What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sun Still Shines: How a Brain Tumor Helped Me See the Light, Anniversary Edition
In a candid and witty memoir, Jodi recounts how her life was transformed when, as a thirty-three-year-old wife and mother, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Unwilling to accept her new fate, Jodi's family searches for a doctor who will join their fight against the odds. But when the surgery that could save her life thrusts her into battle with a devastating spinal fluid leak and facial paralysis, even her own children fear her new appearance and physical failings. Jodi perseveres, even with an injured body and spirit. Interweaving the inspiring, provoking, and sometimes disturbing, Jodi reveals the hells and highs of her journey as she fights for hope and purpose—and life.
276 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2020
186 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Orgill Brown
8 books13 followersJodi Orgill Brown is a leader, educator, award-winning author, professional speaker, nonprofit consultant and a brain tumor survivor. She discovers life lessons everyday, especially from nature and her children.
Her memoir, "The Sun Still Shines" is an Amazon Bestseller and a multiple award-winning book. She holds a Master's degree in organizational communication and leadership from the University of Utah and a Bachelor's degree in communications from Brigham Young University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a nonprofit consultant.
She resides in northern Utah with her husband and four children.
Her memoir, "The Sun Still Shines" is an Amazon Bestseller and a multiple award-winning book. She holds a Master's degree in organizational communication and leadership from the University of Utah and a Bachelor's degree in communications from Brigham Young University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a nonprofit consultant.
She resides in northern Utah with her husband and four children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 11, 2018
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very inspiring story. The torture she went through overcoming brain tumor surgeries made it hard to read at times. Through out it all she was, and is still a "fighter". Wonderful, thought provoking memior.
May 27, 2018
Wonderfully written. The mix of long ago memories and current struggles was masterfully done.
February 13, 2018
No man is an island.
Surprisingly this book was a page turner. Jodi's description of her experience and her insights remind us that life is precious and that we need each other to make it through.
Surprisingly this book was a page turner. Jodi's description of her experience and her insights remind us that life is precious and that we need each other to make it through.
April 15, 2017
A very inspiring story of a brain tumor survivor, it has taught me to appreciate life and every little thing that I take for granted.The greatest lesson I gathered from this read is that; life is a gift to be treasured and family and community are the greatest blessing one can have when going through a difficult time.
March 7, 2017
Wow! What a survivor! Most people would have given up! I feel this was a very good read. Jodi showed amazing strength and grace going through all she did. I highly recommend this book, it is very well written.
March 13, 2018
Family is Everything!
Read this wonderful book. I couldn't put it down. Jodi Brown's courage in spite of her brain tumor surgery is very encouraging. Shechasxa wonderful family and friends and mostbofcall a deep faith and trust in God.
Read this wonderful book. I couldn't put it down. Jodi Brown's courage in spite of her brain tumor surgery is very encouraging. Shechasxa wonderful family and friends and mostbofcall a deep faith and trust in God.
April 12, 2020
It was a great book of determination and strength to get through something that was ultimately out of her control. It brought back a ton of what happened to my step brother years ago when he had a cancerous brain tumor.
April 26, 2021
I recently watched a short video with Jodi Orgill Brown on our church's website, and I was moved by her honesty, faith, and optimism. I wanted to read more about her, so I ordered this book. It was a beautiful book, although some of the hospital experiences were harrowing and so painful to read. I'm grateful that Brown has been so open with her story and her willingness to move forward with optimism, despite facial paralysis and several lingering health issues. She's a good woman with a great support system in her life!
As I was reading the book, my husband informed me that Jodi Orgill Brown is the person who reached out to his sister a couple of years ago as she was fighting a battle with brain cancer. From Utah to Illinois, that act of kindness meant so much to our family!
As I was reading the book, my husband informed me that Jodi Orgill Brown is the person who reached out to his sister a couple of years ago as she was fighting a battle with brain cancer. From Utah to Illinois, that act of kindness meant so much to our family!
April 15, 2019
Very uplifting story of overcoming adversity
I had lost a cousin Feb 2017 to Brain cancer when I came across this book a few weeks later. Thought it would maybe give me some insight to the loss of my cousin. Little did I know that it was going to be more about someone else's struggle with a similar diagnosis but a different outcome which included survival. I appreciate your honesty and the lessons learned through it all. I feel as though I was there cheering you on and wondering the whole time if there was light at the end of the tunnel for you. Unlike most you chose to make the best of a horrible situation thanks to your dear friend and confidant! I am enlightened by reading your story and the pain you had to deal with from strangers, people can be so cruel and I can only hope that by reading your story that I can show more compassion to others I come across and instead of wondering what happened to them show them kindness when someone else may stare or make fun of their disability. We never truly know what someone else has gone through until we have walked in their shoes. You truly are blessed beyond belief with such a loving family & friends.
I had lost a cousin Feb 2017 to Brain cancer when I came across this book a few weeks later. Thought it would maybe give me some insight to the loss of my cousin. Little did I know that it was going to be more about someone else's struggle with a similar diagnosis but a different outcome which included survival. I appreciate your honesty and the lessons learned through it all. I feel as though I was there cheering you on and wondering the whole time if there was light at the end of the tunnel for you. Unlike most you chose to make the best of a horrible situation thanks to your dear friend and confidant! I am enlightened by reading your story and the pain you had to deal with from strangers, people can be so cruel and I can only hope that by reading your story that I can show more compassion to others I come across and instead of wondering what happened to them show them kindness when someone else may stare or make fun of their disability. We never truly know what someone else has gone through until we have walked in their shoes. You truly are blessed beyond belief with such a loving family & friends.
February 27, 2017
I started the book this Sunday morning, and couldn't put it down; I finished it that day. I came to know Jodi as a parent of one of my students, but to read her experience in the pages of this book filled me with renewed purpose and a drive to savor every moment of family time I am given. One of my favorite quotes from the pages of this treasure is as follows:
"Survivor is a duplicitous word. For outsiders, the word means conqueror and victor. For those that share the title, it means something else altogether.. For me, the battle dragged on and I accepted what those around me had not: death was not a bad option."."
You will not regret the hours spent reliving Jodi's journey with her. May we all come to learn the lessons Jodi shares; may we seek less to control our own paths, and instead seek for joy on the way.
"Survivor is a duplicitous word. For outsiders, the word means conqueror and victor. For those that share the title, it means something else altogether.. For me, the battle dragged on and I accepted what those around me had not: death was not a bad option."."
You will not regret the hours spent reliving Jodi's journey with her. May we all come to learn the lessons Jodi shares; may we seek less to control our own paths, and instead seek for joy on the way.
March 1, 2017
This is a good book and really reminds us that no matter what we're going through, it could be a lot worse. My only problem with the book is that it's promoted as Christian, when in fact she is of the Mormon faith. To many this won't matter, and that's fine. But often people assume that what's said in a book is true about God and is what His Word says too. That however isn't true. So if you're just looking for a heart warming story, you'll find this is a great book. If you were hoping to hear more about how God works in these kind of situations, then you need to find a different book - like Wednesday's Were Pretty Normal by Michael Kelley.
March 22, 2017
I hadn't expected much from this book, as I got the ebook free on Amazon, but I had a hard time putting it down. I was surprised when I learned that the memoir was written by someone who shares my Mormon faith and culture, so I could relate and was touched by the love and support she got from both her family and community. The strength and faith Jodi showed through her trial was inspiring and left me in tears a number of times. I thought she did a great job telling her story and I'm glad she survived so she could write it!
June 10, 2017
I wasn't sure I really wanted to read this after I started it as my dad died from a brain tumor approximately the same time period as this book takes place and it brought back a lot of those painful memories. I'm glad I read it, though, as Jodi's journey was different from my dad's. It is a testament to what the body can endure and survive as well as the difference it can make to have people surrounding you with love and encouragement. I appreciated her honesty as she moved through this journey.
March 6, 2017
A Hero in Every Way
A truly inspirational and spiritual story of strength, courage, and faith. Anyone that thinks their problems are many should read this and realize what it takes Jodi to get up and out of bed each day to face a new day. She is a hero and trailblazer in every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your journey. God bless you , your family, and all of the angels around you. May you continue to keep on plugging ahead.
A truly inspirational and spiritual story of strength, courage, and faith. Anyone that thinks their problems are many should read this and realize what it takes Jodi to get up and out of bed each day to face a new day. She is a hero and trailblazer in every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your journey. God bless you , your family, and all of the angels around you. May you continue to keep on plugging ahead.
April 21, 2017
Resilience on a daily basis
To me, as one who suffers from chronic digestive issues and food allergies, this book reminded me how much I have to be grateful for. Yet a million questions remain unanswered as to God's part in suffering.
Perhaps what stood out to me the most is the intense battle with darkness that is involved in physical suffering. Then there is the tenuous struggle between isolation and community.
A thought-provoking read.
To me, as one who suffers from chronic digestive issues and food allergies, this book reminded me how much I have to be grateful for. Yet a million questions remain unanswered as to God's part in suffering.
Perhaps what stood out to me the most is the intense battle with darkness that is involved in physical suffering. Then there is the tenuous struggle between isolation and community.
A thought-provoking read.
April 18, 2017
An inspiration
Jodi is an inspiration to all of us. She had a lot of strength and courage to get though what she thought would be a one week stay in the hospital and then turned into a 5 week stay. The trials she went through would have stopped so may of us from moving on with life. This is a must read book.
Jodi is an inspiration to all of us. She had a lot of strength and courage to get though what she thought would be a one week stay in the hospital and then turned into a 5 week stay. The trials she went through would have stopped so may of us from moving on with life. This is a must read book.
March 31, 2017
One of my top reads of all time!!
A wonderful and inspiring saga of one woman's battle with a frightening and real life and death experience. How her faith in God and the others for which she has so much love were able to keep her from giving in to the darkness that beckoned her. I will keep her in my prayers that she continues to improve and keeps growing in His love
A wonderful and inspiring saga of one woman's battle with a frightening and real life and death experience. How her faith in God and the others for which she has so much love were able to keep her from giving in to the darkness that beckoned her. I will keep her in my prayers that she continues to improve and keeps growing in His love
November 27, 2017
The book was hard to put down! Such an inspiring and uplifting read. I had someone tell me before I started reading that I wouldn't want to read it in public because it would make me cry. Well, they were right! More than once I teared up as I read. I have also had the privilege of meeting Jodi and she is even more inspiring and uplifting in person!
March 7, 2017
Very Inspirational
Touching story about a very brave and tough lady, who just never gave up on life. Anyone who thinks they have a tough life should read this book. We, of good health, have been so blessed.
Touching story about a very brave and tough lady, who just never gave up on life. Anyone who thinks they have a tough life should read this book. We, of good health, have been so blessed.
March 19, 2017
Detailed account
What a beautifully written story of such a difficult happening. So many details were remembered when ,I'm sure, strength and energy were almost not existent. What an encouraging ending.
What a beautifully written story of such a difficult happening. So many details were remembered when ,I'm sure, strength and energy were almost not existent. What an encouraging ending.
March 26, 2017
Inspirational
Thank you Jodi for sharing your story with us. You could have given up or wallowed in your difficulties but you persevered and focused on how you can help others. God bless you.
Thank you Jodi for sharing your story with us. You could have given up or wallowed in your difficulties but you persevered and focused on how you can help others. God bless you.
March 27, 2017
I listened to Jodi Brown's narration of her memoir. She recounts her brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent brain surgeries. She focuses on gratitude she felt towards friends and family who supported and encouraged her on her long and difficult road to recovery.
April 2, 2017
The Sun Still Shines
What faith, what courage Jodi had and has. The love of her family and extended family was beautiful. I have Spina Bifida and I know how bad the headaches are, but Jodi had it All the time. Read this book and be encouraged.
What faith, what courage Jodi had and has. The love of her family and extended family was beautiful. I have Spina Bifida and I know how bad the headaches are, but Jodi had it All the time. Read this book and be encouraged.
April 10, 2017
A tough story to read - but a harder one for Jodi to survive
Although the book was not entirely what I was expecting, I did learn from this book. I learned about courage, perseverance, and most importantly resilience.
Although the book was not entirely what I was expecting, I did learn from this book. I learned about courage, perseverance, and most importantly resilience.
June 15, 2017
The Sun Still Shines
A well written story about courage, love, family, faith. A story of pain , suffering, and the courageous doctors and medical personnel . Jodi and her husband, family and friends are a true vision of love and support.
A well written story about courage, love, family, faith. A story of pain , suffering, and the courageous doctors and medical personnel . Jodi and her husband, family and friends are a true vision of love and support.
October 29, 2018
I met Jodi Brown through the common trial of brain tumors, and found out she wrote a book about her journey. I bought it that very day. Jodi's story is inspiring. She truly is a great example of being refined through adversity. Wonderful uplifting read.
March 28, 2017
This book was so inspiring to me. I read it at exactly the right time and am thankful to Jodi Brown for being such a wonderful woman and example.
April 21, 2017
Very inspiring true story. I read this book in one day. Couldn't put it down! Please note if you decide to read this. You will need a box of tissues. I cried through almost the whole book.
December 5, 2017
The Sun still Shines
Wow what a courageous person. I am so glad that you have been able to endure your trial so well.
Wow what a courageous person. I am so glad that you have been able to endure your trial so well.
October 31, 2020
Triumph over Tragedy
When a young, vibrant mom is stricken with an incredibly pessimistic diagnosis, she and her family as well as a circle of dedicated friends refuse to accept that her life will end. Despite all the setbacks and complications, Jodi fought with all the resources she had. She could have crossed over which may have been easier but there was a purpose for Jodi. Those in the medical field who were not only healers but supporters did not give up. Her fight to live is a true inspiration. To accept herself as she is , is a lesson for everyone. Life's journey is not always as we desire but rising above the struggles shows the character of what we are made of. This remarkable daughter, sibling, wife , mother and friend to many has shown anyone who reads her story what really matters. May she and her family be blessed as they face the future, knowing that they triumphed over the darkest days in the past. May the sun shine and lighten their way.
When a young, vibrant mom is stricken with an incredibly pessimistic diagnosis, she and her family as well as a circle of dedicated friends refuse to accept that her life will end. Despite all the setbacks and complications, Jodi fought with all the resources she had. She could have crossed over which may have been easier but there was a purpose for Jodi. Those in the medical field who were not only healers but supporters did not give up. Her fight to live is a true inspiration. To accept herself as she is , is a lesson for everyone. Life's journey is not always as we desire but rising above the struggles shows the character of what we are made of. This remarkable daughter, sibling, wife , mother and friend to many has shown anyone who reads her story what really matters. May she and her family be blessed as they face the future, knowing that they triumphed over the darkest days in the past. May the sun shine and lighten their way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews