You and Me and Cancer Makes Three

By: John Irvine

Narrated by: Roland Sickenberger

You and Me and Cancer Makes Three is a poetical journey about survival from cancer. An uplifting and enduring tale of his journey with cancer. John held his hands around his own mortality, yet leaves the clinic whole, with much more than he ever expected: he discovers the true meaning of friendship, redemption, and hope as told in his poetry. Discovering he had skin cancer, John Irvine had routine surgery in 2009. However, a few cells had gone feral and radical treatment became necessary. On the advice of his oncologist, he checked in at the Lions Cancer Lodge at Waikato Hospital in New Zealand for five weeks. In this unique poetic memoir, John Irvine tells his story with wit, honesty, and emotion. The friends he makes at Waikato will become your friends; you'll share frustration and laughter and bittersweet tears. You and Me and Cancer Makes Three by Pohutukawa Publishing Limited brings well known New Zealand poet and author to the spotlight with needed attention to cancer survivors.

©2014 Lang Book Publishing, Limited (P)2017 Lang Book Publishing, Limited

An Humbling Journey Through Cancer

John Irvine's sharing of his cancer survival story was eye-opening. What stood out to me was his acceptance of himself and others during this time. While he was staying at the Lion's Cancer Lodge he was with others and didn't have to go through it alone. The lodge provided a support system for him and the others. I liked where he spoke of another man whom was a bit grumpy and John showed him compassion because he knew what the man was going through.

Roland Sickenberger's narration was great! He spoke very well and portayed John's story as if he were the author himself. What I enjoy about his narration is his voice inflections. He adds a lot of character and really brings audio to life.

I would recommend this audiobook not only to cancer survivors but also caregivers, friends, and family. It's a quick listen but to me it spoke volumes. People do listen and there are lots of stories to be told. I hope to hear more from both this author and reader.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Good quick read

Any additional comments?

You and Me and Cancer makes Three by John Irvine was a good quick read. This is a poetic journey of one man's journey of survival of cancer. After finding out that he had skin cancer, John checks himself into Lion's Cancer Lodge at Waikato Hospital in New Zealand. He journals his five weeks there. I enjoyed hearing about his journey and what he learned in his time there.

There is something good in everything if you look

Any additional comments?

After being diagnosed with Cancer, while at the Lion's Cancer Lodge, the author finds surprising joy in the midst of a serious illness. Well written and the narrator is good. I would definitely recommend this book.

I was given this audiobook in return for an unbiased review.

Personal and Enjoyable

This review is for the audiobook version of You and Me and Cancer Makes Three. As a cancer survivor myself, I found it to be personal and overall enjoyable. Everyone's cancer journey is unique. Irvine interacted much more with his fellow patient's than I was able to (we were on lock-down in my wing), so I'm a little jealous of the personal connections he was able to make with his compatriots.

The story has is categorized as poetry, but it's more accurately a memoir of a short period of time in the author's life while he convalesced after receiving treatment for skin cancer. of the author's time in an in-patient. So, don't go into this expecting rhyming verse and meter.

The narrator, Roland Sickenberger, He did a fine job reading the material without being a distraction. In my opinion, I wish he'd either read with a New Zealand accent or that they'd chosen a native of New Zealand (or even a Maori) to read it instead.


***Full Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review