cover image Everybody's Got Something

Everybody's Got Something

Robin Roberts with Veronica Chambers. Grand Central, $27 (272p) ISBN 978-1-4555-7845-0

In this soulful memoir, the host of Good Morning America recounts her recent struggle with illness and path to recovery. The book begins in 2012, when Roberts was first diagnosed with MDS (a disease sometimes referred to as pre-leukemia), and traces step-by-step her experiences through the treatment that included a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Sally-Ann, all the way to her triumphant return to morning television. Fortunately, Roberts recovers from the risky and often excruciating process with support from family and many friends, including colleagues Diane Sawyer and Dr. Richard Besser. The author's beloved mother, who passed away right before Roberts was admitted to the hospital, is the driving force in this story of resilience; even the title is inspired by something her mother used to say. Roberts contemplates the experience with a mix of gravity, courage and humor, saying, "I traveled so far on a combination of faith and science." She offers readers a deeply intimate and endearing glimpse into the human side of battling illness. (Apr.)