Recommended Reading

 

Caregiving

And Thou Shalt Honor: The Caregiver's Companion, edited by Beth Witrogen McLeod, 464 pp, Rodale Press, 2003.  A complete reference for family caregivers, edited by the founder of the National Family Caregivers Association.

The Caregiver's Tale: Loss and Renewal in Memoirs of Family Life, by Ann Burack-Weiss, 189 pp, Columbia University Press, 2006.  Written by a clinical social worker who reviewed more than 100 memoirs on caregiving.  The book is divided into 3 parts; Care Situations, Care Relationships and an epilogue.

Caregiving: the Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss and Renewal, by Beth Witrogen McLeod, 272 pp, Wiley, 2000.  "Caregiving explores medical and financial problems, all aspects of spirituality, and such issues as depression, stress, housing, home care, and end-of-life concerns. A rare blend of powerful storytelling and practical information."

Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul: Stories to Inspire Caregivers in the Home, the Community and the World (Chicken Soup for the Soul), by Jack Canfield, 350 pp, HCI, 2004.  Inspirational book to help caregivers deal with the stress and loneliness that can be a part of their daily life.

Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book for Caregivers, by Rosalynn Carter and Susan Ma Golant, 288 pp, Three Rivers Press, 1995.  "The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development was created by the former First Lady to study the caregiving process and find new ways to assist caregivers. This book offers tips for dealing with health professionals, finding a support group (or starting one of your own), recognizing signs of caregiver burnout, and techniques to make life more satisfying for both caregiver and care recipient."

Chronic Illness

The Art of Getting Well: Maximizing Health and Well-being When You Have a Chronic Illness, by David Spero, 256pp, Hunter House Publ, 2002.  Written by a nurse who has multiple sclerosis, this book stresses the emotional as well as the medical side of healthcare.

The Chronic Illness Workbook: Strategies And Solutions for Taking Back Your Life, Patricia Fennell, 256pp, Spring Harbor Pr, 2006.  This is a combination workbook & guide to help families deal with chronic illness.  Ms. Fennell provides in-depth advise and strategies to cope.

A Delicate Balance: Living Successfully with Chronic Illness, by Susan M. Wells, 312 pp, HarperCollins Publ, 2000. Written by a journalist who suffer from chronic illness, this book covers both the psychological as well as the practical in living with chronic illness.

Living With Chronic Illness: Days of Patience and Passion, by Cheri Register, 316 pp, Free Pr, 1987.  Register describes the challenges of living with a chronic illness.

Death & Dying

On Death and Dying, by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 288 pp, Scribner.  Classic book on the perception of death in our society as well as our reaction to it.

On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss, by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 256pp, Scribner, 2005.  Kubler-Ross now helps to understand the process of grief and loss.

Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart, by Alan Wolfelt, 176pp, Companion Press, 2004. This books explores the difference between grief and mourning, giving step-by-step advise to help people work through both.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People, by Harold Kushner, 176 pp, Anchor reprint ed, 2004.  A father dealing with the fatal illness of a child questions life's randomness.

For Children

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, by Leo Buscaglia, 30pp, Slack Inc, 1982.  Story of Freddie the leaf as he lives through all of the seasons, ending with the realization that death is a part of life. For Ages 4-8

Henry and the White Wolf, by Tim & Tyler Karu, 32pp, Workman Publ Co, 2000. "Henry, a very sick little hedgehog, receives treatment from the White Wolf that makes him feel even worse but eventually cures him, and through the ordeal he holds a stone to help him stay strong and brave."

When Molly Was in the Hospital: A Book for Brothers and Sisters of Hospitalized Children, by Debbie Duncan, 32pp, Rayve Prod, 1994.  For ages 3-12.  Anna's little sister is very ill and she learns to come to terms with it.

Tickles Tabitha's Cancer-tankerous Mommy, by Amelia Frahm, 32pp, Nutcracker Publ, 2001.  Tabitha's mother has to undergo chemotherapy and her Dad helps Tabitha understand.  For ages 4-8.

Why, Charlie Brown, Why?: A Story About What Happens When a Friend Is Very Ill, by Charles Schulz, 64pp, Ballantine Books, 2002.  When a friend of the Peanuts gang is diagnosed with leukemia, they all have different reactions.  The book follows her treatment and recovery.

Young People and Chronic Illness, by Kelly Huegel, 176pp, Free Spirit Pub, 1998.  For ages 9-12.  Book divided into stories of children living with chronic illness and then strategies for managing these conditions.

For Parents

How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness, by Kathleen McCue, 240pp, St. Martin's Griffin, 1996. Practical advice for helping parents & their children through this tough time.

The Resilient Family: Living With Your Child's Illness or Disability, by Paul W. Power, 192pp, Sorin Books, 2003.  Practical guidebook for families living with chronic illness.

Shelter from the Storm: Caring for a Child with a Life-Threatening Condition, by Joanne M. Hilden, 240pp, Da Capo Press, 2002.  Book helps parents prepare for their child's end-of life decisions, while remaining compassionate and optimistic.

_{Last Modified: January 9, 2007}