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This is a discussion topic for the August 2023 Book of the Month, "First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough" by Mark Unger

What is your overall opinion of the book? What do you like most about it? What do you like least? What did you think of the writing style? What genre is the book? What genres are woven into the text? What did you think of the cover and title? What was the greatest lesson you learned from the book? Will you recommend the book to other people? Why or why not?

Please remember to add your actual rating using the book's page on the Bookshelf.

I found this book inspirational and heartbreaking at the same time, being a mother myself the story broke my heart, I related so much to mary ellen and her struggle and the fact that she couldn't give up because if she gives up everything around her will crumble and perhaps her faith in god and her perseverance are what helped her son survive. an undeniable 5/5

I'm not going to lie, this book was rough for me. I couldn't begin to imagine or even try to empathize since I am not a mother, but this book was heartbreaking. I thought the book was a 5 out of 5.

Just reading the sample was really rough for me. I just felt really sad. It's just a horrible thing for a child and any family to have to go through, especially with all the different incorrect diagnoses. It's just awful. The book, I am sure, is brilliant, but it's not something I could ever bring myself to read in full. It's far too triggersome. 

I have to be honest; I started the book and had to stop. My son has relapsed acute myeolid leukemia. His chances are not great. I could not keep reading on this subject. Someday I would like to finish this book, but not today.

"First Survivor" by Mark Unger is an emotional and inspiring true story of a family's fight against childhood cancer. The incredible strength of young Louis and the unwavering advocacy of his parents will touch your heart. All proceeds from the book go to the Carrot Seed Foundation to support children and families affected by this disease. Highly recommended!

It was difficult for me even to read the sample. I was simply so dejected. The suffering a child and any family must endure is plain abhorrent, especially in light of the numerous false diagnoses. It truly is terrible. I'm confident the book is fantastic.

This is a heartbreaking book for me. I don’t know if I can read this sad book because I automatically would imagine this to myself. Maybe someday if my mood is fit to read this book.

Although this is a difficult book to read because I am a cancer survivor, I am glad I read it. If Louis's outcome had been different, I probably would not have been able to finish it. However, I could relate to the missed diagnoses because cancer is hard to diagnose. I appreciated the notes that Mark included because they were similar to what I went through. Mark has provided a lot of information to help other cancer victims or caregivers. Mark's honesty in his and Mary Ellen's emotions is commendable. Louis is a precious child, and I am glad they found a cure for him. Unfortunately, due to the errors in the book I had to give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating.

This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, Louis and his family persevered and found a way to triumph. It is a story that will inspire anyone who has faced adversity and give hope to those who are still in the midst of their own struggles. It is a reminder that even when the odds are stacked against us, we should never give up. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for inspiration and hope.

Grace in the face of adversity...This book has shattered me to pieces. Had it not been for the title and the certainty of a happy ending, I couldn't have read it. The author is a strong person who intends to inspire others in their fight alongside their beloved ones. Louis is a precious child and I do hope he will become a strong adult.

Mark Unger's First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough is a must-read due to its enthralling account of the miraculous voyage of medical discoveries in the treatment of childhood cancer. The book is a compelling account of the tenacity of juvenile patients and the dedication of medical professionals. I admired the author's ability to skillfully weave together technical explanations and human-interest stories. At times, I felt that the writing style was a bit too opaque and that additional clarifications would have been beneficial.

This nonfiction book focuses primarily on medical or scientific events. It also naturally integrates biographical details, thereby enhancing understanding of the characters' motivations.

The book's design and title effectively convey the underlying message of optimism and achievement. The novel's title encapsulates the essence of the groundbreaking discovery it describes.

The book First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough taught me the value of perseverance and collaboration in expanding the boundaries of medicine. The book's emphasis on recent cancer therapy successes inspires optimism for the field's future.

Without question, I would recommend this book to my colleagues and family. It enlightens the reader on a crucial issue, allowing them to comprehend the significance of medical research for children's existence. In addition, it provides hope and motivation to those who are experiencing the same condition, as well as valuable information for doctors and researchers. I will undoubtedly rate it 5 out of 5.

Bertha Jackson wrote: ↑05 Aug 2023, 09:22 Although this is a difficult book to read because I am a cancer survivor, I am glad I read it. If Louis's outcome had been different, I probably would not have been able to finish it. However, I could relate to the missed diagnoses because cancer is hard to diagnose. I appreciated the notes that Mark included because they were similar to what I went through. Mark has provided a lot of information to help other cancer victims or caregivers. Mark's honesty in his and Mary Ellen's emotions is commendable. Louis is a precious child, and I am glad they found a cure for him. Unfortunately, due to the errors in the book I had to give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating.

This was great to hear a story of Cancer fighter from a Cancer fighter herself. You must have understood the book from a different perspective than I do. It was great reading your honest comment on the book. Appreciated!

Leslie Kunde wrote: ↑02 Aug 2023, 21:10 I have to be honest; I started the book and had to stop. My son has relapsed acute myeolid leukemia. His chances are not great. I could not keep reading on this subject. Someday I would like to finish this book, but not today.

So sorry to hear about your son, Leslie I hope some strong luck comes your (and his!) way!

I’m still slowly making my way through the book at the moment (it is hard to get through due to the content, as others have already mentioned) and I can’t stop thinking about how fortunate it is that this family were living with the means to be able to afford all the treatment/the type of job with the right insurance, as well as in such close proximity to some of the best quality medical care in the world. Cases like these really demonstrate the need for high quality healthcare to be more readily available to more people.