Cara Blakley Smith and Wallis Simpson's Book to be Featured at 2014 Bologna Children's Book Fair

Cara Blakley Smith and coauthor Wallis Simpson's inspirational cancer memoir, "I Choose to Laugh: Faith in the Midst of Cancer" (published by iUniverse), which will be featured at the 2014 Bologna Children's Book Fair, brings hope and comfort to other cancer patients and their loved ones with her incredible true story of laughter and faith.

"As a five-time cancer survivor," Smith writes, "I wanted to communicate to people that God does love us and have a plan for our lives, even when it doesn't make sense."

After Smith's fourth fight with cancer, her friends and family encouraged her to start a support group. Instead she started a blog. "I Choose to Laugh" is a collection of essays from Smith's blog that seek to find the humor in cancer. Smith, who believes that laughter is truly the best medicine, includes valuable advice for patients about doctors and dealing with chemotherapy. She also dedicates a section to caregivers and friends of cancer patients looking for strength and encouragement.

Overall, Smith stresses the importance of faith in the healing process, citing examples of how her faith in Jesus Christ kept her strong and positive throughout her journey.

"Faith in God is what carries us through the most difficult hours," Smith asserts. "This book is to encourage people as well as provide information to equip the cancer victim to be their own best advocate."

The 2014 Bologna Children's Book Fair kicks off on March 24th and continues through March 27th. The show features children's books exclusively and hosts a wide variety of titles from around the world.

"I Choose to Laugh"
By Cara Blakley Smith with Wallis Simpson
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 136 pages | ISBN 9780595466238
E-Book | 136 pages | ISBN 9780595909186
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Cara Smith is director of theatre at Horn Lake High School in Horn Lake, Miss. She brings her unique humor to the classroom as well as the theatre. She lives each day celebrating over 20 years of marriage to her husband, Tim. They live with their daughter in Southaven, Miss.

Wallis Simpson lives in Bartlett, Tenn. She is the author of "My Andrew."

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader's Choice, Rising Star and Editor's Choice designations-self-publishing's only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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