Customer Reviews

Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every once in a while we run across little gems that are so special that they change our lives forever. Carolyn Rubenstein's Perseverance is one of those rare and special jewels. I can't remember the last time I have felt so passionate about a book. The stories are bright, funny, inspirational and most of all full of life. I love each and every person I met in Perseverance. Their stories dance off the pages daring you to walk in their shoes, go through what they went through, and find the joy in life. Put down your coffee and pick up this book. You will never be the same

This book is not to be missed. It provides the reader with a new perspective on life that is forever impacting. The stories within the pages will definitely stay ingrained within me.

The stories, along with Carolyn's life lessons learned are on the mark, and are gentle reminders that we need to start living our lives with vigor and with purpose -- NOW.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is also a fantastic book for those who need a little wake-up call and inspiration in their lives.

Carolyn is to be applauded for her work and devotion to making this world a better place.

How would you cope if you were diagnosed with cancer as a child or teenager? A cancer diagnosis is daunting for anyone, but how much harder can it be for a young person? This book contains the stories of 20 young people who have battled with cancer. Sadly, they have not all won their battles and for some the battles continue.

Each of the twenty contributors tells the story of their diagnosis, of their subsequent trials and tribulations and the unique challenges that they each have faced. They share, too, their triumphs and their motivations.

`Cancer, or having cancer, doesn't define you, but it does let you know who you are and what you're capable of. And you soon realize that you are capable of so many great things.' Without exception, each of these young people has overcome great odds in order to achieve important goals. And that is one of the key messages for those of us reading their stories: to make each moment count. Or, as one of the contributors wrote: `Life is brief without guarantees. Procrastination may lead to regret; the only day you have to enjoy is today.'

There is sadness in these stories: cancer treatment is frequently invasive and painful, has its own rules and protocols and is not always successful. Friendships are made and broken, family members suffer. No-one wants cancer in their lives. And yet, these young people have managed to persevere and to live lives that may be constrained by cancer but are not defined by it.

`Make every day a good day, every moment a good moment.' These are indeed words to live by.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

No one can read this book and NOT be changed by the stories Carolyn shares with readers. You either know someone personally or you know someone who knows someone that has been affected by some sort of cancer. Readers will carry each story with them for the rest of their life. You think you are having a bad day, pick up the book Perseverance. This is a powerful book, filled with powerful stories. A must read.

This is a collection of the stories of 20 young people who have battled cancer - all types of cancer from leukemia to brain, lymphoma to ovarian. The youngest was diagnosed at the age of 2, the oldest at 20. All but one of them are still alive.

This is a tremendously inspiring book to read, in part because (as Rubenstein points out), each of the people interviewed believes that cancer is has been a highly positive force in their lives. Many spoke about having a fresh appreciation for life or how their religious faith had deepened because of their experience. I was also struck by how many had subsequently made career decisions to go into medicine, psychology or another field working with pediatric cancer patients. "I see it as something that has set me on the path I am now on, a path towards helping others" writes one. "This is a bonus life - there's nothing for me to lose", writes another,

However parts are also difficult read, because the experiences that these kids - and their families - go through are not ones that you would wish on anyone. Again and again they talk about the isolation of cancer, with friends not knowing how to react to them and not being able to attend school or go to parties like other teens. Invasive and painful treatments with hideous side effects like memory loss or blistered throats. Hair loss - "I'd just learned to style it the right way", one girl ruefully comments. Doctors who seem indifferent to the pain that they subject patients to ("Have a nice day" a doctor tells one patient after delivering his diagnosis). And even once the cancer is in remission, many suffer ongoing depression and survivor guilt.

For the most part Carolyn Rubenstein made the decision to let each story be told in the patient's own words, and this allows their unique personalities to come through strongly. Several developed a dark sense of humor as a coping mechanism ("I looked like I had a failed execution by guillotine" one recalls after surgery on her neck). Another becomes addicted to analyzing medical treatments on the TV show Gray's Anatomy.

This book would be extremely appropriate for anyone suffering from cancer or close to someone who is - although I felt its appeal is broader than that. After reading it I got much more concrete ideas of tangible things that I could do to help someone going through an experience like that: connecting them with charities that can support them, keeping in frequent contact, supplying them with plenty of good books (particularly autobiographies of people who had persevered through hardship). Most importantly, it gives you hope that good things lie ahead at the end of this journey.

The book concludes with a list of American charities that you may choose to donate to or become involved with as well as a list of resources for families in the US affected by cancer.

The author incidentally is only 24 and sounds pretty remarkable herself.

This review is based on a copy provided for reviewing purposes, but the opinions above are genuine and based on having read the book.

This book is one of the most inspirational collection of writings I have ever read. Each individual's story brought out a range of emotions in me, from laughter to tears, and joy to sorrow. Not all of the stories have a "happy" ending, but what the reader takes away from them is a sense of strength, courage, and wisdom. "Perseverance" is the perfect title for this book; it completely encompasses the true meaning and idea focused on by the author. Each and every story touched my heart, and inspired me to try and live my life with a more positive and open attitude. Please read this book.

Purserverance is a truly remarkable book. It is full of wonderful first hand stories of amazing young men and women and their triumph over cancer. It moved me to tears and I will remember it forever and it only makes my support for further cancer research and preventative medical care that much stronger. These young people have amazing spirits, attitudes, and endurance to reach into their inner strength and become strong survivors. They are truly an inspiration to everyone, but especially to family members who go through the experience with them, to have captured their story forever on paper has a huge impact and will help people to never forget the experience and feelings. I encourage everyone to read this book and support Carolyn's efforts to provide scholarships for these very remarkable and deserving young men and women. You will not be sorry you read this book.

These stories of survival from first-person accounts will move you to tears. It is truly incredible to listen to all of these young men and women triumphantly recount the battles for their life. But, do their victories turn them scared and hopeless about what the future may now bring? Absolutely Not, they come out with life by the horns, stronger than they were before, ready for more of whatever life has to throw their way! This book truly speaks to its' title with every word, and lets everyone know that as long as there's will, there's a way to survive!

Carolyn has done an extraordinary job in capturing the essence of life and determination in each of the 20 individuals. The individual stories are such that every reader can find a thread either in her / his experience or a friend's or relative's experience with cancer. At this age, cancer does not come from the result of earlier life choices but rather comes without warning or discretion. From the stories, you can tell that Carolyn has shown personal interest and desire to channel the feelings of the cancer survivor to the reader. As you open the book and scan the first pages, you'll find that one of the individuals did not live to see the book come to reality, but Carolyn has ensured that his story lives on for others to draw inspiration.

Sometimes when we go through a difficult experience, we are not focusing on how difficult it is-- we focus on getting through it. This book really takes you through the emotions one experiences throughout their battle- before, during, and after. This book would not be possible without Carolyn-she is truly amazing, simply put.