This uniquely written novel in verse explores the often whispered illness known as Crohn's disease. Medications have improved for this autoimmune condition in recent years, but its unpredictable nature and debilitating symptoms leave sufferers not only with pain, but also embarrassment.
Chess has recently had an embarrassing attack of Crohn's. Uncontrolled diarrhea in the middle of a romantic encounter lands her in the hospital receiving mega doses of steroids to reduce inflammation and hopefully trigger remission. Chess doesn't want to relive even a moment of the horrible situation that ruined her date, and she is refusing to see any of her friends and relatives.
Shannon is admitted to the bed next to Chess. She also suffers from Crohn's and has had multiple surgeries during her short life. She is tough and doesn't shy away from showing it. A conversation with Shannon usually includes cursing and criticism aimed at whoever dares try to communicate.
The two girls do begin to chat through the closed curtain drawn between their beds. Shannon's long term experience with the disease makes Chess both fearful and hopeful. How will her life change? Will things always be unpredictable? Shannon's tough act may be hiding her true feelings, but it does help Chess regain confidence that life can go on.
On the first page readers are given instructions on how to read this novel in verse. As they become comfortable with the text structure, reading will become the same as being right in the hospital room with Chess and Shannon. This is perfect for anyone suffering from an autoimmune condition or anyone interested in understanding this illness.
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