Pear Shaped: The Funniest Book So Far This Year About Brain Cancer

by Adam Blain

The true story of Adam Blain, a 44-year-old London lawyer and family man who one day, ends up in A&E after a series of headaches and consistent nausea. Expecting to be sent home with a packet of Paracetamol, he’s shocked when harassed doctors are suddenly offering to buy him gourmet coffee. Worse still, the diagnosis of a late-stage brain tumour is made by his oncologist wife. So far, so not funny. Adam, however, is determined not to slide into defeatist misery, and approaches the saga of surgery and chemotherapy with a chirpy, irreverent black humour. What else can he do when every outing risks bits of his brain dripping out of his nose without warning? Wondering constantly what the pear-shaped part of his brain that’s been removed is thinking, and whether it’s having a better time than he is, Adam takes us through the myriad but necessary indignities inflicted on the brain cancer sufferer. A test, for example, on whether he can he determine whether pictures of faces are smiling? Something his wife is more than happy to help him revise for… The 'revision' involves me sitting in a pub or restaurant with Lu who makes a variety of different facial expressions at me covering the full range of human emotions. It is just like being back at kindergarten… Lu hides behind the menu whilst deciding upon and practising the next expression. She then sticks her head over the top of the menu and I give it my best shot. It would be more dignified for me if she didn’t shout “Peekaboo!” each time. Or regular appointments with a psychiatrist to determine whether he’s a suicide risk? “I appreciate your lateral thinking to my problem. However, isn’t suicide completely contrary to the point? I am scared of death and dying, I’m also undergoing horrendous treatments to (hopefully) delay my death. So why would I kill myself? What would be the point? That’s been taken care of for me.” The psychologist scribbled some stuff down and ticked a box. The box must have “No suicide risk”, or “Suicide risk but in denial” or most likely… “Smart Arse”. Even the bald patch left after the surgery, which resembles A pale pair of boxer shorts shaved into my head. Adam keeps himself going by looking for joy in everything – the radiation mask that resembles an S&M prop, or counting the amount of times he’s greeted by a cotton bud being swabbed up his nose and then along the crease of a groin by a nurse to check for MRSA… While his wife encourages him to spend time with fellow cancer sufferers, with their spouses; diarrhea, constipation and catheters making for interesting dinner party conversation… “Let me introduce you to my good friend, Mike. Funny story how we met. Anyway, we get on so well because we are both dying of exactly the same disease. Ain’t that right, Micky?” … his old friends take him out on lads’ weekends, their desire to show their mate a good time inhibited by middle-age, children and having, essentially, to babysit a grown man. Pear Shaped is a heartfelt, funny exploration of one man’s real-life experiences as he undergoes treatment and simultaneously tries to seize the life he has left, all with the knowledge that a pear-shaped part of his brain is out there somewhere, fending for survival the same way he is.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

140 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2015

Reviews

[Nanci · Rating 5 out of 5]

My niece recently gave me this book. Her Dad (my brother) passed away 8 years ago from GBM (glioblastoma multiforme); the same brain tumour experienced by this author. My brother’s journey from diagnosis to death one year later was terrible and heartbreaking. Thankfully, Adam Blain’s experience has been much more positive. His ability to find humour in his diagnosis and to be able to write about it is truly remarkable. Five big stars to this man who laughs in the face his pear-shaped tumour. ❤️

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author's writing style is very conversational and easy to read. It's suprisingly light and funny, given the subject matter. It's a book I think we can all relate to; we all know someone who has been affected by terminal illness, and I think we've all experienced the feeling that we have to laugh to keep from crying. Highly recommended.

[Caroline Aitchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Loved this book whilst dealing with a diagnosis of brain cancer the author made his journey quite witty and honest. Having watched my dad go through the same battle of GBM aged 49 I could relate to Adam and his family's trials and tribulations. It took me back to this time and I was able to reminisce about my dad and smile and laugh out loud, as he dealt with his battle with humour. Unfortunately he died not long after his 50th birthday and 9 months from prognosis but I am so happy that Adam is still fighting on. I wish him and his family well and all we can really do is live our lives one day at a time .

[Suzanne Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pear shaped

Very witty and very funny, it made me smile throughout. Pear definitely did not take Adams personality and his ability to see the bright side of things.

What an extraordinary person Adam is, and dare I say brave? He doesn't think so but I sure do!
A very remarkable man. I will never eat a pear in the same way again!

Love and best wishes to Adam and his family. x

[Sara Thompson Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pear-shaped

I devoured this book in one sitting - and am just off to read the sequel!
My family has recently become one member smaller due to GBM, the same Pear that Adam has experienced, and his candid yet humorous observations on his diagnosis, treatment and following months were spot on, and had me laughing out loud at points!
I wish Adam and his family all the best.

[Edward Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very funny yet, sad and amazing. Having known two people who went through this operation and the devastating outcome I was amazed Adam Blain could write, yet alone publish a book. The right brain/left brain aspect must come into play when looking at the outcome. Brilliant book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funniest book on Cancer!

I love this book! I laughed and cried. Thank you for writing it! Such a delight to read! I think it will keep me laughing through my journey of living with cancer. Definitely read this book!!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in UK. 142 pp. Humorous memoir about a man's journey dealing with a brain tumor. He has a dry, witty sense of humor that appealed to me. I'm interested to read the sequel. Great news: He's still alive, 9 years after his surgery!

[Andrew Wild-Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me when my father was dying of brain and lung cancers, just the distraction I needed

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what drew me to it - it was honest and made me laugh, and is a remarkable achievement given the amount of hacking around his brain's had.

[Henry Olders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the humour is quite juvenile, but overall I enjoyed reading Adam's sardonic take on his deadly illness.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wouldn’t think a book about brain cancer would make you smile as much as this one did. It’s lifted my spirits! Loved reading this book!

[colla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I

[Katharine Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book - moving, very funny, heart-breakingly sad, but also life-affirming and positive.
The author has brain cancer, and the book chronicles the ups and downs of his treatment and post-diagnosis life.
Blain is a very funny writer, but there's also a decency and optimism about his view of the world and of people around him. There is no self-deception about the reality of his situation, but his appreciation of other people - their quirks and their kindness - and his ability to communicate the absurd side of his experiences make this book a gem. I couldn't put it down. I cried and laughed aloud several times. This book deserves to be a hit - read it!

[Karen Farrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with great interest as I suffer from a brain tumour. I found this book very refreshing in its approach to what is undoubtedly a very serious subject. The book deals with Adam's journey throughout diagnosis and treatment and his feelings, not forgetting the effect it has on his family and friends. It does have some very "gallows" humour that I laughed out loud to and there were definitely times when I had to explain why I was laughing at a book about such a serious and sad subject. I think this is a great read for anyone and may give people an insight into how some of us deal with this devastating diagnosis. I wish Adam and his family all the very best for their future

[Jo Kessel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book is a friend of a friend who has been struck with malignant brain cancer way too young - he has three small children and a beautiful wife. This is an uplifting account of his battle against the big 'C' - a real tribute to him that he manages to inject so much humor into what is a testing situation. There are a few genuinely raucous laugh out loud moments as well as the inevitable tears. All we can do when we reach the end of the book is to pray for a happy ending. Love to Adam and his family. x

[Dr William N Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone wondering how they would react to an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer should read this book. It is short, very funny and very thought provoking but not in the slightest mawkish or sentimental. The author is a 44 year old lawyer with a young family who suddenly finds his life turned upside down by a diagnosis of a primary brain cancer with only a 5% chance of cure.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny in parts. What a pity this self-published author didn't know that an old schoolmate of his is friends with a great book editor (if I say so myself) who could have dealt with all those pesky mistakes. An editor who now has brain cancer too! I can at least back up his criticisms of the dreadful London Borough of Barnet.

[Geoff Saevitzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable

What an amazing man with a great sense
Of humour about the tragedy that has
Befallen him. I know his parents in law
But have never met this brave young man.
Great read but very sad. Claire

[Julie Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think everyone should read this to be honest. I probably wouldn't have done because of the subject, but the guy lives local to me and I thought I would show some support. Glad I did. Its both daunting and funny.

[angela nettleship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad but so funny...

I loved this book, it made me feel a little bit evil for laughing out loud at the misfortune of Adam but believe me he is a funny guy!! I would hope that if this happens to me I would have the same sense of humour. Really hope he is a survivor. X

[Amy Sommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical.

I'd suggest buying this out of sympathy -'the authors wife and young kids need the royalties - but there is no need because it's one of the funniest books I've ever read.

[Sara Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

very funny, and of course, about brain cancer. hence sad.

[Mairead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend "Pear-Shaped" by Adam Blain This is a short, moving yet laugh out loud book about the author's experiences being diagnosed with brain cancer

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have brain tumors and I laughed!

Excellent read! Mirrored many of my own irreverent feelings. worth reading for salad bar tips alone. Buy the dang book.

[Row · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a funny book about a serious situation.