5 Book Recommendations for Women Living with Chronic Illness
Books are a great way to find comfort when it comes to chronic conditions. A 2016 study by the University of Liverpool showed that when people read together and talked about what they read in a supportive group, it made them feel happier and reduced their pain after only 2 days. They even suggested that this shared reading may be a helpful treatment for people with chronic pain.
We hope that these books will offer comfort, hope, camaraderie, and valuable insights into life with a chronic illness. So, grab a cup of tea or coffee and dive into these reads!
These recommendations do not contain any affiliate links or paid promotions.
1. Chasing My Cure: A Doctor’s Race to Turn Hope into Action by David Fajgenbaum
Chasing My Cure is a powerful memoir that follows the author’s journey to save his own life and revolutionize the way we approach medical research. Fajgenbaum’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of community.
2. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova Bailey
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is a beautiful meditation on the small wonders of life, as the author learns to appreciate the company of a tiny snail while bedridden with a mysterious illness. Bailey’s story is a testament to the healing power of nature and the importance of finding joy in the little things.
3. The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O’Rourke
Author Meghan O’Rourke traces the history of Western definitions of illness, and reveals how inherited ideas of cause, diagnosis, and treatment have led us to ignore a host of hard-to-understand medical conditions, ones that resist easy description or simple cures. The Invisible Kingdom offers hope for the sick, solace and insight for their loved ones, and a radical new understanding of our bodies and our health.
4. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
The Comfort Book is a collection of essays, stories, and insights that offer solace, inspiration, and perspective on the challenges of life. Haig’s book is a warm and friendly companion for anyone seeking comfort and connection in difficult times.
5. Part of You, Not All of You: Shared Wisdom and Guided Journaling for Life with Chronic Illness by Jenneh Rishe
Part of You, Not All of You is a guided journal for those with chronic illness. It includes positive affirmations, journaling activities, personal reflections from others with chronic illness, and more. This book offers a good starting place to begin self-care journaling.
Reading helps to reduce stress and anxiety and takes your mind away from other things happening in your environment. Cultivating a quiet space to focus and be present in the moment promotes mindfulness. Reading and mindfulness can overlap in terms of emotion regulation, stress and the benefits on the brain.
