The Life of Dai

by Jaquie Brown

A deeply moving and profoundly uplifting story about living with joy, even in the face of adversity.


'Part memoir and part masterclass in finding hope and joy in the face of unthinkable challenges. This isn't a book about cancer, it's a book about living' – Jaquie Brown

Dai Henwood wanted to be a comedian even before he knew what a comedian was. He always knew there was something special in being able to make people laugh.

Over a 25-year career, the much-loved Kiwi entertainer and TV host has won every major comedy award in New Zealand. But in January 2023, Dai shared publicly that three years earlier he had been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.

Perhaps the ultimate teacher for what really matters, Dai's incurable cancer has shown him a new way of living that embraces small moments of perfection and cherishes things we often overlook.

As well as showing us how laughter can be a wonderful medicine – and there are many laughs in his book – Dai teaches us that often the gifts we've been searching for are right in front of us, if only we could see them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook

Paperback

Reviews

[Jordan Oppert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent the afternoon rugged up on the couch, unable to put this book down. I cried, I laughed and I cried some more.. Dai Henwood was a huge inspiration to my Dad when he was going through his own cancer journey. We watched his ‘7 Days’ interview as a family multiple times, and Dai’s podcast with Dom Harvey got Dad through many spin bike sessions in the garage. Although they’d never met, I think Dad resonated deeply with Dai’s approach and outlook when it came to ‘incurable cancer’ - choosing to live in the here and now, and not get caught up on tomorrow. That takes an enormous amount of strength and bravery. I’m just so eternally grateful Dai’s chosen to write a book not only sharing many golden nuggets of wisdom (which every single person can relate to/take something from), but for also raising awareness about bowel cancer. What an absolute legend.

[Bev Trueman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Written with humor, but also with all serious aspects of what Dai was and is still going through. Brought back a lot of memories of my husband David's cancer journey. The black humor definitely helps.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Dai Henwood is so much more than his on- personality. Love his philosophy on life and living with cancer.Listened to on audiobook narrated by the author.

[leonard powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read - beautifully written, funny, touching, all the amazing and sad things. Would recommend this to anyone, even if you’re not familiar with Dai

[Kelly Blackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I’m going through a really tough time at the moment and originally thought reading a book about someone who has Stage 4 cancer might not be a great choice given my current situation.
However, this I would describe this is part memoir, part mantra and I couldn’t help but be uplifted by this story. Dai comedy and mindset shine through and I’ve learnt some tools to help me process my current situation.
Dai tells his story with humour and humility and has helped me shift my perspective on what’s important in life.

[Bex D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I was a bit apprehensive about reading because, well, cancer. But it was uplifting, honest and real. I enjoyed reading about Dais life pre cancer and now living with cancer. His frankness and openness about this journey was really interesting plus his exploration of meditation and Eastern medicine has given me a lot to think about.

[Teighlor Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read. Written in a way that’s easy to read, with that classic Dai comedic charm. Terribly sad circumstances for a living legend but his outlook on everything is inspiring. Would recommend A++

[josè mcguinny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this down. Beautiful and light yet so full of spirituality and wisdom. Everyone should read!

[Cleo Vernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating memoirs can feel a bit strange, particularly when they address sensitive topics like this one. However, this book is filled with countless nuggets of wisdom and moments of beauty, making it a truly enjoyable read. Its deeply Kiwi essence adds a unique charm. I highly recommend this memoir to all men and anyone who is close to someone battling cancer

[Nicole Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family staple Friday night growing up was watching Dai and the other hilarious comedians on 7 Days…so humbling to read everything that he’s been going through lately and battling so privately.
His approach to life and being present in the now is inspiring. His outlook when it comes to ‘incurable cancer' - choosing to live in the here and now, and not get caught up on tomorrow takes an enormous amount of strength and bravery. Dai shares so many golden nuggets of wisdom interspersed through the book as “Dai’s Tips” (which every single person can relate to and take something from); such a legend.

[Wendy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book won’t win any awards - it’s a mix of autobiography, life advice you have probably read elsewhere, and spiritual / philosophical meandering. However, major kudos to Dai for writing so candidly about his bowel cancer and for being a force for good in terms of awareness and education. He seems a great messenger to men who might not otherwise want to talk about bums and poos and health. A good egg dealt a bad hand and being the best human he can be with it.

[Lauren Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable in terms of the personal experience of cancer and what can be helpful emotionally, particularly for my work. Not the BEST autobio I’ve read in terms of how technically written, but definitely worth the read

[R Hinchco · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous insight to the trials and entertainment of his life so far.
Growing up watching/listening to Dai, he feels like he’s a “brother from a different mother”.
What a honour to be able to read and enjoy this book, from crying one page to tears of laughter on the next. Fabulously written. His and his support groups strength is enlightening and inspiring.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot put into words just how good this book was. Incredibly eye-opening and a raw tell-all. If you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut, read this and it will change the way you view life. One of the best books I have ever read, definitely in my top 3! I genuinely could not put this book down

[Rob Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the best Dai!

[Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think there was a day I read this book that I didn't cry but it was incredibly profound and healing

[Stephen Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. A great positive influence on life. A wonderful bloke.

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

brb crying

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Kath Dorrans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally recommend this book, wish I could have read this when we lost Dad, such an amazing human!

[Teao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks BorrowBox for free audio.

Main point I’ve taken from this is, if not you’re normal get it seen!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is on of those books that you HAVE to force yourself to put down because you are just too emotional to continue. You have to put it down to process before continuing on the journey this memoir take you on. Henwood is a born entertainer and performer so it is not surprising to know his ability to spin a yarn is evident on every page and in every anecdote he shares. There will be times when you are sobbing over the sad parts and crying because you are laughing so much and even moments where you are doing both. Right from Jaquie Brown’s forward this book will have you in tears and emotional and all the great heartbreaking and great wonderful ways that only die Henwood can bring.

This memoir covers Dai's childhood and growing up with a well-known dad to how he got started in comedy to the cancer diagnosis and the journey of fighting and the eventual incurable diagnosis and everything in between. This book covers it all.

This books breaks your heart while simultaneously giving you hope and making you feel so inspired. Dai Henwood is such a sining light in this world and this book just proves that in spades.

Highly recommend this memoir if you are a Dai Henwood fan, a comedy fan, or want to learn more about his journey through bowel cancer.

[Stacey Nanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dai Henwood is a New Zealand comedian who has done various things like stand-up comedy, Various types of TV shows and also podcasts.

I have always been a big fan of Dai’s(just ask my poor family haha),I especially love his stand up and improv! Any chance to see his live shows when I lived in NZ I took, I will watch anything he is in on TV too, so it’s no surprise that I had to buy his book.

The life of Dai takes us through a journey of Dai’s life from childhood through his recent diagnosis of bowel cancer during covid. He has lived an amazing and fulfilling life, whilst enjoying the most simple things in life.

The majority of this book is based on his cancer journey, It was a real eye opener to see the journey played out from the patient's POV ( I have lost several family members to bowel cancer) Dai's perspective on the experience is one that is extremely inspiring.

This book was both funny, thought provoking, motivating and very heart felt. It was nice and easy to follow and not too heavy.

I highly recommend this if you are a fan of Dai Henwood :)

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

In January 2023, entertainer and comedian Dai Henwood publicly shared that he had been diagnosed three years earlier with stage 4 bowel cancer. In The Life of Dai, Henwood shares what he has learned through his cancer journey - a new way of living, embracing the small perfect moments, and the things we often overlook... like hedgehogs and pigeons. This is his memoir but, packed full of useful tips and advice, it is also his way of helping other people along on their journey. Moving, uplifting yet filled with his trademark wit, The Life of Dai shows how Henwood has reframed his way of thinking, his approach to life - finding joy and hope despite the unthinkable challenges.

[Ash’s Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! It was funny and made me laugh out loud. But it was also serious, made me cry, and shared some great life tips. I’m grateful to Dai for sharing his story.

Some things I learnt:
- Always be present and focus on the now
- You have the power to put a positive spin on every situation - reframe things to “what if the best case scenario happened”
- Thinking about death puts what’s important into perspective
- If you’re nervous or scared, think “do it for the plot!” You may look foolish, but it will make your life movie even more awesome
- Don’t rush all the time, slow down
- Have fun

[Ruth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone dealing with a cancer diagnosis. It’s authentic, honest and very real. He has been able to articulate the jumble of feeling and thoughts that many of us feel yet are unable to get through to others. Whether you are a fan of Stand up Comedy or not this book is really about how to deal with and process an unwanted diagnosis. Jacque Brown has made a superb job of writing this book along with Dai. Thankyou for your courage

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read, an honest and empowering description of how dai is managing his cancer journey. There were a heap of insights to live a more meaningful/present life that will help lots of readers. I wish a few of my friends could have had the opportunity to read this during their cancer journey.

[Linda Knight Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know Dai Henwood before reading this book. But his message about living in spite of stage four cancer is life affirming. Many specks of philosophy from the middle to end for everyone

“Life is a series of moments. The moments that are happening right now. They might not be the moments that you want. They are the moments that you have. So experience them to the fullest…Maybe it’s looking at beautiful flowers, enjoying the sunshine or having a laugh at a good dick joke. Whatever it is, you’re having a great experience that makes everyone in your orbit have a better experience, too.”

[Elspeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, very inspirational. Know of Dai but not a lot about him. Here, he bares his soul and his everything but in an inspiring reflective way not in a dismal depressing way that anyone diagnosed with bowel cancer would be more than entitled to! I have recommended this to a friend to read who is living with cancer.

[Nicky Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and really enjoyed it. Dai is honest, funny, down to earth and quite frankly and inspiration after listening to what he has been too. We could all learn a lot from his positive attitude. I definitely got a lot of little take aways from this book with his shared tips and wisdom on just living and enjoying life.💙