Review of First Survivor
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Review of First Survivor
[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]
First Survivor is a heartbreaking yet hopeful account of a family's resilience, perseverance, and determination during their young son Louis's horrific diagnosis, treatment, and miraculous survival. The author, Mark Unger, is the child's father. He shared the unfaltering quest he embarked upon to find treatment and a cure for the typically fatal disease his son had incurred. It is very detailed and may help others become aware of what to expect if they or someone they know has a similar diagnosis.
Unger expressed the strategies he and his wife used to help them cope and keep pushing forward during this difficult time. While every individual will have their own specific experience in a similar crisis, Unger's description of his and his family's situation could be helpful to others. His information explains medical terms and their meanings, the names and descriptions of numerous medications and their purpose throughout treatment, the family's frustration with hospital personnel, and some financial and health insurance concerns. He even discussed the emotional roller coaster ride of each family member.
While reading this story, I recalled my experience with a loved one, including our time at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the remarkable doctors within its walls. While the situation was dire, with much anxiety, worry, frustration, and most likely despair, I believe Unger's descriptive account of his experience would have given me hope in my time of distress. Therefore, I recommend it to others in similar situations.
It was unusual that the author referred to his son using his first and last name several times at the beginning of the story and in two other chapters later in the book. That made the writing appear impersonal at times. He also used very long, detailed sentences. Although that was not a problem for me, others may find this distracting or hard to follow.
I give this book a rating of five out of five stars because I did not find any typos, it was well organized, and it appeared professionally edited. The author gave excellent advice and insight into advocating for a loved one, keeping oneself as informed as possible, and the importance of not being afraid to ask questions. I appreciate that he included that doctors are human and can make mistakes. The glossary at the end of the book, the resources for support, and the information about the charity the family founded are excellent additions.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
First Survivor is a heartbreaking yet hopeful account of a family's resilience, perseverance, and determination during their young son Louis's horrific diagnosis, treatment, and miraculous survival. The author, Mark Unger, is the child's father. He shared the unfaltering quest he embarked upon to find treatment and a cure for the typically fatal disease his son had incurred. It is very detailed and may help others become aware of what to expect if they or someone they know has a similar diagnosis.
Unger expressed the strategies he and his wife used to help them cope and keep pushing forward during this difficult time. While every individual will have their own specific experience in a similar crisis, Unger's description of his and his family's situation could be helpful to others. His information explains medical terms and their meanings, the names and descriptions of numerous medications and their purpose throughout treatment, the family's frustration with hospital personnel, and some financial and health insurance concerns. He even discussed the emotional roller coaster ride of each family member.
While reading this story, I recalled my experience with a loved one, including our time at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the remarkable doctors within its walls. While the situation was dire, with much anxiety, worry, frustration, and most likely despair, I believe Unger's descriptive account of his experience would have given me hope in my time of distress. Therefore, I recommend it to others in similar situations.
It was unusual that the author referred to his son using his first and last name several times at the beginning of the story and in two other chapters later in the book. That made the writing appear impersonal at times. He also used very long, detailed sentences. Although that was not a problem for me, others may find this distracting or hard to follow.
I give this book a rating of five out of five stars because I did not find any typos, it was well organized, and it appeared professionally edited. The author gave excellent advice and insight into advocating for a loved one, keeping oneself as informed as possible, and the importance of not being afraid to ask questions. I appreciate that he included that doctors are human and can make mistakes. The glossary at the end of the book, the resources for support, and the information about the charity the family founded are excellent additions.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper
