Medical Memoirs

There are thousands and thousands of families and individuals dealing with devastating physical or mental conditions which are chronic, life-changing, or long-term disorders. Most are kept private and only the bravest among us decide to publish their stories. It’s remarkable to me that some people have the strength and mental foresight not only to keep a record of their health struggles but then have the tenacity to write fascinating personal memoirs about how they coped and survived. Here are some of the recent best:

"Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy" by Geralyn Lucas (362.1969) is a charming, hilarious, yet very frank account of a 27-year-old’s battle with breast cancer. Even while losing her vibrancy and her looks, Geralyn’s journey will inspire anyone struggling with self-image or illness.

"Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr (616.994) is the written companion to Carr’s wonderful TLC TV documentary “Crazy Sexy Cancer”, composed after her diagnosis with rare liver tumors. She covers dating, sex, appearance, recipes, medical and holistic resources including young survivor support groups in this ultimately joyous memoir..

"Sick Girl" by Amy Silverstein (818.5) is fierce and provocative as it details the painful experiences of a young heart transplant recipient who now, at age 42, is a 17-year survivor. Silverstein chronicles her harrowing medical journey and readers can live her nightmare from the inside—an unforgettable and compelling experience.

"Never Give Up" by Tedy Bruschi (796.332) tells the inspiring story of the 31-year-old New England Patriot linebacker’s debilitating stroke, the surgery to repair a hole in his heart, his recovery, and eventual return, eight and a half months later, to the ranks of professional football. Go Pats #54!

"Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s" by John Elder Robison (362.196) tells the painful growing-up memoirs of a man who was not diagnosed with this highly-functioning type of autism until he was 40. Robison is Augusten Burroughs’s (“Running with Scissors”) brother so you may be already familiar with their dysfunctional family.

"My Lobotomy" by Howard Dully (617.481) heart-wrenchingly describes his 1960 brain surgery in which icepick-type instruments were inserted through his eye sockets to sever his frontal lobe and cure his supposed mental illness. Dully shows great courage in telling his story, especially about what drove his parents to such an unconscionable act.

"Born on a Blue Day" by Daniel Tammet (362.196) is an engaging and intriguing first-person account into the mind of a high-functioning, 27-year-old autistic savant. Tammet learned Icelandic in a single week and recited pi up to the 22,514th digit. He also experiences synesthesia, which enables him to experience numbers and words as shapes, colors, textures and motions.

"The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness" by Elyn R. Saks (616.898) is the gripping memoir of a life spent grappling with hallucinations, medications, and psychoses, and one woman’s path toward coming to terms with her schizophrenia. Saks overcame much to now lead a full life as a law professor.

We’re happy to add that all of these authors are doing well! Good health to all!