The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life [Paperback]

Cheri Register (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

"An excellent book that demonstrates that it's our thoughts, not our body, that determine how much peace of mind we experience in life." ---Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D.

Though seldom visible, chronic illness remains a constant presence in the consciousness of those who live with it. This inspiring book probes the psychological and emotional realities of living with chronic illness. Based on the author's experience with Caroli's disease and interviews with people who live with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, diabetes, and asthma, this book reveals how people faced with chronic illness can achieve meaningful lives. Tracing the impact of such illness on emotional health, self-image, relationships, work habits, and aspirations, this book also offers a penetrating look at the etiquette of chronic illness, stigmatization, the good patient, and parenthood with limitations. According to Cheri Register, the chronic illness experience tells us a great deal about the basic human need to give life meaning--and as her book eloquently demonstrates, happiness and fulfillment are not the exclusive preserves of the healthy.

Cheri Register received her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Chicago. A writer and speaker, she lives in Minneapolis with her two daughters.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Author of The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life; Are Those Kids Yours? - a book about international adoption; Packinghouse Daughter: A Memoir, and many essays.Teacher of creative non-fiction writing at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. Experienced with chronic illness herself, having been born with Caroli's Syndrome, a rare congenital liver disease; a Ph.D. in Scandinavian Languages and Literatures from the University of Chicago; and mother of two daughters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Hazelden; 1 edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568383460
• ISBN-13: 978-1568383460
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #632,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book became my "bible", it spoke to my heart., June 30, 2000

By 

B.J. Cascio (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life (Paperback)

I have lived with a rare chronic illness scince age 5. I was given a used copy of the first edition of this book at age 19, my body was failing & the doctors didn't know what to do. I started reading and within the first few pages I felt a connection to people I will never know, the "characters" were real people, of all ages and diseases. It spoke of the frustration they feel when their bodies hurt, it explained that chronic illness does not only affect the afflicted but everyone around them; their families, friends, and the doctors. I read the words that I had always felt but couldn't find a adequate way to express them, it made me realize that I was not alone. This book is like a instant support group, letting you get to know these people in such a intimate way and at the same time allowing yourself to find the confidence to take control of your illness. There is no psyco-analyzing or "shrink" talk, these are real people speaking from their heart. The author compiles the chapters in such a way that the subjects never get monotonous, you never read the same topic twice. Anyone who lives with a chronic illness or has a loved one who does should read this book, it will open your eyes to this unspoken and misunderstood world of chronic illness. This book is honest, simply spoken and a easy read, get it..I am so glad I did.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Required Reading for one with a Chronic Illness!, June 19, 2001

By 

Kept Confidential (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life (Paperback)

This book can make you both smile and weep, as did its predessor, "Living With Chronic Illness." "The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life" is probably one of the most important books in my collection as I deal with chronic illness myself. I met the author in 1990 and heard her speak about the unique nature of rare and chronic diseases, and found myself nodding and smiling throughout her talk. If you are dealing with a chronic illness, you will re-read this book (or sections of it) for years as you experience different problems. I've marked mine up with yellow highlighter and underlining and have shared it with family members and friends to increase their knowledge and understanding of what it's REALLY like to live with a chronic illness.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On Target And Real, August 30, 2002

By 

Alice Clark (Atlanta, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life (Paperback)

As someone who deals with a couple of chronic illnesses I found this book refreshing practial and inspiring. It is packed with real life experiencies and what can be learned from them.
This book made me laugh, taught me things and relieved me that someone else felt like I feel. I highly recomend this book for not only chronically ill individuals but family, friends, interested parties and medical professionals.