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A movement is happening in cancer care, far from the sterile halls of conventional hospitals and the one-shot-fits-all drugs of pharmaceutical companies. Doctor Richard Blake and his synergistic, personalized treatment stand at the forefront of this revolution. But Plaxin Pharmaceuticals will stop at nothing to suppress the doctor’s groundbreaking discoveries.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2012
60 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Ben Scott Craig
5 books1 followerBen Scott Craig currently lives in Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 28, 2015
What if a better treatment for cancer exists? I was intrigued by the premise, but then I began reading it. OK. I have a real problem with books that are not edited well. Please check spelling. Please check consistency. A woman can't have brown hair and then dark black hair two pages later (unless she's colored it in the meantime.) The author used a description of a man's beard 'that distracted from the receding hairline.' Not a bad description, but then he used the same 'distracted from a receding hairline' a few pages later. The story could have been good, maybe, if it had a good editor to iron out the distractions. I did finish it, but it was very loosely put together.
May 13, 2021
2.5 stars. I would not call this a suspense novel. It seems to not really know what it is and tries to tell too many people stories around the one event. I found this meant that you didn't really get to know any character well and you were not really pulled into the story.
I realise he wrote this as more what he wishes cancer treatment would be like, after his experience with his mother and I very much sympathise with him, and therefore do not want to be too harsh.
There is nothing wrong with the book however there also isn't a lot going for it.
I realise he wrote this as more what he wishes cancer treatment would be like, after his experience with his mother and I very much sympathise with him, and therefore do not want to be too harsh.
There is nothing wrong with the book however there also isn't a lot going for it.
November 8, 2017
Hope
Great story, awesome characters. Story gives hope that someday, the treatment of cancer with change. This is the second time I've read the book. Each time, I come away with more.
Great story, awesome characters. Story gives hope that someday, the treatment of cancer with change. This is the second time I've read the book. Each time, I come away with more.
September 17, 2015
Cried, laughed and HOPED
First, let me get the negative stuff out of the way: quite a few typos for a proofed book and for me, that's it. All else? Simply wonderful. The descriptions of biological functions were, like the human body, sheer poetry. I've never read anything that created such beautiful imagery quite like Craig's. I cried over the visuals he created in my mind, and I cried for my own mother, dying just like Sarah, though only 49. Mom battled cancer for ten years. I thought at the time of her death that it had been the longest decade of my life but I was wrong. It was the first ten years of having her gone that felt unending and without hope.
This story was hard to read because of Mom too early death from breast cancer. She's been gone since 1988 and it seems as though we're only just now, so many years later, starting the real revolution in cancer cures.
Having read about bioregulation and the new data coming out of research in Israel involving the use of a cannabinoid, CBN, that's stopping tumor growth in mice ... I think we're finally on our way to what Craig writes about. I have hope.
This novel really was less if a medical thriller and more like a vehicle for the disbursement of new cancer data, a great explanation of how big pharma and the FDA really work and how adult children of dying or deceased cancer patients feel throughout the long agonizing process. Honestly? Craig might want to explore other deeply intimate issues involving Family. He is great at that kind of writing! The thriller part? It just felt more like a device used to impart Knowledge than anything else.
I look forward to reading more from this author. He did make cry buckets and laugh so heartily but most importantly, he shared the same hope about the future of cancer treatment.
First, let me get the negative stuff out of the way: quite a few typos for a proofed book and for me, that's it. All else? Simply wonderful. The descriptions of biological functions were, like the human body, sheer poetry. I've never read anything that created such beautiful imagery quite like Craig's. I cried over the visuals he created in my mind, and I cried for my own mother, dying just like Sarah, though only 49. Mom battled cancer for ten years. I thought at the time of her death that it had been the longest decade of my life but I was wrong. It was the first ten years of having her gone that felt unending and without hope.
This story was hard to read because of Mom too early death from breast cancer. She's been gone since 1988 and it seems as though we're only just now, so many years later, starting the real revolution in cancer cures.
Having read about bioregulation and the new data coming out of research in Israel involving the use of a cannabinoid, CBN, that's stopping tumor growth in mice ... I think we're finally on our way to what Craig writes about. I have hope.
This novel really was less if a medical thriller and more like a vehicle for the disbursement of new cancer data, a great explanation of how big pharma and the FDA really work and how adult children of dying or deceased cancer patients feel throughout the long agonizing process. Honestly? Craig might want to explore other deeply intimate issues involving Family. He is great at that kind of writing! The thriller part? It just felt more like a device used to impart Knowledge than anything else.
I look forward to reading more from this author. He did make cry buckets and laugh so heartily but most importantly, he shared the same hope about the future of cancer treatment.
May 1, 2016
Big Pharma
Sarah is dying of cancer. She is a nurse and sought out the best traditional medical care that she could get but was not satisfied with the way that the doctors dismissed her concerns. Not content to just lay down and die as her doctors were now telling her was her only option, she sought out alternative therapies. That is how she persuaded her husband to break her out of the hospital in the middle of the night and take her to the Bailey Clinic. Her sons were afraid at first that she had died when they arrived at the hospital only to find that their mother's room was empty. Andy, the journalist son, was very interested in what made the Bailey therapy different. Finally, Dr. Bailey explains it all to him so that he can publish the story in hopes that it will keep them all from being killed by a big Pharma executive.
This book could definitely use some editing. I seem to have this complaint about most books that I have read recently. The concept of this book was great but I think that it failed as a big medical suspense book. Even the portrayal of big pharma as an evil entity out to crush other therapies that might be more cost effective with less side effects was not effective. The ending also left a lot to be desired--I'd like to know more about what happened to the characters.
Sarah is dying of cancer. She is a nurse and sought out the best traditional medical care that she could get but was not satisfied with the way that the doctors dismissed her concerns. Not content to just lay down and die as her doctors were now telling her was her only option, she sought out alternative therapies. That is how she persuaded her husband to break her out of the hospital in the middle of the night and take her to the Bailey Clinic. Her sons were afraid at first that she had died when they arrived at the hospital only to find that their mother's room was empty. Andy, the journalist son, was very interested in what made the Bailey therapy different. Finally, Dr. Bailey explains it all to him so that he can publish the story in hopes that it will keep them all from being killed by a big Pharma executive.
This book could definitely use some editing. I seem to have this complaint about most books that I have read recently. The concept of this book was great but I think that it failed as a big medical suspense book. Even the portrayal of big pharma as an evil entity out to crush other therapies that might be more cost effective with less side effects was not effective. The ending also left a lot to be desired--I'd like to know more about what happened to the characters.
December 14, 2015
Story about love, hope, danger, and evolving treatments for cancers.
I enjoyed this book because of the hope and love of one family dealing with the effects of cancer. I also enjoyed it because one of the two brothers was an artist in glass blowing-sculpting.
I have many times felt the same way about big pharmaceutical companies caring only about the bottom line. You have to ask yourself: Is there now a cure for cancer that would destroy these companies, but the cure is kept from patients because of the bottom line. Traditional medical care is based on medications and surgeries, sometimes with horrible consequences. If you ask any medical student, they'll tell you that the number of cures can be counted with less than ten fingers. This book is a cautionary tale as well as a having a hopeful message of change. I could relate to this story because I too lost my mother to cancer, and as a result, a piece of my heart. However, one must stay positive and hopeful.
I enjoyed this book because of the hope and love of one family dealing with the effects of cancer. I also enjoyed it because one of the two brothers was an artist in glass blowing-sculpting.
I have many times felt the same way about big pharmaceutical companies caring only about the bottom line. You have to ask yourself: Is there now a cure for cancer that would destroy these companies, but the cure is kept from patients because of the bottom line. Traditional medical care is based on medications and surgeries, sometimes with horrible consequences. If you ask any medical student, they'll tell you that the number of cures can be counted with less than ten fingers. This book is a cautionary tale as well as a having a hopeful message of change. I could relate to this story because I too lost my mother to cancer, and as a result, a piece of my heart. However, one must stay positive and hopeful.
May 16, 2015
The foundation; it builds, an exciting closing, and a warm ending.
I've read more exciting books, but I enjoyed the read. The beginning gives you a good introduction to the characters in the story. The it builds to a medical mystery. One where you sincerely hope the good guys win. It gives you an inside look at living with cancer, and an in depth look at dying because of cancer. As a person who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, I found it entrancing envisioning my own battle with the evil beast and wished a doctor like Lydia Bailey could enter my life. Ultimately the book leaves you feeling warm and makes you feel that you want to live every day appreciating what life can be when you truly live it.
I've read more exciting books, but I enjoyed the read. The beginning gives you a good introduction to the characters in the story. The it builds to a medical mystery. One where you sincerely hope the good guys win. It gives you an inside look at living with cancer, and an in depth look at dying because of cancer. As a person who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, I found it entrancing envisioning my own battle with the evil beast and wished a doctor like Lydia Bailey could enter my life. Ultimately the book leaves you feeling warm and makes you feel that you want to live every day appreciating what life can be when you truly live it.
April 21, 2016
Great story...
I really loved this storyline and how Ben Scott Craig handled it. I too have been touched by cancer in my life, and watched my mother fight a great fight against it. Thankfully, for now, she beat it, like so many others have as well. I think he told the family's story with great love and tenderness, especially at the end of the book. Not going to give anything away! I will just say that I feel everyone should read this book, whether your life has been touched by this disease or not; you will come away with new insight and hopefully more tenderness and compassion for those who have been touched by this disease. I can't give this book more kudos than 5 stars, but I would if I could !!!
I really loved this storyline and how Ben Scott Craig handled it. I too have been touched by cancer in my life, and watched my mother fight a great fight against it. Thankfully, for now, she beat it, like so many others have as well. I think he told the family's story with great love and tenderness, especially at the end of the book. Not going to give anything away! I will just say that I feel everyone should read this book, whether your life has been touched by this disease or not; you will come away with new insight and hopefully more tenderness and compassion for those who have been touched by this disease. I can't give this book more kudos than 5 stars, but I would if I could !!!
February 12, 2013
I'm trying to be kind, as I know the author put a lot of hard work into his book, but I have to say that I think he needs quite a bit more practice before publishing again. This book is advertised as medical suspense, yet, at 23 percent finished (which is where I gave up), there was very little medical and absolutely NO suspense. Instead it seems to be the story of a very whiny "artist" who is in the habit of falling on the floor (no kidding, he does this twice in the first 23 percent of the book!!). I enjoy medical suspense - perhaps the next book Mr. Craig writes will live up to its description.
March 8, 2017
My three stars are for the sample, so far -- I will update this. The book is excellent, so the removal of stars are largely for the editing or lack thereof. Ben Scott Craig's writing is flowing and elegant ... mostly. The hiccups could be fixed with an editor and a beta reader, so the author can't be criticized for the problems so much as encouraged to get more assists with his work.
My father has cancer similar to Sarah's, so this is a very hard read but has left me feeling a little less alone when peeking inside Andy's head. The author must know this pain.
My father has cancer similar to Sarah's, so this is a very hard read but has left me feeling a little less alone when peeking inside Andy's head. The author must know this pain.
April 19, 2015
I don't know what to say. Right from the start I had a feeling that something BIG or sinister was going to happen in this book.......and I waited. It did happen, just not as BIG or as sinister as I had hoped. And it didn't last very long at all. I actually felt rather let down by it. The pretense of the story was great. A new radical cancer treatment that the big pharmaceutical companies didn't know about......yet.
The characters were definitely relatable and it was an enjoyable book.
The characters were definitely relatable and it was an enjoyable book.
September 29, 2013
I truly enjoyed this book. Enveloped in a story of a family's grief is the story of growth and spiritual engagement in life. This story reminded me of things I know, but all too often set aside in favor of the safe approach to life. I will re-read this book for the lessons it so gently offers.
May 2, 2015
A wonderfully well written book!
I have not been captivated by a book in a long time. This book has so many nuances. All the usual life, love and loss and so much more. A description of the creative force that blew me away. I had to save it, it was so amazing. I highly recommend!
I have not been captivated by a book in a long time. This book has so many nuances. All the usual life, love and loss and so much more. A description of the creative force that blew me away. I had to save it, it was so amazing. I highly recommend!
January 9, 2016
Interesting view on conventional medicine
Having suffered through cancer treatment myself I was drawn to the subject matter of this book. I was surprised at the insight the author had of the dynamic of the patient and family.
Having suffered through cancer treatment myself I was drawn to the subject matter of this book. I was surprised at the insight the author had of the dynamic of the patient and family.
February 13, 2016
Revealing
The story encompasses the emotions felt when a family member is sick and dying. It also brings into focus the huge issues of the pharmaceutical world and the hunger for money.
The story encompasses the emotions felt when a family member is sick and dying. It also brings into focus the huge issues of the pharmaceutical world and the hunger for money.
February 10, 2016
this was catalogued a medical thriller, but was anything but. I'm not going to say the author isn't a talented writer or that the subject matter was not important. I can even say his prose is poignant and beautiful, but sell it as a dramatic character piece, because thrilling it is not.
December 6, 2012
A first book for the author, recommended by a friend who knows him personally...from my hometown of Rockford, Illinois. I highly recommend the read!!
January 4, 2013
This is an excellent read. The author is very much in touch with the subject matter and describes emotions and circumstances extremely well.
March 22, 2013
Hon-traditional medicine vs the chemo industry.
August 2, 2013
This is an excellent read! It's about how cancer affects the whole family and that alternative medicine may be the future to finding a cure. Make sure you have tissues when you read this book!
February 10, 2015
Ok read
I think I expected too much from this book. Long and painfully drawn out in places. Poor ending. Never did tell the fate of the glass sculpture brother.
I think I expected too much from this book. Long and painfully drawn out in places. Poor ending. Never did tell the fate of the glass sculpture brother.
free-e-bk
December 27, 201412/26/14.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews