Cancer - It's a Good Thing I Got It!: The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man

by David A. Koop

Gold Medal Winner !  Readers' Favorite International Book Awards
Not your ordinary survivors story...
The Perfect Guidebook for 100% Living While You Are Alive
What if you could read a book that would contain simple strategies for living a life of abundance in health, finances, relationships, and contribution? Cancer- It's a Good Thing I Got It surprised me because it was not just a guidebook for those people who are directly or indirectly affected by this terrible disease.

David quickly pulled my attention into the book with his "Live life without boundaries" approach to life. David's life story is simply one that could never be made up...it's too enthralling. He does discuss his battle with cancer, but that is not the foundation of the book. The foundation of this book is about sticking to your core values, living life 100%, surrounding yourself with the right people, and loving those around you.

This book is easily one of the best books I have ever read!
By Dave Sheffield

It's time for you to see what all the fuss is about, order your copy and remember this Gold Medal Winning book makes a great gift too.

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

High School Dropout, College Professor, Serial Entrepreneur, Cancer Survivor – Reveals How His Death Sentence Saved His life

From a runaway at 15 to the “Guru of Prepaid Legal” by 23, then on to conquering Cancer, now teaching the secrets to success and tools for true happiness!


Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker and Certified World Class Speaking Coach, David A. Koop has gone from a runaway at fifteen, to a millionaire in his twenties; never graduating from high school but becoming an adjunct professor of law at the Denver University College of Law; from a terminal cancer diagnosis, to living and sharing his life story in order to help all those who want the keys to unlocking the life that they truly desire.

David was a serial entrepreneur whose pioneering prepaid legal business made him a nationally known expert in the 1980’s. In a storied career, he has run numerous companies involved in manufacturing, viticulture, Christmas tree, third-party administration, and reforestation industries, among others. His business acumen made him a sought-after public speaker, appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America, local and national radio shows and numerous conferences in and out of the country. An avid traveler and sailor, he lives with his wife and three boys in Salem, Oregon.

His bestselling book, Cancer It's a Good Thing I Got It! is full of humor and occasional grief. In his book, David tells of the many amazing adventures he has had and of the experiences that formed a man able to battle and defeat terminal cancer with an unwavering positive attitude. David shares ideas and tools that will help others make changes to create the life that they dream of. Not just one man’s battle with cancer but a road map for living your best possible life now!

Reviews

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb From Goodreads


David Koop Conquered the World of Business.

He Wasn't About to Let Cancer Put Him Under.

David Koop had it all-a storied business career, beautiful son, and prospects as far as the eye could see. Then a surprise cancer diagnosis turned his life upside down. It was osteo sarcoma- a form of bone cancer-and it was growing on his spine. Doctors told him to get his affairs in order.

More than three years later, Koop continues to beat the odds. Cancer: It's a Good Thing I Got It! is his eye-opening account of a remarkable journey through hospitals, treatments, friendships and emotions as he struggles to maintain a positive attitude and will to live. In this frank and uncensored look at one man's battle with cancer, Koop reflects on his life before and after the diagnosis. The surprising conclusion will leave you awed at the strength of the human spirit: far from a death sentence, the medical woes unleash a powerful self-assessment that leads Koop to a whole new sense of purpose-and the love he has sought all his life.

Full of humor and occasional grief, this memoir of a life still in progress will move you to make changes for the better. You'll come away inspired to live your life to the fullest and embrace the gift of personal relationships. And you'll find hope for meeting the unexpected challenges that can strike when you least expect.

My Review

When I first got this book I looked at the title and felt really uncomfortable, I mean it is cancer and they are saying it is a good thing! It also stirred up a lot of notice and comments as I carried it about and took it with me to read by just about everyone who saw it. Since reading the book and hearing Davids story I totally understand it's title and would say to everyone don't judge or dismiss it until you have read it.

The story is in short chapters and reads just like diary entries or like conversations with the author, it is very well done and really easy to follow. Any big words or procedures are explained so well that whether you have any medical knowledge or not you will be able to follow it with ease. Almost the first half of the book deals with the initial telling of the diagnosis and what lead it and his life up until that point, relationships, jobs etc. There is also quotes at the start of every new chapter which are also in themselves quite moving.

In the actual content some people might feel it is hard going as this is a truly honest account of what he went through from before, during and after his diagnosis. It is an open and both heart breaking and heart warming story of one man and his family dealing with something most of us hope to never have to encounter. From physical complications after treatments to the mental anguish of trying to cope after being told you are going to die. Trying to live with and beat the odds and breaking to the news to his family.

This book stirs up a whole host of emotions, sadness, joy, grief, laughter, hope, inspiration to name just a few. I feel this would be a quick read for most as it is hard to put down (it took me so long as work and Christmas has gotten in the way) but I could have easily read this in on sitting had time permitted.

I think this book would be a great read for anyone, whether you have been touched by cancer, feeling down or just want an uplifting (true) story then this is a book for you. I really enjoyed it so it is a 4/5 for me.

I would like to thank David for introducing me to his book and sending me a copy and sharing his journey with me. You can also find David here http://www.somedaygroup.com/ for updates on how he is doing.

You can purchase the book via Amazon.co.uk for £18.95 paperback or for the kindle £7.15

[David Hudnut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and Inspirational

I had a chance to talk to David A. Koop and his wife Carrie at length before I read his book "Cancer, It's a Good Thing I Got It!" Now that I have finished the book, I can say that he truly embodies the core messages he presents in the book: eternal optimism in the face of adversity, taking ownership of your life's course by making conscious choices about how to live it, and the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships with the loved ones in your life.

The book tells two stories. The first half is a collection of anecdotes from David A. Koop's life before he was diagnosed with cancer. These anecdotes tell the story of a young man's journey to become independent and build a fulfilling career. He starts with his difficult home life as a teenager (which many people will be able to relate to easily), and moves into his struggle to build a career. He shares a host of exciting, frustrating, humorous and amazing stories. I have no doubt there are many more life stories Mr. Koop has to share, and he could probably fill another book with them. He is a natural story teller, the kind of guy you want sitting around the campfire at the end of the day, entertaining everyone with his various misadventures.

But there is also a lot of heart in these stories. He writes about his son, who he obviously loves and cherishes dearly, and the difficult relationship he had with his son's mother. This portion of the book was moving, and revealed an entirely different side from the adventurous, action-packed "man's man" in the stories leading up to it. I think Mr. Koop presents a balanced outlook on life that both men and women can relate to.

The second half of the book goes into Mr. Koop's journey with cancer. From the initial diagnosis, to the frustrating journey with numerous doctors and chemo and pain, up until today. If you or a loved one has battled or is battling cancer, you will relate to all of this. It may dredge up painful memories of going through the process. Or it will reflect what you are dealing with on a day to day basis now. So why read it? Because the eternal optimism that David Koop embodies is woven throughout his journey with cancer. He was diagnosed with a particularly severe form of cancer but he fought to maintain a positive attitude that I find admirable and inspirational. He also reminds us of the importance of cultivating love in your life. His love for his son and his wife and stepsons were a beacon that kept him on course toward recovery.

This book serves as a reminder to all of us that no matter how many difficulties life puts in front of you, no matter how many compromises you are forced to make, no matter how much you are forced to give up, there is always a way through the pain and struggle, there is always a reason to keep on living. You just have to be open to it, and go after it, even if you have to crawl towards it.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received "Cancer - It's a Good Thing I Got it!: The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man" by David A. Koop through the First Reads giveaway on Goodreads. It tells the remarkable true story of Koop and his struggle with cancer. Koop's story is split up into two parts. The first part of the book discusses his background growing up, while the second half deals with his diagnosis and the intense ordeal his treatment took him through.

Koop is very honest in his writing and not once sugarcoats anything, which is a very commendable thing to do when talking about cancer and the treatment's side-effects. Throughout much of the memoir I found myself genuinely impressed by all that he had accomplished, especially during his younger years. Even more remarkable was how hard he fought to live. Koop explained in detail the multiple treatments and surgeries he put his body through in order to not only find a diagnosis to his cancer, but to how to beat it. While I admit that at times I did find myself skimming over the more technical details, I think it is fantastic that he took the time to describe them so as to give people a better idea of what cancer victims go through. I applaud him for not being ashamed to tell his readers of how his final surgery affected him physically, because as embarrassing as it might be for people to know of his daily struggles, it is still an important part of his journey that must be told.

I especially love the stories he told of himself and his son Christopher. Throughout much of the book he expresses how much he loves his son, but it is beautiful how that love is genuinely felt in his writing. To read about love is one thing, but to actually be able to feel it in an author's writing is another.

There were times when Koop came off as somewhat cocky, but when you put into perspective all he has been through and worked hard for, I guess a little cockiness is OK. Unless you personally have gone through cancer or have known someone who has, it is something that is near impossible to relate to; however, Koop does an amazing job at trying to make people understand it a little better. "Cancer - It's a Good Thing I Got it!: The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man" is a fantastic book and I would recommend it to anyone.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book free through Goodreads First Reads.

This is an inspiring true story of a man who, like so many others, suddenly has to deal with cancer. His writing is frank and yet he doesn't sink into self-pity even when describing the most terrible medical procedures that he had to endure.

The first half of the book details the author's background, while the second half deals mainly with the ordeal of getting a diagnosis and undergoing treatment. I'm rather squeamish so I found myself rushing through some of the details of the treatment. I only have admiration for the author who actually lived through it all, with an inner strength and uncanny ability to find the silver lining in every cloud.

Regarding the structure of the book, I feel it was well paced. The balance between his personal history and the details of his illness seemed about right. I especially enjoyed the quotations at the start of each chapter.

I can't help thinking that my review doesn't really do this book justice. If you find yourself taking things for granted, read this. You'll appreciate your life anew and want to make the most of it right now.

[Sheli Ellsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cancer as a blessing—who knew? After a divorce and custody fight for his only child, Koop fought the real battle—one his life depended on. Doctors told Koop to get his affairs in order because the race was almost over—it was not going to be a smooth finish.
But Koop was not giving in. He had waited a long time to be a dad and a mass at the base of his spine was just an obstacle not a life sentence.//Cancer: It’s a good thing I got it// is not only Koop’s story of his cancer but the introspection which healed emotional wounds that were as real as the cancer. Koop started to see the positive aspects of his illness, rather than the panic that sought to steal what moments he had left.
Koop instructs friends and family of cancer victims how to treat those who have cancer, what cancer victims need to hear, and how to give them support. He writes about dealing with pain; chronic, unbearable physical pain and depression.
The book is honest, inspiring and Koop doesn’t sugar coat the realities of chemotherapy or his surgeries. However, the timeline of events is difficult to follow at times and parts of the story seem to relate closer to his battle with cancer than other parts.

[Ponch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on GoodReads. When I first entered for this book I had a loved one that was suffering with Cancer. Unfortunately, he lost his battle a little over two weeks ago. This is a great book that makes you see life in a different way and shows you the amazing strength that people can have. I don't think that there is anyone out there that hasn't been affected by cancer in some way and I think this would be a great book for anyone.

[Laura Lee Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A candid, detailed, heartfelt account of one man's life-changing battle with a devastating prognosis and rare form of deadly cancer; and his fierce determination not to become yet another statistic. Written in a fast-paced, informal, no-frills style, this true story will resonate with everyone who reads it and inspire readers to conquer their own life's obstacles. I'm glad the book has a happy "ending" for the author and his family.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sounded like an interesting book so I decided to enter the first-reads giveaway and I won a copy! :) This is the story of David's inspirational journey with Cancer with a positive outlook. Very real, honest and open about what he went through and could have gone through in his battle. Thankfully he won!

[Alexander Fontana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for a deeply personal account, beginning with the devastating news of one of the most pernicious forms of Cancer - Osteo Sarcoma.

Koop leads the reader through the emotional and physical anguish of his experience with stark honesty, humility and even humor.

This book is a revaluation, showcasing the strength of the human spirit when focused by the power of love.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very inspirational. I could not put the book down once I started reading it. This really puts life in perspective.
David Koop gives you a glimpse of his life before and after cancer changed his life. http://www.thesomedaygroup.com/free-c...

[Barbara Hettwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a joy to attain a signed copy of David's book at an author event. Despite the title, this is a delightful book to read. It will encourage anyone to strive harder and never loose sight of their goals.

Once begun, I could not wait to see how his life developed. David's life was hard from the start after loosing contact with his mother at age five. He tells of his life growing up, achieving success in the business world, gaining and losing love, and fighting cancer through short vignettes that make you feel as though he were sitting in your living room telling you the story while sipping warm cider in front of the fireplace. Although his story tells of some very difficult challenges in his life, he presents all without regret. Gratitude and joy weave through the book. He even manages to tell the dreadful story of cancer treatments with a sprinkling of humor. There are short quips of sage advice interspersed throughout the book.

Cancer, It's a Good Thing I Got It is an easy read, which is well worth your time and will leave your heart uplifted and encouraged.