Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

by Melinda Marchiano

Childhood cancer survivor Melinda Marchiano eloquently and humorously describes her journey through illness and recovery. Her story starts as she begins to feel ill, and we follow each step of her physical downfall as she struggles to continue to dance ballet, her greatest passion. At 14 years old, Melinda shares not only the events of her illness, but her thoughts, deep feelings and growing spirituality through operations, chemotherapy, radiation, drug reactions, an eating disorder and more. Your heart will be filled with the same grace Melinda cherished through her illness and your life will never be the same.

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Melinda Marchiano lives in the rolling, oak-studded hills of the Central Coast of California. Homeschooled through the eighth grade, she enjoyed from a young age the freedom to write and create. Now in high school, she is academically at the top of her class. Melinda dances six days a week and performs with the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo and with San Luis Jazz. A childhood cancer survivor, she gives thanks for her life by speaking and fundraising for such organizations as the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, the Childrens Miracle Network, and the American Cancer Societys Relay for Life. "

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved creating Grace:) My hope is that my book will begin a huge cycle of love and care for each other-- on our way to finding a cure for cancer.

[Jill Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Jill Williamson

In Grace: a memoir, then thirteen-year-old Melinda Marchiano tells her story. First she was sick and weak. So she went to doctor after doctor trying to find out what was wrong. And after several appointments, she received the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Melinda takes the reader through her entire journey. Her surgeries, chemo, transfusions, loss of hair, her high moments, and her darkest hours. Through it all, she fought to hold tight to God, her family, and ballet.

The subtitle of this novel is: “A child’s intimate journey through cancer and recovery.” That’s exactly what it was. I felt like I knew Melinda by the time I closed the book. Her story of courage and faith is honest and inspiring. The book is filled with pictures, showing us the fun moments Melinda had while trying to live each day to its fullest. The pictures of her doing ballet are stunning. She amazes me. I’m wiser to have shared this journey with her by reading her story. We could all learn a lot about life from Melinda. We all have a story. I’m so thankful that Melinda shared hers with us all. I highly recommend you check this book out.

[Marlene French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Melinda Marchiano is just one of those people with a beautiful soul. She writes with truthfullness and heart felt emotion. She is a talented word smith and I hope to read more from her. Reading her journey and knowing her tender age of 13 at diagnosis makes it almost unbelievable how mature she became but with a child like humor that helps all of her family, friends and even caregivers cope as well. I met Melinda and her mother as she generously donated signed copies of her book to Blood Donors to thank them for saving lives. What a beautiful person she is and I have no doubts we will be hearing much more about her. I highly, highly recommend this book....it will change your life. Thanks Melinda!

[Rebecca Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest seems too understated of a word to describe the intimacy of this memoir. The reader gets to experience Melinda's journey through her journal-styled writing, which leaves out very few details. Having known Melinda personally for over six years, the strength shown in her book is no facade. She expresses the importance of optimism, a strong support system, and commitment to what she loves throughout her entire battle with cancer and an eating disorder. This story is truly inspiring to anyone facing adversity, whatever it may be. No matter how many times I read it, both Melinda and her story never cease to amaze me.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very heart touching story of Melinda's journey fighting cancer. She is only 13. Interesting perspective through a teenager's eyes on the toll cancer takes not only on the patient, but family and friends. Another thought: Melinda mentions family friends throughout the story, but rarely does she mention friends her age??

[Ingrid Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is certainly touching, the writing was very basic and the author frequently misused words, at least in my opinion. The storyline was sometimes confusing to me as well, and seemed drawn-out at times. However, I do recognize that this was written by a high-schooler. Kudos to Ms. Marchiano on beating cancer and completing this memoir at her young age.

[Lanell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Heartbreaking but interesting to see what is going through a child's mind as they battle cancer. I was originally interested because one of my former students was diagnosed with leukemia. What a journey for an individual and their family.

[Nicole Ricken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this and love Melinda!!! You must read this