Customer Reviews

4 reviews

• Lisa Bointon

  Amazing book! Beautifully written, moving and uplifting! I couldn’t put it down!

• Kevin Ford

  I am the first to admit I am no connoisseur of books, as I barely read any, however I know very well that to stand out in a crowded marketplace you need unique selling points. This book is about Antonia's mum Dee, and her totally brutal battle with Acute Myloid Leukaemia (AML) over several months. As a coping strategy at the time Antonia documented the highs and lows, the steps forward and steps back, in a series of blogs shared with close friends. This also meant that she didn't have to explain what was happening over and over again to friends and family, as she could just say 'read the blog'. The book is a compilation of these blogs, as they were written at the time. There's no fiction, creativity or artistic license going on here. It's the facts as they happened, moulded into beautiful words by the release of emotion. I cannot imagine anyone else being able to pour out words like this in the face of such adversity and unfairness, which is why I say it must be unique. I stand amazed she was able to do it!
  
  Antonia has promised to give half of her proceeds to Bloodwise UK, a Leukaemia charity.
  
  Early in the book it is mentioned that Dee spent her last 'normal' day at the sports day of her grandsons, well they were my sons and I will never forget that day due to it's significance. Of course you can argue that my review of this book is therefore biased, as I am part of the family (by marriage), however that also puts me in a position where I know every word she says is true. I knew Dee and she was a lovely lady who spent her life helping others and did no way deserve the horrific torture this awful condition imposed on her.
  
  Is it worth the money? I have no idea relative to other books. I would say though to get such an honest account, written in such a beautiful way, is priceless. To have some of the proceeds going to charity is a very welcome bonus, and I am proud of Antonia for doing this.
  
  Be warned though, you will need plenty of tissues.

• Owen Davidson

  I am a former student of Antonia Chapman-Jones, and when I found out that she wrote a book I was ecstatic. I planned on ordering it as soon as it was out, and then I found out what it was about; then I didn’t want to read it because of who had written it, but what it was about. I didn’t know anything about leukemia, in any of its forms but this book taught me, not just what it is or how awful it is physically, but also the ways in which it affects those around it, with such a raw authenticity. This book truly displays the power of words; a flick of a page takes you from laughter to tears to hope, just like the rollercoaster journey the disease is. I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they may know someone who is suffering, who has passed on because of this, or for none of the above.

• Roy Thompson

  This wonderful collection of diary blogs depicting the harrowing difficulties for a family dealing with leukemia. The story is told from the perspective of a daughter following the journey with her mother's illness. For even though this was such a difficult time the book involves many levels with highs and lows and lovely details of precious moments. The diary evolves to encompass the whole family and the bonds that hold them together. It is amazing where the strength comes from and especially the ability to record this journey. To say I enjoyed reading seems wrong to be allowed into such personal moments but the experience gives me hope to be as brave as the beautiful family. I would like to think that anyone would find this book informative and compassionate.

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