Books matching: terminal illness
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- #1
Save:A moving, beautifully written memoir that explores life, death, purpose, and the human spirit - guaranteed to make you reflect on what really matters. Highly recommended, especially for fans of introspective nonfiction.
In "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, readers are taken on a poignant journey through the author's experiences as a neurosurgeon facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. The book beautifully captures Kalanithi's reflections on life, death, and the pursuit of meaning amidst his battle with illness. Through eloquent writing and a blend of medical insights, personal anecdotes, and literary references, Kalanithi shares his profound thoughts on mortality, resilience, and the importance of living purposefully even in the face of imminent death.
PAUL DIED ON MONDAY, March 9, 2015, surrounded by his family, in a hospital bed roughly two hundred yards from the labor and delivery ward where our daughter, Cady, had entered the world eight months...January 2016•244 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully written, heart-tugging YA novel that’s both clever and devastating - a must-read for anyone who likes their love stories real, funny, and a little bit messy.
"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green follows the story of Hazel, a teenager battling terminal cancer who meets Augustus at a support group, leading to a deep and poignant romance. The book delves into themes of life, love, friendship, and death, offering a unique perspective on facing mortality with humor and grace. Green's writing style is described as witty, emotionally captivating, and realistic, portraying teenage characters dealing with philosophical issues and existential questions in a relatable manner.
Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed, read the same book over and over, ate infreq...2010•336 pages - #3
Save:A short, moving, and uplifting read that offers timeless life lessons - sometimes familiar, but always with heart. Worth picking up if you need some perspective or a gentle emotional reset.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a heartwarming memoir that follows the touching relationship between a student and his professor, Morrie Schwartz, as Morrie faces his battle with ALS. The book delves into deep conversations held between the two characters every Tuesday, exploring life lessons, love, and the importance of relationships. Albom's writing style is described as emotional, insightful, and thought-provoking, capturing the essence of Morrie's wisdom and philosophy towards life and death.
He had always been a dancer, my old professor. The music didn’t matter. Rock and roll, big band, the blues. He loved them all. He would close his eyes and with a blissful smile begin to move to his ow...1994•213 pages - #4
Save:A Monster Calls is a powerful, beautifully illustrated story of grief and healing. It's a must-read for anyone who wants a truly moving tale about facing the hardest truths, but keep those tissues close - it’s a tearjerker!
'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness is a heart-wrenching story about a 13-year-old boy named Conor who is struggling to cope with his mother's terminal cancer. Throughout the book, Conor is visited by a monster who guides him through dealing with his mother's illness and helps him confront his deepest fears and emotions. The story explores themes of grief, loss, and acceptance in a poignant and honest manner. The writing style is described as beautifully written, quick-paced, and emotionally impactful, with illustrations that complement the narrative perfectly.
He’d had a nightmare. Well, not a nightmare. The nightmare. The one he’d been having a lot lately. The one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming. The one with the hands slipping from his gr...2011•234 pages A poignant, poetic memoir on living and dying that will stay with you long after the last page - best suited for those ready to embrace both beauty and heartbreak.
The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying by Nina Riggs is a poignant and intimate exploration of the author's final year living with metastatic breast cancer. The book chronicles Nina's journey through illness, treatment, and facing mortality with grace and humor, all while balancing the roles of a mother, wife, and daughter. Nina's writing style is described as beautifully written, meditative, and thoughtful, capturing the everyday moments of beauty and sweetness amidst the heartbreaking reality of her situation.
The call comes when John is away at a conference in New Orleans. Let’s not linger on the thin light sifting into our bedroom as I fold laundry, the last leaves shivering on the willow oak outside—prep...June 2017•329 pages- #6
Save:A touching, uplifting, and thought-provoking read - perfect for anyone seeking motivation or a gentle nudge to live with more intention. Don’t expect groundbreaking advice, but you’ll find warm reminders to savor every moment.
'The Last Lecture' by Randy Pausch is a heartfelt and inspiring book based on the last lecture given by the author, a computer science professor who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Through his lecture on achieving childhood dreams, Pausch shares insights on how to live life to the fullest, leaving a legacy for his children. The book is a combination of personal anecdotes, motivational advice, and reflections on what truly matters in life, presented in a witty and humorous style that makes it an enjoyable read.
Pausch's book is often compared to 'Tuesdays With Morrie', as it follows a similar theme of a dying professor reflecting on life and sharing valuable life lessons. The narrative is straightforward, honest, and enlightening, with Pausch's tales of achieving dreams serving as both entertaining anecdotes and valuable life advice. The book is a quick read that resonates with readers, offering reminders about the importance of priorities and perspective in life.
For four days, I sat at my computer in our new home in Virginia, scanning slides and photos as I built a PowerPoint presentation. I’ve always been a visual thinker, so I knew the talk would have no te...April 2008•266 pages - #7
Save:A heartfelt, funny, and sometimes messy romance that tackles real issues without losing its charm - perfect for readers who want both laughs and feels, but not the best fit if you’re looking for light-and-easy escapism.
In "Life's Too Short" by Abby Jimenez, Vanessa, a successful YouTuber, finds her life turned upside down when she becomes the guardian of her sister's baby. Adrian, her neighbor, steps in to help and a unique friendship blossoms between them. The story delves into themes of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the importance of living in the moment. With alternating perspectives between Vanessa and Adrian, the book explores their evolving relationship amidst the challenges they face, including Vanessa's fears of inheriting a fatal disease.
The plot of "Life's Too Short" revolves around Vanessa's journey of navigating newfound responsibilities while still trying to maintain her adventurous lifestyle. The writing style is described as humorous, heartwarming, and engaging, capturing the emotional depth of the characters and their evolving dynamics, making for a compelling and relatable read.
I think I’d seen my neighbor in the lobby getting her mail once, but she was on the phone and she didn’t make eye contact with me, so I didn’t say hi. Now I wished I’d at least gotten to know her well...April 2021•384 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Friend Zone ) - #8
Save:A Walk to Remember is a short, emotional romance that’s as likely to make you cry as it is to make you smile. Ideal for fans of bittersweet love stories, but might feel too sentimental for some.
"A Walk to Remember" by Nicholas Sparks is a heartwarming novel set in Beaufort, North Carolina in 1958. The story follows Landon Carter, a popular high school boy who falls in love with Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of a local preacher. Through the eyes of Landon, the reader experiences a tale of first love, faith, and self-discovery. The book explores themes of young love, loss, and the transformative power of relationships. The plot unfolds with emotional depth, blending moments of laughter and tears, ultimately delivering a poignant message about the beauty of love and the importance of cherishing the present.
The novel is narrated in a captivating manner, drawing readers in with its engaging storytelling and relatable characters. Nicholas Sparks' writing style shines through in his ability to develop characters that resonate with readers, evoking a range of emotions from joy to sorrow. The book seamlessly weaves together themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the enduring nature of true love, making it a compelling and memorable read for fans of romance and coming-of-age stories.
In 1958, Beaufort, North Carolina, which is located on the coast near Morehead City, was a place like many other small southern towns. It was the kind of place where the humidity rose so high in the s...January 1999•245 pages - #9
Save:Heart-shattering and uplifting in equal measure - "Bright Side" is an emotional rollercoaster that will inspire you, break you, and maybe even change how you see life. Grab tissues, and dive in if you want a gut-wrenching, memorable read.
Bright Side by Kim Holden is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the life of Kate, a character known for her optimism and selflessness. The story takes unexpected turns as Kate navigates college life, love, and friendships while dealing with her own secrets and impending tragedy. The writing style is emotionally charged, with raw and honest portrayals of the characters' experiences that leave readers deeply moved and contemplating the meaning of life.
“Aw, you know, just drove thirty hours straight or something like that, I honestly lost track. I haven’t slept in what, two, three days? I downed like two dozen Red Bulls and fifteen gallons of coffee...July 2014•475 pages - #10
Save:A brutally honest and deeply insightful memoir that’s not always easy to read but impossible to forget - a must for those drawn to stories about resilience, mortality, and what it means to truly live.
Julie Yip Williams, a Harvard educated lawyer, shares her journey of being diagnosed with late-stage cancer in her late 30s and her subsequent battle with the disease. Despite her affluent life, she delves into her past of dire poverty in Vietnam and her struggles with congenital cataracts. The book highlights her determination to live life on her terms, facing her impending death with courage and honesty. Readers are taken through her emotional rollercoaster of treatments, family dynamics, and reflections on life and mortality.
When I was two months old, my parents, on orders from my paternal grandmother, took me to an herbalist in Da Nang and offered the old man gold bars to give me a concoction that would make me sleep for...February 2019•363 pages
