Reviews
Book Reviews
FAITH, STRENGTH, AND COURAGE
Greg knew that the words were familiar: multiple myeloma. He trembled as he read the results after his MRI scan. This had started as simple back pain, and he blamed it on the chair and the long hours spent sitting. This was during the COVID period, and he was working from home. The pain had progressed, and one day, he woke up and was unable to get out of bed. Gregory described it as “an 800-pound gorilla pinning him to the mattress.” After some visits to the hospital, Greg was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, IgA Kappa, P-17 deletion, and three mutation genes. It was at stage 3. His life had taken a drastic turn as he went through the first chemo treatments in denial. Gregory Proctor details his journey with multiple myeloma in his book Faith, Strength, and Courage: A Memoir of Overcoming Adversity & Embracing Life’s Journey.
Going through this book, I got an insight into what happens when an individual is diagnosed with cancer. This may not speak for many, but at least it does for some. His journey was not all smooth. Greg had been working on an app called Truspot_ar and had invested most of his money there. After the diagnosis, his primary healthcare provider failed to pay his bills until he paid a deductible. The Veteran Administration gave him the runarounds, putting him in a financial crisis. Mónica L. Coello his wife, stood by him and even became his project manager, a true act of bravery.
I love how well Gregory has detailed his journey. He had few resources on multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis, and the publicity will help many who are at a loss for how to proceed. At the end of this book, he provides links to educational programs for MM patients and other blood cancers and links to financial aid and transportation programs. Although Gregory seemed weak initially, throughout the book, it is easy to see why his cousin Shonda Allen Hill described him as a ‘warrior.’ He had worked through this and kept the faith even when he was facing a myriad of problems. This is in addition to the fact that his relationship with his daughter had been severed.
I rate Faith, Strength, and Courage: A Memoir of Overcoming Adversity & Embracing Life’s Journey by Gregory O. Proctor 5 out of 5 stars. The journey will be educational for millions of people. The book was professionally edited, and it is satisfactory to say that, other than being a multiple myeloma survivor, Gregory is a proficient writer. The story was well presented, and humor was well applied, sometimes in the most sad moments. The chapters did not break the narration and ensured a good connection with the reader. I shared his agony, and the clear description helped me realize just how much it affected his activities of daily living. Sharing the author’s experiences in life, even before the diagnosis of MM, I learned that it was unfortunate that even in the 21st century, racism persisted as some people refused to work with Greg, even when he had strong recommendations. This is one of the minor themes that arise in this book.
It would be amazing if all who stood by Gregory and believed that he would make it read this book. But more of all, all who would love to learn about multiple myeloma should pick up the book. This book would be most beneficial for anyone fighting multiple myeloma. I loved a statement by Gregory’s mother Jessie Proctor so much, and I quote it: “This is not the end for you; it’s just the beginning. And you are a fighter. You are someone who will never give up, so don’t you dare give up.”
Going through this book, I got an insight into what happens when an individual is diagnosed with cancer. This may not speak for many, but at least it does for some. His journey was not all smooth. Greg had been working on an app called Truspot_ar and had invested most of his money there. After the diagnosis, his primary healthcare provider failed to pay his bills until he paid a deductible. The Veteran Administration gave him the runarounds, putting him in a financial crisis. Mónica L. Coello his wife, stood by him and even became his project manager, a true act of bravery.
I love how well Gregory has detailed his journey. He had few resources on multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis, and the publicity will help many who are at a loss for how to proceed. At the end of this book, he provides links to educational programs for MM patients and other blood cancers and links to financial aid and transportation programs. Although Gregory seemed weak initially, throughout the book, it is easy to see why his cousin Shonda Allen Hill described him as a ‘warrior.’ He had worked through this and kept the faith even when he was facing a myriad of problems. This is in addition to the fact that his relationship with his daughter had been severed.
I rate Faith, Strength, and Courage: A Memoir of Overcoming Adversity & Embracing Life’s Journey by Gregory O. Proctor 5 out of 5 stars. The journey will be educational for millions of people. The book was professionally edited, and it is satisfactory to say that, other than being a multiple myeloma survivor, Gregory is a proficient writer. The story was well presented, and humor was well applied, sometimes in the most sad moments. The chapters did not break the narration and ensured a good connection with the reader. I shared his agony, and the clear description helped me realize just how much it affected his activities of daily living. Sharing the author’s experiences in life, even before the diagnosis of MM, I learned that it was unfortunate that even in the 21st century, racism persisted as some people refused to work with Greg, even when he had strong recommendations. This is one of the minor themes that arise in this book.
It would be amazing if all who stood by Gregory and believed that he would make it read this book. But more of all, all who would love to learn about multiple myeloma should pick up the book. This book would be most beneficial for anyone fighting multiple myeloma. I loved a statement by Gregory’s mother Jessie Proctor so much, and I quote it: “This is not the end for you; it’s just the beginning. And you are a fighter. You are someone who will never give up, so don’t you dare give up.”
I was completely absorbed in your storytelling right from the start. Your ability to transport me into the narrative of your father’s final days was truly captivating. You possess an incredible talent for knitting a gripping narrative.
The way you lit the hurdles faced as a Black consultant in a mostly white industry was truly eye-opening. Your courage in sharing these experiences has left a lasting impression on me. Your story shed light on issues I hadn’t fully grasped before.
I found your intense descriptions of the impact of COVID-19 both scary and informative. Your words made the global disorder and heartbreak feel physical. It was a plain reminder of the seriousness of the pandemic.
Your narrative flawlessly blends self-analysis with a broader perspective. It’s obvious you poured your heart and soul into this story. Your ability to tackle complex themes while taking us on your journey of self-discovery is truly admirable.
The journey of finding purpose among hardship that you shared struck a chord deep within me. Your resilience and determination are genuinely inspiring. Your story not only moved me but made me reflect on my own path. Thank you for sharing your deep journey.
“Faith, Strength, and Courage” is the aptly named memoir of Greg Proctor, detailing his fight against multiple myeloma, an aggressive form of cancer. We meet Greg in an already dark place, coping with his divorce and estranged children. Things look up when he meets Monica, but quickly Greg begins to contend with life’s difficulties again as he is diagnosed with cancer. Greg’s fight with cancer is long and arduous – he is lucky enough to have a team of doctors at his side, and his wife Monica rooting him on. Through his struggles he reconnects with his daughters. The entire time, Gregory relies on his faith to guide him through the terrifying ordeal of chemotherapy. His faith in God is the backbone that he always returns to, and what lights a difficult path for him to walk courageously. I found the way that the author wrote about cancer, pain, family, and faith incredibly emotive and profound. These are the major things that people struggle with, the biggest fear that everyone has deep down. As a person who witnessed a family member endure a similar type of painful medical issue, I was struck by Proctor’s storytelling and self reflectiveness. This is a wonderful story of resilience and growth, important especially for the loved ones of anyone suffering from cancer to read.
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2023
This book tells the story of Gregory Proctor (Greg) and his journey through life. According to his cousin, he was the typical boy next door, but he lived according to a straightforward rule: embrace being different. It’s crucial to show vulnerability, empathy, Power, and strength no matter the curve balls life throws. This was not your typical heroic memoir; Gregory’s story stands alone.
For what Gregory went through, he did not give up the fight. He took every circumstance with stamina, strength, grace, and courage. Life and Death became real, and he knew he had to deal with the fact since the passing of his father. The pain, turmoil, challenges, and trials Gregory endured had to have significantly impacted his life. The introduction from his cousin was heartwarming, pure, and filled with humility that it’s refreshing to read. After finishing this inspirational autobiography, I could not help but admire Gregory’s resilience through his eventful yet challenging journey.
This book was well-edited, well-written, and well- structured. Reading the book felt like I was sitting at a motivational speaking event, and Gregory told us his story. We get this boost of inspiration and motivation to help us conquer our challenges. I loved this book enough that I wanted to give it the highest rating of five stars.
This book tells the story of Gregory Proctor (Greg) and his journey through life. According to his cousin, he was the typical boy next door, but he lived according to a straightforward rule: embrace being different. It’s crucial to show vulnerability, empathy, Power, and strength no matter the curve balls life throws. This was not your typical heroic memoir; Gregory’s story stands alone.
For what Gregory went through, he did not give up the fight. He took every circumstance with stamina, strength, grace, and courage. Life and Death became real, and he knew he had to deal with the fact since the passing of his father. The pain, turmoil, challenges, and trials Gregory endured had to have significantly impacted his life. The introduction from his cousin was heartwarming, pure, and filled with humility that it’s refreshing to read. After finishing this inspirational autobiography, I could not help but admire Gregory’s resilience through his eventful yet challenging journey.
This book was well-edited, well-written, and well- structured. Reading the book felt like I was sitting at a motivational speaking event, and Gregory told us his story. We get this boost of inspiration and motivation to help us conquer our challenges. I loved this book enough that I wanted to give it the highest rating of five stars.
Faith, Strength, and Courage” by Gregory O. Proctor transcends the boundaries of a conventional memoir, inviting readers into an extraordinary journey of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery. Proctor’s storytelling prowess transforms the ordinary into the profound, weaving a narrative that encapsulates the grit of life’s conflicts and the grace of growth, healing, and freedom.
The narrative opens with a poignant exploration of loss, capturing the surreal and heartbreaking experience of the protagonist, Greg, as he grapples with the impending death of his father. Proctor’s evocative prose delves into the complexity of relationships, uncovering layers of vulnerability and strength within familial bonds.
As the narrative unfolds, the book takes an unexpected turn, guiding readers through Greg’s own battle with a life-altering illness. The author employs vivid and emotive language to convey the physical and emotional challenges faced during this trying period. Through moments of despair, Proctor discovers a newfound concept of strength-one that is both demanding and empathetic, anchored in the intersections of faith, strength, and courage.
Interspersed with excerpts from the book, Proctor’s writing reveals the transformative power of faith, not solely confined to religious beliefs but extending to the unwavering trust in life’s purpose. The narrative’s heartbeat is the profound connection between faith, strength, and courage, serving as a guiding light through adversity.
What sets this memoir apart is its authenticity, resonating with readers on a visceral level. Proctor’s ability to depict the human experience with such raw honesty renders “Faith, Strength, and Courage” a compelling and inspirational read. In the end, it leaves readers contemplating their own journeys, reminding us that even in life’s most challenging chapters, the triumvirate of faith, strength, and courage can illuminate the path forward.
The narrative opens with a poignant exploration of loss, capturing the surreal and heartbreaking experience of the protagonist, Greg, as he grapples with the impending death of his father. Proctor’s evocative prose delves into the complexity of relationships, uncovering layers of vulnerability and strength within familial bonds.
As the narrative unfolds, the book takes an unexpected turn, guiding readers through Greg’s own battle with a life-altering illness. The author employs vivid and emotive language to convey the physical and emotional challenges faced during this trying period. Through moments of despair, Proctor discovers a newfound concept of strength-one that is both demanding and empathetic, anchored in the intersections of faith, strength, and courage.
Interspersed with excerpts from the book, Proctor’s writing reveals the transformative power of faith, not solely confined to religious beliefs but extending to the unwavering trust in life’s purpose. The narrative’s heartbeat is the profound connection between faith, strength, and courage, serving as a guiding light through adversity.
What sets this memoir apart is its authenticity, resonating with readers on a visceral level. Proctor’s ability to depict the human experience with such raw honesty renders “Faith, Strength, and Courage” a compelling and inspirational read. In the end, it leaves readers contemplating their own journeys, reminding us that even in life’s most challenging chapters, the triumvirate of faith, strength, and courage can illuminate the path forward.
Faith, Strength, and Courage: A Memoir of Overcoming Adversity & Embracing Life’s Journey by Gregory O. Proctor is a beautifully written work. I was so humbled and so touched by his words and his story. I usually avoid reading memoirs because you never know what type of story you are going to get, but I don’t regret this one at all. His memoir is a breath of fresh air to the soul.
One of the most important parts of his memoir is how he handles his battle with cancer. Proctor shows his readers his vulnerability through the process, which if you’ve ever battled cancer yourself or with a loved one, you know how exposed and defenseless you may feel. Greg walks his readers through those moments and brings us to the other side with him. He shows us that despite the hardships that life often presents, your story is not over. There is more to be written. Greg’s story is beautiful, and I cannot recommend it enough.
One of the most important parts of his memoir is how he handles his battle with cancer. Proctor shows his readers his vulnerability through the process, which if you’ve ever battled cancer yourself or with a loved one, you know how exposed and defenseless you may feel. Greg walks his readers through those moments and brings us to the other side with him. He shows us that despite the hardships that life often presents, your story is not over. There is more to be written. Greg’s story is beautiful, and I cannot recommend it enough.
This book had every element I adore about the act of reading. It effortlessly put together together all the things that make reading a joy for me. I’m so utterly and completely enamored by it that I doubt I can articulate a review that does justice to this story. The depth of my admiration compels me to share it to many, many people I know, something I’ve already started to do! It’s the only way I could do it justice.One of the most important parts of his memoir is how he handles his battle with cancer. Proctor shows his readers his vulnerability through the process, which if you’ve ever battled cancer yourself or with a loved one, you know how exposed and defenseless you may feel. Greg walks his readers through those moments and brings us to the other side with him. He shows us that despite the hardships that life often presents, your story is not over. There is more to be written.
Greg’s story is beautiful, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Greg’s story is beautiful, and I cannot recommend it enough.
This was a heartfelt and gripping journey from start to finish. Greg’s raw and honest account of his battle with multiple myeloma is nothing short of inspiring. His journey took me through the highs and lows of his life, making me not only read about his experiences, but feel them along with him. The masterful writing beautifully captured the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany a life-altering diagnosis such as his! It gave me an important reminder of the strength one can find in vulnerability.
Greg’s storytelling and honesty make this a must read!! It’s a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of hope in the face of unimaginable circumstances. The story and characters will tug at your heartstrings and push you into thinking more about your own life and the good you have in it. If you’re able to hear someone else’s plight to survive, and you can empathize with such painful scars, you will love this book. But beware it can be sad at times.
Well this was an eye-opener! I never thought I would be this inspired by someone elses journey. Greg’s unflinching confrontation with mortality was, to me, powerful and thought-provoking. His exploration of the questions that surround our existence got me to do a little introspection of my own. A must-read for anyone grappling with life’s fragility and uncertainities.
I got emotional reading this. I could feel the authors vulnerability and honesty in sharing his journey. I would say that this book was a true emotional triumph and Gregory did an amazing job recounting it. The way he looks back on his experiences with cancer, family, and faith was inspiring to me as a reader. Reading the pages of this book was a reminder that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, you can find strength and beauty in all of the struggle aswell.
Two words. Raw and Honest.
This memoir doesn’t shy away from the raw, painful moments of battling cancer. Gregory’s honesty about his fears and doubts made me feel like the triumphs that he got were even more powerful than what held him back. I especially liked the fusion of his spiritual insights and the practicalities of life during and after his battle with cancer.
This memoir doesn’t shy away from the raw, painful moments of battling cancer. Gregory’s honesty about his fears and doubts made me feel like the triumphs that he got were even more powerful than what held him back. I especially liked the fusion of his spiritual insights and the practicalities of life during and after his battle with cancer.
This book was a literary journey that not only engaged the mind but touched the soul. The author and his emphasis on the roles family plays, faith, and ones own mental fortitude is what made this memoir a standout. It’s was a tribute to the support systems that help us weather the storms of life.
The connection between the author and his wife, Monica, warmed my heart! More than that, this book was a thoughtful look at life, mortality, faith and everything that comes with. His words made me reflect on my own journey and look at the problems I face in a new light. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to find a new way to look at life!
I was not expecting how genuine and raw this memoir would be. The author shares a story that is both heartfelt and inspiring. I felt the Author’s growth bit by bit as the chapters progressed. It was truly a beautiful experience, looking at someones life within the pages of a small little thing as a book. The prose is heartfelt, the stories shared and the reflections it brought within me were a transformative moment for me as a reader.
Gregory O. Proctor what can I say? I got my copy and read until the part that you decided to take control of your life after diagnosis and first treatment. WOW!
Your writing is beautiful! The emotion is so raw in parts that you had me weeping. We see the patient after the diagnosis. Everything is put to us in a very sterile fashion, no emotion. Your writing helped me put into perspective the suffering that occurs long before the patient gets to us. For that, I can only “thank you” because it will make me a better nurse.
Being a nurse, I was so concerned for your pain control! You were immobile with pain and took ibuprofen! You are my hero! What a man!
The love for your wife is palpable. For you to be able to put down this into to words and have my heart feel it was a wonderful gift to her!
Now with saying this, I am taking your book to work to read on my 10 minute lunch break. I will bring it home and read more tonight.
You have put into words a story of struggle and triumph and I cannot wait to read more! I hope that you take this as the highest compliment!
This reader is hooked and cannot wait to read more!
Thank you for sharing this with me! Sending a big thank you hug!
Your writing is beautiful! The emotion is so raw in parts that you had me weeping. We see the patient after the diagnosis. Everything is put to us in a very sterile fashion, no emotion. Your writing helped me put into perspective the suffering that occurs long before the patient gets to us. For that, I can only “thank you” because it will make me a better nurse.
Being a nurse, I was so concerned for your pain control! You were immobile with pain and took ibuprofen! You are my hero! What a man!
The love for your wife is palpable. For you to be able to put down this into to words and have my heart feel it was a wonderful gift to her!
Now with saying this, I am taking your book to work to read on my 10 minute lunch break. I will bring it home and read more tonight.
You have put into words a story of struggle and triumph and I cannot wait to read more! I hope that you take this as the highest compliment!
This reader is hooked and cannot wait to read more!
Thank you for sharing this with me! Sending a big thank you hug!
It would be amazing if all who stood by Gregory and believed that he would make it read this book. But more of all, all who would love to learn about multiple myeloma should pick up the book. This book would be most beneficial for anyone fighting multiple myeloma. I loved a statement by Gregory’s mother so much, and I quote it: “This is not the end for you; it’s just the beginning. And you are a fighter. You are someone who will never give up, so don’t you dare give up.”