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Memoir as Medicine: The Healing Power of Writing Your Messy, Imperfect, Unruly (but Gorgeously Yours) Life Story
A wonderfully fresh and frank guide to why and how to write personal stories that will heal, liberate, inspire — and entertain — both writer and reader
Writing has been medicine for Nancy Slonim Aronie. At nine months old, her son Dan was diagnosed with diabetes. Then, at twenty-two, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. During the years she and her husband took care of Dan, and when he died at age thirty-eight, Aronie could not find the book she needed. So she wrote her memoir.
In teaching memoir writing, Aronie has found that everyone has a story to tell and that telling it is important. Sharing “this is who I am, these are the things that shaped me, this is where I am now” allows a kind of magic and healing to happen. Over decades of writing and teaching, Aronie has created a set of prompts, directions, and examples that she shares in Memoir as Medicine . She shows readers how to write through where they have been and into deep understanding, profound healing, and even unexpected joy.
Writing has been medicine for Nancy Slonim Aronie. At nine months old, her son Dan was diagnosed with diabetes. Then, at twenty-two, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. During the years she and her husband took care of Dan, and when he died at age thirty-eight, Aronie could not find the book she needed. So she wrote her memoir.
In teaching memoir writing, Aronie has found that everyone has a story to tell and that telling it is important. Sharing “this is who I am, these are the things that shaped me, this is where I am now” allows a kind of magic and healing to happen. Over decades of writing and teaching, Aronie has created a set of prompts, directions, and examples that she shares in Memoir as Medicine . She shows readers how to write through where they have been and into deep understanding, profound healing, and even unexpected joy.
216 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2022
55 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 26, 2022
Less a "how to" and more an afternoon over coffee with a best friend who cares deeply about your stories - Nancy Aronie inspires, instructs, and nurtures the memoir in all of us with this book.
Beautifully told personal stories, woven together with often heart-stopping writing prompts (68 of them!) make for an easy read with compelling nudges to dig into the truths we all have to tell. From "write about what keeps you from writing" to "are you trying to skip the pain part in your stories" Nancy shares it all and encourages it all.
A brilliant addition to my shelves. (And I may never write a memoir!)
Highly recommend!
Beautifully told personal stories, woven together with often heart-stopping writing prompts (68 of them!) make for an easy read with compelling nudges to dig into the truths we all have to tell. From "write about what keeps you from writing" to "are you trying to skip the pain part in your stories" Nancy shares it all and encourages it all.
A brilliant addition to my shelves. (And I may never write a memoir!)
Highly recommend!
September 18, 2024
The author created a memoir that also shares a series of writing prompts for the reader to start writing their own story. This book shares the raw and heartbreaking story of a mother navigating life when her son is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It's rough, hard to read, and stunning at the same time. The author finds peace after fighting for years to try and control what is out of her reach. In sharing her story, she graciously invites readers to share their own story. She encourages the reader to write your mistakes, the pain, and sorrow and observe what you have found. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is open to writing and journaling, or not, because everyone has a story.
June 8, 2023
What an unexpected emotional read! Combined with the writer/instructor's own pieces of writing as examples and the writing instructions, it eventually leads to an emotional climax that is both heartbroken and beautiful. I find it very cleverly constructed, and incredibly touching. You signed up for a writing instruction book but unexpectedly read a memoir about one of the most tragical things any parents can experience.
August 24, 2023
I don’t know what to make of this. It’s Aronie’s memoir disguised as a book about healing and writing, maybe writing all the anecdotes helped her heal, but there’s no real advice or a-ha moment for the reader. The writing advice / prompts felt familiar and even trite. I’m sorry for Aronie’s trouble and pain, but I think I would have preferred to read her actual memoir rather than this series of stories that jump all over the place.
January 6, 2023
First, the caveat that I found the voiceover/narration insufferable at many many points. This may have skewed my experience of the book a lot. The actress did a brilliant job with pronunciation and accents, and her delivery was definitely captivating and entertaining, BUT the tone she used sounded aggressive, haughty, and a little self-aggrandizing. It didn’t match the tone of the book or of Aronie herself (from videos I’ve seen). It did a disservice.
While Aronie’s experiences and heartbreaks are definitely gripping, this book doesn’t actually deliver on its quiet promise of guiding or helping one to write a memoir. Or to heal. There’s very little new or really useful advice. There’s no transformation for the reader. The “healing power” isn’t that evident to me after finishing this.
It’s about 50% snippets of Aronie’s own unpublished memoir, mixed with lots of common writing advice, anecdotes that interrupt the flow, characters who just show up late in the game but we are supposed to see them as very important. With a few gems sprinkled in.
It felt a tinge bait and switch-y, like Aronie draws you in promising you healing, but then just uses much of the space to give you her own memoir bits because the whole memoir isn’t being published.
Ultimately, I guess this book might be a great argument for writing your memoir and getting it out into the world, so that it doesn’t dominate or overshadow other good work you want to do.
While Aronie’s experiences and heartbreaks are definitely gripping, this book doesn’t actually deliver on its quiet promise of guiding or helping one to write a memoir. Or to heal. There’s very little new or really useful advice. There’s no transformation for the reader. The “healing power” isn’t that evident to me after finishing this.
It’s about 50% snippets of Aronie’s own unpublished memoir, mixed with lots of common writing advice, anecdotes that interrupt the flow, characters who just show up late in the game but we are supposed to see them as very important. With a few gems sprinkled in.
It felt a tinge bait and switch-y, like Aronie draws you in promising you healing, but then just uses much of the space to give you her own memoir bits because the whole memoir isn’t being published.
Ultimately, I guess this book might be a great argument for writing your memoir and getting it out into the world, so that it doesn’t dominate or overshadow other good work you want to do.
November 23, 2024
Though an interesting writer, the book was rather a waste of time as far as learning how to write your own memoir. So many people have encouraged us to tell our stories of our 20 years as missionaries in Africa, so I thought the title was interesting and checked it out on hoopla. The author is quite crass at times, and tells her own story through essays and anecdotes. She gives writing prompts at the end of each chapter (which is her story more than writing advice) that are helpful in varying degrees, but I wouldn’t recommend this as a how-to book.
Some of the tips I should try to remember: don’t mislead readers, don’t tell all the stories (rather think of one or two that illustrate all), I don’t remember how she said this but something like don’t end with negative failures/readers need to see that you’ve learned your lesson or aren’t always sinking back down in the painful stuff, don’t leave out the pain, don’t write really hateful stuff about someone else/just say the facts in a way that makes the reader feel for you rather than expressing it all, try to show not tell (give the descriptions and stories rather than telling about how you felt).
Some writing prompts I sorta remember: try a chapter of mainly dialogue, try to describe something with all the senses, write about a time when something good turned bad/sour, when you unexpectedly learned…I don’t remember more right now.
Some of the tips I should try to remember: don’t mislead readers, don’t tell all the stories (rather think of one or two that illustrate all), I don’t remember how she said this but something like don’t end with negative failures/readers need to see that you’ve learned your lesson or aren’t always sinking back down in the painful stuff, don’t leave out the pain, don’t write really hateful stuff about someone else/just say the facts in a way that makes the reader feel for you rather than expressing it all, try to show not tell (give the descriptions and stories rather than telling about how you felt).
Some writing prompts I sorta remember: try a chapter of mainly dialogue, try to describe something with all the senses, write about a time when something good turned bad/sour, when you unexpectedly learned…I don’t remember more right now.
February 17, 2024
Don't waste you money. Don't buy this book. The only reason I read it all the way through, is I'm trying to reach my reading goal for this year.
The concept of writing down your feelings, thoughts, and emotions down in order to heal is a good one. Many Mental Health Professional suggest keeping a journal.
The overall problem with this book is that its more of an autobiography in disguise.
The other thing that bothered me about this book early on was her overall tone. She didn't actually sound healed or better, or like any growth had taken place. She still sounded bitter about it all. Her writing prompts were nice, but she doesn't seem like someone who should be giving advice. She sounded like she still needs counseling.
Towards the middle of the book, I started skim reading. For example, I only read the first page of Chapter 66. The only helpful chapters were the short, one page chapters such as Chapters 60 and 63.
I'm just so glad I finally finished this book. I almost gave up and quit reading it.
The concept of writing down your feelings, thoughts, and emotions down in order to heal is a good one. Many Mental Health Professional suggest keeping a journal.
The overall problem with this book is that its more of an autobiography in disguise.
The other thing that bothered me about this book early on was her overall tone. She didn't actually sound healed or better, or like any growth had taken place. She still sounded bitter about it all. Her writing prompts were nice, but she doesn't seem like someone who should be giving advice. She sounded like she still needs counseling.
Towards the middle of the book, I started skim reading. For example, I only read the first page of Chapter 66. The only helpful chapters were the short, one page chapters such as Chapters 60 and 63.
I'm just so glad I finally finished this book. I almost gave up and quit reading it.
July 26, 2022
Writing is hard. Writing about myself, impossibly hard. But Nancy has made writing my joy. Her gentle encouragement, “gorgeous, I love it, you’re so clever, you’re so funny” words never said by schoolteachers. And her honesty. Baring her wounds, sharing her soul. She gave me the courage to approach a blank page and actually put words on it.
Each chapter reveals a bit more of Nancy’s life secrets, her pain, her joys, and her brilliant way with words. And then, she encourages you with her prompts to do the same. To pull your secrets from deep within, examine them, and turn them into bits of beauty rather than expressions of pain.
This is a magnificent book, not only for aspiring writers but for anyone who will have the courage to look deep inside and grow.
I love it. I love her and I hope you take this journey too. And for a very special treat, find your way to Martha’s Vineyard and take one of her workshops or search YouTube and listen to Nancy. You will thank me.
Each chapter reveals a bit more of Nancy’s life secrets, her pain, her joys, and her brilliant way with words. And then, she encourages you with her prompts to do the same. To pull your secrets from deep within, examine them, and turn them into bits of beauty rather than expressions of pain.
This is a magnificent book, not only for aspiring writers but for anyone who will have the courage to look deep inside and grow.
I love it. I love her and I hope you take this journey too. And for a very special treat, find your way to Martha’s Vineyard and take one of her workshops or search YouTube and listen to Nancy. You will thank me.
September 24, 2025
I listened to the audio version of this novel and thought it was okay. I will admit it's not what I expected. I thought maybe there would be more educational things about writing but it's more of the writers on memoir with some prompts at the end of each chapter. I suppose I had higher expectations, it's not like I didn't like the book. It's just not what I thought it would be, but I did like the stories she wrote about her own life. Some of them more than others. I do think this would probably be better read as a paperback to work on the prompts better. I think the novel is least worth listening or reading once.
July 26, 2022
There are no words to articulate the magnitude of the wisdom, emotion and vulnerability in this Memoir As Medicine Book.
Nancy’s writing in itself is magical. She teaches you how to paint your life into words with your book as your canvas. Using her own messy, and tragic yet beautiful life, she concludes each chapter with a prompt, encouraging us, the reader, to dive deep into our own hearts putting pen to paper. This book should be a requirement at the University of Life, and we all should be taking the curriculum.
Nancy’s writing in itself is magical. She teaches you how to paint your life into words with your book as your canvas. Using her own messy, and tragic yet beautiful life, she concludes each chapter with a prompt, encouraging us, the reader, to dive deep into our own hearts putting pen to paper. This book should be a requirement at the University of Life, and we all should be taking the curriculum.
July 26, 2022
I first read Nancy Slonim Aronie’s, Writing from the Heart, years ago when I started personal essay writing. With her new book, Memoir as Medicine, she writes of memoir as healing. She offers tips for writing memoir in your own way. She also gives an unvarnished look at her life and her writing and how she was not always the perfect mother, writer, wife, and worker. Aronie brings her full self to this book which had me laughing in parts, teary in others and underlining throughout this text for future reference.
July 26, 2022
BEST BOOK ON WRITING AND HEALING ! ! !
Among the many books ever written on writing, healing and motivating procrastinating wanna-be writers, to get the lead out and write, THIS BOOK IS THEE BEST BAR NONE! ! ! Nancy takes the reader on her personal journey of writing, loss, grief, healing and transforming her life all in this (under 200 page) inspirational and moving page-turner. I totally enjoyed it from cover-to-cover and beyond. It will be my "go-to" for becoming a published writer which, now after reading this book, I have no doubt will finally happen. THANK YOU, DEAREST NANCY! ! ! xxoo
Among the many books ever written on writing, healing and motivating procrastinating wanna-be writers, to get the lead out and write, THIS BOOK IS THEE BEST BAR NONE! ! ! Nancy takes the reader on her personal journey of writing, loss, grief, healing and transforming her life all in this (under 200 page) inspirational and moving page-turner. I totally enjoyed it from cover-to-cover and beyond. It will be my "go-to" for becoming a published writer which, now after reading this book, I have no doubt will finally happen. THANK YOU, DEAREST NANCY! ! ! xxoo
July 27, 2022
One of the most inspiring workshops of my life was with Nancy at the Blue Spirit Retreat in Costa Rica. Such joy- such emotion, laughter and tears. Nancy has a gift to recognize the beauty and wisdom in each person's writing and life experience and she generously gives to each and every student. But not everybody can travel to Costa Rica or her Chilmark Writing Studio in Massachusetts so get this book for a taste of Nancy. You will begin to write your story and you don't ever have to stop. Nancy's wisdom will stay with you.
July 26, 2022
Nancy Aronie has written another beautiful book filled with her heart. Not only is Memoir as Medicine filled with Aronie's personal stories but it provides excellent advice for anyone embarking on personal writing like memoirs or even essays. Most chapters offer Aronie's own array of short essays to make her points.
Her writing is like sitting with an old friend who offers the most thoughtful, timely and poetic writing advice over tea. Thank you, Nancy.
Her writing is like sitting with an old friend who offers the most thoughtful, timely and poetic writing advice over tea. Thank you, Nancy.
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July 27, 2022A beautifully written murmuration of words, at times swooping off the page, shapeshifting as they go. Nancy’s voice is crystal clear and the text reads exactly as she sounds in person. I promise you’ll be happy to have carved out the chance to read this. And don’t be surprised if in the process you’re frantically writing on the backs of envelopes all of those random bits you’d saved for another time. Brava, Nancy!
March 29, 2022
Great book. Inspirational for writers, but also full of well considered wisdom for everyone. The best thing is that the bits of wisdom are presented from the point of view of a real life situation. With a frank honesty and a sense of humor, the author examines her experience, reflects on it, and draws wisdom from it. With courage and love, she shares with readers the trip to maturity.
July 26, 2022
This book is not only informative and inspiring, it is filled with writing excerpts that exemplify the prompts for readers/ writers with beautifully written life stories filled with emotion, sorrow, and joy and hilarity. I highly recommend it for folks who want a kick in the butt for writing that hidden memoir, or just for the pleasure of reading the example stories.
July 26, 2022
Nancy Slonim Aronie's book "Memoir as Medicine" was nourishment for my soul. This beautiful tapestry of personal essays is interwoven with writing prompts that sparked my creativity and put pen to paper. I was inspired and humored by Nancie's stories as I swiftly moved chapter-to-chapter, enjoying the honesty and reflection of Nancie's life.
July 27, 2022
Everything its name implies, Memoir as Medicine, makes a compelling case for how writing one's story unburdens the soul. The author, Nancy Aronie, is her own best subject. Her entries are conversational—think, good friend over tea—but nonetheless moving examples of a woman willing to take her own medicine.
Humorous, touching, filled with humanity and fun.
Humorous, touching, filled with humanity and fun.
August 9, 2022
Although this book offers some advice on writing, it actually serves as a memoir itself. Aronie writes with great courage about her son’s illness and death, but there is humor here too. The inclusion of writing prompts at the end of each chapter, though, feels like more of a device to tell her study than actual writing prompts.
July 27, 2022
Everything a writer needs to hear-- encouraging, informative and entertaining. The next best thing to being at an actual Chilmark Writing Workshop. I'm already referring to it constantly in my writing and teaching.
August 12, 2023
Similar to Natalie G.' Writing Down the Bones but updated or Annie Lamotte. Much much funnier and lighthearted. Aims her writer's arrow right to your heart. You smile on a sentence well written and appreciate her self deprecating humor then next sentence you are writing down prolific thoughts someone shared in a letter.
I enjoyed it and was hoping I'd be motivated to write but nah... just didn't want to go down those roads at least just yet. Peoples' roads hold some joy others are paved with heartbreak. Good read for people who need that kick in the butt to write about their life! Can I say transformative for the good sense Nancy brings to the incredible vignettes in our lives?
Highly recommend!!
I enjoyed it and was hoping I'd be motivated to write but nah... just didn't want to go down those roads at least just yet. Peoples' roads hold some joy others are paved with heartbreak. Good read for people who need that kick in the butt to write about their life! Can I say transformative for the good sense Nancy brings to the incredible vignettes in our lives?
Highly recommend!!
September 4, 2023
This book far exceeded my expectations. Even if you’re not planning to write your memoir, this is a wonderfully lovely read and a good swift kick in the pants. Every bit as charming and profound as Ann Patchett’s book of essays, These Precious Days. Highly Recommended!
April 13, 2022
I found this book so interesting, informative; funny and sad--guess I liked it. very good
April 13, 2022
This book goes far beyond appealing to just those who aspire to be writers. Nancy Slonim Aronie empties her heart, to fill ours. It will encourage you to follow your passion, whatever it is.
May 11, 2022
Loved, loved, loved this book! Clear, fun, practical prompts to kick start or move your writing along. And.....lots and lots of examples from Nancy's own work. She is hysterical and real.
July 27, 2022
Loved this book! It's uplifting and enticing. It makes me want to keep writing and writing. The best medicine!
December 4, 2022
Nancy is one of my favorite storytellers and teachers. I was lucky enough to grow up knowing her and enjoyed her humor and wisdom in person. All these years later, she is just as engaging on paper.
January 29, 2023
Divided into short chapters, this helpful book provides a set of prompts, directions, and examples from the author’s own life story to guide readers through the memoir-writing process.
August 8, 2025
An excellent book to get you started or to increase your interest in writing your life story. The author uses examples from her own life to illustrate her ideas. Just great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews