| Title | : | Nadeem’s Journey: A Heart Wrenching Story of a Loving Mother Losing Her Son to Cancer |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 135 |
| Publication | : | Published May 13, 2019 |
Nadeem was just 25 years old when he died from cancer, but his mother’s determination for his memory to live forever is beautiful and raw. Reading this book really shows what a mother’s love can be, and being a mother myself, I understand how every little memory, laugh, joke, and good time that you had with your child can push you through the day.
Sherine is a very strong woman while going through the loss of her precious son. This story absolutely captures Nadeem’s spirit, he was a fun loving and precocious boy who adored his mom, and he turned into a hardworking man that still had his mom by his side.
This book will captivate you and wrench your heart. You’ll definitely need to grab some tissues as you read the tender accounts of Sherine’s life with Nadeem, and his last breaths.
Interspersed with pictures of Nadeem and his family, you’ll definitely get an idea of how much love was in this family, and how much light he cast on the world.
Nadeem’s Journey: A Heart Wrenching Story of a Loving Mother Losing Her Son to Cancer Reviews
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"𝘕𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭, 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐'𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳."
Nadeem may not saw the journal, but you have fulfilled your plan by sharing his story with the world and letting us know how remarkable, strong, inspiring, and an overall great and respectful person he was.
"𝘈 𝘮𝘶𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦."
In the introduction of this book, it feels like the author, Nadeem's mother, was personally telling me their story. It's like having a conversation with a close one and reaching the point where they are sharing their experience for you to learn from it. I can imagine how her eyes spark when she's sharing the good happy memories; and feel her pain remembering the sad ones. It struck me deep, and as it goes, I feel connected to them like I was transported into that timeline of the events and watching everything happens. Like every milestone and every downfall flashes right into my eyes.
I cannot emphasize enough how this book felt so personal. Aside from the actual pictures provided between the parts of the book, it also showed a clear display of their emotions and vulnerabilities during those moments. Reminiscing their toughest battles, every health improvement, and deterioration, and all the hopes that flicker. I cannot imagine the emotion and courage it takes to have written this book.
It was so sad how cancer can just change the course of someone's life overnight. How it can take the future you have envisioned to have. While reading this, I have these underlying thoughts of what could be running inside Nadeem's head during those moments. And right after I finished this one, I spent my whole day thinking about it, about Nadeem and his family. Their support system was incredible. They are giving each other hope; when one is drained, the other will sustain.
"𝘐𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 , 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦."
Nadeem was such a wonderful person, and while the earth lost him, heaven has gained another angel. He was selfless and such an inspiration to others. The message of condolences made me a crying mess. It speaks volumes of how amazing Nadeem is and how he was able to touch and inspire everyone around him, even for a short while.
This was an amazing book and that made me feel like I was a part of their journey. I super recommend this one. -
A collection of emotive memoirs of a mother.
Love makes huge transformations in our lives. Nadeem made his mother a writer… because of his untimely demise.
Nadeem’s Journey by Sherine Anniruth, is her debut book that exclaim her pain and sorrow of the loss of her first child at the age of 25. It was very hard to read through the pages without tears. As a mother, I feel the intolerable grief of Sherine.
The read was very emotional, heart touching, and slow. But simple and intrinsic. The author let the readers to nurture Nadeem within their minds as she begins the narration from the birth of her child. Nadeem growing in our hearts in the same way he was with his mom, wrapping up the whole 25 years of his life. He was a good son, brother, and a friend. Besides, he was a clever and devoted student. He has a cheerful life receive the love and care of everyone.
But within 5 months he had to face to enormous changes of his life. This was very hard, not only for him but also for the whole family. Sherine was helpless and she had to face his son bravely hiding all her empathies and giving him a hope to live.
The story teaches us many life lessons. Any of us can be the next patient. The life may revolve from the best to the worst within few minutes. So be kind to your loved ones before they leave us forever. -
The title says it all. "Nadeem's Journey: A Heart-Wrenching Story of a Loving Mother Losing Her Son to Cancer" It is an amazing and sad story. The way the author documented her son's journey from the beginning, before the battle with cancer, to the end. As you read this sad and great book, you get that there's a message of hope. It also shows how pure a mother's love is. Highly recommend this one.
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This was a phenomenal book and Nadeem’s journey about his battle from cancer. This was a book that was a great book. How she documented her son’s journey. This really resonated with me of how my own mother’s journey with battling cancer herself and overcame her illness. This book was a great book to anyone who has experience a loos and how have someone they battle cancer.
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Speechless and emotional is what I would describe this painful yet wholesome journey.
Where do we even begin? This book is raw, emotional and touches your soul deeply. Nadeem Rajah, a tiny bundle of joy born to a strong and independent mother Sherine, who with the help of her two sisters and her mother raised him so lovingly.
Nadeem was such a bright kid, he started learning and grasping things faster than expected at his age. He was not only a passionate cricketer but also was quite an outstanding student, winning so many awards. From a single loving child, he grew to be a proud brother for baby brother Darshan and baby sister Sadhana. Reading about such wholesome moments, we feel a mother’s pride and joy.
Be it their struggles in shifting to a new place, Nadeem’s struggles with his eye, the joy of discovering civil engineering as his passion or getting an interstate job at Leightons– we can feel the author’s pride and worry from her words.
When the things finally started looking up, one thing changed his life forever - A weight gain near abdomen that was just dismissed as “eating too much before going to bed”. Reading through the pages, I kept feeling what if the doctor had taken it seriously, what if he was properly diagnosed. Just after his 25th birthday, it was a rollercoaster journey of emotions. From falling sick due to stomach pain to diagnosis of cancer, things were tough for the family, especially for the mother. For, it was her baby, her precious child who was in pain.
The family had seen many speed breakers, U-turns and sometimes, it was slightly smooth. The biggest takeaway was that they never gave up hope. Not even once. Nadeem was such an amazing soul that everyone from family, friends, work colleagues came forward to support him. The joys and sacrifices made this journey heart wrenching and wholesome at the same time.
There were moments we laugh, there were moments we feel angry and there were truly some moments when we truly feel the despair of the mother and feel the urge to help her out some way. The pictures in the book, connects us to Nadeem and family so much more.
This book made me realize how often we take things for granted. It made me appreciate the presence of my loved ones in my life. Having reading this book, I truly got the essence of life is short and make the most of it while it lasts.
On 19th May 2021, i.e., on his birth anniversary the whole day I couldn’t help but think “If only, he had won the war against the cancer”, and “What if he never had any terminal illness?”. It was a huge loss - not just for the family but for our community as a whole.
I would like to give my sincere love, courage and strength to Sherine and her family. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey them that Nadeem will always be remembered and he’s a star permanently shining on our darkest days, giving us hope and joy. I would like to thank Booktasters for giving me this opportunity to take a peek into this painful yet inspirational journey.
I would recommend people to read this book for it might give you the courage, hope, will power to never give up and give you a chance to remember a vibrant soul called Nadeem Rajah. -
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Nadeem’s Journey
Subtitle: A Heart Wrenching Story of a Loving Mother Losing Her Son to Cancer
Author: Sherine Anniruth
Genre: Memoir
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4.5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
In this book, Sherine Anniruth relates the journey her son, and her family went through following the heart-breaking cancer diagnosis. The exact type of cancer he suffered from was initially uncertain and eventually determined as peritoneal mesothelioma. Despite the ruthlessness of the disease, Nadeem remained positive and a pillar of strength. Sherine too maintained her strength throughout.
What I liked about the book:
This is an emotional and life-affirming read.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There was nothing to dislike.
My favourite bits in the book:
The book is enjoyable in its entirety.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The obvious and inescapable outcome of the book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the only book by this author I’m aware of.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a memoir as others in this genre relating the illness of a loved one and subsequent death.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like to read about courage in the face of adversity, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Nadeem’s Journey by Sherine Anniruth is the soulful and bittersweet story of a mother who loses her son.
Nadeem was just 25 years old when he died from cancer, but his mother’s determination for his memory to live forever is beautiful and raw. Reading this book really shows what a mother’s love can be, and being a mother myself, I understand how every little memory, laugh, joke, and good time that you had with your child can push you through the day.
Sherine is a very strong woman while going through the loss of her precious son. This story absolutely captures Nadeem’s spirit, he was a fun loving and precocious boy who adored his mom, and he turned into a hardworking man that still had his mom by his side.
This book will captivate you and wrench your heart. You’ll definitely need to grab some tissues as you read the tender accounts of Sherine’s life with Nadeem, and his last breaths.
Interspersed with pictures of Nadeem and his family, you’ll definitely get an idea of how much love was in this family, and how much light he cast on the world.
About the Author:
Sherine is living in Perth Western Australia and emigrated from South Africa .She is a dedicated mum of 3 and works as a Registered nurse.Sherine has written her first book about her eldest son who lost his battle with cancer, followed by The Ultimate Love which describes her journey through grief. -
Nadeem’s Journey written by Sherine Anniruth is a beautiful heartwrenching true story about a mother and son and their five-month battle with cancer. Throughout this book, we journey with Nadeem and watch his childhood experiences along with his eventual accomplishment of graduating college and getting a great job and unfortunately, we follow Nadeem as he is diagnosed and battles with cancer. Nadeem never lost hope and even when he was at his worst he cared more about his mother’s feelings and making sure that she was comfortable in one of the many hospital rooms that they stayed and made sure that she was taken care and you could just feel the love that Nadeem had for his mother and she for him. He was a gentle, kind and loved by many people and he was beyond brave. Even though he wasn’t at his job long due to cancer and all of the treatments that he had to undertake, his employers and fellow employee’s didn’t hesitate to create a fundraiser for him because they all loved him so much. They even created a video for him, but unfortunately, Nadeem never got to see it. It’s sad the Nadeem’s journey ended and even though I had already known the outcome of this book I found myself rooting for him to get better.
Reading this book made me feel as if I knew Nadeem and his family. Sherine did a fantastic job bringing me into Nadeem’s life. I truly loved seeing the pictures of Nadeem and his family and friends, it made me feel even more connected to the story. I honestly at the end of the book felt like I had lost someone I knew personally. I could feel Sherine and her unconditional love for Nadeem as he struggled to beat cancer, I could feel her tears and worry as she watched her son slowly slip away and I could feel her hope when Nadeem would have good days and seemed to be getting better. The writing was captivating and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about this book. It was a hard book to read, but only because you begin to love Nadeem and his family and watching his battle knowing that he will lose just isn’t an easy thing to do. I felt like I was reading a journal and I hate that Nadeem never got the journal his mother was making for him for “when he got better.” This book shows you how horrible cancer is, but it also shows you how much having the love and support of family and friends means. It shows you that having a support system can make even the most difficult of days bearable and it shows you that life can end unexpectedly so live it to the fullest. I highly recommend this book because even though it is a sad read it is still a beautiful story and a great way to remember Nadeem for years to come. -
Nadeem’s Journey: A Heart Wrenching Story of a Loving Mother Losing Her Son to Cancer
by Sherine Anniruth
I received a copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A beautifully heartfelt account of a handsome, independent, young 25 year old man with so much life to live despite everything he and his family endured at times. Sherine Anniruth discloses a very personal memoir of Nadeem, her oldest son, growing up in South Africa with his younger brother and sister, their family move to Perth, Australia and his courageous fight against cancer.
We have all been affected by the harrowing illness which is cancer in one way or another and mostly all families have experienced the loss of a loved one in this respect, I know I have and can sympathise greatly. I knew this was going to be a difficult read but it was one I chose to face nevertheless as I think it is important to accept that this illness does exist and heroes like Nadeem deserve to be remembered and respected.
The particular photos that accompany the writing brings the personalities to life and makes the discovery far more realistic and unique, bearing witness to Nadeem's journey, his diagnosis and his ensuing battle.
Although it is agonising in parts and brings back to memory the loss encountered in my own life, I felt that the author ( Nadeem's mother ) wrote it not only in remembrance and in honour of her son but also as an encouragement and an incentive for us to be aware of our bodies and to be of use to others. A huge reminder that we should follow our intuition and who cares if we seem paranoid on demanding that second opinion. We place our trust in people of the medical profession but we should also have faith in them. After reading this I now believe that doctors on all levels should regularly undergo bedside manner updates and ensure they are carried out. Even though there is quite a bit of medical terminology, which is to be expected, it is narrated with an easy attitude for the reader to fully comprehend with a glossary included as an added plus.
In conclusion, the good and the bad is fully disclosed, written in a concise matter of fact manner, with no glossing over or ignoring the tragedy but neither does the story dwell on only the loss. What hit me particularly was on discovering his diagnosis, Nadeem was constantly the one to be concerned, but not for himself, but for his mother...his strength, courage and confidence is humbling.
I have to end on the most poignant part of the book which says it all, written by Nadeem in his year 12 yearbook, “ you can't take *!?@ for granted coz life is 2 short. “
I rate Nadeem's Journey 5 out of 5 stars. -
The introduction of the book is enough to send chills throughout your body already asking you to have that mental strength raised to a higher level because what lies ahead might shake you from within.
I would like to applaud the author for putting on a brave face in front of her son as well as in front of the world and sharing it all with the world. It is not easy and need a lot of guts to re-visit all the memories and think about that pain again and again just so that you can put it in appropriate words and give it the right perspective. Kudos, dear author!
The lucid language and the photographs give the story a personal touch. Merely stating it as a story will be an understatement as it actually feels like watching the life of the family with your own eyes, feeling every pain; getting tears and wishing with all your hope that things shall get better with this; rejoicing little, happy moments where Nadeem showed even a bit of improvement and smiled and getting that momentary happiness and relief. You actually live through the words of the author as a part of their life.
The important message at the end that life is short and nothing is to be taken for granted is an important life lesson. Believing in our gut feeling and doing what it demands, then and there is the another necessity. I apologise for I cracked up while reading the condolence messages and hence, didn't read them full but all I know is not only Nadeem, but his mother, the author too are fighters for life- Nadeem for his extra ordinary display of strength in dire times and the author for going through it all with all the hope and then giving words to every little pain and heartache making it all heart-felt.
However, I do hope that this reaches the doctors and the other health care professionals too for we all know, that amidst all the good ones, there are a few callous ones (in every field) and the way they deal with the situation and the person sometimes defines the progress of a patient. Not to forget saying that the society needs to be accepting enough and work towards encouraging the mental strength of a patient and his family, rather than being a reason of their deteriorating mental peace. A lesson in disguise we all need to know and learn.
May the departed one rest in peace and the family continues to have that strength to deal. Moving on from the loss of a loved one is never possible but holding on to their memories and taking each day head on, somewhere helps leading an okayish life. -
Grab yourself a box of tissue for this emotional story - A story is so much more than the title implies because nothing about life is simple. It’s a story about a mother's love, memories, and feeling a connection to those memories. Through the different chapters that act as the protagonist’s memories, you will feel an emotional pull for his wellbeing. As you try to understand his memories, you find yourself traversing some of the most beautiful landscapes of his life - It's a heart-wrenching story of a mum losing her son to cancer.
Nadeem, 25, was an extraordinary human being - He excelled in his studies and was made a captain of his school's cricket team after just three years of playing cricket! Then, 2015 came along with its heartache package, which frequented his hospital visits after being clinically diagnosed with cancer.
This book not only takes an account of Nadeem's remarkable journey but also his mother's. It has chapters that celebrate his bravery and persistence in forbearing his pain with the support of his family, friends and colleagues. The long waiting game to be seen by oncologists to hospitals having no bed exposes the dire negligence and detrimental effects of treatments for cancer patients. Halfway through reading this soul-crushing narration, it left me wondering, what if it were different, what if Nadeem had the treatment and the care that was needed, would he have beaten cancer and be with his family today?
I read this book in one sitting - The greatest lesson learnt is never to take life for granted. Every given moment calls for celebration. Every moment spent with a loved one is a blessing. We often take life for granted. We think of moments with our families and friends, as a right and not a privilege. God has blessed us with every second of this day for a reason. It is only with His mercy that we live an additional second.
I grew up hearing, “Live every moment as if it’s your last” and believed it to be a complete cliché. But when you hear of tragic incidences of young people losing their lives, then you realise that this very moment can easily be your last. You don’t know when your life will come to an end, so appreciate these moments and live them to the fullest by being thankful to God.
I sincerely loved reading Nadeem’s incredible story from the time he was born until his death, and highly recommend this book. -
Nadeem’s Journey lays out all of the emotion coming your way right on the cover: A Heart Wrenching Story of a Loving Mother Losing Her Son to Cancer by Sherine Anniruth. So before you even open the book, you can tell that it’s going to be a difficult, emotionally moving read. But as you read, you soon discover that amidst all the pain and suffering, there’s a message of hope and love.
But don’t let that last sentence trick you into thinking that the author has decided to pull any punches. Instead, Anniruth bravely chronicles not just her pain, but also her rage. The rage at the cancer that took her bright, dedicated son far too soon. The rage at the doctors that failed to take the time to investigate her son’s pain earlier and thoroughly. And the rage at the less than tactful treatment he received after his diagnosis. All of this paints a bleak outlook on the state of modern medicine not just in Australia, where Nadeem and his mother called home, but around the world. It’s this sort of honesty that makes Nadeem’s Journey such a difficult but worthwhile read.
Though it’s not all gut wrenching sorrow. The book traces the history of the author’s journey as a mother, from raising her son with the help of her mother and sisters to her family of five moving from South Africa to Australia. All in all the book is as much about life: with all of it’s ups and downs as it is about anything else.
And here is where the utility of Anniruth comes into play. For whatever the book might have been for the author: a way to memorialize her son’s memory, a reflective part of the mourning process, a condemnation on the impersonal nature of medicine - it’s also something for those who read it. Nadeem’s Journey tells a story that none of us want to personally experience. But by reading it, we pay a little respect those who have experienced it personally. And maybe hold on to those we love a little bit tighter.
Perhaps the best place to end this review is where Anniruth begins her book - the words of Thomas Carlyle: “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” Nadeem’s Journey shows us one such strong soul. -
The story of an arduous journey
Nothing compares to the pain you feel when you lose a child to cancer. There are no words to describe the pain, the suffering; to replace the lost, to restore the hope. In this book called “Nadeem’s Journey”, Sherine Anniruth lets us meet Nadeem’s mother and shares with us her painful experience. By doing so, she is telling the world the behind the scenes of this devastating illness. How does the medical team treat our loved ones when they are at their weakest? How do they accompany us in this suffering? Nadeem’s mum is honest and clear throughout the text. She provides exact dates and pictures of the ups and downs of her firstborn during the treatment of his disease. She even includes intertextual references posted in other media such as facebook and twitter.
I found this reading inspiring. By reading these lines, I understood that there is no way to size the love a mother feels for her child and that is nothing in this world a mother cannot do for her child. No matter if she is suffering too.
Although the tone of this story is melancholic, if you read between the lines you can sense strength, hope and of course love. The narrator of this story opens her heart to the readers. She describes her family’s feelings during the 5 most traumatic and sorrowful months of their lives. She also teaches other people going through the same situation to never stop fighting.
It is incredibly brave for this family to put such a personal experience out there for the world to read. I consider this tale to be a work made with love. Even though the characters in this story endured immense suffering, they were committed to the writing of these real life events. Nadeem’s mum is determined to give others advice, to hold hands with those who are beating cancer, to be there for the families that are undergoing this unnerving experience.
I give this book 5 starts out of 5 because I’ve never read such a candid and straightforward book before. -
An Inspiration
Nadeem’s Journey by Sherine Anniruth is a remarkable read that surprised me and made me feel a range of emotions. Nadeem was truly a remarkable young man, and it is not just because it is his mother telling the story. Even at a young age, he was really smart, dependable, a grown little man in a lot of ways. I love the fact that there are pictures of Nadeem as this helps cement a sense of reality. The photos tell the reader that he was a loving boy who eventually became a loving man whose life was cut short. Anniruth is transparent about the medical problems Nadeem had and this helped me connect to Nadeem and what he was going through. The family ends up moving to Australia where Anniruth was able to get a job as a nurse. She mentions this transition as being “overwhelming” and this really resonated with me because I am the daughter of immigrant parents who have also mentioned this as a somewhat nerve-wracking experience. But Nadeem had been different and enjoyed the transition. A few years later, Nadeem would be the first to graduate and become a role model to his younger siblings. At the age of 25, Nadeem passes away from cancer.
Sherine Anniruth has written a transparent, emotional, and courageous story about the loss of her son. Seeing his graduation picture brought tears to my eyes because he had his whole life ahead of him. There are many pictures of Nadeem’s time in different places when the cancer hit. Looking at the pictures you can see the love and support they his family had for one another. This story brings a range of emotions out of the reader, you will cry, you will laugh, and you will also feel sympathy. From the moment you read this book you love Nadeem. He was an amazing person and had a supportive and loving family. Anniruth gives the reader insight into the struggles of those suffering from cancer and shows the reader not to take anything for granted. I would certainly recommend this book to all. -
The best description of this book is in the cover itself: “A Heart Wrenching Story of a Loving Mother Losing Her Son to Cancer”. Author Sherine Anniruth tells her son’s Journey through his life, from his childhood into adulthood and his battle with his illness. Nadeem Rajah was born on 19/05/1990 and died on 21/11/2015 at the age of 25. So, this is a mother telling, in the first person, how she warmly walked alongside her son in every step, from birth to death. Her aim, in her own words, is that those reading this book will find the inspiration to fight for what they believe.
The book is simple and well written, almost like a diary of different life moments. And in each of them, the feeling of empathy with Sherine and her feelings is natural and automatic. For example when she knew she was pregnant and she had to face her family, her fear as she was young and single, the pride she felt at Nadeem´s graduation, of course, the worries about his health and uncertainty when doctors did not take hissymptoms seriously, the support during all the illness, and above all, the unconditional love for her son.
This emotional memoir surpassed my expectations by giving a different point of view in this kind of medical treatment. As a mother, she encouraged her son during his battle to follow his intuition, she questioned doctors´ poor diagnosis and through this book, she tries to inspire others not to give up in this struggle.
The author has done a fantastic job by creating an inspirational and emotional read, from her own experience to all: life is short; don’t take things for granted. I am giving this book 5 stars because although this is a bittersweet story that evokes many emotions, its message to readers is to love life. -
“Nadeem’s Journey” written by Sherine Anniruth is the true story of the author’s son, Nadeem. Sherine had her first son when she was very young and she loved him from the moment she knew she was pregnant. Nadeem was a very special child, he was kind, he excelled at school, and he was passionate about cricket. He was a loving brother to his siblings and a good son. When they moved in search of better opportunities, he soon adjusted to the new country and continued to thrive. He finished school and started working on his dream of becoming an engineer. He was a hardworking and independent young man. At the age of twenty five, after weeks of suffering and pain, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This is his heartbreaking story as told by his devoted mother.
Devoid of any artifice or florid language, the way in which the writer approaches her story appeals directly to the readers’ hearts. Anniruth’s prose is simple and candid when she narrates in chapter and verse her own life from the moment she learned she was pregnant to the sad death of her first born. The details may slow the pace of the reading at times but I think that this is counterbalanced by the clarity of the description of emotions and feelings which are the focus of attention and the page-turners in this book. Love, pride, disappointment, and sadness emerge from every chapter and make the reader really empathize with the family.
Apart from the inspiring story, this book also transmits a powerful message: love the ones that are always around you and that support you, trust your instincts, don’t take anything for granted, fight for what you want until your last breath, and live your life to the fullest because it is too short. I really liked this story and I recommend it. -
The author offered me a pdf version of this book in exchange for an honest review. I started reading and couldn't put it down. I ended up reading it in one sitting. What a beautiful, sad, beautiful story. Sherine does an incredible job of introducing readers to her life and her son's illness. I found it captivating, because although I've never lived in Perth, I spent quite a few years in Australia during my childhood, before returning to the United States, and I worked as an R. N. during that time, so the medical details were very interesting to read. However, Sherine writes in such a way that even if you have no medical background, you will have no trouble following along. She also includes a glossary at the end to help with unknown medical terminology.
Sherine has a natural talent for describing her life's events in a way that makes you feel as though you know them before you've gone more than a chapter into the book. She details Nadeem's battle with cancer with meticulous details that may one day save someone's life. Not only is this a tribute to her wonderful son, but the information here may help someone find help before it is too late. My husband and I lost his firstborn daughter (my step daughter) at thirty-four years to metastatic breast cancer after a battle only twelve months, and I know he would echo the sentiments Sherine writes here. You never forget, and you never get over the loss. You can only hope to go on and treasure those memories in your heart. I love the photographs Sherine included throughout the book.
Buy this book and read it. Cherish the memories here and take heed of the advice given. I know I will never forget it. Sherine, I hope you continue to write. I believe you have a gift. -
If there ever was a book that should come with a warning to keep some tissues close by while reading, then it would be this one. Extremely poignant, utterly heart-wrenching and sure to move you to tears in places, Nadeem’s Journey is the truly exceptional story of a mother’s love for her son.
Author Sherine Anniruth guides the reader through her son’s life, from his childhood to his battle with cancer and, sadly, his death at the age of 25. It is completely heart-breaking, and with every page my love and respect for Sherine and her family grew. At times this felt very much like reading a diary, cataloguing moments in Nadeem’s life told through Sherine’s eyes, and her love for Nadeem is very much at the heart of it all. What Sherine has created within the book is the most powerful tribute to that love, and to those friends and family members who supported his battle to the end.
Given the sensitive topic of the book, I really appreciated the simple language used throughout and how Sherine didn’t include complex medical terms in order to explain things to the reader. This helped to place the focus firmly on Nadeem himself, rather than the cancer from which he was suffering, and together with the inclusion of family photos of Nadeem I really felt like I got to know him over the course of the book.
Extremely emotional and difficult to read at times, Nadeem’s Journey is a captivating tale of love and resilience that is definitely worth the tears. Through her heartbreak Sherine has created an incredible testament to her son, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. -
I cannot express in words all the emotions I felt when reading this story. Nadeem’s Journey is a book written by Sherine Anniruth. Both heartbreaking and moving, this short-length book narrated in the first person tells the story of Nadeem, the author’s son, who died at the age of 25 after a fight against cancer.
Anniruth became pregnant at the age of 22 without being married and also decided to continue with the pregnancy. Since Nadeem's birth, she focused on her baby to give him the best. He had a good relationship with his mother and siblings but in the year 2015, he was diagnosed with cancer. After a long struggle, chemotherapy, and many invasive treatments, Nadeem stopped suffering.
Something I really appreciate about this book is that the writing style is simple and clear. This book does not contain difficult medical terms, making it easy for the reader to understand what is going on. It is full of photos of Nadeem, from his birth to the process of his battle with cancer.
The author aims to raise awareness of early cancer detection by sharing her story. A premature diagnosis can save you and give you more possibilities to fight against this enemy. Unconditional love is the most powerful stimulant of the immune system and I am pretty sure that Nadeem had a lot of love.
Nadeem’s Journey is emotional and can be difficult to read at times, but absolutely worth the tears so keep some tissues near. I am giving five deserved stars. -
Nadeem is a young man with a promising future when his story turns from friends, classes and an internship to medical tests and hospital stays. When Nadeem begins experiencing concerning symptoms, he and his loving mother Sherine know something is wrong, although it takes a while to get medical treatment. Anyone who’s ever had the sense that something is just not right, even with a doctor insisting things are fine, will empathize with this part of the story. Fortunately, Sherine is a nurse and dedicated mother, so she’s able to get good care for her son. She is the author of this memoir, and she shows her love for her son on every page.
Even with solid medical care, Nadeem’s body can’t heal itself. As he begins to get sicker, readers can see his mother, siblings, and friends all trying to keep his spirits up. This is where readers can get to know Nadeem, and see the cheerful, clever young man. Readers can understand why he touched so many lives, and share his family’s loss in this young man.
I liked how many scenes weren’t high drama, just honest stories about a family trying to get every possible moment together. The family shares jokes and favorite meals, even as Nadeem grows sicker. Readers can really see the love and affection in this family. That makes this a moving and relatable story, with a tragic ending. -
Nadeem’s Journey by Sherine Anniruth is a heart wrenching story of a loving mother who loses her 25 year old son to cancer. Anniruth tells the reader of every moment of Nadeem’s life giving the reader a sense of who Nadeem is as a person and the love his mother had for him
Just by reading the summary of the book I knew this book was going to make me cry. It is very emotional as it is written from the heart. Every word made me emotional. I was sad, hopeful, and I also felt the love that Nadeem’s family felt for him. Anniruth does not hold back and is very open and honest with the reader. The reader is taken on a journey through Nadeem’s life and accomplishments. The author added photos which helped me connect with Nadeem. Reading chronologically what happened to him after he started feeling bad for the first time is alarming; doctors always tend to tell you that you should take something and go back home, as happened to him, without considering other things. The author is so descriptive that she made me feel as if I was there looking at what was happening.
It is true that it is a story that broke my heart but I can also see how much a mother can love her son. Sherine Anniruth transformed all that pain into something that beautifully portrayed who her son was. I recommend reading this book with some tissues by your side. -
A poignant but resilient true story
Nadeem´s Journey by Sherine Anniruth is a heart wrenching story of a loving mother who loses her son to cancer. Sherine Anniruth shares with readers the life of her son, Nadeem from birth to his college graduation to his fight against cancer. In between the story, there are lots of difficulties that made her life and her family´s life a bit more complicated but they could cope with them and kept on going. Anniruth is a brave and determined mother who did her best for the wellbeing of her son.
From the moment I started reading this story I felt the author’s pain. Sherine Anniruth is honest and open withevery experience and her emotions. You are taken on an emotional ride with the good times to the bad times. There were times where I did smile because I felt the love that Nadeem’s family had for him and then there were times I cried because of the pain the family went through. The author included photographs of Nadeem, his siblings and the family and by doing so you begin to connect with them. They are a close-knit family and thanks to this they were able to cope with the loss of Nadeem by cherishing their memories of him. The author is a strong woman for reliving those memories to write this book. This is a captivating, loving and resilient story worth reading it. -
This is a memoir of sorts, a mother’s ode to her son, a beautiful, and brave soul, who lost the battle with cancer but won all the wars of life. Ngl, this made me tear up. Written in a simple and poignant way, it’s such a heartfelt, and emotional story of love, courage, and grief. Reading about Nadeem’s achievements in life since an early age, and his unwavering bravery in the face of cancer, there’s no doubt that he was a man of great strength and intelligence, and so is the family that had to deal with the loss of this beautiful soul. It’s true, God calls to himself the most beautiful souls first!
There are many photos of Nadeem, his friends, and family, taken throughout his journey of life, included in this book, it was great to put faces to the names, and the messages of condolence at the end of the book bought tears to my eyes. Not only is this book a mother’s loving ode to her son, but also an inspiration, and a beautiful message to celebrate every moment of this life that you can with your loved ones, ‘cause life is so short and fragile, and you never know when it’ll be plucked right from your hands. All in all, it’s a beautiful read that made me appreciate life and health so much. If you are reading this, go hug your loved ones, tell them how much you love and appreciate them, now and forever! -
Emotional and heart-breaking
This book is a mother’s eulogy to her son; the journal that she wanted to write about her son’s fight with this awful disease and which was supposed to have a happy ending when he was finally rid of the cancer. I think that it was written when she more or less came to terms that her son passed away so tragically because the tone is that of a friend telling another friend what happened, without any anger or in a dramatic way.
Reading about the life of a person (a young one, for that matter) with no real health issues to be concerned about, makes you realise that it can happen to everyone. It reminds us that there’s no excuse for not telling your family how much you love them or how much you appreciate the time spend together, because all of a sudden… there might be no more life to live.
At the end of the book, she explained some of the medical terms to help the reader understand better what happened. I think it was very considerate of her in doing that.
I think Sherine is an extremely strong woman and mother, considering how hard her life was and what she has been through. I do admire her and I wish she will become even stronger in the years to come. -
Nadeem's Journey by Sherine Anniruth is not just a memoir written to recount her beloved son losing his life to cancer after just 25 years on planet Earth.
This is a story that has touched my heart considering that I lost my precious sister to cancer in May 2022. What is really shocking is that Nadeem is young!! I felt the impact of fear and undying hope and the final shock of the inevitable clutch of death. I was appalled by the callousness, unprofessionalism and risks to patient's lives that some medical staff exhibit. The writer gives some advice about listening to our bodies and giving due attention to our health. She captures the last months of Nadeem that would tug the heart strings of mothers. She shows that motherhood is beautiful and sacrificial. She potrays the invisible bond of love that ties children to their mothers. Though the writer does not say much about how she coped with the loss,it is obvious that this journey recounted and captured with photographs will leave a lingering and everlasting memory of her wonderful,brilliant, handsome and promising son who was reaped prematurely by the hands of death through Cancer. This is a very interesting read worth 5 stars.
