Review of First Survivor

[ashleighpearce]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"Every day is a great day." This quote is used repetitively in the book First Survivor, and I feel it truly encapsulates what the author is trying to convey. Mark Unger has written a gripping non-fiction novel reflecting the period during which his youngest son, Louis, developed Neuroblastoma - a type of cancer found predominantly in children. Louis was three years old when he was first diagnosed with it.

The book takes us on an honest journey through Louis' diagnosis, treatment, hospital trips, and countless hours of research. We see that Mark and Mary Ellen (parents to Louis) are his most fierce advocates. We witness how the family splits up their responsibilities. And ultimately, we learn a lot of medical terminology (particularly surrounding Neuroblastoma and its rarity).

There were many aspects of the book that I enjoyed. The non-medical language was simple and easy to read, and the storytelling was extremely captivating. I thought the pictures of Louis, the family, and Mark's notes were a beautiful addition. It was clever for the author to use figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to help the reader visualize the experience. It was also helpful to have a glossary of the medical jargon and a medical background at the back of the book. It meant that if you were a reader not accustomed to the medical terms used in the book, you could use these tools to properly engage with the content and fully comprehend the severity of the situation.

This book demonstrates not only the courage of Louis but also that of his parents. I found it to be an inspirational book about advocating for your kids. I think this could be an incredible resource for parents with sick children with regards to learning what your strengths are, splitting up duties between partners, and how to show up for your child. The downside of this novel is the fact that it could be a very triggering book for a parent who currently has a sick child or, particularly, for a parent who has lost a child due to illness. I would not recommend the book to anyone strongly against profane language, but it is not something that I feel devalues its essence. I thought it made the writing more realistic and relatable.

I picked up no grammatical errors and thought the book to be exceptionally well-written and professionally edited. I found nothing to dislike about this raw and honest retelling of brave, little Louis' battle against Neuroblastoma. This novel took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I struggled to put it down from the moment I started reading it. With all this in mind, I have decided to give the book 5 out of 5 stars. I am in awe of Mark Unger and the courage it must have taken to relive this tumultuous time in his life. Every day is great when you read a remarkable story like this.

******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[David Samanthaa]

First Survivor is a remarkable account of a young boy’s battle with cancer. Mark Unger’s depiction of his son Louis’s journey is a powerful narrative of hope and resilience.

[Grace Jane]

A hopeful message about the possibility of healing.

[Mradushi Singhal]

Your review powerfully conveys the emotional depth and raw honesty of the book, making it sound both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The detailed narrative and supportive resources make it seem like a valuable read, though I might approach it with caution due to its intense subject matter.