Chronic Illness Summer Reading List 2017

During the summer I like to take things a little slower, which means curling up with a good book. The number of books I want to read is ever expanding and growing, and I've added these books to my reading list. This list is a snapshot of some of the books I can't wait to read this summer. 

There are so many great books related to chronic illness, or better yet, wellness, that it was hard to narrow it down to ten. 

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Chronic Illness Summer Reading List 2017: 

1. You Are the Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self and Why it Matters by Deepak Chopra, MD and Menas Kafatos, PhD

In the most recent offering from the alternative medicine guru, Deepak Chopra teams up with a physicist to explore our role in creating the universe. Understanding the science behind co-creation can be powerful to chronic illness patients who often feel powerless. Plus, the dark blue and gold cover is simply beautiful. 

2. Life is Your Best Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Health, Healing, and Wholenss at Any Age by Tieraona Low Dog, MD

​This book was recommended to me by a healer, and I can't wait to dive into it. Tieraona Low Dog has a positive message about health and healing that will benefit anyone with a chronic illness. 

3. No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Hahn  

No mud, no lotus has been my battle cry since the beginning of my chronic illness journey. I even got a lotus tattoo to signify it, but admittedly I haven't yet read this book. The book is about how we run away from suffering, when instead we should be facing it and allowing it to transform out lives. 

4. Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal by Anthony William 

A friend of mine, April Moor, who writes the blog Happy Healin' Vegan, talked about how this book changed her life and it has been on my "to read" list ever since. 

​5. Nourish, Heal, Thrive: A Comprehensive and Holistic Approach to Living with Lyme Disease by Rika Keck 

​This book was sent to me by the author and I have been enjoying both her writing style and the incredible detail of her healing strategies. Her words are encouraging and loving, which we all need. 

6. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron 

Many people with chronic illnesses are also highly sensitive people. This book provides some insight on how to cope when life is a little more intense for you than most. 

7. Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life by Glennon Doyle Melton

I just finished Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton about her marriage struggles. In it she briefly opens up about her struggle with Lyme disease. All people with chronic illness are warriors and this collection of essays touches on how to keep going when life gets you down.  

8. How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Sylvia Boorstein 

Buddhist principles of mindfulness have guided my healing journey, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. The challenge of how to live well when sick is a difficult one, and I hope this book provides some thoughtful insights on the topic. 

9. The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook: A DIY Guide to Living Well with Chronic Illness by Mickey Tresscott, NFP and Angie Alt, NTC, CHC

I first became acquainted with Mickey Tresscot and Angie Alt form their website about the autoimmune protocol diet. This is their most recent offering and I can't wait to dive in. 

10. Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout 

I read Elizabeth Strout's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Olive Kitteridge, and loved how it transformed me to a place and life completely different from my own. There are so many books about healing we sometimes forget to take a break from it all and get lost in a good novel.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? What's on your summer reading list? 

"We read to know we're not alone." - William Nicholson