OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Saving Hope" by Devoted Grandfather.]

Saving Hope by a Devoted Grandfather (Jim) is not a story for those who are not prepared to weep incessantly. On the 9th of September, 2001, Jim was not just grieving the terrorist attack on the twin towers. His granddaughter, Hope, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma on that same infamous date. Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that forms in the nerve cells.Although it can be cured with chemotherapy, there is a high chance of patients relapsing up to 5 years after they have been declared ‘cancer free’. The book is a compilation of emails that a Devoted Grandfather typed to update his acquaintances and well-wishers on Hope’s condition.

At the start of the book, the author includes a major spoiler concerning Hope’s struggle against neuroblastoma. However, you won’t hear it from me whether she won or lost against her opponent. All I can say is that the emails that started on the 20th of September, 2011 and concluded on the 26th of the same month in 2014, promise to make the reader cry and rejoice depending on how Hope’s physical and mental condition are described.

Even though I knew the ending from the start, Jim’s writing style had me emotionally invested in the story. The Devoted Grandfather wrote with a ‘heavy heart’ as he watched his beautiful blue-eyed baby girl make numerous trips to the hospital for the cancer treatment and blood transfusions. My eyes got moist when Jim exclaimed that, ‘‘the frustration, disgust, despair, and depression that our family feels right now is at fever pitch.’’ I rejoiced every time that we were told that ‘‘Hope’s spirits are high.’’ However, one of her many doctors was correct when he nicknamed her, ‘Up, Down, On, Off, Never-Know-What-to-Expect Hope.’ Did Hope exit this roller coaster of physical and emotional trauma alive? I highly suggest that everyone read this amazing book to find out.

I really enjoyed reading Saving Hope. Despite the fact that there were a few grammatical errors, the story was well-written, especially considering since the author confesses that he ‘unintentionally’ wrote this story. Moreover, sometimes the emails were very repetitive. Jim explained very technical details about the cancer treatment including the procedures Hope had to undergo and the drugs she had to take a number of times.Moreover, our Devoted Grandfather had a habit of concluding his emails by expressing a few words of gratitude to the readers as well as declaring that he is living life one day at a time. These 'flaws' actually made the story more enjoyable because they proofed that the author did not ‘doctor’ the emails when he decided to compile and publish them. I also like that although dealing with cancer is expensive, Jim never asked his readers for financial assistance. The author also had a very good sense of humor that served to make me laugh right after he had made me cry. The most amazing thing about the book is that Devoted Grandfather only used one finger to type over 200 pages worth of email.

In conclusion, I rate Saving Hope 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this to everyone, especially to people who are fighting against any type of cancer or have a family member that is diagnosed with cancer. I believe that most readers would have a greater appreciation for life after reading this book.

******
Saving Hope
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Jaime Lync's review? Post a comment saying so!

This is one heartfelt review, Jaime. I sincerely hope for Hope to find peace and everlasting joy wherever she is right now.

Thanks Miriam, I shed many tears reading this book. I also hope that Hope is alright wherever she is. Hope is only a few years younger than me so I really relate to her.

Wow. This definitely sounds like a tear jerker. I'm glad you enjoyed it although I don't know if enjoyed is the right word. Thanks for the review.

Thanks for reading and commenting Kandscreeley. I really enjoyed this because it was so engaging.

I love that it's a book that addresses a families battle against cancer! I also love that it is in the point of view of the grandfather. This sounds like an amazing book that many people should read.

Great Review! ?

Thanks for reading and commenting Amagine. I believe that this book will touch everyone who reads it .

This book sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing such an honest review.

Thanks for reading and commenting Flor.

Cancer in the nerve cells must be frightening indeed, but thankfully there is a cure. While not knowing the outcome with regards to Hope, I hope that she did survive. She has such a loving grandfather that they need to spend a long time together. Kudos for a great review.

Reading this made me want to grab a copy of the book asap. Thank you for the great review! I've always thought that books that can make the readers cry are special. Should not missed this one!

Wow, this sounds like an amazing story! Cancer is such a horrible illness and it's sad how many can be affected by it. I love that the author was able to present his story in such a way that guides his readers to be so emotionally invested. I feel like this would be an emotional ride for me too, but I am extremely interested to know the outcome. Great job on the review!

If you love drama filled books , This one is for you! Respect to the author and people in 9/11. Saving hope is worth having in youre library 5/5

The war on cancer is such a personal battle and it takes its toll on not just the victim, but the victim's family and loved ones. This book really does sound like a tear jerker that puts you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Thanks everyone for reading and commenting. I am so glad to see so many people that are interested in this amazing story.