12 must-read books for cancer patients and survivors
As the year comes to an end, we’ve gathered a diverse selection of books that have resonated with cancer patients and survivors over the past 12 months. You may recognize some titles from our previous book clubs, but we’ve also included a couple of new additions.
This collection offers memoirs, fiction, non-fiction, and educational reads, providing a wide range of perspectives on a diagnosis. Each book offers a unique lens on navigating cancer, making them perfect for reflection, inspiration, or just a moment of connection.
See the list below.
1) Too Young for Cancer by Katie Coleman
This powerful memoir recounts Katie Coleman’s stage IV cancer diagnosis after years of being dismissed and told her symptoms stemmed from anxiety. As a young adult and new wife during the pandemic, Coleman details her gripping experience with a rare diagnosis and the high-risk surgery that could change her life.
2) A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles by Mary Elizabeth Williams
A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles by Mary Elizabeth Williams captures her metastatic melanoma diagnosis and her experience going through a cutting-edge, immunotherapy clinical trial. As her cancer starts to respond well to treatment, Williams finds out her best friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Her story candidly explores the reality of a life-threatening condition and the power of resilience, healing connection, and love.
3) The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
Author Kelly Corrigan documents navigating breast cancer while also acting as a caregiver to her father, who was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. The time period during actively raising your children while also caring for aging parents is often referred to as the “sandwich generation.” The Middle Place explores the emotional and physical complexities of operating in that space while experiencing a serious illness.
4) Wit: A Play by Margaret Edson
A Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Wit captures the story of Vivian Bearing, a literature professor diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Throughout the play, Vivian undergoes advanced treatment and reflects on her life and mortality. The drama explores the profound intersection of kindness, arrogance, ego, and compassion in the face of illness.
5) The Dog Lived (and So Will I) by Teresa Rhyne
In this bestselling book, Teresa Rhyne tells the story of her recently adopted beagle’s battle with cancer, just as she receives a breast cancer diagnosis herself. The memoir recounts the duo’s emotional and medical stages with cancer and highlights the power of courage, friendship, and hope.
6) A Better Normal: Your Guide to Rediscovering Intimacy After Cancer by Tess Devèze
Sexuality clinician and cancer survivor Tess Devèze addresses the often-overlooked challenges cancer patients face with intimacy. This guide covers common treatment side effects including low libido, body image changes, and discomfort. Devèze offers practical, easy-to-follow strategies for rebuilding sexual connection and confidence. She shares tools to navigate side effects like dryness, pain, and fatigue, providing support for both individuals and couples.
7) Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
Through the personal stories of his patients and family, surgeon Atul Gawande examines the limitations of modern medicine and how it affects quality of life. Gawande combines his medical insights to advocate for more honest patient-doctor conversations, emphasizing the importance of patient autonomy.
8) Living With Terminal Lung Cancer: A Story of Hope by William Schuette
Diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer, this book captures Schuette’s experience as a lung cancer patient and clinical trial participant. Initially given the prognosis of “six to two years to live,” William’s treatment pivoted to include ALK drugs. He’s now able to follow his dreams of traveling the world and has documented every step in this inspiring memoir.
9) Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg
Talk Before Sleep is a novel that intricately captures the close friendship between two women with contrasting personalities: Ann and Ruth. When one friend is diagnosed with breast cancer, the other steps up to support her without question. The book is a beautiful tribute to the unconditional love friendships provide and is an uplifting option if you’re looking for a fiction book.
10) Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal, 10th Anniversary Edition by Rachel Naomi Remen
A recommended “must read” by Deepak Chopra, M.D., this New York Times-bestseller collection of true stories that focus on shared experiences such as suffering, love, faith, and miracles, through the lens of a therapist who’s also a long-term survivor of chronic illness.
11) In-Between Days by Teva Harrison
Author Teva Harrison documents her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer at the age of 37 through a series of short personal essays and comic illustrations. As a lifelong vegetarian, Harrison candidly shares her struggles with identity as she agrees to use experimental drugs that have been tested on animals as part of her treatment. Her book articulates the daily emotional complexities of a terminal illness and how to navigate the good days, the bad days, and all the days in between.
12) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The Art of Racing in the Rain is narrated by a dog named Enzo, who observes his owner, Denny, navigate different life challenges including his wife’s battle with cancer and parenting. This uplifting story captures the essence of family, loyalty, and unconditional love.
If there are books you’d like to see us highlight in the upcoming months, send us an email to feedback@outcomes4me.com.
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