Regines bok: En ung jentes siste ord

by Regine Stokke

Regine Stokke could have just given up. Instead, she started a blog and turned her fight against leukemia into a source of vitality, power, and beauty. Through music, photography, writing, and time spent with loved ones, she made the most of her life. She was a typical teenager with an amazing will to live, and the lessons she learned have relevance to us all.

“Seventeen-year-old Regine began a blog to document and share her experience after being diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. . . . Her writing is honest and raw, insightful and inspiring. . . . Her obsession with rock music and attending concerts saturates the text as it does her short life, and her original poems and artistic photographs add extra dimension to what is sure to be an inspiring read for a new audience for this moving title.”
–Booklist

“Stokke’s openness and honesty. . . are the chief draw; readers will feel as though they have truly come to know her. . . . it’s a rare, valuable window into life with a terminal illness.”
—Publishers Weekly

“In direct, emotionally open prose, Regine describes the details of cancer treatment, her optimism and frustrations, her excitement about rock music, and her relationships with friends and family. . . . Regine's voice is matter-of-fact and honest, with a tone that is occasionally raw. . . . A heartfelt and visually appealing window into Regine's last year.”
–Kirkus Reviews

“With a moving and honest voice, she takes readers along on her journey from diagnosis to despair to acceptance. . . . readers will find themselves rooting for Regine until the end.”
–School Library Journal

“There is no tale of end-of-life romance or melodrama in Regine's memoir, just an honest portrayal of a child struggling to come to terms with something every human being will one day face. What makes her memoir so valuable is the message that she keeps coming back to. . . 'Face your fear. Accept your war. It is what it is.' In other words. . . 'Live.'"
–Voice of Youth Advocates

* A Junior Library Guild Selection
* ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Winner
* YALSA Quick Picks Nominee

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Teen, True Story, Photography, Diary

283 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Regine Stokke began to blog about her day-to-day life shortly after she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. Regine’s stated purpose with her posts was to give people a sense of "what it's like to live with" such a serious illness, and her blog became an almost instant classic. Her work was first adapted into book form in 2010, and became a bestseller in Norway. It was published by Zest Books in the US in Fall 2012 as Regine's Book: A Teen Girl's Last Words, to much acclaim. Regine was also a gifted photographer, and had her photos exhibited at Nordic Light photography festivals in Kristiansund.　

Reviews

[Juliette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will just put it out there that yes I feel guilty for giving this book a 2. This book is a compilation of blogs, readers blog responses, diary entries, and pictures that all follow or tell the story and express the feelings and journey that Regine went through in the time between when she was diagnosed with cancer and when she died. The book gives great insight into how cancer and treatment affected Regine physically and emotionally. She loved photography so the book has pictures of her photography that showcase her talent along with each of her blogs and some poems she wrote. This book gives readers insight into how to respond and treat those who are terminally ill because she tells how she feels and responds to some blog post comments.
At first this book caught my attention, for like the first 100 pages, but after that it started to sound really repetitive and somewhat systematical. It almost felt to me that her blogs were beginning to all sound the same and they began to put more blog comments in the book which didn't interest me. I was more interested in what the premise of the book was than I was in reading blog comments. I'll be honest and say that I wish they had included more from her friends or families perspective throughout the book and not just at the end after she died. It would have given a more rounded expression of the toll cancer takes on the life of the patient and their family and how they like to be treated and the emotions they struggle with.
As for teachers I think this is a good book to have in the classroom. It gives students a book that deals with the difficult issues of life and a non-fiction option. I think that the whole book is good to have in the classroom and there were no parts that would make me hesitant to recommend it, unless you have a very conservative student or hovering parent. She does discuss how she likes to drink, party, and go to concerts (her favorite bands are secular bands). These aspects of the book are not bad but if you have wicked conservative students or parents I could see it being taken out of context. (also she does say a few times how she doesn't believe in afterlife and that she isn't Chirstian)
Overall I thought this book was good and would recommend it to people who enjoy non-fiction and that don't mind blogs. However if you don't like reading blogs in general you will probably have trouble finishing this book like I did.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful book. As a 24 year old with a non-terminal, disabling chronic illness who is currently bed-bound, I could relate to so many of her emotions on not being able to live life at a young age. It hit even closer because my grandma battled cancer for awhile prior to her death. It made me understand feelings she may have had.. Something I couldn't do by just asking my grandma back the. because she didn't want her imminent death acknowledged. I could only read bits at a time at first because I'd get so sad and be crying so much. About a third of the way through, I think I was done mourning my own losses this book brought up and able to read big chunks at a time.

I thought the translation was excellent. There were only a few spots where I was confused, but it wasn't enough where I did not know what was meant or to interrupt reading.

Other reviews say it is repetitive and more should have been done to examine topics such as "cancer privilege" and healthcare systems. First of all, chronic illness is repetitive. The only way to get across (even a little bit) what it is like to be too tired to go in your own backyard, is to repeat that fact over and over. I'm sorry some of you get tired of reading it more than a few times, but imagine how she felt living it every single day! Secondly, she has cancer, I think she deserves "cancer privilege" without examining whether it is just or not... She's going to die. I'm sure if given the option, she would choose to live to be an old lady rather than go backstage at a concert or have an art show. The same goes for people thinking she should have spent time comparing Norway's healthcare to the US. This shows how self-centered my fellow Americans tend to be. Why the US, why not Russia, Japan, or Australia?

As a 17 year old faced with death, she managed to accomplish a lot, including raising awareness about donating marrow and giving a voice to thoughts many cancer patients are afraid to share out loud. For me, that is impressive enough.

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several times I've asked myself how to review this book. How do I capture the essence of this book without muddling it? This is a book that will strike you to the core, thrash you about, bring smiles to your face and tears rolling down your cheeks. Regine's words, her photos, her fears, her highs, her lows, her love, her hope and her acceptance of the end. The words of a teen, one moment doing normal teen things and the next getting bone marrow biopsies and chemo and struggling through each day and welcoming another day as she opened her eyes. The love she had for her family and the love her family has for her. The things they miss about her and the things they know they will miss experiencing with her.

Wrote through the last full change of season's of Regine's life, starting in Autumn 2008 and ending in Autumn 2009, you are brought into her life through journal entries, blog entries, letters, poems, photos, etc. One thing you will notice is that throughout everything, even when Regine was at her lowest points, she thought of others too. She loved life and did her best to help those around her also love life and think of the positive instead of the negative. A girl of strength that has moved mountains with the emotions that come through in this book. No one will turn the final page in this book without having ran through a gauntlet of emotions, no matter how young or old they are.

[Eldri Tjordal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanvittig trist bok

[Tinyhats · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I want is to live, but I can't...

Saddest. Book. EVER.

Seriously.

THE REASON
I was sent an electronic galley copy of Regine's Book for the purpose of providing an honest review. At the time I accepted it, I had NO idea what an emotional roller-coaster I would be beginning just by starting the first page. I actually had no idea what the novel was even about -- but the cover intrigued me and I'm always attracted to an honest, heartfelt teen story (which is what I expected from the title itself)

THE PLOT
Regine, a Norwegian teen girl, knew that something serious was wrong with her after three months of pain, exhaustion, bruising, and bleeding -- but she never expected to be diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia before she even turned 18. She created a blog where she decided to log her emotions, expectations, fears, photographs, and poetry all surrounding the course of a disease that everyone expected would eventually take her young life. As she came nearer to the end of her struggle, Regine wrote that her wish at this point was for her blog to be packaged as book, after her death, in hopes of reaching other teenagers who might be dealing with a similar tragedy in their own lives. Starting right before her diagnosis and concluding with posts from friends and family following her death, REGINE'S BOOK documents the chilling, devastating, heart-breakingly honest portrayal of the life and death of a beautiful, artistic, hopeful teenage girl over the course of her disease.

MY OPINIONS
Wow, this one is just -- so emotional. Reading through the blog entries, the comments from her readers, the excerpts from friends and family, and just the raw, exposed feelings surrounding the whole situation -- it's all just so surreal and so sad from start to finish. I mean, I knew from page one, by the title, that Regine would eventually die from her disease -- but I didn't expect to feel so emotionally invested in this teenage girl and her devastating story!

I think one thing that's so painful but so wonderful about this book is that Regine really doesn't hold back at any point in detailing any part of her medical journey. She describes her horrible side effects from the chemo and her honest feelings in learning that none of her treatments would ultimately save you. She admits that she would readily wish her disease on someone else if it would save her own life, and she never holds back in explaining just how it feels to be a teenager with an eminent death sentence. There is no sugar-coating or glossing over the gritty details at any point in this story. Everything is laid before the reader, just as Regine experienced it, up until the last days when she was too weak to even unload her thoughts any longer to the blog.

And then the parts after her death, from her mother, sister, and best friends -- describing their precious memories with Regine and the details of her funeral? Wow -- just SO heart-breaking all over again! And the reader gets to take a peek into the comments on the blog even after Regine's death, detailing how so many people around the world became so invested in Regine's struggle and were so openly affected by this loss. It really felt like an up close and personal journey through the life of a friend -- which means the book truly accomplished what Regine had expected and wished, up until her last days.

MY RECOMMENDATION
I think each reader would know, just by the description on the back of the book, whether or not this would be something to explore. There is really not much I can contribute here, I think...

MY VERDICT
Five stars. It brought back the same emotions as one of my other favorites on the topic -- Nordie's at Noon except through the eyes of a teenager.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name: Kimberly Madal
APA Citation: Stokke, R, (2012). Regine’s Book: a teen girl’s last words. San Francisco: Zest Books
Genre: Biography
Format: Book
Selection process: Saw the book on the new shelf at the library and then found a promising review in School Library Journal.

Regine Stokke was a typical teenage girl growing up and living in Norway. She loved being with her friends, going to concerts, shopping and dreaming about her future. Regine was very independent, adventurous and creative. She loved art and experimented with painting but mastered the art of photography. Her photos were absolutely beautiful and received high compliments from famous Norwegian photographers, such as Morton Krogvold. Her photos also went on to be displayed in the Nordic Light photo festival. For all intents and purposes Regine was a typical seventeen years old with the whole world at her fingertips.
On Friday, August 22, 2008 Regine and her family received news that would change all of their lives forever. Regine was diagnosed with Leukemia, a cancer of the blood in the bone marrow. To make matters worse she was also diagnosed with MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome, which causes cells to function incorrectly. Thus began the emotional rollercoaster through Regine’s illness and last fifteen months of life.
Regine was a very talented woman and when she was diagnosed she decided to keep a blog of her thoughts, feelings and struggles through a deadly disease. This book was a dying wish of Regine’s and is a compilation of all of the blogs Regine wrote along with photos, poems and artwork Regine created. There are some responses from her followers on her blog but due to the enormous volume of responses only a small amount could be included in the book. The last chapter of the book is especially emotional because it is responses from friends and family after Regine’s death.
Throughout the book Regine bared the naked truth of what it was like to endure the mental and physical sufferings cancer inflicts. She writes what it is like to undergo chemotherapy, to lose her hair, to come close to death, to see everyone else move forward while facing the reality of possibly no future for herself, to live in the moment and make most of life, to recover into remission, to face the disappointment of relapse, to leaving a legacy and finally to face dying and letting go of friends and family. This young woman wrote about what she endured while at the same time teaching her readers about cancer, how to be a bone marrow donor and raising money for cancer research. Regine was a remarkable young woman and touched many lives and raised cancer and Leukemia awareness all through her blog. At her funeral 400-500 people attended to wish her a beautiful farewell.
This book maybe depressing and slow at times but overall is a very educational and realistic look at the value of life. This would be very good for high school aged readers, especially those who are interested in learning more about cancer or who may need a reality check on the value of life and living.
Recommendation: Highly Recommended

[Rosie Flite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge reader, to the point where I recognize the majority of the books I see at book stores. While roaming I saw Regine's Book by Regine Stokke. I instantly felt a need to read this book, but it was a month before Christmas and I wasn't asking for much so my mom told me to ask for the book for Christmas.
So, skip ahead a month. It's Christmas morning and I just unwrapped this book. I was filled with joy to finally have a copy of this book. I ended spending my Christmas living through Stokke's words, realizing how truly lucky I am for everything that I have.

Regine Stokke was an average teenager, living life as if she was invincible. That all changed when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She kept a blog of her life, but since she lived in Norway it was not written in English so it was translated into a book. She made the reader fall in love with her through her writing, poems and photography. She wrote with a bitter honesty that inspired change. In the forward of the book it is stated that Regine Stokke's story does not have a happy ending but that doesn't keep the reader from being absorbed into Stokke's story.

Stokke also had a clear intention for people to start signing up as blood and bone marrow donors. She wanted to send the message that doing these simple things could be life saving towards others. She dedicated one of her posts just to answering any questions people had on the process of being a donor, in this post she clarified how important the two types of donating are by saying, "Blood donors make it possible for people to survive both traumatic accidents and cancer." and, " These individuals [serious disease patients] need new bone marrow to survive, and in most cases they need it as soon as possible." Her information she has shared about the ways to donation have made an impression on me as well as many others. On my 18th birthday I plan on registering to become a bone marrow donor because I would love to be able to help someone like Stokke.

When Regine Stokke first started her blog it was a way to let out her anger and confusion but it soon became so much more than that. It was a place where people who have never even met Stokke came to support her on her battle. She didn't have the intention to become a celebrating but her honesty and her will to live to the best she could drew people into caring.

Overall, the has been the best book I have ever read. I rate it 5 stars for many reasons. It takes a lot for a book to impact me as much as Stokke's did. I also felt like I knew her and when I finished the book is felt guilty that I did not know about her story while it was happening and that I did nothing personally to support her. As well, it teaches the read what is truly important in life.

I recommend this book to anybody and everybody. Mainly, I think teenagers should read this, to get a sense that they are not actually as invincible as they believe. If anybody plans on reading this though, I would suggest doing it in private, unless you don't mind people watching you cry hysterically at a book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book on the day that my post was supposed to be up. I read it within hours with tears dripping on to the page. I couldn't stop, reading or crying.

Review
This book was emotional. I had a bad experience with cancer books (John Green's The Fault in Our Stars). I didn't cry with John's book but I found myself at the brink of tears a few pages in with this book. It wasn't just Regine's thoughts and writing, the book contained never seen before entries from the people around Regine. I was so emotionally broken by what Regine's mother wrote. I am not a mother, in fact I am just a kid, but what Regine's mother felt, I felt. It was devastating. It really made you realize how precious life is.

Regine was a strong girl. She had thoughts of suicide, which I don't blame her. You are definitely lying if you say that you don't think of killing yourself if you go through what she went through. The procedures and terror she went through things that shouldn't be allow to be felt by someone so young, anyone. I admired her so very much. I often question fictions whether there are people out there that are as strong as Hermione, Naruto, Mikan, or Katniss, but there are! Regine is one of those people!

Regine was such a happy girl. I loved all the pictures within the book. The memories, the moments, the stories, she shared with me was so touching and inspiring that I couldn't just sit there and not cry. It really is a book that can change your perspective on life. It gives you courage to move on, the fight on, to live on.

The writing (perhaps due to the translation or blog post format) was choppy at times. I wish Regine described more about how she felt but I mean I don't blame her because the condition she was in wasn't the "oh I can just write a whole essay, no my body doesn't hurt like hell". And I really enjoy her frustration towards the health care system/professionals. I feel the same. She gets angry and she has absolute right to get angry. I know sometimes it is hard to diagnose diseases and doctors aren't angels but it really sucks when the one you think you can rely on fails.

One of my favourite quotes from the whole book came from the very first few pages of the book:

"Why did I take things for granted before? Why did this have to happen before I had a chance to realize how valuable life is? I'm only seventeen. It's so unfair."

I highly recommend this book to everyone. I know some people that are going through a hard time (haha, university can be tough), I would highly recommend them to read this. It will shine lights on things and make them realize how precious life is. If you like a book like this that inspire people to live and fight, I recommend checking out Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan.
This book was definitely a 5 out of 5!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regine Stokke of Norway was 17 when she found out. It was a normal day for her, life was like any other normal teenager. Everything changed in an instant, all it took was a short phone call made by a doctor from a local hospital. They suspected Regine had leukemia. Right then her life was crushed, everything changed for the worse. Along the road of fighting her cancer she told her story though a blog, her dying wish was to have it made into a book so her story could be shared worldwide. And that it was. Regine’s explained the struggle of dealing with cancer from her personal perspective and informs readers about the life of a cancer patient. “It’s a good thing I’m not sick, because my immune system is really bad right now. I’m getting pretty worried about that. Your white blood cell count shouldn’t ever go into a free fall. I think they need to do something. And I just hope there’s something that can still be done” (Stokke 162) Throughout the book the reader is hand in hand with Regine, we have the opportunity to feel what she feels, go through pain and good times and experience her ups and downs with her during her final 11 months of life.
I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Learning about Regine’s life and being by her side through her words during her struggle makes for a fascinating, heartbreaking novel. Regine had the ability to prove to bloggers and later on, her readers that people with cancer shouldn’t just be labeled as a cancer patient. Once they are diagnosed they are already in a hard situation, thinking about death and how their lives have been changed forever, they deserve to live life to the fullest and have people help them out, as Regine shows and explains in her book. “I wasn’t too impressed with the fact that Dagbladet said that I was ‘sentenced to death.’ I’m sick of people only talking about how I am going to die. No one knows that, yet, especially since I recently started a new treatment. Things look bad, I admit, but I get upset when people write inappropriate comments on my blog. Someone actually sent me a message saying he wanted to come to my funeral. Don’t people have hearts?”(Stokke 132)
For anyone who is interested in learning more about the struggle people with cancer go through and is into a true heartfelt story, this is the book for you.

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regine gives a horrible illness a brave and courageous face. Her story is one that is open, honest, moving, raw, emotional, and it's heartbreakingly real. Her story is inspiring. Regine opened herself up to the world, and in turn those who read her blog, and all of us who have since read her story since, have come away more inspired because of it.

Normally I'm not someone who is rendered speechless, but with this book I am. I don't feel I can honestly review a book about someone's life, the way I normally review books here. What I can say is this. This was an inspiriting and incredibly moving read. I cried, I cheered on Regine, and even though I knew the outcome of her brave fight, I was so caught up in her journey, I felt that I was right there along side the entire way, and wanted her to beat the odds. Many times through out reading her story I wished I could reach through the pages and hug both her and her mother. Just so they knew that I, like so many others, were there supporting them in their fight against cancer.

Regine's Book is a keepsake for her family and friends, and for the rest of us, it's a story about courage. Regine's left behind a story that will inspire, and encourage those who are looking for ways to beat cancer, those who are battling it, and will hopefully bring some comfort to those who are grieving over the loss of their loved one/friend who fought a brave fight.

I like to think I'm tough, and I could handle a lot of things, but the true tough spirits are the children who fight a hellish disease. To me, Regine, and the other countless children and teens who are diagnosed with cancer every year are the true heroes. They have that kind of bravery and courage it takes to stare death in the eyes and fight it.

I thank Zest Books for inviting me to be apart of their tribute to Regine. Her book is one that changed me. I don't know how anyone could read a book like Regine's and not be changed in some way. I have a feeling Regine's spirit will not only live on with her family and friends she left behind, but with all those who read her story.


*I received this part of Zest Book's Blogging for Regine's Book tour* Please read my post about Regine's book and my full review here http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2014/0...

[Erin Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly tough read for me - not only because it was authentic and raw, but also because of how close to home it hit. But I expected that, even before I started in on the first page.

So, so, many of us have been touched by cancer - too many of us in fact. And reading a personal journey through the eyes of a seventeen-year-old, only solidified my belief that we must continue to search for a cure to end this devastating illness.

In Regine's Book, she told it like it was. She never once glossed over the gruesome details of what cancer really does not only to the human body, but also to the soul. She struggled to understand why friends began to drift away - realizing they actually believed they could "catch" cancer from her - and how unfair it was to not be able to plan for her future, when everyone else around her was. Every page of this book made me wonder, how much more can this amazing individual possibly endure? And how does one - at such a young age - face their own mortality?

No one should have to deal with the horrendous effects of this disease and I wish I could find a cure, myself. This is why I'll keep donating to the cause. Because someone brilliant, out there, will find a cure some day - and if I can contribute to that in any way, I'll do whatever I can.

Which is why I'll be handing this book over to my sister, Claudine, who's an oncology nurse at Seattle Children's Hospital. She has more strength and courage than I believe I ever could, to do what she does - and I'm glad for amazing individuals like her, who contribute everything to helping those affected by cancer.

For my full review of Regine's Book and my own personal story and video, please head over to my website:

Erin L. Schneider: YA Writer

[Devfinitely devyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd just like to point out that I absolutely HATE reading nonfiction but wow I actually had no problem at all reading this book. Regines story is one of bravery and sacrifice and discipline and just so much strength vested in one person. I want to live like she did. I want to forget about planning stuff for summer and for next year or for when I get old; how about I do something right now? Living is so hard sometimes. It makes me want to cry. And every now and then when it gets really tough I find my self glancing over at the bottle of pills on my dresser. But now when I look over at them I will think of this amazing girl and how much she went through how much she LIVED and how well she did it too. I know that sometimes it's ok to be selfish and sometimes you need to think about yourself but loving other people really caring about them can save you from even the darkest of thoughts. I know I'm rambling but I think in knots and tangled earphones so it's hard to make sense. I'm scared of so much. So many things that Regine probably thinks are trivial but now I think I will stop being afraid. There is so much outside my world and I am choosing right now to not let myself stand in the way of all the things that need to be done. Regine may not believe in God but I do and I pray to Him, that one day I can be as magnificent a person as her.

[Rachael C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. Sure, it moves slowly at times, but its overall message, the words Regine writes, the words others write to her and about her, and the beautiful photographs she takes all come together to create something life-changing. This book really made me think about all of the things that I can and should do differently in my life, as well as giving me hope that teenagers and other humans can still be intelligent, caring, and just wonderful. I probably won't be reading this book again as a full-fledged narrative, but I'll definitely refer back to it, perhaps even daily, for inspiration, and even just to look at her amazing photographs and poems. This book inspires me to be a better person, while also providing a snapshot into the life of a girl very similar in age and socioeconomic status to me--for me, Regine Stokke is a model in more ways than one, and although I know no one is perfect, I can certainly continue to learn from, and be inspired by, her.

I recommend this book to pretty much everyone, especially fellow teenagers, in the hopes that it will open your eyes and inspire you.

In addition, consider checking out the other books that ZEST books has to offer--their books are unusual, but contain information that can be useful to all sorts of teenagers, myself included.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regine Stokke

Kampf ums Leben – Eine berührende Geschichte

Die damals 17-jährige Bloggerin Regine Stokke ist Verfasserin des Buches “Gegen die Angst”. Sie bekommt die schreckliche Diagnose Leukämie. In ihrem Blog schreibt sie über ihre Erlebnisse, Ängste und Sorgen, aber auch über Konzerte und Partys. Tausende Menschen verfolgen ihn und sprechen ihr Mut und Wünsche zu. Die junge Norwegerin schrieb jedoch nicht nur in ihrem Blog, sie verfasste Gedichte, hörte Bands wie Metallica und fotografierte am liebsten die Natur. Nach Regines Tod wird ihr Blog als Buch verlegt. Zahlreiche bis dato nicht veröffentliche Gedichte, Bilder und Tagebucheinträge Regines und ihrer Familie und Freunde fließen in das Buch ein.

Fazit: Das Buch hat mir gezeigt wie schnell das Leben sich ändern kann. Wie eng Leben und Tod verknüpft sind. Ich kann euch nur ans Herz legen, es selbst zu lesen. Ich bin froh, dass ich es gelesen habe. Erst dann fällt einem auf, über welche absurden Dinge man sich den Kopf zerbricht!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus H. Christ.
You know that the blog and journal entries, photos, poems, etc. of a teen girl with leukemia is going to be sad, but I don't think anything can prepare you for reading Regine's Book.
Strangely enough, I didn't cry until the very end, but it was like EPIC sobbing when it came.
I have to say that I will never be free of Regine, her words, her pictures, or her story. And that is not a bad thing. Regine was so honest, so raw, so human, and the things she went through and shared with us are so insane, so unfair, so unthinkable--yet it isn't all sad. It's hard to put my thoughts into words. I think everyone should read this. It's terribly sad, but beautiful too. I think I'm a better person for having read Regine's Book, and have been reminded to be thankful for each day, and for my health, family, friends, and the possibility of a future.
Regine wanted to live, but couldn't. The one thing she asked of her family and friends was to live and be happy. As simple as it is, it's profound too, and not always something we remember to do.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW IS NOT FINISHED I JUST NEEDED TO SAVE IT SO I DIDN'T LOSE IT
Regine was 17 years old she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia. This book is about her last words and is a blog to show people what leukemia was. The disclaimer said might be heavy for some people. I didn't think the content was heavy with the material she was talking about I thought it was emotionally heavy. There are times in this book when you will be sobbing. I must remind everyone that this was not written for entertainment, but for a comfort to Regine to be able to vent. When Regine is really appreciating the little things in life and when she's in that dark place at the end if her life really makes me cry. The entries written at the end by her mother, sister, and dad hurts to read because as the

[Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that I could put my thoughts about this book into words, but I'm hard pressed to put it in a way that fully convey what this story is about. There's nothing beautiful about cancer, and Regine lays it all out there for the world. The fear, anger, pain, and the way little day-to-day activities that we think nothing of--like walking up and down the stairs--become exercise routines for her. Regine's Book shares what Regine went through as a patient with a rare form of leukemia and how she chose to live the rest of the short time she had on Earth after her diagnosis.

It is a breathtaking, inspirational journey and one that I would share with friends and family.


--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regine was 17 years old when she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Leukemia in 2008. Throughout her struggles with chemo treatments, blood transfusions, a bone marrow transplant, debilitating pain, hair loss, numerous hospital stays and more, she managed to keep writing in her blog.

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[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is taken from the blog of Norwegian teenage who had an uncommon form of Leukemia. Her writing is so honest as she shares the physical and emotional toll the cancer took on her. Even though she was often scared of what her chances were she kept fighting and along the way inspired many others in their lives. She encouraged people to live each moment and not taken anything for granted because it can all change so fast. Such an emotionally tough read but I am so glad I stumbled upon this book and read it. It's one that has made its mark and will stay with me for a long time.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regine's Book is a compilation of Regine Stokke's blog entries, photographs, poetry and paintings covering the span of just over a year. Regine started her blog at the age of seventeen, shortly after she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Every blog entry is open, honest, raw and heartfelt. Regine shared her feelings, struggles and triumphs as she battled valiantly against this horrible disease. This book is heart wrenching, uplifting and inspiring in countless ways. I'm very glad I found it.

[Emily Dawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an eye-opening book. I really needed some perspective at this point in my life, and Regine's story certainly provided it. I'm amazed at how much of a talent she possessed. I held it together through the whole book until I got to the mother's letter at the end, and the water works started.

[Tangy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in its entirety in one day. Today. It's heart wrenching. I couldn't put it down. It's amazing and really puts you in a different perspective on life. It's very well written and quite beautiful. I love it. It is definitely a MUST read. This young woman who put her last words in this blog/book is so brave. Strong. And amazing. She impresses me. Rest in peace Regine. <3

[Elise Fredrikke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ikke min favorittbok, men kan ha noe med at jeg fulgte bloggen, så det blir mye repitisjon og det med kommentarene hoppet jeg tilslutt bare over. Ble litt mye etterhvert. Liker hvordan boken er bygd opp, og designet både utenfor og i boken, elsker jeg. En god bok, men igjen, ikke en favoitt.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a very challenging and interesting book about a girl who is going through so much at a young age. this book will keep you going and make you feel emotional. you probably wont think that way now but once you read it you will understand

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

On one hand, this is a 17-year-old's blog, published pretty much in full. Including comments. Regine is a competent writer, but reading a 17-year-old's blog straight through is not easy reading.

On the other hand... uncontrollable public train weeping. Sob. Sob.

[Mia Tomine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeg gråter og gråter - noe som ikke er så rart. Jeg vil ikke gi noen stjerner på denne boka, den fortjener ikke å bli "anmeldt", det er en bok for seg selv, en bok alle burde lese.

[Read for your future! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read our review here:
http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.com...

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me ugly-cry in the middle of class.

[Kyla V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regine's Book by Regine Stokke is a collection of blogs written by a teen girl suffering from cancer. In the beginning, Regine was very focused on the disease and only talked about her life in the hospital. It was very technical in the beginning and it helped me understand the specifics of her illness. Through her experiences, the blog took a turn to the bright side. Regine's outlook on life was very happy and she said having cancer made her appreciate life more.
Regine used this platform to bring awareness to helping those with serious illnesses. She often encouraged readers to donate blood and bone marrow. This format made serious topics easier to digest.
As a teenager, a "book" written by a teenager made for a feeling of solidarity although I have not experienced such a thing as Regine did. I liked how there were also pictures throughout the book. I enjoyed hearing about fun things Regine did with her friends. At times, it was like reading a blog of any normal teenager.
Although overall I did enjoy the book, it made me sad at times. It brought down my mood when she would acknowledge people leaving mean comments on her blog. Sometimes it felt too heavy to be reading casually. It also could be quite informational which got boring at times. I didn't like how the blog comments were added to the book. In my opinion, the comments (For the most part) aren't necessary to the story.
My rating for this book would be a solid 3/5 stars. I would recommend this book to someone who likes reading and is willing to read about sensitive subjects. I would not recommend it to everyone.