Just Don't Fall

By Josh Sundquist

From the book jacket:

“One moment, Josh Sundquist was your typical energetic and inquisitive nine-year-old boy. The next, his entire life changed when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a particularly virulent cancer strain that would eventually claim Josh’s left leg. Told in a wide-eyed, winning, breathtaking voice, Just Don’t Fall is the story of the boy Josh was and of the young man he became.”

This is a marvelous story that delves into the life of a young man who battled cancer, came out on top and went on to become a ski racer and motivational speaker.

What I enjoyed most about this book was Josh’s honesty. He doesn’t pull any punches when he tells his tale. He admits to the depression, the pain and the anger. You don’t just see the smiling brave little boy often depicted on TV commercials about child cancer treatment centers.

Josh tells you how it hurts physically and mentally, how he hates the treatments and how he decides to refuse additional chemotherapy if his cancer returns.

As he matures and grows into a young man who has one goal in mind – to become a ski racer – you may think his ambition stems from the experience he had with cancer. Yet, reading about the boy he was prior to that, I truly believe this young man would have accomplished his goals regardless of what happened to him in his life. He seemed to be born with a determination that is rare in people so young.

In fact, I think I would enjoy listening to one of Josh’s talks. I think he has advice anyone could potentially learn from.

This was the last book I read in 2009 and it turned out to be a great way to end my year of reading and bring me into the New Year.