‘Truly honest testimonials about life with cancer are hard to read and I’m guessing even harder to write. Raymond’s book is searingly honest yet grounded in positivity as he grapples with the day to day challenges of living and loving after prostate surgery. There are some things fathers shouldn’t have to pass on to their sons, but Raymond’s dad who has since sadly passed away, gave him the title for the book. A memory that settled in as a reminder that no matter how difficult your life is, others face even harder adversities. A tough mantra for someone dealing with the physical and psychological trauma of cancer. But that’s the measure of the man and his father, an acceptance that in this world there will always be others worse off. And from that viewpoint, the hardest and most intimate of difficulties are related with brutal honesty. Raymond’s book has kick-started a much need conversation about prostate cancer and by sharing so honestly he has helped others on that journey. He also pushed the door open on the need for men to find ways to talk and seek support following a cancer diagnosis and treatment. As Raymond lives a life beyond cancer he has reached back, through his writing, to help others who follow in his footsteps.’
– Norah Casey (2020 - Ireland)
“Nothing’s so bad that it couldn’t be worse” is definitely a saying that could apply to this eponymous book by Raymond Poole @Aladinsane40 Searingly honest, I especially urge men to read ..it is a call to “the emotionally constipated Irish male “ to talk about health taboos. – Joe Duffy (2020 – Ireland)
‘Raymond Poole’s book spoke to me, it let me know that I wasn’t alone on this journey. Because of his bravery in talking about his life, Cancer and the never spoken about side effects of Prostate Cancer. Too many men that suffer in silence, shame and embarrassment would benefit greatly from reading it and knowing that, Nothing’s So Bad That It Couldn’t Be Worse. It’s an inspiring and uplifting read.’ – Bill Kelly (2020 – Ireland)
‘I love the brutally honest way Raymond speaks about his cancer journey. It really spoke to my heart. If you’ve ever questioned your ability to overcome life’s challenges, and let’s face it we all do, you will take something from this personal and engaging read.’ – James Sweetman (2020 - Ireland)
“A fantastic friend and author of this amazing book that I will treasure for the rest of my life. This book will open your mind to every emotion imaginable. You will laugh out loud and even cry. The strength this brave gentleman shared of his childhood abuse, losing both his parents and on top of that learning how to live his life through cancer. He is my absolute hero. Raymond you are a hero.” – Angelina McDonnell (2020 – Ireland)
‘Powerful, funny, sad and a joyous triumph of human spirit. Raymond shares his life challenges in such an intimate manner it allows you feel part of his journey.’ – Vicky Phelan (2020 - Ireland)
“Nothing's So Bad That It Couldn't Be Worse,” - A searingly honest look at life, through the eyes of a man dealing with a cancer diagnosis. A veritable wealth of advice on life. One of the few books I've ever read from cover to cover.’ – John Wall (2020 - Ireland)
‘Raymond Poole’s book - with the perfect title for our times - is an invitation to join this generous, wise, positive and warm family man on a challenging but uplifting journey. We highly recommend that you buy a copy for both yourself and a good cause.’ – Stephen Bradley & Deirdre O’Kane (2020 - Ireland)
‘@Aladinsane40 “Your friendship is something I will always cherish “ Raymond’s words on my autographed copy of this wonderful book a journey through life, hurt, illness and tremendous courage, thank you Ray for your friendship and thank you for sharing your journey – Quality.’ – Jim Corcoran (2020 – Ireland)
“A dear friend wrote this book which I thought was only about his experience with prostate cancer. Boy was I wrong, it’s so much more. It’s a beautifully written book about how his early life experiences affected his responses to adversities in his adult life and how he is dealing with them now. I truly enjoyed this book. You can get a copy at www.raymondpoole.com/book All proceeds are donated to UNICEF. Which I find extremely generous as I'm sure that it took a great deal of time to write and promote his book. Order yours now, you won’t be disappointed.” – Eileen Martin (2020 – USA)
"Reading Ray’s incredible life story it is easy to be struck by his bravery and honesty, in simply opening up and sharing his life this way. As a mother to two sons I felt very moved and really connected with Ray’s love & admiration for his own beautiful mother. My own mother was a strong willed woman who taught me so much about dealing with life and it was so lovely to read the pride and love that runs through the book when Ray writes about his mother, Mary. We can always learn from others, which is just one reason why Ray’s book is so special." – Joan Daly (2020 – Ireland)
"Nothing's So Bad That It Couldn't Be Worse" is a book about what it means to be human; to feel pain, to feel loss, to endure and ultimately to find peace. Cancer is not a battle to be fought or won. It can be a gateway to understanding ourselves better. Raymond has written a book that is honest and that will, I have no doubt, help many as they struggle with serious illness and begin to understand themselves better. The world is a better place for having this book in it. – Denise Breen (2020 – Ireland)
‘Nothings so bad it couldn’t be worse - The beautifully written, most reflective and thought provoking story laid bare I’ve read in a long time, Raymond’s book summed up his courage to write something so personal yet eloquently put. Everybody has a story to tell it’s not something we haven’t seen before, but his way in which he captured his life in those pages the very essence of life, the being of humanity in learning to live from the depths of despair in love and loss truly breathtaking. Revealing himself in moments of life- his self-teaching and restoring hope freeing himself from the shackles was incredible, a story everyone should read - Ray my friend thank you for sharing your life your story and your love. – Niamh Ni Rian (2020 – Ireland)
“Nothing’s So Bad That It Couldn’t Be Worse, is a must-read, deeply philosophical, humorous, and thought-provoking account of Raymond’s triumphs and challenges living and coping with prostate cancer. A great read for men and their loved ones.” - Gogs Gagnon (2020 – Canada)
“Raymond takes you on a journey from his early childhood to the present day, outlining his trials and tribulations as he deals with love and abuse. Raymond makes you feel as if you’re walking with him on his journey, you get to experience his ups and downs as if you were there. Written with humour and seriousness you’ll laugh and cry with Raymond. The main reason for putting his thoughts in a book is to elevate awareness of a serious male illness, while using the revenue from the sales to support UNICEF, a worthy organization.” – Reid Martin (2020 – USA)
“Just finished this book by the incredible Raymond Poole. His bravery and strength to tell this truly difficult story of his lifes journey has inspired me no end. Couldn't recommend this more, in addition all proceeds go directly to Unicef, well done Ray.” - Stephen Teap (2020 – Ireland)
“Congrats Raymond - as Vicky Phelan said it’s a wonderful powerful display of the human spirit...yours.” – Miriam O’Callaghan (2020 – Ireland)
“Sometimes we discover something that changes our perspectives in life. Something that makes us realize that even the worst experiences, suffering and injustices do not define who we are. We are defined by how we choose to love, to accept, to forgive, to share, to fight and to keep moving forward. I discovered it in the pages of this amazing man's life story. Told with courage, honesty and a great sense of humour. A genuinely good and lovely person. It both broke my heart and made me laugh out loud while giving me a lot of food for thought on my own journey in life so far. I've no doubt it will comfort me in tough days to come. I knew by the end of the first few pages I would send copies to my mom and my sister, we are a family of book lovers and this is honestly one of the best books I've ever come across... too wonderful not to share! Not to mention all proceeds go to UNICEF Ireland so this book is a gift in more ways than one. Thank you Raymond for sharing your life and your loved ones with us. ❤” – Roberta Horgan (2020 – Ireland)
‘Thank you Raymond for such an honest account of your life. Butterflies have a very special meaning in my life also. I admire your strength & the way you put your own challenges, pain & mental suffering in to words to highlight & educate others.’ – Brigid Sharpe (2020 – Ireland)
“So this is a book, recounting not only a tough #life #journey but it’s also laden with fabulous snippets of #poetry, #quotes and rich #threads of #resilience, #mentalstrength & #overcoming. The fact that he donates the proceeds 2 @unicefireland is just awesome.” – Breda McCague (2020 – Ireland)