When a Bright Spot Darkens Your World: Battling Brain Cancer

by Ethan M Gasteyer, Kristin Kirwan (Editor), Marva Walting (Editor)

Genres: Medicine, Medical, Nonfiction

252 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2026

Reviews

[Teddy Criscuolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An addicting book that I read in one sitting. Ethan takes you through his journey with authentic and personal writing, almost like a letter to a close friend. Despite his circumstances being uniquely challenging in a way most can’t understand, he grounds his perspective in real emotions and experiences that we all have as humans. He candidly discusses deep existential questions of faith and purpose while acknowledging the uncertainty of his personal battle. It’s the honest expression of the uncertainties of life that I think can resonate with anyone on a human level, regardless of experience. The highs and lows of Ethan’s battle are sometimes reflected in the tone of his writing so you can feel the emotions behind his thoughts. I highly recommend this book to aspiring medical students, patients of chronic illnesses, or anyone facing uncertainty.

Also the author is very handsome, which is a bonus.

[Rachel Lamore]

Ethan’s story is one of incredible strength. I laughed and cried and smiled and reflected deeply throughout this book. Thank you, Ethan, for sharing your story. You are a light in this world 💡

[LuAnne Porcello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about Ethan’s journey having a brain tumor and also entering and completing two years of medical school, and I was inspired to read his memoir. The book reads well and fast. He brings you into his personal and family life and you feel as if you’ve known him all your life.

I learned some fascinating information about medical school and the grueling courses and time spent studying. He had difficult choices to make and he continues to be as resilient as he can. I loved how supportive his friends and family have been. I cannot imagine how hard this battle is for him. I hope his FAITH carries him forward and this book will keep inspiring him and many others to keep fighting and do your best every day in this crazy world of ours. May God continue to be there and enrich his life with small peaceful moments and blessings. I am praying for a miracle, For you and your family, Ethan.

[Emily Pietrantozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan, you are so strong.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautifully written experience of strength and humanity. thank you ethan for your honesty and vulnerability in sharing your story. A truly moving reflection on resilience and courage and i went through every emotion while reading.

[Olivia Porcello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan - I admire your strength, thank you for sharing your story and raw emotions with us. Praying for you ❤️🙏

[Cali Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible book written by an incredible person. Ethan is a remarkable story teller. This book will take you through all of his highs and lows and leave you laughing and crying all in one page. His courage, honesty, and resilience will leave you inspired and challenge you to appreciate life’s moments we so often take for granted. Thank you Ethan for sharing your story with the world, your ability to find hope and purpose in the face of unimaginable adversity is a lesson that will continue to inspire me and all of those who read! 1000/5 stars!!! Way to go. 🐸

[Bhav · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible, incredible read. Ethan’s strength, courage, and resilience is inspiring and his storytelling is so captivating, it feels like you are right there with him. He reflects on his different phases of life and all the things important to him—family, education, faith, sports, connection—so candidly that you can feel his emotions through the page. Ethan’s perspective as both a medical student and a patient was especially unique to read. It’s a powerful reminder of how broad life is and how much happens in between doctor appointments. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who is in healthcare or has been a patient.
Thank you Ethan for sharing your story.

[Lily Bevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down, it was so beautiful. This book is inspiring and impactful, regardless of if you are in the medical field or not. Ethan, you are incredible - thank you for sharing with everyone.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an incredible read. I finished it cover to cover in one sitting. Ethan's strength, courage and perseverance is outstanding, and his writing ability is incredible. I felt immersed in his story. He was able to explain complex medical topics easily to a layperson, as well as bring in pop-culture references to further his story. I believe anyone considering entering the medical field should read this book - Ethan's ability to describe his experiences as both a patient and medical student provides a unique perspective that healthcare providers should learn more about. I am excited to give my family and friends this recommendation.

[Sydney R · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ As a second year medical student the same age as Ethan this book hit a little different, really showing me how many similarities he and I share not only professionally but also his apparent top tier music taste lol. It reads very conversationally, like meeting for coffee and updating what’s new in life. I appreciate his rawness in the inevitable loneliness of facing your health as your own, and that struggle of playing both provider and patient. Reading this so close to the dates being described provides an interesting paradox of wanting to know what comes next in his story yet being stuck right with him as he pushes on each day awaiting the same thing. Ethan thank you for sharing your story, I deeply appreciate the peek into your life.

[Kendle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me in so many ways. I truly believe anyone in medicine should read it. Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty and courage, Ethan. I’ll be praying for you. 🐸

[Carly Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this under a TikTok that said everyone considering a career in healthcare should read it. Got me back into reading for pleasure as it’s been over a year. This story made me cry and laugh the entire book. It’s a super easy read and beautifully written.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a moving and powerful book. A must read for anyone in medicine or considering going into medicine. This book will make you genuinely laugh out loud, cry, and think deeper about life. Ethan not only tells his story in a vulnerable and introspective way, but his reflection in the last chapters on hope, faith, medicine, relationships, etc provide powerful insights for readers to apply to their own lives. Ethan skillfully illustrates the connection between science, medicine, and human life.

As an oncology physician assistant, I can vouch for the importance of reading this book. With his own background as a medical student, Ethan captures the aspects of medicine and patient care that aren’t covered in textbooks or lectures. I honestly believe this book has made me a better PA, friend, and person. I would highly encourage anyone to read this book.

[Molly Rusgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a current medical student, this book had me in tears on (nearly) every page. Ethan’s writing is truly raw and profound. His ability to capture the complexities of facing his worst nightmare, while also maintaining a genuine passion for the underlying science and gratitude to those around him, is so unique. Ironically, I read about the brachial plexus in this book the night before my first exam so I appreciated the detailed-nature of it as well.

Overall, this was an emotional read, but I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially for anyone pursuing medicine or looking for hope and humor amidst the darkest of times.

Ethan, I commend you on your vulnerability and grace, and hope you know how impactful your story has been (and continues to be) to follow!

[Stephanie Ferrara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly raw and emotional experience of battling brain cancer as a young medical student. At a time when I am struggling with my own faith, Ethan has such an honest reflection on his beliefs in a higher power, openly discusses his battle with understanding why sometimes bad things happen to good people, and the power of faith. This book has me pondering what mark I am going to leave on this world and what truly matters in life: spending time with and loving friends and family, and enjoying every little moment.

[Ela Zídková · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Ethan, thank you so much for this book. It was a truly inspiring read.

You are so strong and I truly admire your endurance. I hope that your treatment goes as planned.

I am going to med school this year, so the book really gave me an insight and reminded me that I should make sure that my studies shouldn’t consume me.

Your story is so nicely written.
Sending strength from the Czech Republic!

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how I could navigate med school in addition to brain cancer. This was an interesting reflection and personal reflection on navigating courage and honesty in the face of tremendous difficulty and uncertainty.

Dying is not unique, in fact, it is the one thing that every person who ever existed and will exist shares. But, being given a limited amount of time, particularly at a young age, is a distinct experience that changes you.

[Meeyaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was doom-flipping

[ana sofia miro · Rating 4 out of 5]

it feels inhuman to say anything bad abt something so raw

[Neil Hemnani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day; I couldn't put it down. Talking about his life and his journey thus far with brain cancer, Ethan manages to write in a way that is remarkably direct and honest. He touches upon all that things that are important to him, including family, faith, science, medicine, baseball, and just about everything else, and goes into detail about how such a serious diagnosis manages to affect virtually all of it in some way. Having been written by a medical student, I appreciate the perspective Ethan brings when he talks both as a patient and as a doctor in the making. It's already amazing to read a full account about going through this just as a human being, but then the additional view that comes with having been on both sides of the bed makes it all the more interesting.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is literally 4 years older than me. How do you even begin to think about someone at the age of 24 getting brain cancer? His writing is candid, down-to-Earth, and grounded in many truths about our existence -- while also probing what truth and what is fact might really be.

He, like so many others, is the reason I want to go into medicine and choose the path of a physician. His hopes, dreams, worries, and hobbies are wildly different from the rest of us, yet also eerily similar in many ways. I really have never rooted for a protagonist of his own life so badly. Finished it all in one day.

[Julia OKeefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vulnerable, honest, and moving depiction of such much more than illness. Ethan tells his own story hoping to instill something in someone else, whether it's the push to keep going, the perspective of a medical professional turned patient, or a way of coping on the darkest of days. A beautifully written, personal, and emotional memoir that certainly leaves you better than you found it.

[Hanna Bradt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to agree with a TikToker’s review that every pre-med/PA/NP etc. student should read this. Ethan did a phenomenal job of sharing his personal story of having cancer and giving others an insight into his thoughts and feelings. While I think it would be wrong to say I have a full understanding of patients with cancer, I have to applaud Ethan for being so brave to put his journey into words.