Welcome to the comments and discussion of the Young Adult Cancer Book Club! We are reading Mom’s Marijuana by Dr. Dan Shapiro! Catch up on pages 1-20.
Let’s get started!
pages 20-40.
In the first half of this section, we learn that Dan’s grandparents escaped Austria during the German annexation of Austria. They faced years of adversity after their escape, yet continued to push through and live the best lives they could. Even decades later, their former neighbor remembered Dan’s grandfather, Edi, and talked about how he was such a help to the community. This led Dan to question whether he could also have such resilience in the face of something so difficult. Clearly, based on the subject of this book, he found that resiliency when he needed it. I think you never know how strong you can be until you’re tested. I think a lot of us can relate to that.
The second half of this section focuses on Dan’s relationship with his father. It seems like no matter what, his dad was always there to support Dan through everything, but cancer seemed like a sort of breaking point. As Dan sat in the doctor’s office asking about his radiation treatment, his dad seemed to fall apart. Yet, through it all, they seemed to maintain a sense of humor about the situation. I can relate to this section very well. My parents were always there to support me in good times and bad, but they had their ultimate test when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 and a half years ago. Despite everything, we all maintained our senses of humor. I mean, how can you not laugh as your mom uses a lint roller to remove the loose whiskers of hair from your rapidly balding head? I think it’s important to find a way to laugh, even when times are tough.
– Jessica B
Join in next Monday for comments and discussion on the next 20 pages of the book!
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Thanks for joining us for pages 20-40 of Mom’s Marijuana by Dr. Dan Shapiro! Join in next Monday for the next 20 pages of the book!
If you’re just joining us, here are some logistics:
The chapters and sections of this book are organized differently than in a book we’ve read together before. So instead of going chapter by chapter, we’ll go about 20 pages at a time each Monday. We’ll use one more Monday to talk about general feelings from the book and anything else you’d like to discuss. Join in, in the comments every week! At the end, we’ll have a book club discussion via video chat! Also, there will probably be spoilers. Read along with us!
How are you enjoying our young adult cancer book club?
