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Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive
Not yet published
Expected 8 Dec 26This story began because I was dying to live. It ends with having learned how.
Wise beyond her years, Shell Rowe's life took an abrupt turn when, aged 20, instead of being able to follow her dream and continue her film studies in America, she discovered a lump on her throat that turned out to be Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was given a slim chance of survival.
Three diagnoses later, facing extreme challenges and hardship each time, yet always managing to win the battle, Shell shares the life lessons she learned along the way.
From realizing that life doesn't always work out the way you planned but may turn out even better, to making your own luck, giving yourself time, being brave as the jump is worse than the fall, embracing the chaos and realizing that growing old is a privilege, this is an uplifting and humorous guide to making the most of whatever life throws at you.
The lessons are intended to help you defy the odds and transform the adversities you may face, whether that's losing a loved one, facing a diagnosis, receiving a rejection from University, not getting the job you want or struggling in a relationship.
It is a testament of hope and a confirmation that we all possess the power within us to shape our own reality, despite the hardships we each face.
Wise beyond her years, Shell Rowe's life took an abrupt turn when, aged 20, instead of being able to follow her dream and continue her film studies in America, she discovered a lump on her throat that turned out to be Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was given a slim chance of survival.
Three diagnoses later, facing extreme challenges and hardship each time, yet always managing to win the battle, Shell shares the life lessons she learned along the way.
From realizing that life doesn't always work out the way you planned but may turn out even better, to making your own luck, giving yourself time, being brave as the jump is worse than the fall, embracing the chaos and realizing that growing old is a privilege, this is an uplifting and humorous guide to making the most of whatever life throws at you.
The lessons are intended to help you defy the odds and transform the adversities you may face, whether that's losing a loved one, facing a diagnosis, receiving a rejection from University, not getting the job you want or struggling in a relationship.
It is a testament of hope and a confirmation that we all possess the power within us to shape our own reality, despite the hardships we each face.
192 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication December 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 7, 2026
I had low expectations and usually find "influencer books" to be quite naff. This book was beautifully written and really takes the reader on an emotional journey. It provokes real reflection without seeming condescending. Going much deeper than the side of Shell we see online, she shares some really profound perspectives, which communicate incredible emotional maturity and intelligence. I'm pleasantly surprised at how this book has impacted me and given me a new appreciation for the nuance of what Shell and other young cancer patients go through. Shell is an incredible talent, and this book just solidifies that.
I don't remember the last time I laughed out loud so many times in a book. Shell's comedic flair you see online really shines through in this book, without diluting the seriousness of the topics discussed. It feels effortless and genuine. I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this to anyone, regardless of whether you follow Shell online or not. She provides a lot of food for thought and perspectives which can be appreciated by anyone. It is a unique insight which everyone would benefit from listening to. An easy 5* for me.
I don't remember the last time I laughed out loud so many times in a book. Shell's comedic flair you see online really shines through in this book, without diluting the seriousness of the topics discussed. It feels effortless and genuine. I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this to anyone, regardless of whether you follow Shell online or not. She provides a lot of food for thought and perspectives which can be appreciated by anyone. It is a unique insight which everyone would benefit from listening to. An easy 5* for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
At first glance, I believe this to be a story full of life lessons learnt through hardship. However, the story is full of humour, inspiration and wisdom.
The perspective Shell has on life and its unpredictable nature is inspiring and an outlook I hope to adopt myself with time and practice. Shell’s lived experience of Cancer does allow those who have or are going through a diagnose of Cancer to learn from someone else’s hindsight. But anyone and everyone can learn and benefit from this book as it looks at hardship and challenges as a whole.
The pearls of perfectly written wisdom make this a book to read over and over again when you need a bit of guidance. And with lots of funny stories thrown in, this is also a good pick me up book.
A perfect book, I feel privileged to have been gifted it as part of a book club.
The perspective Shell has on life and its unpredictable nature is inspiring and an outlook I hope to adopt myself with time and practice. Shell’s lived experience of Cancer does allow those who have or are going through a diagnose of Cancer to learn from someone else’s hindsight. But anyone and everyone can learn and benefit from this book as it looks at hardship and challenges as a whole.
The pearls of perfectly written wisdom make this a book to read over and over again when you need a bit of guidance. And with lots of funny stories thrown in, this is also a good pick me up book.
A perfect book, I feel privileged to have been gifted it as part of a book club.
August 8, 2026
Having followed the author's journey on social media for a few years now, I was keen to read this. This book was a truly inspiring read; the lessons shared are heartfelt and will give everyone reason to think. The book itself is easy to access and read throughout the 10 chapters. The anecdotes shared are deeply personal.
Whilst several people in the public eye have released books of a similar genre, the author's raw, honest and humorous style seen in their online content transfers to the book as well, giving it a truly unique edge that will have you laughing and crying.
This book truly taught me something and I will strive to take the lessons from it into my own life.
Whilst several people in the public eye have released books of a similar genre, the author's raw, honest and humorous style seen in their online content transfers to the book as well, giving it a truly unique edge that will have you laughing and crying.
This book truly taught me something and I will strive to take the lessons from it into my own life.
July 23, 2026
This book is a wonderfully crafted chunk of joy that arms the reader to confront life’s most challenging situations, as well as the tiny, annoying ones. It helps people battle the really nasty stuff by giving them the fight and confidence to push through and never give up. It also gives readers the tools to see life’s minor problems for what they are. You will be crying one minute and crying again the next, but only with laughter. A funny, beautiful book.
August 24, 2026
So many aspects of this book hit close to home as someone diagnosed with cancer at 17 years old. This book is full of honesty, humour, and heart. There are so many quotes that I absolutley love, I'd struggle to pick a favourite. A lot of the experiences the author shares are ones I (and many others) can relate to, and this book did a brilliant job of breaking open some of the stigma around cancer and cancer treatment.
July 20, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had me laughing, crying and everything in between. So well written and insightful. A really positive perspective on dealing with trauma in your life and turning a negative into a positive. Thoroughly recommend!
July 28, 2026
I cackled out loud multiple times during this book. i did listen to it as narrated by Shell, which i felt made it even better.
Some parts were hard to hear, but im so glad she’s made it through her Cancer journey.
would highly recommend
Some parts were hard to hear, but im so glad she’s made it through her Cancer journey.
would highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2026
Such a great storyteller! Perfect mix of emotional and hilarious
August 24, 2026
A heart felt, wholesome read! Admittedly with a lot of cliches but what is life but a whole lot of cliches am I right? Chapter 9 got me the most, a beautiful ode to friendship!
September 5, 2026
Amazingly well written, highly recommend, funny and inspiring
October 7, 2026
Beautiful book with themes very current for me right now. Funny but inspirational.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed reading this book and I read it really quickly because I loved it so much. Just as I was about to cry whilst reading, a joke and a positive spin on things picked me right back up again and helped me to focus on the lessons that this book teaches. I thought the lessons were really good as well and so true. Shell is a fantastic writer and such an inspiration to many. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
July 8, 2026
Wow, what a book! It’s full of joy, humour and resilience. Total emotional rollercoaster, I’d be laughing one minute and sobbing the next. Shell’s storytelling is absolutely fantastic, hilarious, honest and insightful. The lessons in here will help so many, not just people facing cancer. It completely shifts your perspective and reminds you to live life to the fullest. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews