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How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide
Comfort, understanding, and advice for those who are suffering--and those who care for them.
Chronic illness creates many challenges, from career crises and relationship issues to struggles with self-blame, personal identity, and isolation. Beloved author Toni Bernhard addresses these challenges and many more, using practical examples to illustrate how mindfulness, equanimity, and compassion can help readers make peace with a life turned upside down.
In her characteristic conversational style, Bernhard shows how to cope and make the most of life despite the challenges of chronic illness. Benefit from:
• Mindfulness exercises to mitigate physical and emotional pain
• Concrete advice for negotiating the everyday hurdles of medical appointments, household chores, and social obligations
• Tools for navigating the strains illness can place on relationships
Several chapters are directed toward family and friends of the chronically ill, helping them to understand what their loved one is going through and how they can help.
Humorous and empathetic, Bernhard shares her own struggles and setbacks with unflinching honesty, offering invaluable support in the search to find peace and well-being.
Chronic illness creates many challenges, from career crises and relationship issues to struggles with self-blame, personal identity, and isolation. Beloved author Toni Bernhard addresses these challenges and many more, using practical examples to illustrate how mindfulness, equanimity, and compassion can help readers make peace with a life turned upside down.
In her characteristic conversational style, Bernhard shows how to cope and make the most of life despite the challenges of chronic illness. Benefit from:
• Mindfulness exercises to mitigate physical and emotional pain
• Concrete advice for negotiating the everyday hurdles of medical appointments, household chores, and social obligations
• Tools for navigating the strains illness can place on relationships
Several chapters are directed toward family and friends of the chronically ill, helping them to understand what their loved one is going through and how they can help.
Humorous and empathetic, Bernhard shares her own struggles and setbacks with unflinching honesty, offering invaluable support in the search to find peace and well-being.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
183 people are currently reading
1765 people want to read
About the author
Toni Bernhard
4 books224 followersI'm the author of four books: "How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide"; "How to Wake Up: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide to Navigating Joy and Sorrow"; "How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and their Caregivers" (now in a second edition); and my new book "How to Be Sick: Your Pocket Companion" due out in May, 2020. I am so excited about this Pocket Companion. It's both a guide for those who've read "How to Be Sick" and it's a stand-alone book! My popular blog, “Turning Straw Into Gold” is hosted on the website of Psychology Today. I can be found online at www.tonibernhard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 29, 2015
3.5 I am drawn to these books, searching for something I do not already know. This book is divided nicely into chapters dealing with different issues and suggestions, well written and easy to understand. Unfortunately while this did not provide me with any new information it did comfort me to know that many of the things I feel are normal and felt by many. Feelings, however, are feelings and are hard at times to put aside. A good book for those looking for answers or those with new struggles.
ARC from Netgalley.
ARC from Netgalley.
October 12, 2015
Contrary to what one might assume from the title, How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness is not just for those who live with lingering illness. This crisp, well written book was written from Bernhard's personal point of view—written on a laptop while in her bed. Bernhard does make the assumption that her audience is able to function to some extent. She points out that "we live in culture that repeatedly suggests that, with proper diet and lifestyle changes, no one need be sick and no one need be in pain." Among her numerous examples and suggestion on coping is using the internet to learn as much as possible about the illness, and, then following up by educating caregivers and friends. She emphasizes being honest about how one feels, not only with caregivers and friends, but with oneself. Bernhard found that she pushed herself too far often in the beginning of her illness. She reminds the reader to be conscious about the emotional pain and problems a family caregiver might experience.
A sampling of section headings gives an indication of the broad range of situation covered.
Skills to help with each day
Mindfulness; potent medicine for easing the symptoms of chronic illness
Responding wisely to troubling thoughts and emotions
Isolation and loneliness
Enjoy the life you have
For family, friends, caregivers and anyone concerned about chronic illness
There is no doubt, Bernhard says, that there will be times when one feels blue and when one longs for the past life free of pain. She gives us suggestions on how to use mindfulness and other techniques to bring oneself back to being fully present. "Although, I couldn't force my body to get better, I could heal my mind."
Bernhard has raised my consciousness about a possible future for myself, but even more importantly, about friends. A chapter which was very helpful to me is titled, "Oh, No! What the chronically ill hope others won't say." I'm guilty of the following: "You look great." I now know that when speaking to a friend with an on-going illness, it should be followed by, "And, how do you feel?" Physical appearances can be deceiving. For me, a lesson learned.
Bernhard addresses an important issue which occurs not only as we age, but sometimes with young people as well. Because she writes so well and clearly, anyone can learn from How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness.
by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
A sampling of section headings gives an indication of the broad range of situation covered.
Skills to help with each day
Mindfulness; potent medicine for easing the symptoms of chronic illness
Responding wisely to troubling thoughts and emotions
Isolation and loneliness
Enjoy the life you have
For family, friends, caregivers and anyone concerned about chronic illness
There is no doubt, Bernhard says, that there will be times when one feels blue and when one longs for the past life free of pain. She gives us suggestions on how to use mindfulness and other techniques to bring oneself back to being fully present. "Although, I couldn't force my body to get better, I could heal my mind."
Bernhard has raised my consciousness about a possible future for myself, but even more importantly, about friends. A chapter which was very helpful to me is titled, "Oh, No! What the chronically ill hope others won't say." I'm guilty of the following: "You look great." I now know that when speaking to a friend with an on-going illness, it should be followed by, "And, how do you feel?" Physical appearances can be deceiving. For me, a lesson learned.
Bernhard addresses an important issue which occurs not only as we age, but sometimes with young people as well. Because she writes so well and clearly, anyone can learn from How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness.
by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
October 11, 2015
This book is just right. As in correct.
It's not as radical as her first book--the title's prove that. The first one was "How to Be Sick," which is a disorienting statement; this one is about living well. But it is based on hard-won experience and is very worthwhile.
Indeed, this is probably a more complete book than the first one, and anyone new to chronic illness should read it. (I kept nodding at points she made, which I've experienced.) If you've had chronic illness for a while and are struggling--very worthwhile. It may be best, though, to give it to the people in your life, loved ones and caregivers, so that they might understand what's going on. Just as long as they don't then start nagging you to follow all of the advice.
The advice is good, and worth following, The reason this book may be a better introduction then her first book is because it is more comprehensive. But the book is also all about self-care and is very kind and compassionate, urging the reader not to berate him- or herself for failing. And not to take shit from others, which is very important.
It's not as radical as her first book--the title's prove that. The first one was "How to Be Sick," which is a disorienting statement; this one is about living well. But it is based on hard-won experience and is very worthwhile.
Indeed, this is probably a more complete book than the first one, and anyone new to chronic illness should read it. (I kept nodding at points she made, which I've experienced.) If you've had chronic illness for a while and are struggling--very worthwhile. It may be best, though, to give it to the people in your life, loved ones and caregivers, so that they might understand what's going on. Just as long as they don't then start nagging you to follow all of the advice.
The advice is good, and worth following, The reason this book may be a better introduction then her first book is because it is more comprehensive. But the book is also all about self-care and is very kind and compassionate, urging the reader not to berate him- or herself for failing. And not to take shit from others, which is very important.
January 4, 2020
As the author of this book, Toni Bernhard, also suffers from M.E, I felt a deep connection to this book and got a lot out of it. It dealt with all of the complications that come with living with a chronic illness, including how to deal with people’s attitudes and assumptions, as well as how to deal with it yourself as best as you can. Toni Bernhard shares the highs and lows of living with chronic illness and how to deal with it in a mindful, practical and compassionate manner. If you do suffer from a chronic illness, you’ll find this book extremely relatable, and it’ll be a comfort to know you are not alone.
July 22, 2018
When I was first diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, AKA the improperly named chronic fatigue syndrome, Toni Bernhard's first book, How to Be Sick, was tremendously helpful. And 8 years later, this third book of hers is just as relevant to me as that previous title I will likely have more thoughts on this book soon, but I recommend it for anyone trying to get through life as a chronically ill person, even if you think you "know" what to do. It also contains a lot of helpful reading for the caregivers, friends, and family members in a sick person's life. We're not going to get better, barring some advancement in medical science, so instead, let's find a way to make peace with our circumstances.
"It's impossible to write about chronic pain and illness without the subject of misconceptions coming up. The challenge of responding skillfully to the emotional pain of being misunderstood by those around us is a theme that runs throughout this book because it's a challenge that the chronically ill face at almost every turn."
July 6, 2015
These books have literally changed my life. I find it hard to adhere to all the changes in ways of thinking, but I am working on it!! These books are so worth it. Toni is a great inspiration.
* I received a free copy via Goodreads First Reads for review.
* I received a free copy via Goodreads First Reads for review.
June 4, 2023
Great resource about living with illness and pain and I appreciated that this book goes beyond the traditional advice of writing gratitude lists and meditating. The author herself suffers from a long standing viral illness and also suffered through breast cancer and other diseases, which has left her mostly bedridden. The book has chapters about many different things involving the pain community including being disabled and young, talking to doctors and caregivers, isolation and being lonely and how to take care of yourself. I really got a lot of her chapter on not comparing your old life to the current one and how we tend to put our old life on a pedestal which makes us feel hopeless about this one.
Each person with chronic pain is different with differing causes, levels of pain and mobility, resources and treatments. As someone with severe daily pain but more mobility than the author, I could appreciate that she understands all of us are different. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book but I should mention the author is coming from a place of privilege and was previously a dean at a law school so she likely has money and the contacts necessary to get numerous books published while many people with illness are on disability or rely on family members for support. There are some mindfulness chapters in the book as well as Buddhist principles which may or may not appeal to every reader. I would suggest this for all chronic pain sufferers.
Each person with chronic pain is different with differing causes, levels of pain and mobility, resources and treatments. As someone with severe daily pain but more mobility than the author, I could appreciate that she understands all of us are different. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book but I should mention the author is coming from a place of privilege and was previously a dean at a law school so she likely has money and the contacts necessary to get numerous books published while many people with illness are on disability or rely on family members for support. There are some mindfulness chapters in the book as well as Buddhist principles which may or may not appeal to every reader. I would suggest this for all chronic pain sufferers.
December 19, 2015
I don't give a lot of five star reviews. I'm really picky.
However, Bernhard's words are more comforting and soothing than the best cup of tea. She'll remind you of a kind mother cradling her child. Her advice and walk-through regarding meditation are great. I HATE MEDITATING. It's hard, damnit. And yet, Bernhard brings it about in such an approachable manner that I thought, "Maybe, I CAN do this..."
No bullshit. She knows where you're coming from.
She makes me feel like maybe this life can be easier. And that is worth it. This book was worth it.
If you are sick, emotionally wounded from your physical problems, here's your path to healing.
Enjoy.
However, Bernhard's words are more comforting and soothing than the best cup of tea. She'll remind you of a kind mother cradling her child. Her advice and walk-through regarding meditation are great. I HATE MEDITATING. It's hard, damnit. And yet, Bernhard brings it about in such an approachable manner that I thought, "Maybe, I CAN do this..."
No bullshit. She knows where you're coming from.
She makes me feel like maybe this life can be easier. And that is worth it. This book was worth it.
If you are sick, emotionally wounded from your physical problems, here's your path to healing.
Enjoy.
May 22, 2025
3.5 Stars
I finished this in the middle of the night listening on a sleep mask. I wasn't sleeping because the pain was too much so it is probably a very apt choice.
I preferred this to How to be Sick. I have a feeling that in a few years I might return to it and get more out of it. I am not zen enough atm, I think I'm still not at the acceptance stage. I did really like the chapters addressed to family, caregivers and friends.
I finished this in the middle of the night listening on a sleep mask. I wasn't sleeping because the pain was too much so it is probably a very apt choice.
I preferred this to How to be Sick. I have a feeling that in a few years I might return to it and get more out of it. I am not zen enough atm, I think I'm still not at the acceptance stage. I did really like the chapters addressed to family, caregivers and friends.
Read
February 7, 2025Feels like a the sort of coping with chronic illness book my therapist would want me to read. I mostly hate these kinds of books. However, I can appreciate the mindfulness and self compassion baked into this and honestly felt it provided a helpful lens when I was open minded enough to read it.
March 18, 2016
This book has really resonated with my experience of the past several years and has blessed me very much. Loved, loved, loved it!
Quotes from Chapter 37: What the Chronically Ill Hope Others Will Say
"You look good, but how are you really feeling?"
"I'm going to the grocery store; can I pick up anything for you?"
"It must be so hard to be in pain so much of the time."
"Not being able to ... must be so frustrating."
"How are you holding up? Do we need to stop talking/visiting so you can rest?"
"I miss .... together/with you."
"Don't feel bad if you have to cancel our plans at the last minute. I'll understand."
"Would you like to hear about this crazy adventure I had yesterday?"
"I hope you're as well as possible."
"I'm sorry that you're in pain/you've been so sick lately."
"Taking 'I,' 'me,' 'mine' out of your thinking can keep you from treating unpleasant physical and emotional states as permanent features of who you are." (p. 305)
"Anxiety is present. Anxiety is happening."
Quotes from Chapter 37: What the Chronically Ill Hope Others Will Say
"You look good, but how are you really feeling?"
"I'm going to the grocery store; can I pick up anything for you?"
"It must be so hard to be in pain so much of the time."
"Not being able to ... must be so frustrating."
"How are you holding up? Do we need to stop talking/visiting so you can rest?"
"I miss .... together/with you."
"Don't feel bad if you have to cancel our plans at the last minute. I'll understand."
"Would you like to hear about this crazy adventure I had yesterday?"
"I hope you're as well as possible."
"I'm sorry that you're in pain/you've been so sick lately."
"Taking 'I,' 'me,' 'mine' out of your thinking can keep you from treating unpleasant physical and emotional states as permanent features of who you are." (p. 305)
"Anxiety is present. Anxiety is happening."
January 4, 2025
This book truly helped me view myself and my illness in a different light.
July 3, 2018
The best book I've ever read on dealing with chronic illness on an emotional level. Recommended for anyone dealing with chronic illness (patients, caretakers, and loved ones).
March 8, 2022
Very good book – quick, informative, easy to read – quotes my favourite Pema Chödrön – covers a variety of skills and topics. A touch privileged, I thought, but still balanced and well written. I would have really valued this book much, much earlier in my health journey.
July 27, 2016
I enjoyed this one much more than Bernhard's first effort, it felt more well-rounded and fleshed out than the previous effort. This one felt more like a straight-forward, "Here's how you live your life with chronic illness" guide. She effectively covers all aspects of chronic illness, even those that many overlook like the lives of your caregivers, managing a social life, being ill while young (that she defines as 30s and under), etc.
One of my favorite aspects of the books were the examples submitted by her readers on certain topics. Those brought all the feels for me
I particularly liked her discussions on guilt. She discusses everything from dealing with the guilt of turning down social invitations, missing work, changing doctors, dropping unhealthy relationships, how to deal with people that just don't "get it", etc. There was so much mental high-fiving going on while I read this book.
Berhard's specialty seems to lie in the invisible illness realm, since this is what she is experiencing herself. I found her readers submissions heartbreaking and frustrating but, also enlightening in how to deal with similar situations myself. In short, by the end, she does a good job in making the reader feel that it is ok to be sick, to advocate for yourself, and to basically look at others that don't get it with a big 'ol
One of my favorite aspects of the books were the examples submitted by her readers on certain topics. Those brought all the feels for me
I particularly liked her discussions on guilt. She discusses everything from dealing with the guilt of turning down social invitations, missing work, changing doctors, dropping unhealthy relationships, how to deal with people that just don't "get it", etc. There was so much mental high-fiving going on while I read this book.
Berhard's specialty seems to lie in the invisible illness realm, since this is what she is experiencing herself. I found her readers submissions heartbreaking and frustrating but, also enlightening in how to deal with similar situations myself. In short, by the end, she does a good job in making the reader feel that it is ok to be sick, to advocate for yourself, and to basically look at others that don't get it with a big 'ol
October 27, 2015
I expect if you primary issue is chronic illness, you will believe I should have rated this book much higher. as someone whose primary problem is chronic pain - which, I will grant you, is also a chronic illness - I found this book did little to address living with chronic pain and so found the title to be misleading. Having enjoyed the author's earlier "How to be Sick," I was looking forward to a book about living well with chronic pain. It didn't deliver at all. In fact, as a book about chronic pain I would only give it one star.
May 15, 2016
Practical, mindful, and deeply self-nurturing approach to living with chronic pain. One of the best books on this topic I've ever read! I will read this book again and again.
January 16, 2016
4.5? It's not my very most favorite but i think it will continue to be useful and it's already helped some.
May 20, 2019
I love Toni's writing style and love her books. She offers some good ideas in this book. I hope there will be another book after this one.
January 21, 2018
I very much enjoyed "How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide" (I have both the audiobook and a hard copy) and rated it a 5/5 (which I rarely do) and found myself yelling "YES!!!!" frequently when listening to the audiobook.
This book is written in first person from the viewpoint of Toni Bernhard, whom takes her information from her personal experience with chronic illness as well as a variety of sources, but she most frequently letters from others.
3 sections stood out to me which are: Mindfulness, Special Challenges: The Special Difficulties Faced by Young People Who Are Chronically Ill, and For Family Friends, Caregivers, and Anyone Concerned about Chronic illness.
Being new to meditation practice, this the mindfulness section was educational regarding using mindfulness specifically for pain. Especially the section on Tonglen meditation, which I plan to research more on. From what I learned, this practice focuses on taking in the suffering of others on the in breath and on the out breath sending others relief (this was my interpretation and may mean something else to others).
Toni Bernhard also touches on what is like to have chronic conditions and being "young". What was particularly validating was the discussion about feeling isolated as a young person with chronic pain and not feeling understood.
For those that are not chronically ill, the section on family/friends is VERY helpful. Toni discusses what not to say to your loved ones that are chronically ill, which was validating, but I feel like it is more helpful for others to focus on her chapter that discusses what to say to those with a chronic conditions.
"You look good, but how're you really feeling?"
Frequent check-ins e.g. "How are you holding up? Do we need to stop visiting so you a can rest?"
"Don't feel bad if you have to cancel plans."
"I am going to the grocery store, can I pick something up for you?"
Overall, Toni Bernhard has created a comprehensive and kind guide to helping yourself- and others- cope with a chronic condition. Her soft and gentle presentation makes it easier to be kind and understanding to myself.
-Jacqueline Lucas, Mental Health Therapist
This book is written in first person from the viewpoint of Toni Bernhard, whom takes her information from her personal experience with chronic illness as well as a variety of sources, but she most frequently letters from others.
3 sections stood out to me which are: Mindfulness, Special Challenges: The Special Difficulties Faced by Young People Who Are Chronically Ill, and For Family Friends, Caregivers, and Anyone Concerned about Chronic illness.
Being new to meditation practice, this the mindfulness section was educational regarding using mindfulness specifically for pain. Especially the section on Tonglen meditation, which I plan to research more on. From what I learned, this practice focuses on taking in the suffering of others on the in breath and on the out breath sending others relief (this was my interpretation and may mean something else to others).
Toni Bernhard also touches on what is like to have chronic conditions and being "young". What was particularly validating was the discussion about feeling isolated as a young person with chronic pain and not feeling understood.
For those that are not chronically ill, the section on family/friends is VERY helpful. Toni discusses what not to say to your loved ones that are chronically ill, which was validating, but I feel like it is more helpful for others to focus on her chapter that discusses what to say to those with a chronic conditions.
"You look good, but how're you really feeling?"
Frequent check-ins e.g. "How are you holding up? Do we need to stop visiting so you a can rest?"
"Don't feel bad if you have to cancel plans."
"I am going to the grocery store, can I pick something up for you?"
Overall, Toni Bernhard has created a comprehensive and kind guide to helping yourself- and others- cope with a chronic condition. Her soft and gentle presentation makes it easier to be kind and understanding to myself.
-Jacqueline Lucas, Mental Health Therapist
March 1, 2024
This book is extremely well structured and aimed at helping those who are both chronically ill as well as their caregivers.
There are some small aspects, suggestions, Toni has that seemingly go against the latest studies on chronic pain and illness. But this is likely because the book was published near 10yrs ago. Now they believe that if you believe you can get better than you are more likely to.
In saying this though, there is something to be said for Toni's advice to come to peace with the fact that you may never get better. It frees you to enjoy or at least make the most of the moment. Which is surely better for us than being unhappy and waiting for a cure?
Besides the aforementioned minor note from essentially the future... this book is packed with helpful information and suggestions! It is also so well structured that it will be a fantastic go to for me to remind myself how to handle those tougher days! 😀
There are some small aspects, suggestions, Toni has that seemingly go against the latest studies on chronic pain and illness. But this is likely because the book was published near 10yrs ago. Now they believe that if you believe you can get better than you are more likely to.
In saying this though, there is something to be said for Toni's advice to come to peace with the fact that you may never get better. It frees you to enjoy or at least make the most of the moment. Which is surely better for us than being unhappy and waiting for a cure?
Besides the aforementioned minor note from essentially the future... this book is packed with helpful information and suggestions! It is also so well structured that it will be a fantastic go to for me to remind myself how to handle those tougher days! 😀
July 22, 2018
I found so many nuggets of wisdom in this book. Toni Bernhard is a clear, succinct, articulate writer who captures the ups and downs of chronic illness well. I found myself reading with a highlighter and dog-earing pages to come back to for inspiration and grounding when I need it... and I'm not in a debilitating state of chronic illness! The book purports to be a guide for those who have chronic pain or illness (or are the caregivers for someone in that state), but it's really a guide for how to live well -- regardless of your health status today. It reads quickly, but packs a (good) punch. I enjoyed it tremendously.
September 30, 2018
It's hard to rate these books to be honest so I will round it up to 4 stars. You can tell the author put a lot of energy and thought into this book. Some chapters I enjoyed reading more than others. I think that a lot of not most chronically ill people will relate to a lot of what the author said in the book. It's always nice to read other's perspectives that have been there and understand the challenges one may face during a journey with chronic illness. I really liked how the author had this book broken down by sections. I will definitely be checking out her other book in the near future as well.
April 6, 2018
Even at the downhill phase in life and suffering a tough chronic pain and illness, Toni Bernhard produces mindfullness thoughts and enables us to see benefit part amidst all troubles in life. Knowing that sometimes the circumstance is unpredictable. The pointed out from Buddha that we are all subject to illness, injury, aging, and separation from those we love. No one gets a pass on this! JUST FLOW WITH IT (accepting without aversion) and get the equinimity by mindfullness perspective. When the troubles disturb (sadness, loneliness, sickness, etc), we must realize that there were people in the world who, like us, were too sick or in too much pain. Remember that life has its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows, its justice and injustices, in every era and in every decade. It's just life and nothing wrong with it.
April 6, 2022
I read this in less than a day. If you have a chronic illness you know the feat that can be. It's been YEARS since I've read an entire book in a day or in less than a few months, for that matter.
There's maybe 10% of this book I could do without, but overall I felt it provides great insight into learning to live well with chronic illness.
There were countless times I felt like screaming 'I KNOW, RIGHT?!' throughout. My partner was so surprised that I read it so fast he immediately asked if it would be helpful for him to read too.
There's maybe 10% of this book I could do without, but overall I felt it provides great insight into learning to live well with chronic illness.
There were countless times I felt like screaming 'I KNOW, RIGHT?!' throughout. My partner was so surprised that I read it so fast he immediately asked if it would be helpful for him to read too.
May 7, 2022
I am able to relate to each and everything the author said in the book. This is what my life is about: being chronically ill and coping with it moment by moment. Chronic illness takes a toll on everyone no matter what background they belong to -- family, country, race, religion, sex. Everyone has to take the load of more than being ill. Sickness is just one of the jobs they have. Being chronically ill is a full-time job and everything else that person does is an add-on.
Thanks, Toni for the frank sharing of enlightening words.
5/5
Thanks, Toni for the frank sharing of enlightening words.
5/5
May 16, 2018
This book addresses the complexity of living with differing chronic pain conditions. It is helpful and I found it a excellent reference guide . The author writes about her own chronic pain and navigating through the rough waters of learning to live with chronic pain. She provides examples, ,compassion and helpful information for all readers affected. Very well done . This is a book for all chronic pain sufferers to buy and keep to read time and time again.
February 24, 2018
Absolutely essential reading for anyone living with chronic illness (the author, like this reader, is diagnosed with M.E./CFS) and their carers. It will lift your spirits, help you reframe your feelings about chronic illness with wisdom and compassion. I wish all the treasures Toni shares here with so much skill and humanity, for anyone who treats themselves to a read.
March 19, 2019
This book is such a gift. She is able to articulate the myriad aspects of living with chronic pain or illness so well. It was such a comfort to know I am not alone and others experience these things and understand. I found this book to be more of a comfort in that aspect, rather than a “how-to” of tips. I will keep it close by for when that comfort of feeling not alone is needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews