Book reviews

My consultant appreciating the role that books like this can play in helping people undergoing the often gruelling treatment:

I can tell people the facts and describe the treatment, but I can't tell them how it feels

An American reader:

Why would I buy a book titled Bangers and Mash? I'm American - I didn't even know what Bangers and Mash meant! Plus the fact the C word would be mentioned throughout the book-----so sad! But my mantra for the year 2010 is to take my life out of the comfort zone; that's where the real adventures are

And so.....
I got brave
and bought the book with the funny name
and started reading Keith's sometimes terrifying
sometimes humorous words
formulating all kinds of questions
inside my head
and taking in the visuals of the book
which the author was so kind to include

And so....
the night went by fast
thanks to this riveting read
and then, when it was all finished,
I hugged the book and had a glass of wine
in celebration
You see......this author has learned one of the most important lessons in life.
The lesson of how to share.

Keith Hern shares a most profound life adventure in his book Bangers and Mash.
It's a very special, unique and personal read.

One of my wife’s friends who passed the book on to a friend of hers who had just been diagnosed, commented:

I bought this book because I know Keith's wife. The day I got it, a good friend of mine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Having now read the book, I will definitely pass it on to her. While her cancer is different from Keith's, I think the book will let her know that she is not alone in her thoughts, feelings and battle. The book outlines what to expect on many levels from emotions, treatments, side-effects and how important support and friendships can be. Verbalizing his fears and triumphs will help others.

This book was very honest and touching. I feel I will be better able to reach out to my friend having read it.

The view of a lady who has been through breast cancer:

Keith has certainly covered every emotion which touches the life of a person who has been told "you have cancer". He starts at the beginning and takes you through his amazing journey with the loving support of his family and friends in an honest, heartfelt and courageous way. A brilliant read for anyone who has been diagnosed or caring for someone with cancer as it is inspirational and gives a comprehensive detailed account of life as a cancer patient and how you can win.

The thoughts of someone whose father had been through throat cancer:

An extraordinary account of a life threatened and the marshalling of personal strength to deal with it. One has to admire Keith's openness regardng his feelings throughout the discovery of the tiny lump and treatment, the emotions laid bare and the sheer terror at the potential meaning of the diagnosis.

The breaking down of delivery of the news, the treatment, the whole experience into phases in a journey to the final target seems to have helped immensely in Keith's handling of the illness.

I received the book in the morning, finished it by lunchtime.

Delighted with the ending......