This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Shadow of a Survivor by John Walker Pattison is a gripping memoir that chronicles his extraordinary journey from a childhood overshadowed by illness to a courageous battle with cancer spanning over five decades. The story begins with Pattison’s early life in South Shields, characterized by youthful innocence, musical explorations, and dreams of adventure. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager and handed a death sentence by the doctors. But he refuses to give up on himself, waging a relentless fight against the disease through chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The narrative follows his physical and emotional struggles, moments of despair, strength, and the profound impact of hope, family, and supportive friends. Despite multiple relapses and setbacks, Pattison’s refusal to give up on himself and his philosophical outlook enable him to find meaning and gratitude, becoming a long-term survivor and advocate for others.
John Walker Pattison’s memoir inspired me, brought tears to my eyes at times, and had me laughing as well. It is a real story of grit and perseverance, told with passion and a touch of humor that will resonate with anyone. Shadow of a Survivor offers deep emotional insight into the psychological toll of cancer. The vivid writing reveals a complex blend of immortality, defiance, and introspection, showing how illness can reshape one’s identity and worldview. The memoir has emotional depth, and I was touched by how the author recounts his fears, moments of solitude, and the impact of support from nurses like Syd, who become pivotal figures in his journey. Pattison’s reflections on life’s fleeting nature and the importance of hope resonated profoundly with me. By the end of the book, I learned so many lessons and understood what humans are capable of and the power of hope.
