Game More, Pay Less
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Millions of titles. Learn more
Read now
OR
£2.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon Media EU S.à r.l..
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will pre-order your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships and Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Adam Blain
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Pear Shaped: The Funniest Book So Far This Year About Brain Cancer Kindle Edition

by Adam Blain (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 681 ratings
Now available, the sequel Grin and Pear It

Reviews


"My husband @SenJohnMcCain read from your book every day. It made him laugh." Cindy McCain

"This book is funny, moving and inspirational. I read some of it and had to get him on my radio show." Christian O'Connell, Absolute Radio Breakfast Show DJ

"So honest, uninhibited, down-to-earth and readable despite the difficult subject. The best non-fiction book I have read in a very long time.....and I strongly recommend it." Peter J

"Hilarious and moving in equal measures. What a brave man!" David Reuben

"Adam Blain manages to be funny, poignant and inspiring describing with heart breaking honesty his journey so far, beginning with a diagnosis no one ever wants to face." RG

A must-read memoir about coping with cancer

Description


Adam is a middle aged father of three. Completely out of the blue, and for no reason other than sheer dumb chance, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour. Adam has endured radiotherapy and chemotherapy which were preceded by major brain surgery to remove the tumour - helpfully described by his surgeon as being the size and shape of a pear.
Using the blackest of humour, this book charts Adam's journey from normality to having a disease regularly described as a “death sentence”. How will he cope with the treatment? How will his relationship with family and friends be affected? Most important of all, how will his hair come through this?
Quite simply, it is the funniest book so far this year about brain cancer.
Warning - this book is intended for mature audiences due to the subject matter and use of strong language.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 2
    Pear
  2. Print length
    142 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    11 Mar. 2015
  6. File size
    1.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
  Report an issue with this product

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 2 books in this series.
This option includes 2 books.

Product description

About the Author

Adam Blain was born in London in 1970, the youngest of three brothers. Having studied law at Cambridge, Adam spent time working as a teacher in Lesotho, Southern Africa before returning to practice corporate law in London. Following diagnosis of a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in 2014, Adam wrote his first book, Pear Shaped. Adam continues to live in London with his wife and three children and remains working as a corporate lawyer. You can follow Adam and his progress on Twitter: @AdamBBlain

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00UNMY59C
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Carl Stockley
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 11 Mar. 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 142 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Pear
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 681 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Adam Blain

Adam Blain

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
681 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book brilliantly funny with a dark sense of humor, while also being thought-provoking about the strength of the human spirit. Moreover, the writing is well-crafted and readable despite its difficult subject matter, and customers describe it as incredibly moving. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its honesty and personal account, with one customer noting its candid yet humorous observations about the author's diagnosis.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

113 customers mention ‘Humor’113 positive0 negative

Customers find the book brilliantly funny, with a mix of dark humor that makes them laugh out loud while reading. One customer notes the author's ability to sustain ideas and jokes throughout the book.

"...The author's style of writing is jocular and pithy, leaving me both keen to devour each page, whilst also not wanting it to end...." Read more

"Very moving and thought-provoking, yet screamingly funny...." Read more

"...Adam has a wonderful sense of humour, yet describes so well the way brain tumours turn your family life upside down and could relate perfectly to..." Read more

"...with why bad things happen to good people and I found his writings both enchanting and so very, very moving...." Read more

76 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’76 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and inspiring, describing it as a poignant gem that highlights the strength of the human spirit.

"...or because of a personal experience with cancer, this is a brilliantly positive account of a truly dreadful situation and will either make you..." Read more

"...We are left with the belief that this practical attitude and refusal to be downhearted will delay any recurrence of the tumour for a long time...." Read more

"...I found this book inspiring and uplifting and only hope we cope as well as Adam has...." Read more

"...how to create the perfect salad and I thank Adam for that very precious nugget of wisdom!..." Read more

70 customers mention ‘Readability’70 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as brilliant and essential reading, with one customer noting it's a compulsive read.

"What a fantastic read this book is...." Read more

"...I found it far funnier than I expected and quick and easy to read while sitting at hospital...." Read more

"...as serious as Adam’s no cancer so the strength this man has ana 💪 brilliant read I’m just reviewing this before I start the 2nd..." Read more

"...Things I didn't like - like a former reviewer, the book started really well and there were moments of comedy/humour but overall I found it a bit &#..." Read more

24 customers mention ‘Writing quality’24 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is very well written and readable despite the difficult subject matter, with one customer mentioning it is easy to relate to.

"...I found it far funnier than I expected and quick and easy to read while sitting at hospital...." Read more

"...to his, the writer still demonstrates such intelligent wit and writing ability.Also many thanks to him for his praise of the NHS...." Read more

"...He has chosen to write in a totally unselfish way, truly to entertain, and very few of us could have managed that with everything he has had to..." Read more

"Great genuine little book, interesting, funny yet daunting...." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Pacing’16 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book incredibly moving.

"Very moving and thought-provoking, yet screamingly funny...." Read more

"...good people and I found his writings both enchanting and so very, very moving...." Read more

"...as a writer - this book manages to be laugh out loud funny, quirky, moving and thought provoking all at the same time...." Read more

"This was a wonderful book - moving, very funny, heart-breakingly sad, but also life-affirming and positive...." Read more

12 customers mention ‘Honesty’12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty.

"...that it is possible to deal with a truly awful diagnosis in an honest, courageous and humorous way...." Read more

"...Such bravery, courage and honesty in such a life changing experience. Everyone should read this book to make them 1...." Read more

"...Funny (yes, really really funny!), heart-wrenching, honest, it had me laughing out loud (apols to my kids for embarrassing them on a crowded plane)..." Read more

"...stars - please buy the book - you will touch bravery, quirky stuff, honesty, fear, the big unanswerable ' why me?'..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Personal account’10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the personal account in the book, noting its frankness and lack of self-pity, with several customers mentioning it had them in tears.

"...What an amazing guy for going through this with such a good attitude!..." Read more

"...the same Pear that Adam has experienced, and his candid yet humorous observations on his diagnosis, treatment and following months were spot on, and..." Read more

"...This book shines with black humour and a frankly incredible lack of self pity...." Read more

"...Blain is a very funny writer, but there's also a decency and optimism about his view of the world and of people around him...." Read more

Highly recommend!
5 out of 5 stars
Highly recommend!
Thank you. What a great read! A very moving, funny and inspiring account of a young man and his family trying to lead a “normal” life after being diagnosed with a very serious grade 4 GBM brain tumour. Adam gives a very touching yet humorous insight into such a serious illness Adam has such a fantastic wit with so many laugh out loud moments throughout this book which is strange considering the subject matter! I admire Adams positive attitude towards life and his strong determination to keep his young family living a “normal” a life as possible My only criticism about this book is, It wasn’t long enough!!! Looking forward to the sequel. Love and prayers to you and your family. Stay strong Adam x
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry, we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Sarah M
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What a fantastic read this book is. Whether you're reading out of interest, like myself, or because of a personal experience with cancer, this is a brilliantly positive account of a truly dreadful situation and will either make you thankful for the good health so many of us take for granted, or will demonstrate that it is possible to deal with a truly awful diagnosis in an honest, courageous and humorous way. I would hope that were I ever faced with such a tremendous challenge as this I would have even a fraction of this man's spirit and determination to carry on.

    I have read a fair few memoirs of this ilk, but this is by far and away my favourite. Adam Blain somehow manages to recount his grim reality without glossing over the unpleasant details, but instead facing them head on and turning them into candid and laugh out loud anecdotes. Black humour at its very best and personally, completely on my wavelength.

    The author's style of writing is jocular and pithy, leaving me both keen to devour each page, whilst also not wanting it to end. I read the entire book in less than two hours and immediately googled the author after reading. Amazingly over three years on Adam is beating all the odds, so firstly I wish him and his family all the very best, and secondly I hope for a sequel to update us on his progress, as he clearly is a talented writer and natural raconteur.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bazza
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Book if you can take Black Humour
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Very moving and thought-provoking, yet screamingly funny. The author is extremely sympathetic and brave, with a huge sense of (black) humour.

    Readers are guided through the early symptoms of brain cancer, and might decide that Warren Street tube station is somewhere to be avoided. We listen in to the dialogue between the patient and his surgeon, in which the actual result of removing a large proportion of a brain is never quite described, but where the surgeon’s haircut receives top billing.

    It is enormously encouraging how the author manages to live an almost normal life, working, going to the gym, juvenile weekends away with his friends, looking after his family. We are left with the belief that this practical attitude and refusal to be downhearted will delay any recurrence of the tumour for a long time. This book will help raise the profile of this dreadful and little-understood condition: a brilliant publication.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Still smiling
    4.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting, honest and very funny.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    My husband is the same age as Adam and recently been diagnosed with the same hideous tumour so several friends suggested I read it. I found it far funnier than I expected and quick and easy to read while sitting at hospital. Adam has a wonderful sense of humour, yet describes so well the way brain tumours turn your family life upside down and could relate perfectly to situations he describes. I found this book inspiring and uplifting and only hope we cope as well as Adam has. I wish him and his family all the very best and my hopes and prayers go with them.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Partypee
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Salad - not Pear Shaped!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book about three months ago but have only just discovered how to write a review on here so apologies for that! It is difficult to say that I enjoyed a book about such a tragedy that has befallen this lovely family but Adam Blain deftly manages to bring such humour to his situation. I don't know whether I ought to be ashamed to say how I laughed out loud in a hotel check-in queue reading about his exploits in the swimming pool! Although nothing to do with cancer, the incident did obviously happen to him during his recovery experience and so I imagine it deserved its place as part of the process. I learned a great deal about Adam's brain cancer by reading this book and, ironically, it was like looking inside Adam's mind to see his innermost thoughts and feelings, guiding us all as to how to deal with people in similar situations to his. However, it also educated me in how to create the perfect salad and I thank Adam for that very precious nugget of wisdom! Adam Blain has a highly individual and extremely specific way of dealing with why bad things happen to good people and I found his writings both enchanting and so very, very moving. I would like to read more of Adam Blain's take on other aspects of life. Wishing Adam and his family good times in the future.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Gail
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic humor
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 June 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I was told by my surgeon when I was making jokes all the time about the tumor he said no don’t be sorry that’s what will get u through this journey mine was not as serious as Adam’s no cancer so the strength this man has ana 💪 brilliant read I’m just reviewing this before I start the 2nd
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tracey
    3.0 out of 5 stars but could only really muster a 3 star and I do feel bad for that
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 September 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I really wanted to be able to give this book a 5 star, but could only really muster a 3 star and I do feel bad for that.

    Things I loved about it - I loved his overall optimism but his openness about his fears for his family once he's gone. What an amazing guy for going through this with such a good attitude!

    Things I didn't like - like a former reviewer, the book started really well and there were moments of comedy/humour but overall I found it a bit "dad humour" like. A bit too forced, waffly and over the top for my personal liking.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Cepheus Elf
    5.0 out of 5 stars What is it with oncologists and fruit?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2023
    Verified Purchase
    My tumour was the size of "a small melon or large orange". Chemo reduced it to a tangerine, then a grape. Metric or imperial? I never found out.
    Immediately I knew that I would enjoy this book - the author's dry wit and sense of humour appealed to me straightaway. He has an extremely interesting way of thinking about things that appeals to my logical and enquiring mind. Also this book is VERY FUNNY! There's even an element of suspense .... does he retain his superpowers after the treatment? We have to wait until the end to find out.
    I didn't want it to finish but I am now embarking on the sequel, with relish. Not actual relish, not on fruit.
    I wish Adam and his lovely family all the very best.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Rob
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quintessential
    Reviewed in Australia on 5 January 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Quintessential read for anyone battling the nuances of brain cancer. Their families and friends will love it as much as you do.
    Report
  • R A Dooley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very Brave Man
    Reviewed in Germany on 8 November 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is written by a man with a death sentence who intends to "Leave them laughing"
    One cannot understand the struggle to write and produce such a funny book under such onerous conditions. But he definitely succeeds !!
    Report
  • porcellino
    5.0 out of 5 stars At times very funny with moments of great sadness when you think that ...
    Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A rollercoaster of emotions. At times very funny with moments of great sadness when you think that the author is actually living this experience. An example to us all of how something beautiful can come out of even the most tragic of events. A good read that I would definitely recommend.
    Report
  • Pilgrim
    5.0 out of 5 stars GBM for the not so serious
    Reviewed in the United States on 9 August 2016
    Verified Purchase
    After getting over the shock of being diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer I started to re-evaluate my priorities. I tried to see the lighter side of life and enjoy each day. This book by Adam Blain was just what I needed. I laughed out loud at parts and could relate to many of the scenarios. A great pick-me-up when I was down. Anyone would enjoy the book but especially for those who are sick and their caregivers.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good reading for patients affected by brain cancer and theirfamily and friends
    Reviewed in Australia on 18 April 2016
    Verified Purchase
    As someone in the same position as the author (mid-40s professional with a young family, recently diagnosed with a GBM brain cancer I could relate to a lot of the material and it is comforting to read of another's journey. I could totally relate to the experience the author had with the various unpleasant side effects of treatment and sudden experience of being a patient. I couldn't relate so much to the very English-ness of his story and personal background. I am not English and feel that the book was definitely written for an English readership.
    I feel the editing could have have been a bit tighter also as some quite lengthy sections were a little dull and irrelevant to the story.
    Overall I enjoyed the book and it did make me feel a bit better about my own situation. I like that the book was dedicated in part to GBM sufferers also.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report