I previously mentioned how my FIL was recently diagnosed with cancer, which is one of the reasons why I was very interested in reading Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors by Carolyn Rubenstein (ARV $24.99, Forge Books).Can you imagine being in high school or college and suddenly learning you have cancer? You thought you had a lifetime ahead of you and the whole world at your feet, but suddenly you're told... maybe not. How would you cope? That's the question the twenty young people in this book had to answer when they were diagnosed with childhood cancer. Perseverance tells of their trials and tribulations, of their triumphs, and of the unique challenges that day-to-day college life brings them. Perseverance also provides an intimate look at the lives and journeys of these young people and how their courage and strength have affected the lives of others.These honest, first-person accounts lend amazing depth to the inspiring stories of these young men and women...Twenty unique and fascinating stories, with one common theme: perseverance. The stories of these heroes demonstrate how anyone can learn to live with energy and passion, regardless of the obstacles to be faced, and will remind us all that now is everything.
Although Perseverance focused on children and young adults who were diagnosed with cancer, their stories of perseverance and the overall message in this book will resonate with everyone, young or old.
I went through a wide range of emotions reading this book, and I cried both sad and happy tears. Sad tears were shed because of what these individuals endured (the countless surgeries, the chemotherapy), what their families went through, and how they told of others they knew who had lost their battles with cancer. Happy tears were shed because of their strength, their outlook on life ("I refuse to let cancer dominate"), and their accomplishments.
The stories throughout the book discusses each person’s individual battle with cancer. People describe how they discovered they had cancer, how they felt once they were diagnosed, how they treated it and continue to treat it, how life changed because of it, and what the future holds for them.
Ultimately, the book tells of how each person persevered, and the lessons they learned throughout their battles with cancer. Whether it was through educating themselves, asking for help, or never giving up hope, everyone learned how to live.
And that is one of the main points of Perseverance--to live. Perseverance is book that will really touch your heart, and although it may sound so cliché, it will really make you realize how wonderful life is and to not take each day for granted. This book and those who shared their stories within it offers life lessons that remind you that no matter what obstacles you encounter in life, big or small, you should never stop living your life to its fullest.
Shop: You can purchase Perseverance on the Macmillan website, or at various other retailers online and nationwide.
Special Note: Now through Aug. 21, Carolyn Rubenstein, the author of Perseverance, has a cool Twitter giveaway going on. She'll be giving away a Kindle to one winner each day! Click here for complete contest rules and details.
Thank you to Macmillan for the review product.
Gem is a Hawaii Mom Blogger who posts reviews and giveaways, and blogs about life in Hawaii as a mom of 3 boys, including one with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She loves to travel, bake, and eat anything with chocolate.
1 comments:
this is something I will defintely recommend!
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