Review of First Survivor
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Carol McCoy Phelps
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Review of First Survivor
[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]
“This book chronicles the suffering, despair, and ultimate triumph of the Unger family in overcoming a deadly pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma.”
No one wants to hear their child’s name spoken in the same sentence as the word cancer. This is especially true when the doctor says that there is no cure. There was a time when a neuroblastoma diagnosis meant a zero chance of survival. That is what Mark and Mary Ellen Unger faced with their little boy. First Survivor by Mark Unger shares the remarkable resolve and determination his family displayed during their ordeal.
The Unger family’s world changed forever on the day before Thanksgiving 2001. What began as a follow-up with three-year-old Louis’ pediatrician for a hip problem ended with Louis getting a blood transfusion. After many hours of waiting, the answer came. The doctors think Louis has cancer, and it could be leukemia.
Unaware of the severity of his condition, Louis played with toys, watched cartoons, and accepted painful procedures like a champ that day. His cheerful toddler demeanor never faltered. Mary Ellen answered his questions while managing her family’s day, including scheduling school pick-up for Harry, Louis’ older brother. Mark began documenting everything, which he would continue to do throughout Louis’ illness, treatments, the horrendous relapse, and the road to recovery. How will Louis cope with the horrible pain that is coming his way? How will he deal with surgeries, radiation treatments, and chemotherapy? You must read this book to understand how Louis faced his ordeal. His parents’ unprecedented actions will inspire you as well.
I like the author’s writing style. The narrative is clear, concise, and well-written. The author included his daily journal entries, bringing readers to Louis’ bedside. The first ten days equal the first ten chapters of the book; each day is one chapter. The profundity of Unger’s writing is complemented by the poignant photographs scattered throughout the book, beginning with the sweet portrait of Louis on the cover.
I also appreciate the information at the end of the book. The glossary defines key medical terms used in the book. “A Concise History of Survival” is a chart that shows how meticulously the author chronicled Louis’ journey. The medical background section includes additional information about cancer research. The closing section lists resources for support. The book is valuable for this section alone because the Ungers did a lot of research while advocating for Louis, and this list is the result of their courage and tireless determination.
There is nothing about this book to dislike. The editing is exceptional, and the writing is passionate but insightful. For these reasons, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I heartily recommend First Survivor to anyone who is interested in learning how the Unger family advocated for their child’s medical needs. Sensitive readers should expect to read candid descriptions of the effects of childhood cancer as well as the side-effects of treatments.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
“This book chronicles the suffering, despair, and ultimate triumph of the Unger family in overcoming a deadly pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma.”
No one wants to hear their child’s name spoken in the same sentence as the word cancer. This is especially true when the doctor says that there is no cure. There was a time when a neuroblastoma diagnosis meant a zero chance of survival. That is what Mark and Mary Ellen Unger faced with their little boy. First Survivor by Mark Unger shares the remarkable resolve and determination his family displayed during their ordeal.
The Unger family’s world changed forever on the day before Thanksgiving 2001. What began as a follow-up with three-year-old Louis’ pediatrician for a hip problem ended with Louis getting a blood transfusion. After many hours of waiting, the answer came. The doctors think Louis has cancer, and it could be leukemia.
Unaware of the severity of his condition, Louis played with toys, watched cartoons, and accepted painful procedures like a champ that day. His cheerful toddler demeanor never faltered. Mary Ellen answered his questions while managing her family’s day, including scheduling school pick-up for Harry, Louis’ older brother. Mark began documenting everything, which he would continue to do throughout Louis’ illness, treatments, the horrendous relapse, and the road to recovery. How will Louis cope with the horrible pain that is coming his way? How will he deal with surgeries, radiation treatments, and chemotherapy? You must read this book to understand how Louis faced his ordeal. His parents’ unprecedented actions will inspire you as well.
I like the author’s writing style. The narrative is clear, concise, and well-written. The author included his daily journal entries, bringing readers to Louis’ bedside. The first ten days equal the first ten chapters of the book; each day is one chapter. The profundity of Unger’s writing is complemented by the poignant photographs scattered throughout the book, beginning with the sweet portrait of Louis on the cover.
I also appreciate the information at the end of the book. The glossary defines key medical terms used in the book. “A Concise History of Survival” is a chart that shows how meticulously the author chronicled Louis’ journey. The medical background section includes additional information about cancer research. The closing section lists resources for support. The book is valuable for this section alone because the Ungers did a lot of research while advocating for Louis, and this list is the result of their courage and tireless determination.
There is nothing about this book to dislike. The editing is exceptional, and the writing is passionate but insightful. For these reasons, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I heartily recommend First Survivor to anyone who is interested in learning how the Unger family advocated for their child’s medical needs. Sensitive readers should expect to read candid descriptions of the effects of childhood cancer as well as the side-effects of treatments.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
J. Carol McCoy-Phelps
