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Warhead: The True Story of One Teen Who Almost Saved the World
An often hilarious and always relevant memoir about one teen boy's battle with brain cancer and his Starlight Children's Foundation wish: to meet Mikhail Gorbachev in Russia and plead for nuclear disarmament and world peace.
It's 1986, and Jeff is an average fifteen-year-old: he thinks a lot about dating, he bounces around with his friends, and he's trying his hardest to get a car. Conversely, the world around him feels crazy: the United States and the Soviet Union are at glaring odds, with their leaders in a standoff, and that awful word, "nuclear," is on everyone's mind. Then, boom--Jeff learns that he has brain cancer and it's likely terminal. Well, that puts a damper on his summer plans and romantic prospects, doesn't it?
Jeff's family rallies around him, but they are fiercely complicated--especially Jeff's father, a man who can't say "I love you" even during the worst of Jeff's treatment. So when the Starlight Children's Foundation offers to grant Jeff a wish, he makes one certain to earn his father's respect: he asks to travel to Moscow and meet with Mikhail Gorbachev to discuss nuclear disarmament and ending the Cold War. Nothing like achieving world peace to impress a distant father, right? Jeff has always been one to aim high.
Jeff's story is dark, but it's also funny, romantic, and surprising. As his life swings from incredibly ordinary to absolutely incredible, he grapples with the big questions of mortality, war, love, hope, and miracles.
"A sweet but unsentimental account of a truly fascinating nuclear childhood. Henigson had me at 'Gorbachev.'" --Gary Shteyngart, New York Times bestselling author of Little Failure and Lake Success
It's 1986, and Jeff is an average fifteen-year-old: he thinks a lot about dating, he bounces around with his friends, and he's trying his hardest to get a car. Conversely, the world around him feels crazy: the United States and the Soviet Union are at glaring odds, with their leaders in a standoff, and that awful word, "nuclear," is on everyone's mind. Then, boom--Jeff learns that he has brain cancer and it's likely terminal. Well, that puts a damper on his summer plans and romantic prospects, doesn't it?
Jeff's family rallies around him, but they are fiercely complicated--especially Jeff's father, a man who can't say "I love you" even during the worst of Jeff's treatment. So when the Starlight Children's Foundation offers to grant Jeff a wish, he makes one certain to earn his father's respect: he asks to travel to Moscow and meet with Mikhail Gorbachev to discuss nuclear disarmament and ending the Cold War. Nothing like achieving world peace to impress a distant father, right? Jeff has always been one to aim high.
Jeff's story is dark, but it's also funny, romantic, and surprising. As his life swings from incredibly ordinary to absolutely incredible, he grapples with the big questions of mortality, war, love, hope, and miracles.
"A sweet but unsentimental account of a truly fascinating nuclear childhood. Henigson had me at 'Gorbachev.'" --Gary Shteyngart, New York Times bestselling author of Little Failure and Lake Success
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2019
26 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 12, 2019
I always love finding books that present ordinary people who were involved in some way with major historical events. “Warhead” did not disappoint. The most pleasant surprise was how in spite of the big issues of nuclear war and cancer, it really all boils down to the story of an awkward teenage boy trying to navigate everyday life. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for true historical stories from different viewpoints.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
March 18, 2022
Mai degraba 3,5 decat 4 stele. E o poveste interesanta, spre rusinea mea, abia la final am realizat ca e autobiografica. Cum ziceau si alte persoane in recenzii, e putin misleading descrierea, are prea putin de-a face cu URSS si mai mult cu depresia, lupta cu cancerul, relatia dezastruoasa cu parintii. Cu toate astea, calatoria respectiva tot a avut un impact major asupra autorului, ajungand sa lucreze pentru UNICEF si Natiunile Unite. Ma intreb ce parere are despre tot ce se intampla in aceasta perioada.....
July 10, 2019
I really liked this book. It was funny, sad, thought provoking, and uplifting. I appreciated the sarcasm and the tears. The author does a nice job of telling his story from the perspective of the cancer fighting, awkward teenager that he once was.
I would reccomend it to ages 11 to 103. ;)
I would reccomend it to ages 11 to 103. ;)
August 23, 2018
I've been fortunate enough to have read an advance copy of "Warhead" and found it to be an incredibly moving story that will appeal to both adults and young adults alike. It tells the story of a teenager who fights brain cancer while pursuing an extraordinary wish to achieve peace during the cold war era. At the same time, he struggles with the strained relationships within his family as well as the every day challenges of high school.
February 25, 2020
Wow. Completely blown away by this incredible story. Definitely recommend!
March 3, 2023
Jeff Henigson ne povestește despre experiența sa cu cancerul, dar și despre relația tensionată cu tatăl său, căruia a tânjit mereu să îi intre în grații.
După ce a aflat că are o tumoare la creier, a intrat în contact cu alți adolescenți bolnavi de cancer, precum și cu diverse fundații. Sub amenințarea recidivei, Jeff își dorește să facă ceva pentru omenire și să pună o cărămidă la pacea mondială.
Iar concluzia autorului se aplică și astăzi:
"O lecție importantă a războiului rece este că vocile oamenilor de pretutindeni contează - și că politicienii ascultă. Siguranța lumii, pentru această generație și pentru cele care vor veni, depinde de noi toți - politicieni și cetățeni deopotrivă - prin implicare, ascultare și muncă împreună."
După ce a aflat că are o tumoare la creier, a intrat în contact cu alți adolescenți bolnavi de cancer, precum și cu diverse fundații. Sub amenințarea recidivei, Jeff își dorește să facă ceva pentru omenire și să pună o cărămidă la pacea mondială.
Iar concluzia autorului se aplică și astăzi:
"O lecție importantă a războiului rece este că vocile oamenilor de pretutindeni contează - și că politicienii ascultă. Siguranța lumii, pentru această generație și pentru cele care vor veni, depinde de noi toți - politicieni și cetățeni deopotrivă - prin implicare, ascultare și muncă împreună."
October 6, 2020
In terms of "did I personally enjoy this?" it would be a 2. But overall I guess a 3 is fine. I feel a little mislead. This is mostly a memoir about a teen with brain cancer who gets the "Make a Wish" thing to go to the Soviet Union because he wants to talk to the leader about stopping nuclear weapon development. Ok cool concept but it barely talked about the impact of his visit. It is 90% about growing up with the brain cancer struggles, 7% about his really crappy dad and the seeking for approval from him, and 3% about his trip to the Soviet Union.
May 18, 2019
This was real, and inspiring, and gut wrenching; I’m still crying. I’m not even sure why, but the tears just keep flowing and I am in awe of author Jeff Henigson and everything he went through and accomplished. What an amazing story!
October 17, 2018
I was given an advanced copy and I couldn't put it down. As soon as it is available I will include it in my high school students' "must-read" list.
Laura
Laura
February 3, 2023
This YA book, a memoir, would pair well with Restart. Amazing story with lots of ups and downs. Positive message for kids (and adults) who'd like to change the world.
August 9, 2020
I checked in with myself.
Something Jeff thought was always a good idea, to be aware of what & how he was doing whatever, at any given time, on a regular basis; like a habit he’d decided to develop, in order to keep himself from feeling altogether lonely, or apart & out of the loop. As if he was his own guardian angel or spirit guide & super-hero, or secondary, supportive best-friend, whenever his actual best-friend, Paul wasn’t available.
Otherwise, I’m not sure how he could have managed to navigate so many stressful situations as a tenaciously, considerate & compassionate teenager, because he had to cope with way too much stuff in his young life, which would have surely made a grown man cry! And I did several times, while reading this most excellent (2019) book by Jeff Henigson, called; Warhead – The True Story of One Teen Who Almost Saved the World – A Memoir.
A nicely paced story in a whirlwind of emotional predicaments. While, Jeff was persistently focused on the one thing that meant the most to him; yet he couldn’t quite formulate into words, either English or Russian. As Jeff tried to express his heartfelt passion, at one point in the story; ‘that’s what I mean by something meaningful. Something that could build bridges, that could matter, you know, beyond me. I just can’t quite figure out what.’
And the premise of the story is about the adventure he had to endure, while he figured out which path to follow, to find what he knew he wanted, but didn’t know what the definition of his resolution might mean, until he got there, whenever & wherever.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the middle of his memoir, in chapter 12; ‘without the wish, there was emptiness. The vacuum inside me was so deep, so profound, I felt like I was saying goodbye to my own existence.’
Jeff knew what he wanted, but didn’t know how to make it consequential for both himself & other people, especially for the greater good!
I like this kid & how he told his story, so I felt like I was part & parcel of his decision-making process. Sometimes, I wanted him to take a chill-pill & other times I cheered him on, when he said something so truthful & honest out loud. Yet, I was somewhat embarrassed by my own lack of ability to do & say what Jeff had said, in the middle of a brash moment of adolescent self-confidence. I wasn’t sure if I could do the same, but now I will try, because this kid has inspired me to stay strong, fight the good fight & keep up the good work!
At one pivotal point in the story, Jeff has to get a stellar score on a comprehensive psychological test, or he can’t go on the most important trip of his life. And he has to spend practically the whole day completely involved in a variety of tests, which would sap the energy from any super-hero, in my FOS opinion. But Jeff is very smart, which is a distinct advantage throughout his desperate story to get what he wants before the end of the book or the end of his young life, or if he might forget what he wants, because of his perilous medical predicament. But he does & he doesn’t, while he suitably finds appropriate satisfaction along the way.
‘But on everything else, from defining words to solving puzzles to memorizing long series of numbers & reciting them backward, I did really, really well.’
I very much enjoyed this book about Jeff’s story & his astronomical ability to go for what he wanted, despite everything else within his immediate environment & in the whole world which seemed to put up constant blockades against his quest to do something meaningful, before it was too late.
I should be so brave & will always remember his very topical & suggestive point: ‘what matters is politics – and policy. You have to vote the right leaders into office. And no matter who is there, we must do whatever is in our power to influence policy. Anxiety – in the absence of action – serves no purpose whatsoever.’
And I’ll recommend this YA book to everybody, young & old. I’ll also make them promise to donate a copy to another young friend or school library nearby.
Nice job, Jeff & keep up the good work!
Book review by Jack Dunsmoor, author of the forthcoming book; Letters 2 Lance: asking advice from a proactive vlogger & fellow traveler.
Something Jeff thought was always a good idea, to be aware of what & how he was doing whatever, at any given time, on a regular basis; like a habit he’d decided to develop, in order to keep himself from feeling altogether lonely, or apart & out of the loop. As if he was his own guardian angel or spirit guide & super-hero, or secondary, supportive best-friend, whenever his actual best-friend, Paul wasn’t available.
Otherwise, I’m not sure how he could have managed to navigate so many stressful situations as a tenaciously, considerate & compassionate teenager, because he had to cope with way too much stuff in his young life, which would have surely made a grown man cry! And I did several times, while reading this most excellent (2019) book by Jeff Henigson, called; Warhead – The True Story of One Teen Who Almost Saved the World – A Memoir.
A nicely paced story in a whirlwind of emotional predicaments. While, Jeff was persistently focused on the one thing that meant the most to him; yet he couldn’t quite formulate into words, either English or Russian. As Jeff tried to express his heartfelt passion, at one point in the story; ‘that’s what I mean by something meaningful. Something that could build bridges, that could matter, you know, beyond me. I just can’t quite figure out what.’
And the premise of the story is about the adventure he had to endure, while he figured out which path to follow, to find what he knew he wanted, but didn’t know what the definition of his resolution might mean, until he got there, whenever & wherever.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the middle of his memoir, in chapter 12; ‘without the wish, there was emptiness. The vacuum inside me was so deep, so profound, I felt like I was saying goodbye to my own existence.’
Jeff knew what he wanted, but didn’t know how to make it consequential for both himself & other people, especially for the greater good!
I like this kid & how he told his story, so I felt like I was part & parcel of his decision-making process. Sometimes, I wanted him to take a chill-pill & other times I cheered him on, when he said something so truthful & honest out loud. Yet, I was somewhat embarrassed by my own lack of ability to do & say what Jeff had said, in the middle of a brash moment of adolescent self-confidence. I wasn’t sure if I could do the same, but now I will try, because this kid has inspired me to stay strong, fight the good fight & keep up the good work!
At one pivotal point in the story, Jeff has to get a stellar score on a comprehensive psychological test, or he can’t go on the most important trip of his life. And he has to spend practically the whole day completely involved in a variety of tests, which would sap the energy from any super-hero, in my FOS opinion. But Jeff is very smart, which is a distinct advantage throughout his desperate story to get what he wants before the end of the book or the end of his young life, or if he might forget what he wants, because of his perilous medical predicament. But he does & he doesn’t, while he suitably finds appropriate satisfaction along the way.
‘But on everything else, from defining words to solving puzzles to memorizing long series of numbers & reciting them backward, I did really, really well.’
I very much enjoyed this book about Jeff’s story & his astronomical ability to go for what he wanted, despite everything else within his immediate environment & in the whole world which seemed to put up constant blockades against his quest to do something meaningful, before it was too late.
I should be so brave & will always remember his very topical & suggestive point: ‘what matters is politics – and policy. You have to vote the right leaders into office. And no matter who is there, we must do whatever is in our power to influence policy. Anxiety – in the absence of action – serves no purpose whatsoever.’
And I’ll recommend this YA book to everybody, young & old. I’ll also make them promise to donate a copy to another young friend or school library nearby.
Nice job, Jeff & keep up the good work!
Book review by Jack Dunsmoor, author of the forthcoming book; Letters 2 Lance: asking advice from a proactive vlogger & fellow traveler.
May 10, 2024
Warhead by Jeff Henigson is a memoir about his teen life during his high school years, he unexpectedly had to deal with brain cancer, he decides his goal in his seemingly short life is to go to the Soviet Union to negotiate nuclear missile agreements with their leader during the height of the Cold war. His motive was to make his disconnected father proud of him for doing something he would find meaningful for once. Jeff wrote the book by highlighting one of his challenges every single chapter whether it be school work, love, his cancer just to get a shot at the SU. For example when Jeff is at the hospital, he meets a girl around his age who assumes that he is accompanying his dad to surgery and talks to Jeff but he has to deal with the embarrassment, and humility when the nurse calls Jeff himself to the operating room. This is just one of the gut wrenching problems Jeff had to deal with at too young of an age. Jeff writes so that there is at least one problem that he has to try to overcome in every chapter. With some wins or some failures you always need to read to the end of the chapter to know what will happen, and from there your curiosity takes you to the next chapter. Jeff put his life on pause, all for his dream because it's the only thing that matters to him. After failure he finally realizes he forgot why he ever cared about going in the first place. Jeff tries to look forward but being plagued by the messy past he created he for once can't see what’s in his future. All in all, because I am an extremely picky reader who practically never likes to read, but actually didn't dread reading this book I WOULD recommend this book, especially to highschoolers/teens, because it feels so possible for that to become you.
January 26, 2023
The book "Warhead" is a memoir written by Jeff Henigson, set in the 1980s. Jeff is a teen during the cold war. His father is obsessed with Soviet - American relations, and it rubbed off on Jeff. Jeff was living the life of a normal teen until he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He spent years fighting brain cancer until he was connected to the Starlight Children's foundation. (the Make a Wish Program) Jeff's wish was not normal, compared to his other friends that had cancer. His wish was to travel to the soviet union, sit down with Mikhail Gorbachev himself, and discuss denuclearization. The book chronicles Jeff's fight with cancer, his wish, and proving himself to his father.
The main thing that I like about this book is the relatability of the book. Even though Jeff was diagnosed with a very rare disease, he struggles with very relatable issues. One of the main themes of the book was trying to fit in. Jeff tried to fit into what his dad wanted, what his friends wanted, and what other people thought of him and he tried to fit in with other teenagers his age.
I really liked reading this book for a couple of reasons. First of all, as a teenager, the writing style was very relatable. As opposed to other memoirs that are written in a very formal style, the writing style reads as if a teenager wrote it. Secondly, I liked the book, because it was emotionally intense. The author is very candid about events in his life that he struggled with, and events that were very personal. I would rate this book 5 stars out of 5. "Warhead" is one of my favorite books I've ever read.
The main thing that I like about this book is the relatability of the book. Even though Jeff was diagnosed with a very rare disease, he struggles with very relatable issues. One of the main themes of the book was trying to fit in. Jeff tried to fit into what his dad wanted, what his friends wanted, and what other people thought of him and he tried to fit in with other teenagers his age.
I really liked reading this book for a couple of reasons. First of all, as a teenager, the writing style was very relatable. As opposed to other memoirs that are written in a very formal style, the writing style reads as if a teenager wrote it. Secondly, I liked the book, because it was emotionally intense. The author is very candid about events in his life that he struggled with, and events that were very personal. I would rate this book 5 stars out of 5. "Warhead" is one of my favorite books I've ever read.
October 27, 2019
YA, humor, cancer, dating, Cold War 1980s
Even thought it says on the cover "The True story of one teen who almost saved the world", I didn't realize that it was REALLY a true story until almost the end of the book. You know sometimes books say it's a true story, and it isn't. Anyway....
Jeff is an ordinary 15 yr old in 1986, worrying about girls, school, his future, his Mom, how to impress his Dad, you know the normal stuff, when he is diagnosed with brain cancer, a fairly aggressive kind. And you know what he worries about(?) his Mom, his Dad, girls, school , and his future. This teen voice is spot on: snarky and authentic.
What he had to go through for the treatment is enough, but his Dad insists that Jeff has to keep up with his schoolwork. Trying impress his Dad, because they bond over the nightly news, Jeff decides to ask the Starlight Children's Foundation (like Make-a-wish) to send him to Russia to talk to Mikhail Gorbachev and ask for Russia to scale down the nuclear talk. Amazingly Jeff gets to Russia via an Student ambassador program.
I don't want to give the story away anymore. Jeff is an amazing person, then and now. He knows that he can do something to help someone in this world and he is still working at that.
There are lots of tears in this book: his cancer, his seemingly uncaring father, trying so damn hard to make his dad proud. It is also so uplifting.
Even thought it says on the cover "The True story of one teen who almost saved the world", I didn't realize that it was REALLY a true story until almost the end of the book. You know sometimes books say it's a true story, and it isn't. Anyway....
Jeff is an ordinary 15 yr old in 1986, worrying about girls, school, his future, his Mom, how to impress his Dad, you know the normal stuff, when he is diagnosed with brain cancer, a fairly aggressive kind. And you know what he worries about(?) his Mom, his Dad, girls, school , and his future. This teen voice is spot on: snarky and authentic.
What he had to go through for the treatment is enough, but his Dad insists that Jeff has to keep up with his schoolwork. Trying impress his Dad, because they bond over the nightly news, Jeff decides to ask the Starlight Children's Foundation (like Make-a-wish) to send him to Russia to talk to Mikhail Gorbachev and ask for Russia to scale down the nuclear talk. Amazingly Jeff gets to Russia via an Student ambassador program.
I don't want to give the story away anymore. Jeff is an amazing person, then and now. He knows that he can do something to help someone in this world and he is still working at that.
There are lots of tears in this book: his cancer, his seemingly uncaring father, trying so damn hard to make his dad proud. It is also so uplifting.
August 12, 2019
Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book! All opinions are very much still my own
3.5 Stars**
A hypochondriac reads a cancer book and DOESN'T get sent into an anxiety spiral????? What!?!?
For a slice of life story about a teenage boy, his battle with brain cancer, and a quest to end tensions between the USSR and the USA, this was wildly hopeful. Sure, there's a lot of talk about the nitty gritty of cancer treatment, love and loss, and the mental trauma that a diagnosis like this can play, but oddly, it didn't scare me.
Jeff Henigson has done a fantastic job of making sure his story leads by example of putting forth an effort to do great things, even if not everything goes to plan. It shows that no one is ever too small, and that's really awesome.
This wasn't my favorite memoir I've ever read. I found the language a bit blah, (there was a really extreme overuse of the word "moan"), and some sections seemed a bit drawn out. But, it was certainly one of the most accessible. This is going to be a great fixture in YA nonfiction and I'm glad I read it.
Trigger and Content Warnings: Cancer, Cancer treatment (chemo/radiation), surgery, hospitalization, strained parental relationship, loss of a loved one, conversations about death, suicidal thoughts, depression
3.5 Stars**
A hypochondriac reads a cancer book and DOESN'T get sent into an anxiety spiral????? What!?!?
For a slice of life story about a teenage boy, his battle with brain cancer, and a quest to end tensions between the USSR and the USA, this was wildly hopeful. Sure, there's a lot of talk about the nitty gritty of cancer treatment, love and loss, and the mental trauma that a diagnosis like this can play, but oddly, it didn't scare me.
Jeff Henigson has done a fantastic job of making sure his story leads by example of putting forth an effort to do great things, even if not everything goes to plan. It shows that no one is ever too small, and that's really awesome.
This wasn't my favorite memoir I've ever read. I found the language a bit blah, (there was a really extreme overuse of the word "moan"), and some sections seemed a bit drawn out. But, it was certainly one of the most accessible. This is going to be a great fixture in YA nonfiction and I'm glad I read it.
Trigger and Content Warnings: Cancer, Cancer treatment (chemo/radiation), surgery, hospitalization, strained parental relationship, loss of a loved one, conversations about death, suicidal thoughts, depression
October 7, 2020
This is one of those times where the title and the cover drew me in, and I'm glad they did. Warhead is the true story of Jeff Henigson who discovers he has brain cancer and gets to make a wish. His wish, to meet Mikhail Gorbachev and try to bring an end to the Cold War by convincing him to disarm the Soviet Union's nukes.
I know Jeff chose his wish in part because of his father, but still, most kids want to go on a vacation or something, it's the rare kid who looks at the wish as an opportunity to do something world changing.
There are plenty of hurdles Jeff has to overcome in order to make the wish reality, the smallest one being the fact that kid's with brain tumors usually shouldn't be flying to the other side of the world. Really, that one and convincing his parents seem to be the smallest issues. When you want to meet with the leader of the Soviet Union, there are mountains in your way.
The whole event reads like fiction, which makes it highly enjoyable. The fact that it's all true makes the reader more invested in the outcome. All in all, an enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Jeff Henigson
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: July 2nd 2019
I know Jeff chose his wish in part because of his father, but still, most kids want to go on a vacation or something, it's the rare kid who looks at the wish as an opportunity to do something world changing.
There are plenty of hurdles Jeff has to overcome in order to make the wish reality, the smallest one being the fact that kid's with brain tumors usually shouldn't be flying to the other side of the world. Really, that one and convincing his parents seem to be the smallest issues. When you want to meet with the leader of the Soviet Union, there are mountains in your way.
The whole event reads like fiction, which makes it highly enjoyable. The fact that it's all true makes the reader more invested in the outcome. All in all, an enjoyable book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Jeff Henigson
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: July 2nd 2019
February 28, 2021
There is so much to love about this book, but what I am most impressed by is Jeff Henigson's ability to write in the voice of his 15-17 year-old self. As a memoir this does not come across as a grown man reflecting back on something that happened thirty-some years ago. Instead you are transported into the life of teenage Jeff experiencing these events just as he did at the time.
As a teen he confronted two life-threatening issues at once: brain cancer and the spectre of nuclear warfare. However, as portrayed in Warhead, Jeff is at heart an ordinary teen dealing with the angst of family dynamics, doubts about his place in the world, and questions of fate v. free will. The topics should feel heavy, but they are addressed with that special combination of irreverence and innocence that I think only teens are capable of experiencing. Henigson's story is moving and inspiring on many levels. It should be read because it is a beautiful reminder that "in certain circumstances an individual can influence the course of events. What [ ] is unfortunate is when we don't try. Why can't we realize that the only way to bring about change is to make an attempt in the first place" (244).
As a teen he confronted two life-threatening issues at once: brain cancer and the spectre of nuclear warfare. However, as portrayed in Warhead, Jeff is at heart an ordinary teen dealing with the angst of family dynamics, doubts about his place in the world, and questions of fate v. free will. The topics should feel heavy, but they are addressed with that special combination of irreverence and innocence that I think only teens are capable of experiencing. Henigson's story is moving and inspiring on many levels. It should be read because it is a beautiful reminder that "in certain circumstances an individual can influence the course of events. What [ ] is unfortunate is when we don't try. Why can't we realize that the only way to bring about change is to make an attempt in the first place" (244).
January 4, 2022
A young boy who experiences tragedy upon tragedy throughout the entire story. Jeff is a young boy whose big dream is to make it to space, but his biggest dream is for his father to love, appreciate, and take pride in him. While working on a project to achieve his both of his goals, he is struck with the news that he has a brain tumor. Throughout his medical journey Jeff meets lots of people who influence his choices and even give him the idea to reach out to the Starlight Foundation and make a wish. However instead of making a wish to try and make it to space, he chooses to make a wish in effort to impress and satisfy his father. He goes a long journey outside of the country in effort to do something that he just knows will make his father proud. Jeff experiences loss, depression, tragedy, yet still shows humor, courage, and bravery throughout this novel. Jeff is the hero who nobody wanted, but everybody needed.
October 26, 2021
I feel a bit duped by the title as it was less about his Russia disarming idea and more about his family relationships and the cancer. This dragged a bit for me. Maybe because of my advanced age, I sympathized with the dad, who was painted in such a poor light, even when he tries. I appreciated the sarcasm at times, and the darkness, mixed in with the humor, but after awhile, the tone started to annoy me.
I will say that I read this book because a student of mine liked it. So, it may resonate with teens more in terms of the parent relations (I already know they like cancer stories due to the success of novels like The Fault in Our Stars and A Walk to Remember). I usually enjoy YA as well as memoirs, and am in the midst of teaching Animal Farm, so I thought I'd enjoy this more than I did, which may not be fair.
I will say that I read this book because a student of mine liked it. So, it may resonate with teens more in terms of the parent relations (I already know they like cancer stories due to the success of novels like The Fault in Our Stars and A Walk to Remember). I usually enjoy YA as well as memoirs, and am in the midst of teaching Animal Farm, so I thought I'd enjoy this more than I did, which may not be fair.
May 19, 2019
The description of this book intrigued me and it was an even more compelling read than I hoped. Jeff Henigson manages to make the discovery (what a way to find out!) and treatment of a malignant brain tumor in his teens not the focus of this book, but the force that helps him find clarity in many of his relationships and priorities. His ability to look back on his teen years and so perceptively understand his relationships with both his mother and father is impressive and could help other teens struggling to feel understood in their families. Plus, don't forget that he actually travels to the Soviet Union hoping to speak with Gorbechev about nuclear weapons. I couldn't wait to find out if the meeting really happens.
April 1, 2020
This was a beautiful and touching memoir about a teenage boy named Jeff who is diagnosed with brain cancer and wishes to go to Russia to talk to the leaders there about nuclear disarmament. Jeff really wants his father’s approval, and that’s a main theme of the story as he’s always trying to impress him. There’s some fun romance, and the descriptions of having and treating cancer were really interesting. The author was really good at adding humor to a not-so-great situation, and he painted a very accurate picture of high school life. It was thought-provoking and intriguing.
November 29, 2023
I just finished reading "Warhead: The True Story of One Teen Who Almost Saved the World" and it was absolutely amazing. The author did an incredible job of building up the suspense and keeping me hooked from start to finish. The protagonist is such a relatable character and their journey had me on the edge of my seat. The plot twists were unexpected and had me gasping out loud. If you love action-packed stories with a touch of mystery, this book is a good pick for you. Don't miss out on this book. Enjoy reading it!
August 15, 2019
This is a very emotional read, but it's awkwardly written. I enjoyed the first two sections of the book the most. I cried a lot reading it, that's for sure.
The writing is clunky and it often focuses too much on unimportant details, especially in the last section of the book, which causes it to lag a lot. There are far too many filter words as well which was distracting.
The writing is clunky and it often focuses too much on unimportant details, especially in the last section of the book, which causes it to lag a lot. There are far too many filter words as well which was distracting.
January 23, 2020
Warhead by Jeff Henigson is a memoir about Jeff. We learn about his journey with brain tumor and his want to stop the Cold War from kicking off. It is a good book but a little long and drawn out. I would recommend it to people who are interested in personal stories, if you're looking for a book about a more broad topic within the Cold War this isn’t the book for you.
February 9, 2020
When my teenage son leaves a book on my bed because he thinks I’ll like, you better believe I will pick it up immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the various issues it tackled and the way the author tackled them. It will provide for some rich conversation with my son about some heavy topics.
August 11, 2020
This isn't the type of book I would normally pick to read, but I felt drawn to it when I read the synopsis. It was actually pretty riveting. Thought provoking and interesting. It could have used a bit of editing, but overall, not bad!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
July 30, 2023
Audiobook is narrated by the author. I enjoyed every minute. This is an authentic story with raw emotion, family drama, and other teenage issues exacerbated by a cancer diagnosis. The Russia and "almost saves the world" part was not as significant as I expected, but it was a climax point of the story. Off to wiki the author now! ;)
November 17, 2019
Henigson's memoir about brain cancer and the wish that took him to the USSR is heartfelt and honest. The story does an excellent job showing what it's like to be a high school student living with brain cancer. Engaging, funny, and bittersweet.
June 19, 2020
Sad, funny, thoughtful. I got it bc of the Movie the Manhattan project but it really turned out to be much more. It’s a well written story.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2020
This was a really nice read! It seems like just a regular young adult fiction book, but it is actually an interesting memoir. I found it to be uplifting, and it made me think about our current world and how much has changed since the eighties.
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