Two years ago, I received a galley for the annual breast cancer roundup I write for Library Journal called Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy by Geralyn Lucas, a Lifetime Network programming exec who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27. The book was a wonderful amalgam of humor, anxiety, compassion, and truth about being struck down with this “older woman’s disease” (my term, not hers) when you are still so young. Lucas’s candor and forthrightness were refreshing and a call to arms for younger women brandishing the general invincibility that goes along with youth.

I had the pleasure of meeting Geralyn at the Ann Taylor Salute to Survivors event leading up to the 2004 Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure in New York City. She was the guest speaker and read an excerpt from her book. I introduced myself to her afterward. Having already seen the review, she said she was thrilled to meet me (LJ editors don’t live in hero worship land, so this was a kick), and her effusiveness over the review made me feel humble. We definitely had a mutual admiration thing going.

Geralyn is still trying to make younger women, especially, wise to their breast cancer risk. Last week I was invited to a premiere of the Lifetime Network movie based on her book, to be broadcast Monday, October 23, at 9 p.m. It is funny and sad and an eye-opener. All women (along with the men in their lives) should watch it. I emailed Geralyn my congratulations on the culmination of the project, and she expressed regret at not having had the time (oyyy [her phrase]) to set up screenings for librarians, because their feedback on the book had been very meaningful. So I’m inviting all librarians (and your patrons) to a “private screening” in your own home (or maybe on a big-screen TV in your library) of Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy. Lipstick optional. Tissues preferred. Awareness, essential.