Review of First Survivor

[Moisés Alcántara Ayre]

[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Neuroblastoma has attacked a child, and his family’s life is dramatically transformed. What’s neuroblastoma? Will the child be healed?

“First Survivor” recounts how Lou suddenly experiences significant and alarming changes in his mood and health, and all this turmoil leads his parents to finding out what might be causing it. Finding out what has triggered such a dreadful event will embark the whole family on a journey to fight a monstrous illness to heal Lou. As the story unfolds, we’ll see Lou and his parents fight fiercely every step of the way, searching for the best doctors, the kindest nurses, the most efficient treatments, and the top-notch hospitals. And along the way, the story will be painted by the generosity of people, the miracles of life, the anxiety provoked by uncertainty, and the hope and faith that parents stick to not to give up on their child. And you’ll not only understand but savor the motto adopted by the family, “Every day is a great day.”

The sentences in “First Survivor” flow very smoothly. The juicy part of the narrations is in the real-life story it unveils, always informative and rich when detailing treatments and prescriptions. The copious yet necessary notes from the father will connect you with the story in a more vivid and meaningful way.

Real stories like this portray and remind us of the power of love within a family, a type of love likely not found anywhere else. We are as well reminded that disasters are always prowling through our doors and can knock on them and find us with our guards down. But in the darkest times of life, the best of a family can be brought to life: love (strengths and abilities one didn’t know one had). And love (actions, behaviors, and thoughts) can walk the extra mile, believing in the impossible, waiting patiently, and staying close. “First Survivor” is, in addition to a story of battling a horrific illness, a life lesson that will teach you the power of determination and hope. Battle after battle, although exhausted, not giving up is sometimes the best way out.

At times, we see life in gray shades and feel there’s little hope in this world of ours; however, reading the story of Lou and the people beside him can awaken our sometimes-dormant love, scant hope, and fragile determination—mission impossible is made up of hard work and tons of discipline. There’s nothing that I dislike about this book, and the editing was clearly outstanding. With that said, I’d rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Finishing the book, I felt positively and emotionally recharged, and understood how love in action flows from and to all directions in our lives more often than we think or see.

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First Survivor
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[David Samanthaa]

First Survivor is a testament to the human spirit. Louis Unger’s bravery and determination to overcome cancer at such a young age is beautifully captured by Mark Unger

[Amy Luman]

This book is a real testament to a father and mother’s love. Only parents that are truly in touch with their child would be able to see the subtle changes in their child that call for medical attention. Thanks!