This is one of those times where the title and the cover drew me in, and I'm glad they did. Warhead is the true story of Jeff Henigson who discovers he has brain cancer and gets to make a wish. His wish, to meet Mikhail Gorbachev and try to bring an end to the Cold War by convincing him to disarm the Soviet Union's nukes.

I know Jeff chose his wish in part because of his father, but still, most kids want to go on a vacation or something, it's the rare kid who looks at the wish as an opportunity to do something world changing.

There are plenty of hurdles Jeff has to overcome in order to make the wish reality, the smallest one being the fact that kid's with brain tumors usually shouldn't be flying to the other side of the world. Really, that one and convincing his parents seem to be the smallest issues. When you want to meet with the leader of the Soviet Union, there are mountains in your way.

The whole event reads like fiction, which makes it highly enjoyable. The fact that it's all true makes the reader more invested in the outcome. All in all, an enjoyable book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Jeff Henigson
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: July 2nd 2019

This isn't the type of book I would normally pick to read, but I felt drawn to it when I read the synopsis. It was actually pretty riveting. Thought provoking and interesting. It could have used a bit of editing, but overall, not bad!

I always love finding books that present ordinary people who were involved in some way with major historical events. “Warhead” did not disappoint. The most pleasant surprise was how in spite of the big issues of nuclear war and cancer, it really all boils down to the story of an awkward teenage boy trying to navigate everyday life. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for true historical stories from different viewpoints.

I always love finding books that present ordinary people who were involved in some way with major historical events. “Warhead” did not disappoint. The most pleasant surprise was how in spite of the big issues of nuclear war and cancer, it really all boils down to the story of an awkward teenage boy trying to navigate everyday life. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for true historical stories from different viewpoints.

This was an interesting often inspiring book. Although memoirs are a hard sell unless you're someone famous. But this was interesting enough to make me continue to read.

At 15, Jeff Henigson was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Thirty years later, he has written his story in the voice of his 15/16-year-old self, made possible by the diaries he began writing shortly before receiving the devastating news and with the recollections of friends and family. Warhead isn’t just another teen cancer story, however. It is a testament to his strength and maturity, a glimpse into the impact of the Cold War arms race on a sensitive teenager, and a sad commentary on life with a cold, distant father whose love and approval he was so desperate to earn.

Following months of surgery, chemo and radiation, Jeff joined a teen support group for the opportunity to talk and socialize with fellow cancer patients. Monique, a leukemia sufferer who became a dear friend, suggested that Jeff make a wish to the Starlight Foundation, something that would bring him joy. Instead, he requested a trip to the Soviet Union in the hopes of meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev to discuss nuclear disarmament because this was a topic that both he and his father were passionate about. The foundation arranged for Jeff to join the Youth Ambassadors with the hope that a meeting could be arranged. However, rather than supporting his wish, his father was adamantly against him taking additional time away from his studies. Jeff’s argument was that he might very likely not be around to even graduate. So, once he received a clean bill of health, he was cleared to travel. Little did he anticipate that his story would have such a profound impact on young people in both the USSR and at home.

As the current upper school librarian at his alma mater, Polytechnic School in Pasadena, CA, it was my pleasure recently to attend a reading and reception with Jeff. He went into some detail about his cancer struggle, the depression he fell into (that is not emphasized in the book), and the impact of the trip, but it was his strained relationship with his father that really caught my attention. When an audience member asked if he’d found joy as a result of his wish, he said that he had not given that his primary motivation was to earn his father’s approval. He also talked about the current precarious state of our world and how, although the Cold War is over, the lessons of history haven’t been learned. I am eager to see how young adults, the target audience for this book, will respond to his touching story. Although it’s a YA book, adults will find it compelling as well. I highly recommend that high schools and libraries that cater to teens purchase this book and that teachers, counselors, and anyone else who works with teens use it as a springboard for discussions ranging from mental health to stewardship of the Earth.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Delacorte Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

3.5 Stars**

A hypochondriac reads a cancer book and DOESN'T get sent into an anxiety spiral????? What!?!?

For a slice of life story about a teenage boy, his battle with brain cancer, and a quest to end tensions between the USSR and the USA, this was wildly hopeful. Sure, there's a lot of talk about the nitty gritty of cancer treatment, love and loss, and the mental trauma that a diagnosis like this can play, but oddly, it didn't scare me.

Jeff Henigson has done a fantastic job of making sure his story leads by example of putting forth an effort to do great things, even if not everything goes to plan. It shows that no one is ever too small, and that's really awesome.

This wasn't my favorite memoir I've ever read. I found the language a bit blah, (there was a really extreme overuse of the word "moan"), and some sections seemed a bit drawn out. But, it was certainly one of the most accessible. This is going to be a great fixture in YA nonfiction and I'm glad I read it.

Trigger and Content Warnings: Cancer, Cancer treatment (chemo/radiation), surgery, hospitalization, strained parental relationship, loss of a loved one, conversations about death, suicidal thoughts, depression

Memoirs are a tough sell for a young audience. Unless you're already somehow famous there has to be something compelling, something extra, to give us a reason to care. Between cancer and interactions with the USSR in the 80's he has unique perspective on US history. The writing is a bit stiff and occasionally repetitive, so while it's interesting it may be off-putting for some,

When I decided to read a memoir about a teenage boy with brain cancer, I expected to end up crying at some point. I mean, he wrote this book twenty years later, so I was pretty sure the ending wouldn’t be especially sad. But I’ve experienced a few family members going through cancer, and no part of it is fun. And there were definitely parts of this book that were sad and difficult to read. But I was completely surprised that this book made me laugh so much. It was absolutely brilliant.

I loved Henigson’s story – he was seriously an awesome teenager – and his attitude about what he was going through. I actually identified with him quite a bit, though I’ve never been nearly that cool or brave. He faced cancer head-on and still kept his sense of humor. And, really, that’s all you can do. Plus, he decided to use his Starlight Children’s Foundation wish to as Gorbachev for world peace. Which is pretty amazing. Seriously, think about what you were like as a teenager. Would you have the guts? And even if you did, would you ask for something so selfless? I know I wouldn’t (to either).

This was a great story, and I am so glad I got to experience it. I think this book has the potential to inspire a lot of young readers, and I will definitely be recommending it to a lot of people.

The description of this book intrigued me and it was an even more compelling read than I hoped. Jeff Henigson manages to make the discovery (what a way to find out!) and treatment of a malignant brain tumor in his teens not the focus of this book, but the force that helps him find clarity in many of his relationships and priorities. His ability to look back on his teen years and so perceptively understand his relationships with both his mother and father is impressive and could help other teens struggling to feel understood in their families. Plus, don't forget that he actually travels to the Soviet Union hoping to speak with Gorbechev about nuclear weapons. I couldn't wait to find out if the meeting really happens.

This was real, and inspiring, and gut wrenching; I’m still crying. I’m not even sure why, but the tears just keep flowing and I am in awe of author Jeff Henigson and everything he went through and accomplished. What an amazing story!