Death Be Not Proud (Memoir)

          "Johnny did not lose function. He lived almost a year after this, and he did not die a vegetable. he died like a man with perfect dignity." (Gunther 68)
           My memoir is called Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther. So far, I'm a little past half way through the book and I really like it. It's written by a dad who lost his son Johnny (Jr.) to a brain tumor when he was seventeen years old. The story isn't all sad though, it focuses on Johnny's extreme will to live and the fact he outlived the tumor over a year longer than the doctors predicted. He remained in cheerful spirits all the way to the end. His parents did everything they could to keep Johnny alive and happy and his dad discusses his own emotional struggles in seeing his son suffer. Johnny was in and out of the hospital, underwent many intense treatments but still managed to graduate high school and get accepted into Harvard in the process. He was obsessed with his school work and completely devoted to science. After his fist major surgery, before he could even open his eyes, he asked his dad to read him problems in the back of his physics book to ensure that he had not lost any memory and to keep his mind occupied. His mother wrote eloquent letters that he dictated to her adressed to college professors, famous chemists, and his friends. He was every nurses favorite patient and was convinced he would beat this disease. Unfortunately he died the summer before his freshman year in college. That's where I am in the book right now and I predict the remainder of the novel includes more of his letters and probably how his loved ones coped with his death.
         The book is told in a very informal and conversational style which leaves the reader with a feeling that they have met Johnny and his family and are going through the struggle right alongside them. The book is extremely said but because Gunther continues to focus on the positives and his sons wit, friendliness, courage and extreme patience though the disease, it makes it quite the heartwarming story. Gunther makes extremely clear to the reader his respect and undying love for his son. I think anyone who has lost a loved one or been with someone in a time of ill health or struggle can relate to this memoir.
So far, so good!