Regine's Book by Regine Stokke; Blogging For Regine Blog Tour

By: Regine Stokke / Harriette Larsen

Published by: Zest Books

Released on: April 1st, 2014

Source: book from publisher to review

5 Stars: Inspiring

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March 31 - April 6 is Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week. Today to help spread the word and show my support, I'm thrilled to be apart of Zest Book's blog tour: Blogging For Regine. This tour is a little bit different than most blog tours. Being that it's Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, Zest Books wanted to have a week that paid tribute to an amazing young women who died all too soon. 

Regine's Book is a journal of sorts that introduces readers to Regine Stokke. Regine's story started out as a blog that journaled her 15 month battle with an aggressive form of leukemia. Normally books like this, you know the ones you know you're going to sob while reading, are not ones I sit and read, because I am not someone who likes getting overly emotionally. There was something about this book I couldn't say no to. How could I? While reading Regine's book, I sobbed, I laughed, and I have walked away feeling inspired by someone so courageous. 

I hate cancer. I know, I shouldn't use that word. That's not a word that my kids are even allowed to say, but I feel I can use it when talking about cancer. I hate cancer. I hate that one day you can feel heathy and fine, and the next cancer can strike. I hate how it's taken the lives of some sweet young angels that left this earth all too soon. I hate how I've had to watch family and members fight an incredible fight against and thankfully they've beat it. Most of all, I hate cancer when it strikes children. 

There was no doubt in my mind about whether or not I'd be apart of Zest Books Young Adult Cancer Awareness week tribute. The moment Regine's book arrived I sat down and started reading it. Let me tell you a little bit about this amazing girl and her book, per the publisher:

During the 15 months that Regine Stokke 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. 

She 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 is like battling a life-threatening illness-and to share her experience with the world. Regine's Book: A Teen Girl's Last Words is Regine's personal story as it was written on her blog and features her own photography and artwork, as well as comments from readers and entries from those who loved her most. The book touches upon every facet of living with cancer, from the good days to the bad and everything in between.

At an age when Regine's biggest concern should have been what dress she was going to wear to prom, she was worrying about whether or not the wig she wore looked natural and about all the things she may soon be leaving behind. "The fear of no longer existing never goes away," Regine confesses only months before her death. "I'm afraid to leave the world and I don't want to do it. I think about my family, and about my friends. I have to fight for them. I can't leave them behind with that sorrow. I have to try everything I can, despite how bleak everything looks." Her story is inspiring, and provides a valuable window into the life of a young adult enduring cancer. 

These are some of the pages featured in Regine's book. *click on the images to enlarge*

Regine gives a horrible illness a brave and courageous face. Her story is one that is open, honest, moving, raw, emotional, and it's heartbreakingly real. Her story is inspiring. Regine opened herself up to the world, and in turn those who read her blog, and all of us who have since read her story since, have come away more inspired because of it. 

Normally I'm not someone who is rendered speechless, but with this book I am. I don't feel I can honestly review a book about someone's life, the way I normally review books here. What I can say is this. This was an inspiriting and incredibly moving read. I cried, I cheered on Regine, and even though I knew the outcome of her brave fight, I was so caught up in her journey, I felt that I was right there along side the entire way, and wanted her to beat the odds. Many times through out reading her story I wished I could reach through the pages and hug both her and her mother. Just so they knew that I, like so many others, were there supporting them in their fight against cancer.

Regine's Book is a keepsake for her family and friends, and for the rest of us, it's a story about courage. Regine's left behind a story that will inspire, and encourage those who are looking for ways to beat cancer, those who are battling it, and will hopefully bring some comfort to those who are grieving over the loss of their loved one/friend who fought a brave fight.

I like to think I'm tough, and I could handle a lot of things, but the true tough spirits are the children who fight a hellish disease. To me, Regine, and the other countless children and teens who are diagnosed with cancer every year are the true heroes. They have that kind of bravery and courage it takes to stare death in the eyes and fight it. 

I thank Zest Books for inviting me to be apart of their tribute to Regine. Her book is one that changed me. I don't know how anyone could read a book like Regine's and not be changed in some way. I have a feeling Regine's spirit will not only live on with her family and friends she left behind, but with all those who read her story.