It’s pub day for actress, activist, and New York Times bestselling author Annabelle Gurwitch as she debuts her memoir, The End of My Life is Killing Me: The Unexpected Joys of a Cancer Slacker. The book has received extensive advance praise, including the coveted Buzz Books distinction as one of the most buzz-worthy releases of the season. The highly anticipated memoir is published by Zibby Publishing (from Zibby Media’s Founder and CEO Zibby Owens) and officially hits bookshelves today, March 17.

Born out of a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, Annabelle describes her memoir as “…the book I didn’t think I’d live long enough to write.” New York Times bestselling author Will Schwalbe calls the book “…a Trojan Horse of sorts: a hysterically funny page-turner that is packed throughout with practical advice and timeless wisdom.”

Curious about that adorable chick on the cover? Much like the curveball that prompted the book in the first place, the cover art also served up an unexpected twist. While Annabelle initially envisioned a Bernini sculpture as the symbol of her memoir, the universe (or in this case, her publishing team) had other plans. Annabelle notes, “It’s just like life: you’re thinking Baroque masterpiece and life gives you a chicken doing yoga.”

Annabelle’s title and witty charm had me hooked immediately. I was eager to learn more, in this first installment of my new series highlighting Jewish authors as they publish new work. (Because if you haven’t noticed, there’s never been a better time to support the Jewish community.)

Leah Grossman: Hi, Annabelle! Please tell us about your book. What can readers expect to find beyond that cute yogi on the cover?

Annabelle Gurwitch: The chicken doing yoga on the cover is really connected to the theme of the book, which is that life sometimes becomes so absurd…and these moments become opportunities, what are you going to do about it? You’re just going to have to kick up your heels and find some joy. And when joy is hard to come by, find enjoyment in small pleasures and celebrate the tiniest of victories.

I hope to upend readers’ expectations, because the book starts with a cancer diagnosis. The book, though, isn’t about being in treatment for cancer—it’s a book about........

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