Saturday, April 5, 2014

Review : Regine's Book by Regine Stokke


Hey Bookies!

Last month I was contacted by Jo Beaton over at Zest Books to blog for Regine to Honor National Young Adult Cancer Week: March 31- April 6, 2014. I was asked to read and review Regine's Book: A Teen Girl's Last Words here on The Tattered Page on April 5. But before we get to the review below I included a little background on the book.

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Release date: April 1, 2014
Publisher: Zest Books
Pages: 331
Source: ARC

The Story:
Regine Stokke began her blog after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in 2008. Her goal was to paint a realistic picture of what it’s like to battle a life-threatening illness—and to share her experience with the world. During the 15 months Regine was sick, and to her death, she transformed from an average teenage girl, upset that she didn’t have a private hospital room, to a grateful and humble young woman with a deep appreciation for the beauty all around her.

Regine’s Book is her personal story as it was written on her blog and features her own photography and artwork, as well as comments from blog readers and entries from those who loved her most. Most of us likely know someone affected by cancer, but don’t know the details of what it is like to live day to day with the disease. Regine’s Book puts a face on this terrible disease, and deals with every facet of living with cancer, from the good days to the bad and everything in between.

My Review: One word: INSPIRING

Inspiring . . . Yes, inspiring.  As I read Regine's moving story I often found myself dazing off. In the car, while eating, walking. Contemplating the inspiring words a teenage girl had the courage and compassion to share with the rest of the world. Before I read Regine's Book I never considered myself lucky or blessed. And the good ole grass always seemed greener on the other side.

Not only that, but I am ashamed to admit that what Regine said about waiting for something applies to me as well. "We're all hoping that there's something better, but focus instead on what you have now" [page 55]. We all want to believe there is something better out there. We all want our proverbial cake and to eat it too. Just as Regine said, I have taken my life for granted in many ways as she had before she was diagnosed. Most of my life I have dealt with existential crisis. Why was I put on this planet? What is my purpose? What does destiny have in store for me? When will things get better? High school? College? Medical school?

After reading the inspiring journey of growth and discovery of an ordinary teenage girl who transformed into a charismatic, insightful young women, a fresh outlook on life is practically guaranteed.

Although, Regine may not be alive in the physical sense she still lives on. Immortalized through her words. Words that touch all those who are willing enough to read Regine's story.

So, in the wise words of Regine: "Take care of your happiness and forget the sorrow."

Rating: FOUR GOLD STARS!!!!

Additional Stalking Links:

Zest Books' Regine’s BookBlogging for Regine” page
Social Media links:
Twitter: Please use the #ReginesBook hashtag! 
Regine's Book at Zest Books
Regine’s Book on Goodreads
Regine’s Book LibraryThing
Books can be ordered from these online booksellers, as well as from any bookstore:
IndieBound: [and your favorite independent bookseller by extension!]  
The Book Depository (free shipping internationally to any country):
Zest Books Regine's Book page also has a “buy now” button
Happy Reading!
Haysel

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