Don't Tell Anyone by Laurie Boris

Sixty-five year old Estelle Trager ends up in the hospital with pneumonia. It turns out to be something much worse, cancer. Soon her sons Adam and Charlie along with her daughter-in-law Liza find out.

Estelle is stubborn and is not sure she wants to go through the pain and suffering of treatment, so she ask Liza the unthinkable. To put her out of her misery and to end her life. Liza is torn and she keeps this secret from her husband Adam but tells Charlie, her brother-in-law and long time friend from college.

Estelle is haunted from the memory of her mothers cancer, back when there was little hope for survival, and lot of pain and suffering. Liza holds the burden of hiding secrets, torn between telling the truth, and fulfilling Estelle's wish.

Then the sibling rivalry between Adam and Charlie, starting with their mothers feelings towards each and conflicts over Liza. We watch as one family struggles through this hardship. Will Estelle's illness bring them together, or tear them apart?


A well written story of family dysfunction, love, suffering and many secrets. Each person is dealing with their own inner turmoil. They all have their own weaknesses and strong points. A heart felt story with vivid details, and gripping dialog, bringing you into the Trager family. We can feel the emotion turmoil, anger, frustration and unconditional love.

Don't Tell Anyone pulled at my heart strings and will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend to readers who love a great heartfelt (family) story. ( )

Liza Trager Stanhope faces a crisis when her mother-in-law, Estelle is diagnosed with breast cancer. When she and her husband learn that Estelle has known of the cancer for five years and has refused to see a doctor, and worse, that now that it is known, is reluctant to take the necessary treatments, all the ills of their relationship also come out into the open.
In Don’t Tell Anyone, Laurie Boris explores the intricacies of human relationships in a way that is both educational and entertaining. A frank discussion of the ‘forbidden’ topics; the things that are either never spoken of, or that are reduced to initials – like, the Big ‘C’ – is handled in a way that makes it easier to accept.
Boris had created a cast of characters that readers can identify with; from the fiercely independent Liza to the obstinate, but fearful Estelle; and moreover, care about. Raw human emotions are on display, seen through the eyes and thoughts of the characters themselves. This is not a ‘preachy’ story. But, it delivers a powerful message nonetheless, which is what an expertly written novel should do. The message delivered, most of all, is the power of the human spirit. Kudos to Laurie Boris for a story well told. ( )