A well written account of a Cancer survivor, enduring a fight to survive the toughest battle of his life. Determination, hope, the unwavering tenacity of a lion. Inspirational and often heartbreaking, John Pattison’s Me and My Shadow, urges the reader to step back and take a look at how beautiful and short life really is. I will not listen to Louis Armstrong’s song without remembering the poignancy of John Pattison’s tale. “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world”— Louis Armstrong. (Andrew Bell Book Tour Reviewer)
A brilliant and often heart-stopping memoir of a Cancer survivor, who refuses to give in. Determination, hope, and a sheer reluctance to not live his life to the fullest. John Pattison’s Me and My Shadow, makes the reader take a look at how short life really is, and how some battles are worth fighting for. (Anne Rucroft Book Tour Reviewer)
This is a truly amazing book. John allowed the reader to travel with him on his Cancer journey, sometimes raw and gut wrenching and at other times funny and warm, but above all hopeful of survival. (Eileen Tilley Book Tour Reviewer)
As a young man of 17 to be given this kind of diagnosis in 1970’s South Shields the thought of surviving this illness must have been daunting. Not only was he not allowed to know initially what his illness was but the chances of survival must have been slim. The author has written a very clear narrative of how cancer affects not only the recipient but also family, friends and work colleagues. Cancer isn’t just Cancer it’s an emotional rollercoaster which affects many. What the author has splendidly done is to bring every aspect of this rollercoaster and put it down in a paper, in a way which can be viewed by many. It’s a difficult read but it’s also evocative and very emotional. I cherished the fact that the author also hangs onto something he utilizes to help him get through his cancer journey and that is his love of music especially that of “Hawkwind” This book is a must read for any health professional who works in or aspires to work within the field of cancer. Apart from his personal thoughts, what the author portrays throughout the book is the underlying question every cancer patient asks. “Why me?” (John Buckton Book Tour Reviewer)
A truly inspirational book. The following passage just sums it all up :- “Live Life fully, enjoy it as if each day were your last, one day it will be and you should have no remorse to leave behind as I leave behind no remorse or regret.” (John Tilley Book Tour Reviewer)
This is a true story, and whilst I don’t believe I would have chosen to buy this book, I did enjoy reading it The highlight for me was the main character of John. He stood out to me because of his very “Everyman” status. It sounds like a contradiction, but he stood out because of his very normality. The shock of cancer initially made him concentrate on himself and look inward, like staring into a black hole. As time went on, he began to look around and even beyond the horizon to see the wider world, its richness and its cultures and its people, both distant and very near and dear to him. (Katie Boyle Book Tour Reviewer)
Me and My Shadow is a well written and edited book from start to finish. It is an honest and well thought out autobiography based on the author’s experiences over what was a hugely difficult time for him. The reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride by the author and throughout I was emotionally engaged with everything that was happening. The golden thread that runs throughout is “hope” and this is never lost by the reader. What is such a difficult topic to read about, let alone write about, is laid bare by the author. However, it is done in a way that engages rather than disassociates the reader. The author repeats, sentence construction within the book and sometimes within the same chapter which is a very minor issue and does not significantly detract from the read. Of course it is quite clear how strongly the author feels throughout the book and in describing his emotional turmoil so can certainly be forgiven for this repetition which serves in part to reinforce his thoughts and feelings. As for characterisation, John writes about real individuals clearly and of course how he related to them throughout his journey. Essentially though this book is about John and the reader has a strong sense of who he is by the end of the book. A remarkable person and even more so for sharing his life so honestly. Thank you for the insight you have given me into this affliction, which till now I never really had. (Niall McKay Book Tour Reviewer)
We award 4.5 stars.
Not Available to Buy at The Book Dragon
