April Book Club: Inspiring books of the month
For April, we have five fresh book recommendations curated for cancer patients and survivors. This month’s reads feature uplifting stories told through the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and survivors.
Find these titles at your local library, or bookstore, or on the Libby app for a chance to read them for free.
1) Open Heart, Warrior Spirit by Trevor Maxwell
Recommended by one of our community members, Open Heart, Warrior Spirit offers a firsthand account of the unique internal struggles men face after a cancer diagnosis. Drawing from his own experience, Maxwell provides practical guidance on how to “be the CEO” of your healthcare decisions and explores the significance of prioritizing mental health.
2) Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner
Crying in H-Mart is a powerful memoir that captures Michelle Zauner’s path to finding her identity after her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Zauner recounts her challenging childhood growing up as a Korean American in Eugene, Oregon and the memories she shared with her mother over plates of Korean food during their trips to visit her grandmother in Seoul. It’s through food and recipes, Zauner reclaims her Korean roots and heritage that her mother had given her.
3) The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
To pass the time in waiting rooms during cancer treatment, Mary Anne Schwalbe and her son Will talked about the current books they were reading. When, by chance, they both spoke of the same novel, a book club between the two was formed. The End of Your Life Book Club is a son’s uplifting ode to his mother’s life and an exploration of how reading connects us to the world.
4) Bald is Better with Earrings by Andrea Hutton
Andrea Hutton threw herself into educating herself on breast cancer after her diagnosis, but the information couldn’t prepare her for the obstacles that were ahead. Bald is Better with Earrings is a practical, compassionate, and encouraging guide for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, providing valuable tips on navigating the emotional and physical challenges of a diagnosis.
5) Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved by Kate Bowler
Kate Bowler finds herself questioning the notion of “everything happens for a reason” and the prosperity gospel after being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. She comes to realize that no amount of positive thinking will cure her cancer, leading to a thought-provoking and introspective retelling of her life through a nuanced lens. Everything Happens for a Reason is an authentic and honest memoir exploring hope, faith, and mortality.
Have you found the words of a particular author or storyteller helpful? Leave us a note, or let us know if there’s a book you’d like to see highlighted during the upcoming months of our Book Club.
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