Official Review: Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Strong

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 24 Aug 2020, 21:02

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Strong" by Kaiulani Facciani.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Kai’s medical odyssey began when she noticed a bloody stain on the inside of her bra. The diagnosis was cancer. After finishing cancer treatment and being cancer-free for years, new symptoms forced her to return to the doctor. Cancer and disease still hadn’t finished ravaging her body.

Whatever Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Strong by Kaiulani Facciani described the author's battle with a cancer diagnosis. After she was declared cancer-free, she was diagnosed with tumors and later with lesions. The doctors told her to prepare for death. She decided to fight. Kai chose a path that blended traditional medicine with her discoveries of alternative healing methods.

The book began as a narrative that chronicled Kai’s journey, including stories from her past. The second part of the text changed format as she moved from straight narrative to blog posts and selected responses from readers and friends. I liked this change as it highlighted how others encouraged and strengthened her with their support and prayers. Kai shared positive sayings from multiple people and several of her poems. Photos of smiling friends and relatives emphasized her focus on remaining positive and receiving support from loved ones.

The overall positive tone of the book inspired me. “I’m too stubborn to give up,” defined her attitude when the doctors told her to prepare to die. While Kai described her diseases, the book highlighted her determination. She encouraged readers to change their mindset and not let other people determine your future. “Just because they wear white coats, it doesn’t mean they know what’s best for me.” (p. 82) She researched the diagnoses, studied the x-rays, and decided on an alternative protocol. Her unique blend of traditional and alternative treatments included chemo, radiation, biofeedback, cleanses, and acupuncture. She emphasized that each person must do their own investigation to discover what treatment will work for your situation and circumstances. Kai has generously included the link to her blog, which contains excerpts from another book she has written that describes her naturopathic protocol.

Some of the traditional treatments caused severe side effects. The detailed descriptions of these reactions might disturb sensitive readers. The author described herself as “sassy,” which, occasionally, came out in moderate use of profanity and some unusual conversations with the female anatomy. Readers who adhere to strict religious beliefs might disagree with her ecumenical positions.

I am happy to award this non-fiction book 4 out of 4 stars as I could not find anything to dislike about Kai's story. The grammar errors were few and non-distracting. Kai’s positive attitude in the face of a terminal diagnosis would resound with a broad audience. Readers facing a health crisis would find encouragement and innovative ideas about alternative treatments. Any person facing a difficulty in their life would benefit from her positive message of “turning everything around by simply changing the way you look at things.” (p. 122)
https://kaiulanifacciani.com/book-store

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Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Strong
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TCG · Post by **TCG** » 29 Aug 2020, 01:53

I felt horrible reading this review, especially the way it began. Kai's journey to deal with health conditions is relatable. Great work.

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 29 Aug 2020, 02:54

This seems to be a great inspirational book. I definitely want to read this one. Thanks for your insightful review!

Ify_Reviewer · Post by **Ify_Reviewer** » 29 Aug 2020, 03:17

The title seems very fitting for the book. The review is insightful.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2020, 18:47

TCG wrote: ↑29 Aug 2020, 01:53 I felt horrible reading this review, especially the way it began. Kai's journey to deal with health conditions is relatable. Great work.

I agree. I felt overwhelmed with Kai's dilemma. She inspired me with her incredible determination. Her story will amaze you! Thanks for commenting.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2020, 19:05

Honest-reviewer wrote: ↑29 Aug 2020, 02:54 This seems to be a great inspirational book. I definitely want to read this one. Thanks for your insightful review!

You will be amazed! This is an incredible story of a person who just would not give up. Thanks for commenting.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2020, 20:02

Ify_Reviewer wrote: ↑29 Aug 2020, 03:17 The title seems very fitting for the book. The review is insightful.

Thanks for reading and commenting. It is an interesting title for the story of an extraordinary person and her life.

kathy2705 · Post by **kathy2705** » 29 Aug 2020, 20:11

Reading this review makes me feel emotional already. I like the fact that main character is very much self-motivated. These are the kinds of examples we neeed this day and time especially with all the misfortunes of life.

kathy2705 · Post by **kathy2705** » 29 Aug 2020, 20:11

Reading this review makes me feel emotional already. I like the fact that main character is very much self-motivated. These are the kinds of examples we neeed this day and time especially with all the misfortunes of life. I willl definitely read this one.

Deborah kalu · Post by **Deborah kalu** » 29 Aug 2020, 22:31

Kai is a good example of a good leader,teaching one to fight back even when it seems to be the end of her life"am too stubborn to give up".I love this saying so motivational. Also awesome review

Deborah kalu · Post by **Deborah kalu** » 29 Aug 2020, 22:37

kdstrack wrote: ↑29 Aug 2020, 20:02
Ify_Reviewer wrote: ↑29 Aug 2020, 03:17 The title seems very fitting for the book. The review is insightful.
Thanks for reading and commenting. It is an interesting title for the story of an extraordinary person and her life.

Indeed, kai is extraordinary I love that description.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 30 Aug 2020, 11:14

kathy2705 wrote: ↑29 Aug 2020, 20:11 Reading this review makes me feel emotional already. I like the fact that main character is very much self-motivated. These are the kinds of examples we neeed this day and time especially with all the misfortunes of life.

I felt so motivated and inspired by Kai's story! Her story is emotional for us to read. I can't imagine having to actually live it! Her reactions, decisions, and determination will lift your spirit. Thanks for commenting.

Tsholo2030 · Post by **Tsholo2030** » 30 Aug 2020, 15:19

Cancer is a horrible thing to deal with but the positive mind Kai had to fight this deseas makes me want to know more about this book. It's really great to read a book and feel as if your part of it. Marvelous review!

FABIAN_BATS · Post by **FABIAN_BATS** » 30 Aug 2020, 15:29

I'm inspired from the review already. I enjoy true stories a lot and look forward to reading the book. Great review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 30 Aug 2020, 18:38

Tsholo2030 wrote: ↑30 Aug 2020, 15:19 Cancer is a horrible thing to deal with but the positive mind Kai had to fight this deseas makes me want to know more about this book. It's really great to read a book and feel as if your part of it. Marvelous review!

Kai truly amazed me! She explained her story and also shared how to get the help and support you need to make it through a cancer prognosis. And she overcame it! She will inspire you.