Lupus [Paperback]

Suzy Szasz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1995

This work is a courageous account of living with a chronic illness, a powerful lesson in self-determination, and a personal declaration of independence.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Since she was 13, Szasz, a librarian, now 34, has except for occasional remissions suffered from lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Here, she shows that by managing her ailment she has assumed responsibility for her life. Although this inspiring narrative inevitably concerns the medical crises and treatments the author underwent--often at odds with physicians--Szasz is justifiably proud of earning honors in high school, college and graduate school. Though driven to contemplate suicide by physical setbacks and the breakup of a love affair, she has always rallied, thanks to her fervent belief in "always having occasions and goals ahead of me."
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Szasz, an academic reference librarian, has written a mesmerizing account of her life as a sufferer of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or lupus. She offers it as a counterpoint to accounts of people who have overcome medical or psychological tragedies and have returned to normal health. Szasz's life stopped being normal with her diagnosis at age 13. She will always be sick. She shares what she has learned in her 20 years as a chronically ill person: become as educated about the condition and its treatment as possible; choose doctors carefully and work with them, not against them; remain as independent as you possibly can; understand and be prepared for the financial battles; keep your mind active; and do as much as you can. One is impressed throughout the book with Szasz's intelligence, her willpower, and her joy in life's pleasures. "Life really is a crapshoot," she writes, and it is clear that Szasz has made the most of what she was thrown. Highly recommended for popular health collections.
- Barbara Keen, Spokane Community Coll. Lib., Wash.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 1 edition (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573920231
• ISBN-13: 978-1573920230
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,800,833 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Lupus

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me learn to live with a chronic illness., October 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Lupus (Paperback)

I think it took a lot of courage for Ms. Szasz to write this book. It really delves into her past personal life and shows a person how to try and deal with life on a day to day basis. Having a chronic illness is no piece of cake and to me when I read about her getting up and going to work everyday and trying to live as normal a life as possible, it encouraged me to do the same. Some may say that it gives readers a sense that they will go through exactly what the author has, but if the patient has been properly educated by their physician that shouldn't happen. By the time I finished her book, like one other stated I felt that I just said goodbye to a close friend and also 'Thank You'. Thank you, not only for showing me that you can live a normal life, but in all honesty, you should without ever lowering your expectations or changing your dreams.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Although sometimes alarming, this is an arresting book, July 19, 1998

By 

renatae33 (Midwest USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lupus (Paperback)

Ms. Szasz' journey with lupus is decidedly atypical, and could unduly alarm many who suffer from lupus. Yet, her pluckiness and approach to her illness can help the faint of heart advocate for themselves in dealing with their illness and with their physicians. Although I often felt that her relational functionings left something to be desired, and felt this was a book I wouldn't want to own, in the end, I had formed an affection for her. I often remember and savor the lessons I learned and her wry wit. Finishing the book was like saying goodbye to an enigmatic friend who has lived life with bravery and zest, and who taught you a few flourishes along the way..

This is not a book which details symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of lupus, but rather, as the author states, a book about what it is like to live daily with a chronic illness whose effects are not readily apparent nor understood by those who surround its target.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart woman, strong character, March 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Living With It: Why You Don't Have to Be Healthy to Be Happy (Hardcover)

This book is highly recommendable for anyone who has to contend with disease and physicians, which is most of us. Suzy Szasz, daughter of the brilliant psychiatrist-philosopher Thomas Szasz, contends with the vicissitudes of health and life intelligently and gracefully. Despite her debilitating condition she isn't debilitated: she doesn't become the obligatory American victim. Some readers will resent her relentless stand against personal adversity since it tilts against the modern American spirit. Others will admire her and take away the unspoken lessons of her quiet courage. You will find no whining in this book and no scapegoating. There is an implicit warning, though: you had better be armed with knowledge before you hand yourself over to the doctors. Your interests may not be identical to theirs