I grew up as a well-sibling and caregiver–my sister and brother both had cystic fibrosis. I promised my sister I would die with her, but instead she taught me how to live. While I was writing a book about my perspective on that experience (Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister’s Memoir),
these books were on my reading list. Whether you are a patient or a care giver, I hope they will be a light and a comfort to you, as they have been to me.
1. To Begin Again: The Journey Toward Comfort, Strength, and Faith in Difficult Times by Rabbi Naomi LevyThis book has become a bible of sorts for both my mother and me. When Rabbi Levy was a teenager, her father was murdered. Her spiritual journey from that point on has become bread for our own, whether it is illness, loss or any other difficulty we face. She really does reach out to us with comfort, faith and strength through this book. |
|
2. Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life by Phillip Simmons Poetic and practical, this journal of a man dealing with the ever increasing limitations of Lou Gehrig’s disease is a roadmap to our own spiritual and emotional freedom. |
|
3. Close to the Bone: Life Threatening Illness and the Search for Meaning by Jean Shinoda BolenEnlightenment is power. The compassionate yet straightforward approach to illness (especially cancer) by this Jungian psychologist is both enlightening and powerful. |
|
4. Healing Through the Dark Emotions: The Wisdom of Grief, Fear, and Despair by Miriam Greenspan Whether patient or caregiver, the Dark Emotions are huge part of any illness. We’re often overwhelmed by and ashamed of those feelings. Miriam Greenspan helps us use the dark to see the light. |
|
5. God Is at Eye Level: Photography as a Healing Art by Jan Phillips You may be surprised to see this book in here but as a tool for the despairing soul, the act and art of photography, and the way Jan teaches us to use it, can be powerfully healing. |
|
6. Spirituality, Suffering, and Illness: Ideas for Healing by Lorraine M. Wright, R.N., PhDThis holistic assessment tool is an in-depth, step-by-step, practical guide to starting conversations about spirituality with patients and their families in order to encourage healing and diminish or alleviate emotional, physical, and/or spiritual suffering. |
|
7. A Year to Live: How to Live This Year as If It Were Your Last by Stephen LevineHelps you to find or re-establish your commitment to life, even in the midst of illness, dying or turmoil. |
|
8. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklMy sister’s template for how she lived the last years of her young life was taken from this book. Although it’s the story of his years in a Nazi concentration camp, it’s ultimately about finding your power in a situation where you appear to be powerless. A mighty metaphor for those dealing with a life-threatening illness. |
|
9. When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron Really helps you to re-frame your experience. Lots of food for thought; a very compassionate book. A Buddhist perspective on coping that’s approachable from any spiritual background. |
|
10. Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema ChodronIf there are two must haves when facing serious illness it’s fearlessness and compassion. Pema gets you there with 108 short lessons that you can read again and again, in any order. A book to carry around in your handbag! |
0 like
Permalink: http://www.vibrantnation.com/love-it-lists/top-10-books-for-caregivers/
I hope you like the results you get. I am still using it since this original post from a couple of months ago. I am quite pleased. I have tried & discarded enough cosmetics to stock a small store. LOL
I agree you shouldn't "keep reading" but I don't believe in moving on to the next chapter if I speed-read the last one without comprehending it. Then I agree, move on, the better for having analyzed. Sometimes we stick with the old chapters because t
add your responses
0 Responses
Stay in touch with the conversation. Subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.
You must be logged in to post a comment.