The Journey Continues: Finding Joy Amidst Life's Struggles by Daniel Nicewonger is a non-fiction memoir about Daniel’s diagnosis, treatment, and journey through cancer. In this book, Daniel writes about that first time when he fell sick and went to the emergency room for some tests. When he was diagnosed with colon cancer at that time, he did not know what it would entail. This book follows his journey from that time onwards throughout his multiple chemotherapy sessions, his intermittent, various types of tests, the prognosis of the disease, his wife’s support during this time, the break in treatments, his mindset and emotions throughout, all up to the present time and his hopes for the future.

In The Journey Continues, Daniel has detailed his cancer journey with earnestness and has noted down his own personal experience not only with the cancer diagnosis but also with the hospital staff and doctors he worked with. Being a pastor himself, the book is sprinkled with quotes and chapters expressing the Christian point of view. As a result, there is less detail about the exact treatment and what happens during a test for example, or the side effects of chemotherapy, and more emphasis on the religious aspect of life and death. Still, Daniel writes from a sincere perspective of his own, and this book may be a help to anyone struggling with or knowing someone struggling with cancer and its devastating effects. It is also nice to read about the genuine bond of caring with his wife who is his caregiver and supporter. Overall, this is a good book, especially for people dealing with cancer in their lives.

Those who decide to pick up their pen and write about their fight against cancer are brave people. Pastor Daniel J. Nicewonger is one of them. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and has recollected what he calls his “new normal” in the book The Journey Continues. Here, Nicewonger explains what living with such a disease means. He writes as if this is his diary, using the same confidential tone. He mentions little things which now have important value and recalls how the relationship with his family has changed. However, it is the profundity of Nicewonger’s faith that makes The Journey Continues remarkable. He is a pastor, so he adds quotes from the Holy Scriptures and his own comments to them: a way to find courage and to encourage.

I really like the way Nicewonger tells his story in The Journey Continues. This is not a depressing or somber book. He is an optimist, despite his difficult time. I would say the guiding thread is not the disease, but hope. The Journey Continues reveals Nicewonger’s will to resist and go on. His conversational style reveals emotional honesty and a simple, sincere faith. The parts where he talks about his faith are touching to read. Although they are very personal and reveal the author’s inner convictions, they are intended to give solace to other people too. I have to admit that Nicewonger is very good at it. He is one of those writers who speak to the reader’s heart. The Journey Continues is the right book for anyone who is looking for comfort and strength.