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Summary: An Inspiration For Every Reader
Review: Duff tells a story about one life: the life of a once healthy person and the life of someone who will never be without a visit to a doctor or a hospital again. In the telling of her own story, Duff captures the essance of what defines any life, that is, the necessity to live by one's own rules, one's own style and to never ever give up the values, the humor and the belief and hope that every day is a godsend and that every day is capable of new hopes and dreams no matter what one has to confront.
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Summary: Inspiring? Not a strong enough word for this book!
Review: As the daughter of migrant laborers, Karen Duffy seemed pretty well destined to a life of trudging through mud up to her elbows. But this plucky little raven haired pixie pulled herself up by her muck encrusted bootstraps, and leapt into the world of modeling and international superstardom. Plus she earned a masters degree in plate techtonics. Beat that Martha Quinn!When suddenly waylaid by a mysterious and devastating disease at the peak of her career, Duff attacked with the same spunk and aplomb that made her a sweetheart to rock stars and geophysicists everywhere. The only thing lacking was more about the handsome and devil may care television producer that figures so prominently into her life. Tell me more about that mystery man Duff. Whether she's calling bingo in a nursing home, hanging out with rockstars on MTV, or flat on her kiester with a debilatating disease, Karen Duffy should serve as an inspiration to all of us. ... and who would think that a story about sarcoidosis could be so gosh darn funny. I pretty nearly wet myself.
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Summary: Ridiculous
Review: A ridiculous book by another self-consumed celebrity wanna-be. I would not purchase this book for anyone. The writing is unclear, repetitive, fragmented. Boring!
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Summary: "100 Proof Duff"!!
Review: I'm a longtime fan of Duff, and finished reading this book the same day I got it. It's honest, laugh out loud funny, and full of her unique personal style. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that whoever proofread it did a ratty job - it's full of annoying little typos. Do yourself a favor: burn your copy of "Tuesdays With Morrie" (Duff's idea),and read this instead! You won't need a box of Kleenex (although it does go nicely with your favorite alcoholic beverage). Love ya' Duff!!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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?
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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+++++++++++++++
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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!
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