Customer Reviews

24 reviews

• Voweler

  A humble yet powerful representation of one's own inspiring journey braving cancer.

• Just Pratibha

  A deeply moving tale of one man's journey through the harrowing landscape of cancer diagnosis, treatment & survival. Written with raw emotion, John Walker Pattison invites readers into his world, where the specter of cancer looms large, threatening to unravel his life at every turn.

• Jerk of all Trades

  ohn- Writing ‘Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor’ was meant to be a cathartic experience; yet many of the demons that lurked in depths of my mind, remain. If you are fortunate enough to survive a cancer diagnosis, then that legacy will last forever, trust me on that one. I completely wasted my school years, much preferring to play the practical joker, and at the expense of my educational chemistry. However, in 1972 I discovered a band called Hawkwind, who produced a sound of hypnotic rhythm, electronic synthesizers, blistering guitar riffs and lyrics that were so different to anything else out there, this gave me a sense of escapism. At that time of course, I had to make do with the vinyl records and what was written in the musical press – that was until I started work in a local shipyard. I was able to see Hawkwind live in 1975 in London, after that show, to say that I was under their influence is an understatement. So, I started to hitchhike the length and breadth of the country to see the band play many different venues and festivals. That was, until the spectre of cancer took me in a deathly stranglehold and refused to let go.

• Book Reviewer

  Me and My Shadow by John Walker Pattison is a deeply personal account of his lifelong journey with cancer, exploring his roles as a patient, father, and nurse. Pattison opens his story with a childhood overshadowed by a cancer diagnosis, a fact kept hidden by his parents. This narrative takes us through the complexities of his treatment, its enduring physical and psychological impacts, and the isolation from normal childhood experiences. Pattison's story extends beyond his own battle with the disease. As a father, he recounts the heart-wrenching experience of supporting his daughter through her own cancer treatment, a chapter that lends a poignant depth to his narrative. His dual perspective as both patient and caregiver enriches the book, culminating in his decision to become a nurse. Here, Pattison's personal insights blend with professional care, offering a unique view into the world of healthcare. The book does more than just shed light on the cancer experience. It delves into the broader tapestry of Pattison's life, including his exploration of Native American cultures, a vibrant childhood, a passion for rock music, and reflections on a challenging marriage. These varied experiences contribute to the richness of the memoir, painting a fuller picture of the author beyond his identity as a cancer survivor. This book resonates with authenticity and understanding for those touched by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one. Healthcare professionals, too, may find valuable lessons in Pattison's insights on patient care. The book weaves together heartfelt stories and reflections, revealing life's unpredictability and the importance of resilience. Pattison's narrative is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. His candid reflections and thoughtful observations offer a window into the complexities of living with and beyond cancer. Me and My Shadow is not just a story of survival but an invitation to embrace each moment of life with appreciation and awareness.

• The Table Read

  John Walker Pattison’s compelling memoir, Me And My Shadow, offers an unflinching and engaging look at one teenager’s struggle to understand and deal with one the most feared diagnoses known to society: cancer. Me And My Shadow by John Walker Pattison on The Table Read Magazing Me And My Shadow by John Walker Pattison Me and My Shadow – Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor takes the reader through the tumultuous years of Pattison’s youth, beginning at age 18, when most young adults are embarking on new and exciting adventures. Pattison found himself on a drastically different path marked by aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments that tested the limits of his endurance, as he faced uncertainty, fear and what doctors told his family would be a death sentence.

• Black Tie Magazine

  Me and My Shadow: From the Brink of Despair to a Beacon of Hope, Book Chronicles Remarkable Cancer Journey Written by John Walker Pattison, ‘Me and My Shadow’ is as awe- inspiring as it is unbelievable. Diagnosed with cancer at a young age, the author was told he wouldn’t live to see his hair turn grey. Defying those odds, the author is now not only a survivor, but a grandfather. In this gripping memoir, Pattison shares his extraordinary battle with cancer, how he found solace in spirituality and space rock and the journey to becoming one of the UK’s longest surviving cancer patients.

• Literary Titan

  Me and My Shadow by John Walker Pattison is a deeply personal account of his lifelong journey with cancer, exploring his roles as a patient, father, and nurse. Pattison opens his story with a childhood overshadowed by a cancer diagnosis, a fact kept hidden by his parents. This narrative takes us through the complexities of his treatment, its enduring physical and psychological impacts, and the isolation from normal childhood experiences. Pattison’s story extends beyond his own battle with the disease. As a father, he recounts the heart-wrenching experience of supporting his daughter through her own cancer treatment, a chapter that lends a poignant depth to his narrative. His dual perspective as both patient and caregiver enriches the book, culminating in his decision to become a nurse. Here, Pattison’s personal insights blend with professional care, offering a unique view into the world of healthcare. The book does more than just shed light on the cancer experience. It delves into the broader tapestry of Pattison’s life, including his exploration of Native American cultures, a vibrant childhood, a passion for rock music, and reflections on a challenging marriage. These varied experiences contribute to the richness of the memoir, painting a fuller picture of the author beyond his identity as a cancer survivor. This book resonates with authenticity and understanding for those touched by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one. Healthcare professionals, too, may find valuable lessons in Pattison’s insights on patient care. The book weaves together heartfelt stories and reflections, revealing life’s unpredictability and the importance of resilience. Pattison’s narrative is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. His candid reflections and thoughtful observations offer a window into the complexities of living with and beyond cancer. Me and My Shadow is not just a story of survival but an invitation to embrace each moment of life with appreciation and awareness.

• C.J. Wills

  In his memoirs the author takes the reader on his personal journey of how cancer changed his life. As a survivor of cancer himself being told he would not make it; however he would go onto to be one of the longest surviving patients in his country. I found his background and youth that he describes excellent. I felt I got to know him somewhat with his background which involved his love for music. Something I could relate to being an avid fan myself.

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