Book Review: Cancer My BFF

Cancer, My BFF is a memoir by Dennis G. Whittaker. From living in a million-dollar house with a Benz car to living in an $18k trailer with a Nissan car, Dennis shared the difference between the simple and yet most valuable things that life can offer versus luxury. As a survivor of stage 4 cancer, he imparted the many phases he had to go through that not only impacted him but his entire family; most especially, his wife. He shared the difficult life of being a cancer patient and how he had mentally and spiritually recovered from his many experiences. He also shared important realizations that he probably wouldn’t have learned if he had not come across what he had referred to as “Tommy the tumor.” He took a different approach in overcoming his illness; instead of battling with it, he embraced it. Hence, the title “Cancer, My BFF.”

The book consists of insightful takes that he wrote in an unconventional style of writing; he wrote by writing exactly what he wanted just like how he would talk to people to spread awareness. To reduce the gravity of the topic, he made it humorous and more positive without concealing the complexity and many struggles of a cancer patient. The book is like a diary and collage; it consists of “Before and After” stories, “Quipets,” and photographs.

Overall, I am rating this 4 out of 5 stars. The author did not write to impress the readers with standard and professional writing but instead, conveyed every phase of his story as a cancer survivor through a conversational and humorous tone. To simply describe it, this book is informative and relatable. I recommend it to people who are dealing with cancer or any dreaded disease. This book serves as an eye-opener to the things that many people take for granted and inspires people to live a more valuable and happy life.