Books matching: terminal diagnosis
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- #1
Save:"Ashley Bell" is a complex, imaginative, and deeply layered thriller - with plenty of Koontz’s signature quirks. It’s memorable, unique, and divisive - some will devour every twist, others may find it a bit much. Recommended for readers who like their mysteries with a side of mind-bending strangeness.
'Ashley Bell' by Dean Koontz follows the story of Bibi Blair, a young writer who miraculously survives inoperable brain cancer and is informed that she must save someone named Ashley Bell from an evil man. As Bibi embarks on a mission to find Ashley, she encounters mystical and worldly threats, twists, and turns that keep readers guessing. The plot is filled with mystery, suspense, fantasy, imagination, and elements of the occult, creating an intense and enthralling narrative that spans over 590 pages.
The year that Bibi Blair turned ten, which was twelve years before Death came calling on her, the sky was a grim vault of sorrow nearly every day from January through mid-March, and the angels cried d...2014•676 pages - #2
Save:A sharp, insightful, and darkly funny look at family, money, and ambition in Silicon Valley - perfect if you like your drama high-stakes and your characters flawed. Not everyone is lovable, but the ride is worth it for those who enjoy messy, complicated families.
Family Trust by Kathy Wang is a comedy of manners set in Silicon Valley, focusing on the Huang family - Stanley, his ex-wife Linda, their children Fred and Kate, and Stanley's second wife Mary. The story revolves around the impending death of Stanley due to pancreatic cancer, leaving his family in the dark about his net worth and inheritance plans. The book delves into the dynamics of immigrant families, their struggles, and the pursuit of the American dream, all while exploring themes of greed, family disputes, and expectations.
It had begun six months earlier, the first time he grew concerned about his weight. He’d arrived home to San Jose via shared shuttle bus—the concluding act to his latest vacation, a two-week pleasure...October 2018•407 pages - #3
Save:A thoughtful, quirky look at personal change and empathy, blending serious issues with a touch of humor. Not everyone will warm to its protagonist, but it’s a rewarding read for those who like fiction that challenges perceptions and makes you think.
'The Empathy Problem' by Gavin Extence follows the story of Gabriel, a wealthy hedge fund manager diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. As Gabriel faces his mortality, his behavior changes, and he begins to question his morals and ethics. The novel delves into fundamental issues of humanity, economic equality, and empathy, blending wit and humor to explore the impact of consumerism on society. Through Gabriel's interactions with various characters, including the love interest Caitlin, the book portrays a character-driven narrative that challenges preconceptions and prompts self-reflection.
August 2016•416 pages A poignant, poetic memoir on living and dying that will stay with you long after the last page - best suited for those ready to embrace both beauty and heartbreak.
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...June 2017•329 pages- #5
Save:A brief but powerful read - thoughtful, moving, and unexpectedly hopeful. Perfect for anyone seeking consolation, inspiration, or a reminder to savor the present moment.
'Gratitude' by Oliver Sacks is a collection of four short essays written by the author during the last two years of his life after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The essays reflect on life, mortality, and the importance of gratitude, all written in a calm, beautifully introspective style. Sacks shares his reflections on a life well-lived, his imminent mortality, and the peace and grace he finds in facing death.
The book offers a poignant and uplifting look at how Oliver Sacks navigates his terminal diagnosis with gratitude and optimism, focusing on the beauty and love he has experienced throughout his life. Through introspective essays, Sacks inspires readers to appreciate the small moments, reflect on the meaning of life, and find peace in the face of mortality.
Elements and birthdays have been intertwined for me since boyhood, when I learned about atomic numbers. At eleven, I could say “I am sodium” (element 11), and now at seventy-nine, I am gold. A few yea...November 2015•64 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully subtle, quietly powerful novel about life's last chapter, perfect for fans of thoughtful, slow-paced fiction - just don't expect fireworks or easy answers.
'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...February 2013•333 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Plainsong ) - #7
Save:A brutally honest and deeply insightful memoir that’s not always easy to read but impossible to forget - a must for those drawn to stories about resilience, mortality, and what it means to truly live.
Julie Yip Williams, a Harvard educated lawyer, shares her journey of being diagnosed with late-stage cancer in her late 30s and her subsequent battle with the disease. Despite her affluent life, she delves into her past of dire poverty in Vietnam and her struggles with congenital cataracts. The book highlights her determination to live life on her terms, facing her impending death with courage and honesty. Readers are taken through her emotional rollercoaster of treatments, family dynamics, and reflections on life and mortality.
When I was two months old, my parents, on orders from my paternal grandmother, took me to an herbalist in Da Nang and offered the old man gold bars to give me a concoction that would make me sleep for...February 2019•363 pages - #8
Save:A whimsical, life-affirming classic about daring to live on your own terms - perfect for when you need a dose of courage or a cozy escape.
"The Blue Castle" by L.M. Montgomery follows the story of Valancy Stirling, a 29-year-old woman who, upon receiving a terminal heart diagnosis, decides to break free from her repressive life and live on her own terms. The novel explores themes of independence, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. Set in Canada during the early 1900s, the book features lush descriptions of nature and a charming small-town setting. Through Valancy's journey, readers witness her growth from a meek and submissive individual to a courageous and confident woman who dares to defy societal norms.
Valancy's blossoming romance with Barney Snaith, her newfound courage to speak her mind, and her defiance of family expectations are central to the plot. The writing style is described as charming, heartwarming, and insightful, with a focus on character development and the contrast between Valancy's old life and her newfound freedom. The novel is praised for its ability to evoke emotions, its engaging storytelling, and its uplifting message of hope and empowerment.
If it had not rained on a certain May morning Valancy Stirling’s whole life would have been entirely different. She would have gone, with the rest of her clan, to Aunt Wellington’s engagement picnic a...1926•235 pages - #9
Save:A moving, beautifully written memoir that explores life, death, purpose, and the human spirit - guaranteed to make you reflect on what really matters. Highly recommended, especially for fans of introspective nonfiction.
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...January 2016•244 pages - #10
Save:The Presence of Absence by Simon Van Booy is a reflective novel that explores the interplay between life, death, and storytelling. It follows Max Little, a young author in a Manhattan hospital, who is grappling with a fatal diagnosis. The narrative unfolds through self-referential storytelling, as Van Booy, positioned as Max's fan, seeks to arrange the fragmented notes of the late author into a cohesive work. The first part of the book recounts Max's memories in descending order, while the second part delves deeper into themes of love and existence through poetic language and existential musings.
Van Booy's writing is both accessible and profound, captivating readers with its beauty and depth. His skillful use of language creates a tapestry of emotional resonance, inviting readers to savor each sentence. The novel is rich with universal themes and invites contemplation on life's transience. Readers may find themselves reflecting on their own experiences with loss and love, making it a transformative read. The Presence of Absence stands out not just for its narrative, but also for how it effectively captures the communal nature of storytelling.
Most readers expect some crisis in a story’s first pages. The idea being that if you keep reading, the narrator has succeeded in distracting you long enough to forget you exist outside the book, where...November 2022•184 pages
