“Book Review of “Morbid Thoughts and The Domino Effect”

In Morbid Thoughts and the Domino Effect: Passing Thoughts During Cancer, author Perry Muse details his difficult battle with stage 4 cancer, offering hope, inspiration, and guidance to those who may be facing a similar diagnosis.

A true adventurer at heart, Perry grew up cheating death on numerous accounts. However, when faced with his diagnosis, the former trumpetist, army veteran and amateur motorcycle stuntman was faced with an unfamiliar, new reality. The unbelievable list of surgeries and treatments cascade in what can only be described as a domino effect, and underneath the tenacious shell of a strong, courageous man, we find a kind, thoughtful soul that is informative, optimistic, and encouraging.

An inspiring tale of one of life’s fighters, this touching and emotional memoir is told in a forgiving, warm and self-aware voice that will instantly endear the reader. You will feel the pain, trials, and elation of Muse as he grows, moves forward, and achieves a new level of self-awareness. Reading this book will have you feeling empowered and inspired to start fighting your own battles with each chapter that you finish. This book will help you make peace with any troubles you’ve encountered in the past and look to the future with a new sense of purpose and reverence for what it means to be alive. - Review by Book Excellence (bookexcellence.com)”

“This is a must read for those dealing with cancer and those with family members with cancer. In a conversational style that makes you feel he is sitting across the lunch table with him, he takes you through the up and downs of diagnosis and treatment, of dealing with the ins and outs as well as the emotional turmoil.
He doesn't shy away from writing about any challenging topic - how he is dealing with his emotions, dealing with his family members, using his considerable skills to research, taking things day by day and persevering.
Inspirational to say the least.”

“I'm a fan of memoirs turned into learning experiences. This one is a great testament to the author's life and values. Full of inspirational moments and life lessons you can learn while reading about someone else's life.
Muse really lays everything out for the reader. He opens up about the ups and downs and the flow of the writing is very well done.
Smooth and Effortless, this is the kind of story that will stick with you.”

“This is a non-fiction story; told in first person. And a very great tale at that . .
What a gratifying story to have read! The story has plenty of insight about the scope of this deadly relationship; and what is to be experienced and expected. And as we know, many have actually died from its claws.
But we can be grateful and blessed that this author made his way through the journey; and has discovered there is light at the end of the tunnel. Truly, this is a phenomenal story; and the author is to be commended for his willingness to share his journey.
Great read.”

On A Reading Bender

“This book is truly amazing!! I laughed, and also wanted to cry for him and Nila. I suggest this book for everyone!!”

Nancy Howell

“I have known the author for almost fifty years! I haven’t seen him since the late seventies. Reading his cancer journey is like sitting down talking to him. What a great book and thankful Perry allowed me on the journey he went through.”

Bee

“Had to read since the author was from my hometown! Interesting story- Perry really experienced many health issues, but keeps on going with a good attitude! (I could not read this on my kindle because the print was tiny—and would not enlarge, but no problem on my iPad . )”

medical Superman

“True to life emotional roller-coaster. Just when you feel like crying, a touch of humor comes through. Definitely makes you think about life and the what ifs!”

Janie Woody

“Having gone to highschool with Perry I was interested to see how his life had gone . What an inspirational life . Also the medical information in this book is so helpful to anyone going through similar situations. I would recommend this book to everyone. Once you start , you won’t want to put the book down until you get to the end . Great job!”

Rita Burrows

“I am not much of a reader. Once I started this book i couldn't put it down. "What's next?" was my constant question. I thought this would be full of despair. But it is the opposite. Perry's writing is engaging and captivates your attention. He tells stories from childhood to present that range from funny to death defying, all while taking you through his cancer battle. He writes with humility and honesty. I read this from beginning to end in a few days. I only wish there were more!”

NVM

“Great read! Honest thoughts and emotions when dealing with a terrible illness, disease, diagnosis and the effects it has on your body, life and mind.”

AEC

“This is a well written book for a first time author. He grabs your attention from the start and hangs on to it with funny, intriguing, and informative information. You can truly feel his pain and triumph throughout the book. I highly recommend it. Keep on keeping on Mr. Muse. Best wishes for your family and future. Thanks for a great book!”

Heather

“Wow. What I can I say about this book?? Everything!!
It's amazing! Well written and very captivating book!
Highly recommend it !!”

Starr Bevelry

“Mr. Muse takes you on an emotional rollercoaster making you wonder how one person can endure so much and live to tell about it. It is well written and well thought out. You would think it all be despair, but it is enlightening, educational and inspirational. It reminds you to live one day at a time and to enjoy each and every day to the best of your ability.”

Glenda Sosebee

“I would highly recommend this book Morbid thoughts and the Domino Effect. It is very inspirational and intriguing and encouraging. Every chapter leaves you wondering “ What next could possibly happen “ what an encouragement to never give up! Put your trust in God and keep fighting. Gale Mitchell”

Danny Mitchell

“Perry has written a story with the distinguished maturity of a seasoned author. Buy this book and prepare to immerse yourself into a rollercoaster of emotions that will make you laugh, cry, and could hit close enough to home to be cathartic, uplifting and just what you need to get you through your own tough times.”

Monica Muse

“Muse’s lively, life-seizing memoir builds, in its first half, to the author, a businessman and father, asking the hardest of questions: “And so, Doc, with all of your years of experience, what do you feel are my chances of making it ten more years?” The answer is devastating: 35%. Muse had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the doctors suspected that, despite treatment, it could spread into his bones. So Muse and his family embark on a hair-raising odyssey of surgeries, radiation, and trying to live as much as possible. He writes with welcome frankness about pain and fear, about facing “the dark shadow” that whispers the “morbid thoughts” of the title, about the family meeting where he and his wife, Nila, broke the news to their kids, about being moved to tears by Tom Petty on the radio.
There’s even some laughs: after an insurance settlement affords an opportunity for home improvement, Muse writes, “I looked at Nila and said, ‘Well, Nila, at least cancer bought us a fence.’” The memoir’s narrative is an exhaustive account of treatments and surgeries and periods of painful recovery, with Muse striving to strengthen “Mr. Skeleton” for the bone cancer that seems inevitable, and to get the most out of his days. He skydives, go-karts, sips Royal Crown; he exhibits tenderness describing his and Nila’s mixed family and a storyteller’s relish recounting the many crashes and injuries he’s sustained over the years, incidents that lead to excruciating complications after his diagnosis.
More a detailed record of an ongoing health crisis—and the author’s zeal to live and live well—than a traditional narrative memoir, Morbid Thoughts & The Domino Effect documents Muse’s state of mind and body, with photos of the family and pets he loves and also the wear and tear on his body. Readers touched by a prostate cancer diagnosis will find invaluable information, and anyone navigating health crises will find inspiration.
Takeaway: A detailed, tender account of facing a tough cancer diagnosis and seizing life.
Great for fans of: Robert K. Brown’s Hundred Percent Chance, Sheila M. Burke’s Bullsh*t to Butterflies.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-”

Book Life”, an independent reviewing company

“Perry Muse’s memoir Morbid Thoughts and the Domino Effect shares the details of his challenging battle with cancer.
Veteran and executive Muse was enjoying his empty-nest life with his current wife Nila when he received a devastating diagnosis of prostate cancer. His memoir follows his ups and downs while seeking a nearly unending battery of treatments, interspersed with stories of his earlier life, in which he left the army to (unsuccessfully) save his marriage with his first wife, briefly became homeless, and suffered near-catastrophic car and motorcycle crashes.
The story is interspersed with personal and family photos, including those of his body following surgery, medical diagrams, his tattoos, and so on.
Muse’s fervent love of his wife and animals comes through clearly, and readers will be touched by his gratitude for his family and by his determination to live his life to the fullest in recovery, including skydiving.
The book’s execution is successful, as it includes such a high level of detail regarding his condition and treatment.
Additionally, the story is framed with most chapters offering insight into the author through his Sagittarian star sign (“Sagittarians are very kind and generous. They never expect favors in return”), with much explanation as to why. Muse discovers he has cancer and then immediately goes into a detailed description.
The author’s emotion is raw and clear. While sometimes getting bogged down in the details, readers will appreciate his courage and good humor, and those facing similar circumstances can learn from Muse’s depth of experience.”

Blue ink”, an independent reviewing company