Eight Billion Steps

My Impossible Quest for Cancer Comedy

Non-Fiction - Memoir
261 Pages
Reviewed on 05/24/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite

Jeffrey Penn May's Eight Billion Steps is a humorous memoir depicting his battle with cancer. After May was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the jaw, throat, and tongue, he and his wife, Kim, decided to understand as much as they could about this disease before settling on a treatment plan. Hoping for the best, they did the necessary research and attended appointments with multiple cancer treatment experts. May's book describes their journey from start to finish, going from doctor to doctor and listening to different prognoses. Ultimately, May decided to have surgery in a St. Louis hospital while continuing his search for comedy while battling cancer. He describes his many funny interactions with family, friends, and medical personnel during his treatment phase. His courage and vibrant energy shine throughout each page, making this book a must-read!

Eight Billion Steps is an authentic look at navigating life with a cancer diagnosis and finding an appropriate treatment plan for it. Jeffrey Penn May does a stellar job of depicting his hospital visits, mental frame of mind, and the before-and-after treatment procedures. Each chapter overflows with wit and compassion. I appreciated May's honest account of confronting one of life's most daunting medical conditions while demonstrating the power of resilience and a hopeful mindset. This book will bring comfort to anyone battling cancer. Even though some of May's experiences are emotionally challenging to read, the author speaks about his experiences from a place of consideration. I recommend this book to anyone who has survived cancer or those who are currently navigating life with a cancer diagnosis. It is a powerful testimony to life and the people who love us. Add this book to your inspirational memoir collection today.