Looking for something worth reading?
Submitted by the stupid cancer blog
By Juliana Carvatt
Young Adult Survivor
Malignant Melanoma
Diagnosed 06/06/06
Being the teacher of a crowd of ten-year-olds, I’ve seen that what draws kids to certain books is the same thing that draws in adults. These days teachers call it making connections, but all that really means is that as a reader, you can relate to the story, which makes it interesting and easy to read.
I’ve searched for books that tell stories of cancer survivors because when I knew no one who had cancer, reading was a way to feel less alone. However, a lot of books about cancer suck. Anything by Lurlene McDaniel gets a thumbs down from me, and I know some survivors like this, but I can’t stand to read a book called Sixteen and Dying, Please Don’t Die, Mother, Help Me Live, or She Died too Young. Seriously?
As a young adult with cancer, you have two options when reading about others dealing with cancer, three, if you count the crap listed above. Generally, there are books for grown ups, and there are books for kids. But don’t be put off by the term Juvenile Fiction. After all, Harry Potter, and more recently the Twilight series, became huge hits with adults, even though the intended audience was much younger.
I’ve found some good books that deal with cancer, and while they’re intended for a younger audience, they’re relatable and worth reading, and an added bonus: They’re quick reads.
My first pick is new to me this school year. I had never heard of Defiance until one of my students selected it as an independent read for a book report. By Valerie Hobbs, Defiance is the story of a boy named Toby who suspects his cancer has returned, but he is conflicted about admitting this to his family because he doesn’t want to return to the hospital and go through the tortures of treatment again- Who can’t relate to that feeling? A well-written novel, Defiance is worth reading, and will only take a few hours to a few days to get through.
One of my other cancer-related favorites breaks my cardinal rule for reading about cancer: No one should die. However, the most depressing thing about A Summer to Die is the title. It is well-written and poetically tells the story of two sisters, one of whom is diagnosed with cancer. Here’s a taste:
Time goes on and your life is still there, and you have to live it. After a while you remember the good things more often than the bad. Then, gradually, the empty silent parts of you fill up with sounds of talking and laughter again, and the jagged edges of sadness are softened by memories.
At its heart, this book is a story about life, not death. I think the reason this book is so well-crafted is because the author, Lois Lowry, has a personal connection to cancer, and it is readable as an adult because of Lowry’s descriptive and poignant style of writing. If you can remember back to middle school, you may have read one of Lowry’s better known books; The Giver and Number the Stars.
So next time you’re at Barnes and Noble, don’t walk past the short shelves and brightly colored signs. Children’s literature isn’t just for kids anymore!
