A Reason to Champion a Book
"Reservations for Nine: A Doctor’s Family Confronts Cancer"
I’m not someone who authors book reviews. Yes, I have read thousands of books and reviewed them in my head, often recommending a book to someone ---- You’ll love it, It’s fast paced, The characters are marvelous, There is plenty of history, It will touch your heart, etc.
But never a formal review. And this will not be either. This is a personal note.
I am recommending a book that I loved, that touched me, that left an impression, and that made me a friend of an author I admire, George Beauregard.
The book is Reservations for Nine: A Doctor's Family Confronts Cancer.
Dr. Beauregard . . .
“I wrote it to honor my son’s and my family’s legacy, to make people aware of the growing health threat that early-onset cancer presents. I wrote it to help people understand in a personal and a bit of a scientific way, the impact of early-onset cancer.”
He continued, “I wrote it to make a difference; just as my son did.”
It describes the unusual circumstances of a family affected by advanced-stage, early-onset cancers, particularly Dr. George and his son. The book centers on the inspiring story of the son, who, at age 29, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and valiantly fought for three years before succumbing.
Its topic encompasses heartbreak, loss, hope, and education. It conveys a family’s strength, support, determination, courage, attachment, and emotional spirituality that pull them along an impossible path. It expresses the courage of a young man exhibiting resilience, a desire to live, and his power of will.
It echoes frustration, disappointment, and justifiable anger.
I read the book in one sitting. When I finished, I stared into space and thought,
“What if this were me? What if I lost a child? How would I manage it?”
Further thoughts. “This is a good book, one that touches the heart, one that envelops you. It needs to be read.”
Colon cancer is waiting for its chance. Please don’t give it one.
At the book’s conclusion, I felt sorrow and hope. I was impressed by how Dr. Beauregard expressed those emotions while weaving the story of education, specifically how so many young people are diagnosed with early-onset cancers, with a professional gauge that analyzes the science.
Even those who do not have scientific experience will appreciate Dr. Beauregard’s explanations.
A tribute to resilience and spirituality, “Reservations for Nine” is an essential read for anyone affected by cancer, offering solace, insight, and a reminder that love endures even in the darkest battles. As Dr. Beauregard wrote,
Many books have been written about cancer. From a patient undergoing treatment, to a family member or other caregiver, to a doctor treating a patient, to a researcher looking to change the trajectory of those being diagnosed and treated. But this one is unique. Part memoir and tribute, interspersed with journal entries by my son and others in my family. Part medical saga, the book aims to educate the public about the dangerous global rise in early-onset cancers, and to help provide a roadmap by example of loved ones going through cancer battles, and a call to action to the medical community to get ahead of this crisis.
My son’s life shouldn’t be defined by cancer, but rather, how he responded to it. Most inspirational was how he became a strong public advocate of screening and funding for cancer research.
“Why the title, George?” His answer is in the book. Read Chapter 10: “Reservations for Nine” to understand.
It’s powerful and personal and can validate others’ experiences while offering a path to healing.
You won’t be disappointed.
N.B. "If you want to learn more about George Beauregard and his writing, go to his website.
www.georgebeauregard.com.
© 2025
Dr. Beauregard and I have a mutual friend, Colleen, and I met him just last month at an event Colleen hosted. I sent your post to Colleen and she intends to forward it to him. I also downloaded the book!