Review of First Survivor

[Randy Hilton]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough by Mark Unger details the battle that his son Louis endured with neuroblastoma. From the first diagnosis until hearing the word “cured”, the reader rides this rollercoaster with the family. You can feel every emotion and by the end of the book the reader might think that they know this family, their story, and have a connection with them.
The journal that Mark Unger keeps is detailed and informative. However, it is not all of the medical terms that you learn that is informative. The reader realizes that this is therapeutic as writing tends to be. So, it is natural that this story would become a book.
The reader finds a deeper appreciation for the nurses, doctors, surgeons, and researchers, who are trying every day to come up with ways to battle this disease along with so many others. Unger does a great job of listing their names along with the number of years they gave to the fight.
I was struck by so many statements from the book that are quote worthy. I list a few of those here. “In the vacuum without information the mind always seems to go to the darkest places” p. 5. “Is there nothing the world can do to give me peace?” p. 9 “Choose hope over despair” p. 24. “What-ifs will kill you. You have to focus on the task at hand” p. 33. “Every day is a great day” p. 105.
I consider the book a great read. While it was very emotional at times, you automatically become a fan of not only Louis, but everyone involved. In the meantime, the reader receives a wealth of information about this disease and treatments. I would recommend this book to everyone. I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars.

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First Survivor
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[Enjani Matendeko]

I don't know the best word to use to describe Louis. But he's a child worth writing a story about. He survived very serious cancer attacks that could have easily cost him his life. However, he survived. That was really amazing.