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Two More Years

By: E.C. Stilson
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Publication Date: June 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-62253-781-5
Reviewed by: Katie Specht
Review Date: July 1, 2022

From seasoned author E.C. Stilson comes a poignant memoir chronicling her battle with cancer entitled Two More Years. Stilson shares the most private and devastating moments of her life with her readers as she undergoes some of the greatest challenges she has ever faced.

Elisa Stilson is only 37 years old when she receives a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 melanoma and is given just two years to live. She is in disbelief as she implores her doctor to cure her cancer, but his discouraging reply is that it simply cannot be cured. Armed with her amazing support system in her family and her unwavering positivity, she embarks upon a challenging personal journey full of adversity and, at times, despair, in order to battle the cancer.

In Two More Years, Stilson shares touching stories depicting herself at her lowest levels of misery and anguish. She truly invites the reader in and bares her soul with each and every memory that she shares. By the end of the book, the readers will feel like they know Stilson personally without ever having actually met her.

While Stilson’s experience in itself is not the only one of its kind, it is her relatability that appeals to people and draws them in. She possesses something that every human being can relate to, and that is the fragility of the human condition. She understands all too well how delicate human existence can be, and how each day is a gift to be treasured.

The level of positivity that Stilson maintains throughout this arduous and often uphill battle is simply amazing. Oftentimes, in everyday life, even when nothing is really wrong, negativity still finds its way in and easily takes over people’s mindsets. In this day and age, it is very easy to take things for granted. With her unwavering positivity, Stilson will undoubtedly teach every reader of her book the valuable lesson of finding joy and gratitude in even the smallest, most mundane moments. She is truly an inspiring human being.

Stilson’s writing flows well, is clearly understood, and is easily relatable. The only complaint to be found with this book is that when the last page was read, I was left wanting more. I wanted more inspiring stories and more adventures from Stilson. Stilson could easily have written another one hundred pages in her memoir, and her readers would have savored every last word.

Quill says: Stilson’s memoir Two More Years is one woman’s emotional tale of overcoming intense adversity as she chronicles her battle with melanoma. Stilson’s book is thought-provoking, touching, heartfelt and inspiring.

To learn more about Two More Years, please visit the author’s blog or the publisher's website.