Tag: cancer treatment

REVIEW: This Changes Everything by Tyler Merritt

REVIEW: This Changes Everything by Tyler Merritt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Worthy Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

Actor, writer, and speaker Tyler Merritt shares his cancer story and a conversation about lament and mortality in his newest book – and it is excellent. This book is both funny and searing. From Tyler’s story of his cancer diagnosis to the story of Emmitt Till, with Where the Red Fern Grows thrown in for good measure, you are on a beautifully crafted emotional rollercoaster.

Intermixed with Merritt’s cancer story and related health complications, he shares stories of WWII, George Floyd, John Lewis, and illustrations about pets and sharks to weave a treatise about suffering and perseverance, resilience and lament. Quoting David Brooks, he also looks at “resumé virtues” vs. “eulogy virtues” which was my favorite illustration of the whole book. It explores how living with cancer can lead a person to examine how they live life with others. And Jen Hatmaker fans will get a few teasers about their relationship in the book (another favorite part of the book for me).

This is more serious overall than Tyler’s previous book, I Take My Coffee Black (♥♥♥♥). But I also walked away from this one with more introspection about how his experience calls readers (me!) to consider what we do with our time on earth. Fans of his other work – his books, his viral videos – should absolutely pick this up. If you are new to Tyler’s work, I recommend checking this out. Readers should note that some sections of the book cover medical and health discussions in some detail. Take a look at other content warnings before diving in. (Language. Content warnings: racism, cancer, death/grief, details about medical procedures and outcomes)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Elfie Unperfect by Kristin Mahoney

REVIEW: Elfie Unperfect by Kristin Mahoney

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. But since I had already purchased the book when I was approved for the ARC, I am reviewing my published copy. Still, all opinions are my own.]

Summary

Elfie was convinced transferring to Hampshire Academy was the solution to everything. She was certain the kids there would be more school-focused and rule-conscious like she was. She was certain this would be the place where she “thrived” and would make friends.

Instead, she was expelled. On the first day.

Now she has to go back to Cottonwood Elementary – with the kids who have never understood her, and the cousin who is good at all the things Elfie isn’t, like sports and making friends. But as Elfie returns to Cottonwood for 5th grade, a lot of things in her life are changing. It’s going to make for an unforgettable year.

Review

This was lovely! While I enjoyed the premise, I bought this one because I adored one of the author’s previous books, Annie’s Life in Lists. Once I knew she had written this, it became a must-read for me. And I was not disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed Elfie. She’s endearing and sympathetic. I was cheering for her from the start. I enjoyed tracking her whole journey through the book.

One of the things I especially appreciated is that a lot of the difficulties Elfie is working through aren’t wrapped up in the end. There’s no tidy ending wrapped in a bow. And that’s great. Rarely are life’s challenges wrapped up perfectly in a couple months. But in that time, Elfie has changed and grown. And that’s what is most important, and most enjoyable, about the book.

My fellow fans of Annie’s Life in Lists should give this one a try. The format is more straightforward (the structure of Annie is a big part of what makes it special), but the story and characters are just as enjoyable. (TW: cancer, chemotherapy, divorce)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 6, 2020.]

Summary

In 1972, Joan, a young wife and mother, teaches herself to cook from her mother’s recipes. When cancer strikes, she continues to cook, when she feels up to it, using the recipes to connect with her children. Family time is precious as they fight for her survival. Through the year, her husband finds some respite working on a table for their kitchen.

In 2012, Lauren and Travis discover they’re going to have a baby. As their friends help the newlyweds prepare their home for a new arrival, Lauren gets a refurbished kitchen table. The table has a secret drawer. Inside, she discovers a stack of recipe cards which include family stories. As she experiments with the recipes, Lauren is determined to do all she can to return those cards to that family.

Review

This is book 10 in the Christmas Hope series by Donna VanLiere. I think the books can be read alone (I started with book 8, The Christmas Town) without too much trouble, but to get everything out of the relationships, readers might try the books in order.

I liked the dual timeline/split timeline in this. The 1972 story keeps you wondering all the way through about how things will turn out for this family. For me, it was stressful. There’s a strong prayer/faith component to this timeline in the book which I enjoyed. For some, the cancer/chemo pieces could be difficult to read.

I preferred the 2012 timeline. I have loved Lauren’s story since The Christmas Town, so I was happy to spend more time with her in this book. The ending, where all was connected and revealed, was terrific and satisfying.

I liked the idea of using recipe cards as a storytelling mechanism. But in reality, it got old to me at times to read the cooking details. I felt like it slowed the story down. Cooking is not something I enjoy, but those pieces might be perfect and enjoyable for other readers who do. The book includes several recipes for readers who want to try some of the items on their own.

Fans of Grandon and the Christmas Hope series will want to pick this one up. Readers who enjoy stories of faith, warm Christmas tales, and dual/split  timeline stories should check this out, too. (CW: Cancer/Chemo. One reference in the ARC to a newborn sleeping on her stomach. Due to SIDS risk, babies should be put to sleep on their backs.)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+