The Chronic Illness Experience: Embracing the Imperfect Life (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Thank God, I'm not crazy..." (more)
Key Phrases: sickly kid, chronically ill people, Phyllis Mueller, Susan Alm, Gloria Murphy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This penetrating and inspiring book probes the psychological and emotional aspects of chronic illness and reveals how those who endure adversity ultimately achieve meaningful live. It eloquently demonstrates that happiness and fulfillment are not exclusive preserves of the healthy.

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: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #862,289 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 65 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

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.

34 of 35 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 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.

20 of 21 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

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.