Megan Bannon
You Can’t Take Them With You
You Can't Take Them With You is a laugh-out-loud memoir by Megan Bannon about finding the comedy in life's toughest moments.
“Mommy, when are you getting your boobs cut off?”
What’s the book about?
Is it okay to laugh at the worst thing that ever happened to you? Megan Bannon says yes, and she'll prove it.
When she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 38, Megan did what any reasonable person would do: she started taking notes. The result is a funny, honest, and surprisingly relatable story about finding joy when life goes completely off the rails. Between awkward doctor visits, bizarre medical procedures, and well-meaning but wildly misguided advice, she discovers that laughter really can be the best medicine.
Like the time her 10-year-old asked whether she'd be composting her breasts in the backyard after her double mastectomy.
You'll laugh. You might cry. Occasionally you'll do both at once, and probably in public.
If you've ever faced something hard, loved someone who has, or just need permission to laugh when things get scary, this book is for you.
Who is Megan Bannon?
Megan Bannon is a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, an occasional smart-ass, and the author of You Can't Take Them With You. She was diagnosed while living in Nashville, Tennessee, and now lives in Frisco, Colorado, with her wonderful husband, David, and their two amazing kids, all of whom are featured in the book. She is mostly fine, and always laughing.
@meganmostlyfine on InstagramQuestions people ask
What is You Can't Take Them With You about?
You Can't Take Them With You is a laugh-out-loud memoir by Megan Bannon about finding the comedy in the worst year of her life. At 38, she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. The book follows her through awkward doctor visits, bizarre procedures, and well-meaning but wildly misguided advice, with her sense of humor intact. It's for anyone who has faced something hard, or loved someone who has.
Who wrote You Can't Take Them With You?
Megan Bannon is an author and triple-negative breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed while living in Nashville, Tennessee, and now lives in Frisco, Colorado, with her husband and two kids, who all make appearances in the book. It was published by Bandy Books on August 30, 2024.
What does the title You Can't Take Them With You mean?
It's a twist on the old saying "you can't take it with you." After her diagnosis, Megan had a double mastectomy, and the "them" is her breasts. Underneath the joke is the bigger point: you can lose a lot and still hold on to your sense of humor.
Is You Can't Take Them With You a funny book?
Yes. It's a humorous memoir first and a cancer story second. The back cover opens with her kid asking, "Mommy, when are you getting your boobs cut off?" Readers say they laughed and cried at the same time.
Where can I buy it?
Buy on Bookshop.orgOur favorite: every sale supports independent bookstores.
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Finalist, The IAN Book of the Year Awards (Independent Author Network)
Not a real award. Just trying to get you to buy the book.