasons. When I first started reading "Model Patient," by TV personality/model/actress Karen Duffy, I was ready for another one of those charmed-life-hits-a-wall documentaries. As it turned out, I wound up pleasantly surprised.I had always perceived "Duff" as a cute, stylish, somewhat saucy personality with a spiky sense of humor. This book alters that perception not one bit. Duff's story goes way beyond that of a living-life-large, party-chick celebrity who capitalized on resourceful ambition and good breaks to hit the big time after a dull middle-class upbringing, only to have tragedy bring her down to earth again. Aside from going into the details of sarcoidosis, I'd say that Duff did an excellent job of conveying how important focusing on life's big picture is, while still having the strength to mow down all the troublesome setbacks that appear almost daily to one with a life-threatening disease. Said another way, the support of friends, family and doctors is great, but a substantial amount of individual fortitude must complement this in order to prevail over a seemingly endless battery of medical tests, medications, or even a daily routine which has become literally painful. Duff is truly a survivor, and has developed a habit of thumbing her nose at death. In addition to an interesting autobiography (even her husband wrote one of the chapters), Duff gives us her erudite advice about doctors' manners, outpatient tips, hospital etiquette, and even some self-deprecating humor and jokes about the medical profession. She recounts her life's tales in a way that is, at various times, philosophical, light-hearted, cocky, and witty. And, she's always optimistic. This book is amazingly upbeat, and definitely NOT in the style of "Tuesdays with Morrie" (a book about which Duff has some unkind words; I loved it), but the message of learning how to deal with setbacks, focusing on life's meaning, and keeping your head up at all times comes through just as clearly. Overall, it's a fun read.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Homer Simpson's kind of Duff.
Review: Everyone wants to be a star, but no one wants to literally crystalize internally from sarcoidosis. That is the life, onscreen and off, of Karen "Duff" Duffy. For the unbaptised, if Match Game were still around, Karen Duffy is the kind of all-around celeb that would be the next Brett Somers - Wiseacre, Girl Friday, Broad-in-the-making. She also meets the pain of a chronic disease with a glee that most people could not summon. While a little of the "Duff" persona goes a long way, the sincerity of "Karen" is good medicine, page by happy spoonful. --Laurel825
Rating:
Summary: Not Homer Simpson's kind of Duff.
Review: Everyone wants to be a star, but no one wants to literally crystalize internally from sarcoidosis. That is the life, onscreen and off, of Karen "Duff" Duffy. For the unbaptised, if Match Game were still around, Karen Duffy is the kind of all-around celeb that would be the next Brett Somers - Wiseacre, Girl Friday, Broad-in-the-making. She also meets the pain of a chronic disease with a glee that most people could not summon. While a little of the "Duff" persona goes a long way, the sincerity of "Karen" is good medicine, page by happy spoonful. --Laurel825
Rating: 
Summary: ABSOLUTE MUST-READ!
Review: I could not put this book down! It was intelligent, hilarious, educating, touching, and enthralling (not to mention every other positive descriptive adjective!) Anyone would enjoy this book. I suggest it strongly for anyone who likes to read. I especially think that anyone living with a chronic disease or who knows or loves anyone living with a chronic disease will gain a lot of insight (and possibly a change of attitude & outlook) from this book. I was very surprised at how well it read and how easy it was to read considering the heavy subject matter. The funny thing is- at the end, you don't close this book feeling sad or depressed. You feel tickled (and happy that you didn't just waste your time on another book that wasn't satisfying) and humble. Don't miss this one! A+++++++++++++++
Rating: 
Summary: Duff's Life as An Incurable Name Dropper
Review: I enjoyed this book and would lovean update on Duf's condition. Toward the end of the book, shementioned the mass found in heruterus. Was it serious? Has shebeen able to conceive a child?Does anyone have an update?
Rating:
Summary: Smart, funny and enormously entertaining and informative
Review: I had heard from a friend that he loved this book. I didn't think this was my type of material, but it was a gripping read and really funny.
The author is self-depricating and inspiring. It was a bit like David Eggers, or PJ O'Rourke, smart and with an edge.
I was surprised by how much I liked this book, and I would up ordering a few copies for some friends. It doesn't dwell on the story of a disease. Instead, it tells a good story.
Rating:
Summary: Finding humor in this game called life.
Review: I have to admit I am in awe of Karen Duffy. Although her story is frightening and in the throws of a possibly fatal disease, I found myself laughing out loud and a lot! For any of us who have been sick or have seen loved ones go through illness can appreciate Karens spin on sickness. That life does go on and to live it to the fullest. Her spirit and courage are an inspiration! She is obviously a women with a wicked sense of humor and blessed with grace. Her advice on how to enjoy hospital visits are invaluble, we should all be as lucky as her to enjoy life as much as she does! BUY THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable Reading
Review: I just completed reading this book today. I found it a very interesting book about this fascinating woman. Having read it, I still don't know how she finds the strength to go on with the awful disease she has, but I've come away impressed by her ability. She's had quite a life to date, and I hope another book follows down the road where we can learn how she has kept on racking up more achievements despite the roadblocks. I especially liked reading of her working at a nursing home, and the old souls she met there.
Rating:
Summary: Hope for People with Sarcoidosis
Review: Karen Duffy's book is an inspirational and witty account of her struggles with sarcoidosis. For those of us diagnosed with this mystery illness, this book offers hope and inspiration. For the rest, a glimpse is offered into the world of one who deals with debilitating circumstances while continuing to manage and live life to its fullest. And two thumbs up for bringing public awareness to an otherwise obscure and rare disease!
Rating:
Summary: Great, Inspiring
Review: So many people buckle much more when faced with much less! I have been in love with this woman since I was like 15 years old, I have to admit, but I read the book in two days...well I am still in love with her. I wouldn't care if she had scariodosis, MLS, non-hodgikns lymphoma, leprosy and shingles all at the same time! If you're sick and you want to continue to live a happy, fufilling life, I think you could benefit both from Karen's practical advice (dealing with doctors, side-effects of medication) and her emotional approach to being seriously ill. I love the way she discussess support groups, herbal medicine and sentimentality in general. Duff rocks. I do not understand criticism of this book.
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