Review by Nobayeni -- Don't Quit by Kyle S. Reynolds
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Review by Nobayeni -- Don't Quit by Kyle S. Reynolds
Don't Quit is a book authored by Kyle S. Reynolds.It features a true story of Jason Merkle who battled and conquered what was deemed a terminal brain cancer. In this book besides the Merkle family opting for the non-conventional cancer treatment, they also put faith and trust in God to guide and give them strength throughout the process. They came across many challenges along the way, but Jason's cheerful and positive nature made it endurable for him and those who were willing to support him in the fight against the deadly tumor.
As I began reading the first chapters in the book, I felt sad and sorry for Jason as he went from being an active young boy who took part in several sports activities, to a tumor found in his brain leading to two brain surgeries at just the age of thirteen amongst other complications post-surgery. Things got worse seven years later when the tumor was declared cancerous. However, as I continued reading my feelings changed to admiration at how Jason and his family took the news and the manner they chose to go about this entire situation, ensuring Jason comes out victorious.
There are a number of things that stood out for me in this story: Jason's resilience and faith throughout despite his condition, his family's strength and support, and the on-going loving support from friends and the community when they could've easily carried on with their lives instead. It showed that great support really goes a long way and one needs to keep positive people in life.
I liked how Jason's condition didn't hinder him from living life to its fullest, and spreading goodness wherever he was instead of dwelling in sorrow. Another interesting chapter was when Jason got invited by an atheist to share his story with her students regardless of their different beliefs, which I believe serves as an inspiration to people to look past indifference and let love prevail.
The only thing I disliked about the book is the constant bad news that followed after there was an improvement in Jason's condition. It took me on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster, understandably so as this is a real life story. It shows that life isn't always a breeze, it'll throw you a curve ball every now and then. It also teaches you to face those curve balls with positivity and a hint of humor just as Jason did.
Overall, this was a good read and I would strongly recommend it to Christians as it is based on Christian beliefs. I would also recommend it to those open-minded individuals with different beliefs, because despite the book being based on Christianity, it also inspires faith and resilience to face challenges with a positive attitude. In essence, i believe it helps one develop a strong character, no matter your beliefs. On a precautionary note to sensitive readers, there are post-op and during treatment pictures included. I'm a bit of a sensitive one myself, although I didn't find them explicit or triggering, to some it might seem so.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, because it was well written and I liked the inspirational quotes relevant to each chapter that the author put at the end of every chapter. The inclusion of Jason's piece where he shares his hopes for the book and the lessons he took from this near death experience, was impressive as well.
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Don't Quit
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