Book Review: Perseverance

Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors is a book about young cancer survivors. Filled with hope and courage, Perseverance tells the story of twenty young people diagnosed with childhood cancer. Each chapter is a different person's story.

Each chapter is a first person account of that individuals diagnosis and cancer fight. The stories were all so different, but they all shared the same perseverance. Some persevered through their faith. Others through family encouragement. Some battled through alone, as their friends seemed to disappear during their trails. Others took their friendships to the next level, by the love and support shown.

I really enjoyed the conclusion of each chapter, which shared what the survivor was doing now. To read through the story, and then learn that they've married, or are in college now answered my "where are they now" questions.

The only aspect of the book I didn't like, was how each chapter was introduced by the author (Carolyn Rubenstein). Because her introduction was first person, then the story of the survivor was first person, it was a bit confusing. I don't think her relationship to the survivor, how she met them, or how she felt about them was in any way relevant to their stories (which is what the book is about), and by removing herself from the book, it would have been a much tighter story. (it was a very long, nearly 400 page book.)

I do admire the author, who since age 14 has worked with children with cancer, and who offers a scholarship program for childhood cancer survivors. However, I think she could have covered herself in an introduction in the book, and then let the stories each stand on their own.

The book concludes with a list of organizations that help kids with cancer and a medical glossary. I think these additions were very beneficial to the book.

Jamie Saunders, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in her freshman year of high school, said, “I know I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for the fact that I had cancer.” Nearly all of the survivors shared that belief.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I will note that it is not a faith-based book, and that while some of the survivors credit God, some question their faith or faith is not a part of their story. But it is an inspiring book that shows that cancer can be beaten, that young people are resilient, and that trials and tribulations bring opportunities for triumphs.