Books matching: terminal cancer diagnosis
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- #1
'Benediction' by Kent Haruf is set in Holt, Colorado, and revolves around the impending death of Dad Lewis, the owner of a hardware store. The novel delves into the lives of those who surround Dad in his final days, including his wife, daughter, neighbors, and the local minister. The story portrays the reflections, regrets, and relationships of the characters as they navigate through the challenges of life and death in a small town setting. Kent Haruf's writing style is described as spare, realistic, and evocative, capturing the ethos of a place and the ordinary yet profound lives of the characters.
WHEN THE TEST came back the nurse called them into the examination room and when the doctor entered the room he just looked at them and asked them to sit down. They could tell by the look on his face ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Plainsong ) - #2
In "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, readers are taken on a poignant journey through the author's experiences as a neurosurgeon facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. The book beautifully captures Kalanithi's reflections on life, death, and the pursuit of meaning amidst his battle with illness. Through eloquent writing and a blend of medical insights, personal anecdotes, and literary references, Kalanithi shares his profound thoughts on mortality, resilience, and the importance of living purposefully even in the face of imminent death.
PAUL DIED ON MONDAY, March 9, 2015, surrounded by his family, in a hospital bed roughly two hundred yards from the labor and delivery ward where our daughter, Cady, had entered the world eight months ... "Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted" by Suleika Jaouad is a raw and emotional memoir that chronicles the author's journey through a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 22. The readers are taken through the brutal realities of cancer, the mental anguish, and the impact it has on relationships. Suleika's writing style is described as introspective, inspiring, and thought-provoking, offering insights into her struggles and triumphs with courage and resilience. also delves into her 100-day road trip across the US to meet people who reached out to her during her illness, highlighting themes of hope, resilience, and the search for joy and creativity amidst adversity.
IT BEGAN WITH an itch. Not a metaphorical itch to travel the world or some quarter-life crisis, but a literal, physical itch. A maddening, claw-at-your-skin, keep-you-up-at-night itch that surfaced du...- #4
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald is a memoir that intertwines the author's journey through grief after the loss of her father with her experience of training a goshawk named Mabel. The book also delves into the life of author T.H. White and his struggles with training a goshawk, providing a parallel narrative to Macdonald's own story. Through eloquent prose and vivid descriptions, Macdonald navigates the complexities of falconry, personal loss, and self-discovery, creating a compelling narrative that blends elements of memoir, biography, and nature writing.
FORTY-FIVE MINUTES north-east of Cambridge is a landscape I’ve come to love very much indeed. It’s where wet fen gives way to parched sand. It’s a land of twisted pine trees, burned-out cars, shotgun-... Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow by Elizabeth Lesser is a deeply impactful book that shares personal journeys of growth and resilience during challenging times. The author weaves together stories of spiritual transformation and self-discovery, offering profound insights and wisdom to the readers. Lesser's writing style is described as beautiful and insightful, dropping nuggets of wisdom that resonate with readers on a profound level. The book delves into themes of personal growth, resilience, and finding strength in the face of adversity, making it a powerful guide for those navigating difficult life transitions.
When Route 25 leaves the mountains of northern New Mexico, the city of Albuquerque appears suddenly like a mirage—a slice of strip-mall America shimmering on a flat shelf of ancient desert. In all my ...- #6
"Man's Search for Meaning" by author Viktor E. Frankl is a compelling memoir that delves into the author's experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, providing a clear-sighted view of the shared humanity amidst inhumane conditions. Frankl finds meaning in suffering, dignity in death, and value in surviving, encapsulating his belief that the fundamental purpose of life is the search for meaning. Through his narrative, he explores the universal quest for meaning in everyday life, showcasing how individuals can find relief and salvation in their inner spiritual world.
This transformative book not only recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences in the concentration camps but also introduces readers to the concept of logotherapy, a psychological method aimed at finding purpose and meaning in life even in the face of unavoidable suffering. Frankl's insights into the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of finding meaning in life, and the power of choice in shaping one's attitude towards circumstances make this book a poignant exploration of the human condition and the pursuit of purpose.
ON JANUARY 27, 2006, the sixty-first anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, where 1.5 million people died, nations around the world observed the first International Holocaust Remem... The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying by Nina Riggs is a poignant and intimate exploration of the author's final year living with metastatic breast cancer. The book chronicles Nina's journey through illness, treatment, and facing mortality with grace and humor, all while balancing the roles of a mother, wife, and daughter. Nina's writing style is described as beautifully written, meditative, and thoughtful, capturing the everyday moments of beauty and sweetness amidst the heartbreaking reality of her situation.
The call comes when John is away at a conference in New Orleans. Let’s not linger on the thin light sifting into our bedroom as I fold laundry, the last leaves shivering on the willow oak outside—prep...- #8
'Broken People' by Sam Lansky is a deeply introspective novel that follows the journey of the protagonist, Sam, as he navigates through self-doubt, self-destructive behavior, and ultimately towards self-acceptance and healing. The narrative delves into themes of mental health, addiction, relationships, and personal growth, all while exploring the complexities of one's sense of self and the impact of memory on one's life choices. The author's writing style is described as raw, honest, and emotionally compelling, drawing readers into Sam's world and evoking strong emotions through his vivid storytelling.
This was how it began: casually, not as a grand pronouncement framed as a life-changing event, but just an off-the-cuff remark, and later Sam would wonder how his life might have gone if he hadn’t ove... - #9
'All Adults Here' by Emma Straub follows the life of Astrid Strick, a widow living in upstate New York, who reevaluates her life choices and parenting mistakes after witnessing the death of a friend. The story delves into contemporary topics such as family dynamics, parenting, gender identity, bullying, and relationships through the perspectives of a diverse cast of characters, including Astrid's three adult children and her granddaughter. The narrative style alternates between different voices, providing insight into each character's struggles and growth as they navigate through life's challenges and revelations.
Astrid Strick had never liked Barbara Baker, not for a single day of their forty-year acquaintance, but when Barbara was hit and killed by the empty, speeding school bus at the intersection of Main an... - #10
The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro is a surreal and dream-like novel that follows the experiences of Ryder, a concert pianist who arrives in an unnamed Central European city for an important concert. The narrative jumps around like episodes in a dream, with geography bending to accommodate the story and characters appearing in nonsensical places. The characters Ryder meets are reflections of his friends, family, and various people from his past, creating a compressed timeline of his life within a few days. The book evokes a feeling of a dream that goes on and on, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
The novel is filled with absurd and bizarre events that are distorted and exaggerated reflections of real-life experiences. Readers are taken on a wobbling, shimmering journey through Ryder's world, where the narrative unfolds in a dream-like manner, with characters interacting in disjointed conversations and slipping through doors that lead to different locations. The book spans over 500 pages, creating a tiring yet intriguing read that challenges conventional storytelling and explores themes of identity, memory, and the relationship between the individual and society.
The taxi driver seemed embarrassed to find there was no one – not even a clerk behind the reception desk – waiting to welcome me. He wandered across the deserted lobby, perhaps hoping to discover a st...