Review of First Survivor

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
Jane Ogwang
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 545
Joined: 07 Jun 2022, 05:23
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 132
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jane-ogwang.html
Latest Review: Ride the Winds of Whatever by Michael John Cruit

Review of First Survivor

Post by Jane Ogwang »

[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


This is such a wholesome book. I have never drenched myself in tears and smiled proudly through a book like I did while reading this one. It is the story of a survivor, a warrior, a trailblazer, and a miracle, Louis Unger.

Louis was diagnosed with cancer, neuroblastoma, at the young age of five years. It is a rare form of cancer that affects children in their early years. In this book, First Survivor, Mark Unger takes us through the challenging experience he and his family faced with this diagnosis. He quickly made a point of conducting research and contacting some of the best specialists in the field to get the way forward. He aggressively networked and consulted people to see the best route for his son. When the storm seemed to have settled and the cancer cleared, a bigger storm came. A relapse that had previously seen no survivors attacked Louis. It would be best to walk through this journey of suffering and triumph with this family by purchasing and reading this book.

This book encompasses what the human spirit and life are all about. It speaks to the resilience, strength, and love that humans express daily. This book has given me an unimaginable lift and change in my perspective on life. Mark says that people who survive illnesses hear the birds singing with new and sharp clarity, find the morning sunlight brighter, and Water tasting fresher and looking cleaner. I agree with this. Finishing this book gave me that same perspective. I feel like I have walked through this journey with Louis and gained respect for life.

I enjoyed the author's honesty and vulnerability in the book. His notes, which were personal, close, and written in probably the lowest moments of his life, made me connect with him more. I could feel every emotion he felt, but not at the same level. It was great for him to reveal that side to us in this book. I applaud his bravery, honesty, and genuine desire to help others. I couldn't help but think, however, about the thousands of other kids in the universe who may not have the health accessibility, loving family, and resources that Louis had, and it breaks my heart. This wasn't lost on Mike, as he acknowledges his advantages through this devastating journey, like good insurance coverage and the best doctors in the world.

I cannot fault a single aspect of this book. The writing is clear, simple, and perfectly presented. The editing is also done impeccably. The message for every parent and patient out there to stand up for themselves is also one I fully endorse. I give it a perfect rating of five out of five stars. This book is a must-read for you if you have or are a cancer patient, especially something related to neuroblastoma.

******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
User avatar
Rahul Singh 29
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 383
Joined: 29 Sep 2023, 23:15
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 70
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rahul-singh-29.html
Latest Review: Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids by Jemima Paul, Arvind Paul

Post by Rahul Singh 29 »

This heartfelt review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger beautifully captures the emotional journey of Louis, a young cancer survivor. The reviewer praises the book for its ability to evoke tears and smiles, highlighting Louis's resilience and his family's determination to find the best care. They appreciate the author's honesty and vulnerability, which made them connect deeply with the story.

The reviewer also acknowledges the privilege and resources Louis had, contrasting it with the plight of less fortunate children facing similar challenges. They commend the book's clear writing, flawless editing, and its message about advocating for oneself in the face of illness.

Overall, the reviewer gives a perfect 5-star rating, emphasizing the book's significance for cancer patients, especially those dealing with neuroblastoma. This review conveys a powerful endorsement of "First Survivor."
Life is a play where we are the actors and the audience, We laugh and cry, love and hate, create and destroy,
We seek to know ourselves and others, to belong and to be free, We accept what we can and change what we must.
User avatar
Valentine Nyanchama
Posts: 47
Joined: 27 Sep 2023, 05:41
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-valentine-nyanchama.html
Latest Review: From Burnout to Belonging by Kimberly Carozzi

Post by Valentine Nyanchama »

From the reviewer's sentiment, Mark says that people who survive illnesses hear the birds singing with new and sharp clarity, find the morning sunlight brighter, and Water tasting fresher and looking cleaner. I feel I have a connection with the narrative on that book.
It has so much honest feelings and vulnerability leaving the reader at deep connection with the story at large.
With a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, it signifies that the book is a good read for cancer patients as well as guardians and parents of the sick people and not limited to them only but also children with neuroblastoma. I would recommend the book "First Survivor."
Jufri Juntak
Posts: 14
Joined: 13 Nov 2021, 11:43
Currently Reading: First Survivor
Bookshelf Size: 19

Post by Jufri Juntak »

With a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, it signifies that the book is a good read for cancer patients as well as guardians and parents of the sick people and not limited to them only but also children with neuroblastoma. I would recommend the book "First Survivor.
Enjani Matendeko
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 411
Joined: 06 Nov 2023, 02:49
Currently Reading: Nightlord
Bookshelf Size: 38
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-enjani-matendeko.html
Latest Review: Running For One's Life by Lauren Jedlan

Post by Enjani Matendeko »

I don't know the best word to use to describe Louis. But he's a child worth writing a story about. He survived very serious cancer attacks that could have easily cost him his life. However, he survived. That was really amazing.
Grace Jane
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 406
Joined: 24 May 2024, 16:50
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 23
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-grace-jane.html
Latest Review: McDowell by William H. Coles

Post by Grace Jane »

Unger’s honesty makes the story incredibly impactful.
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”