Eric

by Doris Lund and Doris Herold Lund

Book Overview

This is the bestselling story of Eric, a boy with leukemia who refused to give up living--as told by the person who was with him through it all, his mother. Eric was seventeen when he heard the doctor's verdict about the disease that wanted his life. At first he and his family could not believe it. Eric was the picture of everything a youth should be--a champion athlete, a splendid human being, vibrant with energy and loved by all who knew him. The...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039701046X
• ISBN13: 9780397010462
• Release Date: January 1974
• Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
• Length: 345 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

It's not the story of how he died...it's the story of how he lived

Eric is the heartbreaking, inspirational true story of Eric Lund, a seventeen-year-old boy who is diagnosed with Leukemia just days before he is set to leave for college. This book is a memoir written by his mother, Doris Lund, about Eric's unwavering will to survive, and about how his cancer affects not only himself, but everyone around him. When it's a story about a terminal illness, there can be no unexpected twist. As soon as I read the description on the back cover of the book, I knew basically how it was going to start and how it was going to end. But it's what happens in between that makes Eric Lund's life so interesting. What makes him different than many whose lives have thrown seemingly indomitable obstacles at them is that Eric refuses to give up. Even when the doctors, despite their greatest and heartfelt efforts, can offer only ominous warnings, it doesn't prevent Eric from living his life to the fullest. In this way, Eric isn't just the tragedy of a boy whose life deteriorates little by little. Instead, it is the motivational story of a man whose confidence, positive outlook, and exceptional will to live bring hope and joy to everyone around him. Of course, Doris Lund doesn't leave herself out of the picture. A lot of the book is focused on her own hopes and fears instead of Eric's, on which she can only speculate in many instances. She is also honest about her rocky relationship with Eric and the difficulties that they sometimes had communicating, which is something that most teenagers and their parents can relate to. I couldn't help noticing that there are places in the book where Doris Lund interrupts the flow of her writing, perhaps with a misplaced or awkward metaphor, but then she quickly remembers that this story is beautiful and memorable on its own without too many fancy words and phrases to distract from it. Even if you don't usually read this kind of literature, I still recommend Eric. It may be depressing, but it's not cynical, and it leaves you with the kind of hope that Eric held on to his whole life.

Elizabeth- Northern CA

I have probably read this book 8 times since it first came out. The first time I read it was shortly after my brother had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. This book is a wonderful tribute by Doris Lund to her son, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

This book saved my daughter's life!

I read this book as a teenager when it was first published - back in the mid 1970's. The story of Eric's struggle with leukemia moved me deeply. After reading the book I promptly was tested and added to the blood platelet registry at NIH hospital, in the hopes of being able to help someone someday in Eric's situation. Little did I know that 20-some years later, now grown with a family of my own, that my own teenage daughter would get sick with leukemia. I know as sure as I'm sitting here typing this thru tears, this book saved my daughters life. Had I not read it and learned the signs and symptoms of leukemia, I would not have known to get my daughter to the doctor as soon as I did. She could have easily slipped away before she had a chance to be diagnosed and treated. I'm happy to say that last week (Jan 13, 2000) my daughter finished up 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy and has a very good chance of surviving. A heartfelt THANK YOU to Doris Lund for sharing her touching story with us. No words can express my gratitude. If anyone knows how I can contact Ms. Lund, please email me - I would love to share our experience with her and let her know how instrumental she was in my daughters survival.

This book made me cry.

I first read this book when I was around 14 years old. It touched me so deeply then, and even today, at the age of 31, I have never forgotten it. Doris Lund tells the story from her heart, and you feel like you are a part of her family as she takes you through their struggles. You feel the pain of each family member and at times it's heartbreaking. After finishing the book, I wrote Doris Lund a letter telling her what a wonderful son she had. She answered me back telling me that Eric's strength and courage are what have helped her keep going through the difficult times. She also mentioned that the rest of the family was doing fine. If Eric's story has taught us anything, it's that we should live life to the fullest. Eric certainly did that. He is an inspiration to people everywhere. I'm sure he's got a special place in heaven.

An absolute classic -- A must read!!

I first read Eric while in junior or senior high. I am 36 now. I can't begin to remember the number of times I have read this book. If I'm going on a trip or just out to lie in the sun, this is the first book I reach for. I am now on my third paperback and am looking for the hardback. It is a story that will move you to tears, make you laugh, and most importantly, make you painfully aware of the life of a cancer victim. It is a story of unbounding courage. I have learned many a lesson and feel that I am a better person for having read this book.