Standing On His Own Two Feet: A Diary Of Dying [Paperback]

Sue Grant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2005

Alexander had just begun his studies at university when he was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. In this honest account, Alex's mother traces the impact of the diagnosis on the whole family and outlines the issues that arose during diagnosis, treatment and terminal stages of her son's illness. Standing on His Own Two Feet offers an insight into how health care systems serve the terminally ill, the choices faced by families, and ways of providing the best possible care at home and maintaining the patient's dignity until the end. In particular, Sue Grant deals sensitively with the care needs of young adults. Portraying a family of admirable resilience and strength, this inspiring and moving book offers support and practical tips for anybody encountering terminal illness and presents valuable discussion points for all nursing, health and social care professionals.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'Although I have been immersed in these issues about 15 years, this book gripped me and moved me profoundly. It manages to achieve sensitivity without sentimentality, and highlights the humanity and dignity of Alexander and his family, during some very undignified experiences...This book needs to be read by everyone.' --Myrna Whiteson, The Teenage Cancer Trust, UK"

About the Author

Sue Grant lives with her family in Germany, where for 16 years she was a teacher in adult education. The cancer of her eldest son was the starting point of her writing career, and she now works as freelance journalist. She is a columnist with Bereavement, USA, contributing editor and book review editor for Compassion, UK, and belongs to the editorial team for the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parents' Organizations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub (June 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843103680
• ISBN-13: 978-1843103684
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,984,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Standing On His Own Two Feet, June 20, 2003

By 

Mangal Shah (Glasgow, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Standing on His Own Two Feet (Paperback)

Heartbreaking, especially as the book is non-fictional and about a close friend whose brave and stoic public front masked the anguish that the book brings to light. Not easy to read given the book's subject matter, but well-written without trying to crassly sensationalise terminal illness.