Review of First Survivor

Post by **Mara Valentina** » 17 Dec 2023, 10:53

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

5 out of 5 stars

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First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough by Mark Unger is a compelling and heartbreaking true account about his son Louis' battle with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive paediatric disease with a low survival rate.

When Louis Unger, three, is diagnosed with leukaemia, Mark and his wife Mary Ellen are thrown into a maelstrom of gruelling therapies, tragic disappointments, and unyielding hope. Their journey takes them from world-renowned cancer centres to remote clinics, forcing them to defy medical convention in order to save their son's life. The book follows their emotional rollercoaster: the agony of watching Louis go through gruelling treatments, the desperation of clinging to every ray of hope, and the intense determination to never give up. At the same time, the book looks into important scientific research into immunotherapy, a unique strategy for battling cancer that relies on the body's own immune system. Get this book to find out if Louis' cancer was cured.

This book is a fascinating investigation of family resilience, medical ingenuity, and the persistent human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties. It was heartbreaking to see how Harry was always there for his younger brother as his sole best friend and sibling. The creative and compelling way in which the chapters are labelled, using the number of days and dates Louis spent battling illness, is a positive component of the book that I loved. This approach adds a highly personal and heartbreaking touch to the story,creating a powerful chronological structure that allows readers to identify with the course of Louis's trip on an intimate level. I loved how the book serves as a compelling reminder of how important patients and their families are to driving medical progress. I enjoyed how the book demonstrates the human spirit's potential for love, optimism, and resilience in the face of insurmountable misfortune. The author's writing is real, honest, and emotionally charged. He immerses the reader in their family's perilous adventure, generating empathy and admiration for their bravery and resilience.

This book has nothing that I dislike about it. The impact on the family unit, the pressure on their marriage, and the undying love that links them together are all clearly depicted by the author. The emphasis on a key medical breakthrough, bringing hope to families struggling with childhood cancer, is a great feature. The extensive examination of the breakthrough helps the reader grasp the complexity of medical research and its possible implications. I appreciated that the book included a glossary of medical terminology to help readers grasp what the terms meant.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is a strong monument to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity as well as a celebration of scientific advancement that may provide hope even in the darkest of times. The book is exceptionally well edited. I recommend this book to those who appreciate nonfiction and inspirational books.

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First Survivor
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