My Brother, My Keeper: The Biography of J.P. Blase Cooke: A Story of Hard Work, Success, and a Valiant Fight to Beat Cancer

by: Phil Cooke

Published by: CEI Publishing

Reviewed by Sara Porter

Blase Cooke was a man probably not too many people will have known. But after reading Phil Cooke’s touching memoir/tribute, My Brother, My Keeper, they will know a man who looked at his life and battle with cancer with a positive attitude and a brave spirit.

The book chronicles Cooke’s life from his birth in 1947 to his death in 2007, at the age of 60. Cooke was the eldest of five children. In 1959, his father died of a heart attack and Blase helped look after his younger brothers and sisters. Phil Cooke writes of his brother’s positive spirit even as a child as he works to support his family and go through school.

Cooke’s story is told not only by Phil’s memories but by accounts from his family, including three sons, friends and co-workers. While there are some very somber memories, such as Cooke’s visits to the doctor and his surgeries, the book is not overtly maudlin. Instead it is very moving and even humorous at times.

Some of the funniest chapters describe Cooke’s competitiveness at games. The descriptions of the “Cooke Family Olympics” may leave some readers laughing. Other readers may end up smiling or frowning at memories of their own family gatherings.

Besides Cooke’s story, the book also contains various “Thoughts of the Day” presented by Cooke to his friends and family over the years. Some are familiar like “Footprints in the Sand” and some are just short words of wisdom like “Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself.” They will leave the reader feeling Cooke’s favorite word, “Terrific.”

Armchair Interviews says: A nice tribute to one who died too soon.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MyBrotherMyKeeper.com