Looking at the Stars: How incurable illness taught one boy everything

by Lewis Hine

My illness may define the length of my life, but it won't define how I live it. My disability gave me the ability to understand and help others. And now I finally feel like I am living.

17-year-old Lewis Hine is a global phenomenon. Diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour and water on the brain at 17 months, he wasn't expected to survive. But Lewis proved everyone wrong; he's not only surviving but thriving. In one Facebook post on his 16th birthday Lewis invited everyone to see how he faces head on the challenges from his ongoing illness, and he went viral. 30 million views later, Lewis now spearheads a campaign, Friend Finder, to make sure no one ever faces childhood illness alone.

In his memoir, Lewis reaches out to anyone who may feel isolated in their lives. After 13 brain surgeries and continual health problems, life for Lewis is a daily challenge. From the sheer physical challenges - he is at high risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and has a pump in his brain just to keep him alive - to the horrendous bullying he's endured, he shares how he finds the strength to overcome all this and still lead a fun and fulfilling life. With a host of admirers around the world from Elton John to Kid Ink, Lewis is living his dream - even becoming Radio 1's Teen Hero of the Year. His story will make you laugh, cry and above all, feel inspired by life's endless possibilities, looking at the stars.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2019

Reviews

[SUBRINAA]

This story is inspiring and wonderful but personally it was more like reading a diary or listening to someone talking than reading a book. I feel guilty rating this so low for some reason :(

[sharon etheridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read from a very real hero

I found this book both moving and inspiring. As a nurse I have looked after many amazing children who battle with every day tasks which most take for granted.
Lewis and his family show just what is possible for people with disability to achieve .
It also is refreshing to understand how someone who faces such personal difficulties can be so compassionate for others who also have similar difficulties .well done Lewis keep going

[Adelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring account of Lewis Hine, is a wonderful, creative boy who wasn’t expected to live into his teens having been diagnosed with a brain tumour as a child. Not only has he defied the odds, Lewis has come out to make a difference for other children like him – who for various reasons aren’t able to have a normal childhood – by organising a whole host of events and programmes designed to be inclusive. He talks through (albeit not in so much detail) the times in his life where he has been the victim of bullying, as well as other periods where he’s found genuine friends at school etc. who make a genuine effort to help make him feel included (the bringing of the robot to meals was so cute!).

My major qualm with this book is that I felt it was slightly too heavily edited, Lewis himself describes his language abilities as being not the most well-developed, yet this narrative flows so perfectly and smoothly that it’s really difficult to imagine that this was not due to significant input from someone else. Whoever that was (be it his mother, co-writer or one of his sisters) has done an amazing job, I just feel that it has just diluted Lewis’ voice slightly. It also sort of shows in what he says: While I have no doubt that he has remarkable ideas from a young age, it’s really difficult to conceive that someone so young is able to systematically consider all the logistical aspects of putting an event together. There is no real description that he received help in that respect, although Lewis does in multiple places credit his mother, sister and friends for performing the mobility-related tasks that he is unable to, there is little mention of intellectual contribution from any of these sources.

Reading this was a wonderful escape from the Covid19 pandemic that is at its height, and goes to show that in many situations it really isn’t the case that all is lost. There are less-than-ideal scenarios in which one can still make something out of nothing, and Lewis is the perfect testament of that. Solid 4 stars, I would recommend this to anyone looking for an inspirational read but took some points off for the reservations described earlier.

[Isobel Ramsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Booktrust's School Library Pack books this year, this is a hugely inspiring true story of a teenage boy overcoming disability to found an innovative charity, Friend Finder Official, and win Radio 1's Teen Hero award. Lewis faces so many challenges on a daily basis - seizures, frequent hospitalisation and memory loss, for example - but hasn't let this stop him following his dreams. Friend Finder connects children who are isolated because of illness or disability and gives them opportunities they might otherwise have missed, such as attending a prom. Lewis describes with candour what it's like living with a severe and incurable illness and shares his tips for staying positive. The story of how he sets up Friend Finder against the odds is really remarkable. Lewis's story is also a reflection of the amazing work his mother (his full-time carer) does to support him.

[Denise Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring story. Having spent so much time away from school and his friends, Lewis Hine set up a charity to link up disabled children. This is his story of how the charity started and the recognition he received along the way, which in turn, led on to other opportunities. I particularly loved reading about the prom they decided to organise because so many young people were unable to attend their own. It is an interesting story and easy to read.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely account of what not to take for granted and the possibilty for each of us in this life. Though not particularly insightful or extraordinary in the content of the book, I am glad that Lewis had the opportunity to write a book to remind us all that we are capable of doing something. So just go out and do it.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. It gave me a view into Lewis' life and the struggles faced by people with disabilities but also a positive feelgood glimpse into a life lived to the full and with a heart for others.
Everyone should read this book. I especially loved the tips for life at the end of every chapter and I will revisit the good advice that he shared.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curious book written about the authors life limiting illness. It’s a bit odd because it partly reads like an advert, in other places is moving, in other places sad. He’s certainly had a terrible time with his illness, but faces up to it, and responds to it with commendable respect.

[MRS J M HEARNSHAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best read ever!

This young man is a powerful inspiration to everyone who reads his story. It should be a must read in all schools. All schools should have anti bullying polices that are adhered to strictly. I will read this again and again!😍

[Nikki Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real inspirational read. I feel so uplifted that Lewis has done such amazing things whilst facing all his challenges.
This is a true story and Lewis has completed amazing opportunities for many other children around the world. Hats off to him - a real inspiration.

[Corinne Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching. My 15 year old recommended I read it after her. A story of courage and gratitude.

[Emily Blunden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immensely moving and inspiring...

[Jacaranda21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving account . What a truly remarkable and inspirational young man.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book....very inspirational.

[Greete · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspiring story of gratitude and how to not take things for granted.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart warming and uplifting account of a young man overcoming adversity and taking positive action to improve the lives of other sick and disabled young people.

[Emily Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lewis’ story is truly inspirational, every chapter was full of the incredible moments he has achieved in his life so far. I can’t wait to see what his future has to hold!

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smashed it out in two days didn’t I #legend 🤣

[Sabeena]

Just inspirational.

[Sehnthujan Bajeekaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Great Non-Fiction about a teenage boy and his life. Really Inspiring for Me!!!!!!

[L.C. Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story, truly inspiring.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredibly inspiring

[Sara Liaqat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing. The amount of time Lewis has put to create this book and create a charity all still in his teenager year is unbelievable. I am so proud of him as well as to getting the subject of people who are disable more out there about their struggles and how we can help them.

[Tina Probets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

[ruby meadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

So inspirational

[Grace Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

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