NPF's Take on Flake

"The warning is right up front, in the book's introduction: 'I'm not a derm and this is not a book-of-cures,' says author Edward S. Dewke. But don't let that disclaimer stop you from finishing this refreshingly frank book about coping with psoriasis, by Dewke, a 'forty-something,' self-proclaimed 'Flake.' It's brand of therapy lies in its disarming 'I've been there' combination of humor and philosophy.

"Flake is not an autobiography. It is a memoir, a non-chronological collection of vignettes artfully constructed to make a point. The point in this case is the struggle to maintain control over one's life. Dewke uses humor as one of his weapons....

"By exposing ... dark moments to the light, [Dewke] makes psoriasis less powerful. By making fun of psoriasis, Dewke chalks up a point for everyone with the disorder...

"Dewke ... has managed to convey his own experiences with surprising style and wit. A confessed 'armchair philosopher,' he has a great ear for dialogue and his voice rings true.

"This book fills a tremendous need because, as Dewke points out, psoriasis can be terribly isolating. The ability to share experiences -- even laugh at them -- is good medicine for breaking down the power of this disease."

NPF Bulletin
October, 1996

Articles Contents

www.flakehq.com