Book
Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Sammy Hero At
Age Five
Subtitle:
Author:
M. Schmidt, Gene D. Donley
Genre: Memoir
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier
books in series? No
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44418185-sammy-hero-at-age-five
Overall
score:
I
scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short
Summary of the book:
This book tells the story of Sammy, a 5-year
old boy, who is diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a malignant tumour. It details
his life from birth to death and even beyond as told from his own view point. The
book is written in a relatively simple style, nearly making it suitable for
children and I suspect this book could be shared with children going through a
similar process, their siblings and wider family as a form of mutual support.
However, only with adult guidance! The book is funny, emotional and enjoyable.
A rather short book which can be read in a short time.
What
I liked about the book:
I particularly liked the fact the book was written
from Sammy’s view point. I have read the book after already being familiar with
his story through the other memoir written by Mrs Schmidt, “When Angels Fly”.
Both books are certainly worth reading.
What
I didn’t like about the book:
At times the book felt too simplistic in its
style, however, it was also a bit too mature for children to read it on their
own. This did not take away from the beauty of the book and, all in all, there
was nothing I did not like about the book.
My
favourite bits in the book:
I loved where Sammy spoke about his close
conversations with Jesus. I leave it to everyone to decide for themselves
whether they believe these to be true or not, the author and the little boy
certainly will be convinced of its truth and I can certainly identify with some
of the descriptions. Even if other people would not believe in the truth behind
it, it still will give those who do the strength they require to go through some
of the trauma of the experiences this family went through. The descriptions
felt like a warm blanket being wrapped around this boy and his family.
My
least favourite bits in the book:
I really enjoyed sharing this young boy’s
thoughts and descriptions. Such a brave young man, wise beyond his years. How many
of his thoughts expressed in this book did he share with his family? If he did,
has it given them the strength and comfort so badly needed in situations like
these? I hope so.
Any
further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
Mrs
Schmidt has also written her personal memoir with regards to this traumatic
time in her life, “When Angels Fly”. Another book which is definitely worth the
read. She has also written several children’s books with her author husband. I’m
sure we will see many more books by her hand.
What
books could this be compared to and why?
This book reminded me of “When Angels Fly” as
it details the same story, albeit from a different view point. The story felt
completely different, though. Where “Why Angels Fly” is full of determination,
hurt, anguish, love for her family and an unerring belief, “Sammy Hero At Age
Five” is positive, full of hope of a better life (after life), a strong belief
in heaven and of things getting better for little Sammy. It was awe-inspiring
to read how his faith and braveness grew as he met Jesus and his older brother,
Shane, a brother he never met in life.
Recommendation:
In
summary, I would recommend this book for
the following readers:
|
Children
|
With guidance
|
|
Young Adult
|
Yes
|
|
Adult
|
Yes
|
If you like memoirs
this book could be the book for you. I also recommend it for people who
go through the awful experiences childhood cancer and life-limiting illnesses
bring. It may bring them the strength they so desperately need to go through this
trauma.
I
look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book
Description by Author:
“Kids can get hungry sometimes while on chemo,” says
five-year-old Sammy, having a good day despite the malignant tumor invading his
brain. Based on true events from the 1980s, Sammy’s story is imagined by his
mother and brother as if the young boy might tell it himself. The result is
gripping. Told in two parts, Sammy’s account first invites us into the everyday
middle-American lives of a mom and her two boys. Sammy is a sweet, good-hearted
kid, even as he faces the most difficult challenges in Part 2: “Cancer
Arrived.” Here Sammy talks us through hospital trips and procedures, the
hardest parts as well as moments of simple joy. It is not always possible to
survive such a grim diagnosis, so Sammy and his family must embrace the smaller
victories from one day to the next. Finally, our young hero is given one last
opportunity to find his own unique path toward triumph. Listen closely as Sammy
tells us all what matters most.
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