Death Be Not Proud

Rating:
Summary: A classic! A must-read book!
Review: I read this book soon after seeing the TV movie of the same name ("Death Be Not Proud", 1975, starring Robby Benson), and it's a story that has stuck with me ever since. It's the true-life story of a young man's fight for life against incredible odds. Heartbreaking, sure, but it's also very touching. You'll come away a better person for having read it. (And if you can find the movie on video, rent it.)

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Summary: My Son's Views on Death Be Not Proud
Review: I am 13 years old and read this book for school. I found it very interesting. I felt sorry for the boy even though he didn't himself. I hope nothing like that happens to me, and if it does I would like to be as courageous as he was. Also, if I were to become terminally ill like him, I would like to go peacefully like he did. I learned that we should all be happy with our lives more than we are. We all complain a lot of the time when really everything is going good for us. We always want something more or better. When you read a story like this it teaches us that we should be happy just to be living and healthy.

Rating:
Summary: Less than I bargained for
Review: I expected it to be much more moving. The book was written well, and captured the struggle Johnny had with the cancer. But based on the reviews I read online and on the book, I expcected to be close to tears, but I wasn't The story is good, the idea is good, but its not all I thought it would be. Not to say dont read it, but if you want to be moved, i'm not sure this is the right book.

Rating:
Summary: Not all it's cracked up to be
Review: I kept looking for a point, for a deeper meaning, but I reached the end without ever having it. Though beautifully written, it is nonetheless quite depressing. It is the chronicle of the death of a somewhat talented boy, and very little more. What's more, the poor boy dies without ever knowing for sure he's going to die, and for all the brilliance and education he's surrounded with and that he himself displays, he nonetheless dies without making any peace with life or the afterlife. He had all the education in the world at his fingertips but died with an uneducated soul. Any month's version of Reader's Digest will most likely carry a more meaningful version of someone's struggle with a life-threatening illness. I really wanted to be touched by this book but in the end found it sadly pointless.

Rating:
Summary: A Fight for Life
Review: Don't let this title fool you, Death Be Not Proud, A Memoir is not the story of death but the story for a fight for life. This true story is sad but one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is sad in the sense that John Gunther Jr. is diagnosed with a maligant brain tumor at sixteen years old. He has everything to live for. Johnny is a bright high school student, at Deerfield, and plans to attend Harvard University. His father writes a true account of his son's fifthteen month struggle with cancer. He had operations to remove the tumor but they were unsuccessful. His father researched treatments to find a cure. Johnny tries a chemical mustard treatment, X-ray treatment, and a special diet but the cancer is still not cured. Johnny has an inner spirit that can not be crushed by cancer. He is determined to keep studying and remain in contact with his friends. He never complained about his treatments or setbacks when the tumor begin to grow again. He sets an example of courage for his parents and those around him. Johnny's death does end the book but his spirit and fight for life are the real story. The story made me think about the life I have, and how I should appreciate the chance to make the most of it.

Rating:
Summary: Death Be Not Proud
Review: This is one of the best books that I have ever read. It focuses on one teenage boy who suddenly develops a cancer causing brain tumor and his will to beat the odds and survive to make it to college. This book shows the will to win against any odds. It tells of the human sprit and a struggle of a young boy to survive. This book is beautifully written by the father of the teenage boy as he undergoes three surgeries and many treatments. It also shows the parents' desperate search to save their son from his proclaimed fate. They try almost anything for their son. It is remarkable how their son, throughout the entire book, is fighting. There is an ongoing struggle going on inside of him, to fulfill his dreams and make it into Harvard. Although he missed two years of high school, he gets tutors to help him make up his missed work. He is tutored even through the toughest times of his illness: surgeries, pain and diet restrictions. This boy does not give up whatever it comes to. This memoir is one that I recommend very much. It shows the courage that this boy had and really pulls at your heartstrings.

Rating:
Summary: moving
Review: was a good example of extreme will power and desire to liv

Rating:
Summary: it's a good book
Review: alkfjdo;hjdgflhsagoklheaofjeafklnodilvenftoea

Rating:
Summary: This book was very touching.
Review: I cried though the entire last part from the boy's mother. Her grief is unimaginable.

Rating:
Summary: A book that has stayed with me for years!
Review: I first read this book in 1969. Acutally, I have read it 5 times. To this day, I can honestly say that it is one book I have never forgotten. I have never been so moved. The strength that Johnny shows is unbelievable for a young man. Now, as a mother of a 17 year old son, I appluade the whole familys courage. I do so wish it was on the required reading lists for all high school students. I can't wait to find a copy! I want to read it again and share it with my son.