> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Book Recommendations for Spoonies: Part II - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/book-recommendations-spoonies-2/ - Published: 2018-07-14T05:19:17.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-22T15:38:29.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Personal Development, Books & Magazines, Chronic Illness, Reviews, Disability ## Welcome to the Second Edition of Book Recommendations for Spoonies! Just like the first roundup of book recommendations for spoonies, these are all books written by people with illnesses themselves, or revolve around related topics. They're suitable even if you're a healthy person with no medical issues, and provide many interesting cultural and humane insights from around the world. I hope you enjoy this new collection, and I'd love to hear your feedback in the comments below, especially if you've already read any of these books! *\*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. *I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice.* Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding *any* new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our* [***Privacy Policy***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/)*page for more information. Thank you!* Pin to Your Book Recommendations for Spoonies (Part 2) Boards: ![Book Recommendations for the Chronically Ill, Part 2. Read on: A Chronic Voice .com](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/book-recommendations-for-chronically-ill-part-2.jpg) --- ### If You’re Feeling...Existential [![Man’s Search for Meaning](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51m5khg0C1L._SL350_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807014273?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "Man's Search for Meaning") #### Man’s Search for Meaning *By: Viktor E. Frankl* This is still one of my all-time favourite books. The amount of wisdom packed into a mere hundred pages is astounding, although the circumstances they derive from were horrific and inhumane. It’s one of those books that remains a staple on my bookshelf, as there's always something new to learn from it, or to remind myself about. ([**Read my full review and reflections about this book by Viktor Frankl here**](https://achronicvoice.com/mans-search-for-meaning-chronic-illness/).) [ Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807014273?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=e85603696bba9aa85ee79711f5041e79&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) --- ### If You’re Feeling...Endearing [![My Patients and Other Animals: A Veterinarian's Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31HwpovItzL._SL350_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812998189?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "My Patients and Other Animals: A Veterinarian's Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope") #### My Patients and Other Animals: A Veterinarian's Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope *By: Suzy Fincham-Gray* I've only read a third of this book so far, but I was excited to receive it in the mail! Humans are not the only creatures who get sick and go to the A&E, animals and pets do, too. In this book, Suzy shares about her life as a student and vet, with cultural anecdotes between the UK and US peppered in. It touches on the emotional aspect of a caregiving or healing profession, and the constant self-questioning one faces while trying to balance humanity, financial limitations, and circumstances. This book might resonate with you [if you are an animal lover](https://achronicvoice.substack.com/p/the-way-my-dog-talisker-brings-me), or curious about the veterinary profession. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812998189?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=b98b2b1381e8ee9cb25cbf4bcc30b8f0&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) Read Related Posts: - [What's It Like Going Back to School as an Adult with Disability and Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/going-back-to-school-as-an-adult-disability-chronic-illness/) - [Why I Moved from SiteGround to Cloudways (and Couldn't be Happier). Plus Cute Puppy Pics & A New Pacing Strategy.](https://achronicvoice.com/moved-from-siteground-to-cloudways/) - [A Car Accident & A Song Gone Silent (How Life Lessons from Chronic Illness Tide Me Through)](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-life-lessons-accident-bird/) - [August 2018: Boredom Can be Stimulating & Cuddling My Pet Birds](https://achronicvoice.com/boredom-stimulating-cuddling-birds-august-2018/) - [When Your Stress & Fatigue Thresholds Suck (Also on Cute Cockatiels, Education via Zoom & Art Films for Rent)](https://achronicvoice.com/stress-fatigue-thresholds-suck/) --- ### If You’re Feeling...Humane [![Tears of Salt, A Doctor’s Story](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lunVsToJL._SL350_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393356558?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "Tears of Salt, A Doctor’s Story") #### Tears of Salt, A Doctor’s Story *By: Pietro Bartolo and Lidia Tilotta* To be honest, this wasn’t my favourite book, but it was still a good read for insight into the migrant situation in Italy. [Lampedusa](https://qz.com/678164/in-the-mediterranean-paradise-of-lampedusa-rescuing-refugees-and-migrants-is-a-matter-of-common-sense/) is where [Dr. Pietro](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/11/pietro-bartolo-lampedusa-doctor-migrant-deaths-mediterranean-slaughter-innocents) calls home, and where he returned to after becoming a doctor. It's a little island off Italy which sees the arrival of many migrants from all over due to its location. Dr. Pietro shares their different life stories, providing them with a human voice. His perspective is also very important both as a local who grew up on Lampedusa, and as a physician who works on the ground with patients. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393356558?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=c9e20391f544112f5dc112c733a49cf5&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) --- ### If You’re Feeling...Cultural [![The Sound of Sch, a Mental Breakdown, a Life Journey. By: Danielle Lim](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/sound-sch-book-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.jpg)](https://www.ethosbooks.com.sg/products/the-sound-of-sch-a-mental-breakdown-a-life-journey) #### **The Sound of Sch, a Mental Breakdown, a Life Journey** *By: Danielle Lim* Written by a Singaporean author, this is a good read if you wish to understand more about mental illness, and its role in local Chinese culture. These elements are all interwoven within the fabric of society, and influence both our perspective and approach toward mental illness. This goes on to affect all [**other facets of 'normal' life**](https://achronicvoice.com/keeping-up-despite-pain/), from private to public interactions, career, and treatment. [Schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia) is no laughing matter, even though many people use it as an adjective in everyday language. Doing so reduces the severity of this devastating, often life changing illness. This is a well written and wonderful [**tribute to human resilience**](https://achronicvoice.com/me-struggles/) and sacrifice. [Buy from Ethos Books](https://www.ethosbooks.com.sg/products/the-sound-of-sch-a-mental-breakdown-a-life-journey) Read Related Posts: - [Invisible Cities Linkup: Pros & Cons of Living with Chronic Illness in Your City](https://achronicvoice.com/invisible-cities-linkup/) - [What's it Like to Live with Invisible Illness in Singapore? (7 Locals Share Their Thoughts)](https://achronicvoice.com/invisible-illness-singapore-locals/) - ["It's in My Blood": Featuring People with Illnesses, Passions & Talents](https://achronicvoice.com/its-in-my-blood-people-illnesses-talents/) - [Invisible in Florence: Life with Chronic Illness in Italy](https://achronicvoice.com/invisible-florence-chronic-illness-italy/) - [Top Tips for Travelling with Chronic Illness & Disability (From a Girl Who Loves to Travel)](https://achronicvoice.com/travelling-with-chronic-illness-disability/) --- ### If You’re Feeling...Educational [![Writing Tools (10th Anniversary Edition): 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/918R+6x3vVL._SL350_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316014990?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "Writing Tools (10th Anniversary Edition): 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer") #### Writing Tools, 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer *By: Roy Peter Clark* This is one of my favourite books on how to write better, as it’s easy to read, memorable, and practical all at once. I particularly liked how he used each chapter to represent a writing tool, which I can refer to as needed. This is a helpful book if you are a [**writer or blogger who wants to raise awareness**](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-bloggers-top-posts-2020/) through your writing. The words we use can make a difference in the lives of others, and how we express them can also vary its impact. This one's worth keeping in your blogging arsenal! [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316014990?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=88f1713922a098f0638321945c44f3b1&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) Read Related Posts: - [Why I Write, Even Though it Makes Me Uncomfortable](https://achronicvoice.com/why-i-write/) - [The Power and Purpose of Blogging, and Why You Should Write](https://achronicvoice.com/purpose-of-blogging/) - [A Quarterly Reflection: 12 Important Life Lessons I’ve Learned](https://achronicvoice.com/quarterly-reflection-life-lessons-learned/) - [Useful Things to Do While on Bed Rest After Surgery: Education, Advocacy & Volunteering](https://achronicvoice.com/useful-things-to-do-while-on-bed-rest/) - [Why Humility is the Best Tool for Advocacy](https://achronicvoice.com/humility-advocacy/) --- ## What’s on My Wish List The wish list for books is a neverending one, I suppose! There's more than enough knowledge to last us this lifetime, and even more that we have yet to discover. Here are a few more books that I've been meaning to read, but obviously haven't done so ;) ### 1\. Sick Rose: Disease in the Golden Age of Medical Illustration *By: Richard Barnett* [![Sick Rose: Disease in the Golden Age of Medical Illustration](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pJMAEjnxL._SL350_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1938922409?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "Sick Rose: Disease in the Golden Age of Medical Illustration") This book is a collection of gruesome but gorgeous medical illustrations, before the age of colour photography. They represented the human body and visible afflictions, during an era where epidemics were rampant. I’d imagine they’d have to be as accurate as is possible! Illustrating something somehow [transforms it into a piece of artwork](https://www.guernicamag.com/seeing-art-in-medical-archives/), no matter what the topic is about. I think it’s also a beautiful reminder that the [**human body is indeed, an amazing work of art**](https://achronicvoice.com/poem-on-miracles-thuli-zuma/)! Every single one of us is a curated assembly of organs and organisms, working towards the singular goal of survival. If this interests you, there are two other books in this series as well. One on [surgical illustrations in the nineteenth century](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0500518106?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=6829aaa751f056f3e6f93a3c16926014&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl), and the other on [dentistry throughout the ages](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0500518106?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=9e7c0ac85f3979acb1a829d6dc9dc787&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl). [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1938922409?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=bd0af882805d8e8c4757c531cca15adf&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) Read Related Posts: - [How Does Antiphospholipid Syndrome Affect The Body? (Beyond the Blood to Major Organs)](https://achronicvoice.com/how-does-antiphospholipid-syndrome-affect-the-body/) - [12 Visible Evidence of a Body Gone Rogue (Is Invisible Illness Truly Invisible?)](https://achronicvoice.com/visible-evidence-invisible-illness/) - [Would You Rather: Have an Invisible Illness or a Visible Disability?](https://achronicvoice.com/rather-have-invisible-illness-or-disability/) - [What It Feels Like to be Suddenly Disabled](https://achronicvoice.com/suddenly-disabled/) - [When Autoimmune Disorder Ravages Your Face (and How That Led to My Body Dysmorphic Disorder)](https://achronicvoice.com/body-dysmorphic-disorder/) --- ### 2\. Running from the Mirror: A Memoir *By: Howard Shulman* [![Running from the Mirror: A Memoir](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PZn+w+y3L._SL350_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0985581530?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "Running from the Mirror: A Memoir") Just three days after birth, Howard contracted a bacterial infection which destroyed his face. His parents abandoned him after, and this is his life story. Displaced and transferred between homes, he had many families, but belonged to none. He managed to contact his birth mother one day, but this doesn’t seem to end well, either. This is a book I definitely want to read next; his writing style is beautiful, despite all the pain that stems from it. You can [read an excerpt on Narratively here](https://www.narratively.com/p/as-my-face-disappeared-so-did-my-mother-and-father). [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0985581530?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=fb721f418007a69f3beb21ce07ac1ad9&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) --- ### 3\. An Anatomy of Addiction, Sigmund Freud, William Halsted, and the Miracle Drug Cocaine *By: Howard Markel* [![An Anatomy of Addiction, Sigmund Freud, William Halsted, and the Miracle Drug Cocaine](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JR1oAg5VL._SL350_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400078792?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "An Anatomy of Addiction, Sigmund Freud, William Halsted, and the Miracle Drug Cocaine") This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few years \*sheepish grin\*. [Howard Markel](https://www.npr.org/2011/11/25/142782875/a-tale-of-two-addicts-freud-halsted-and-cocaine) is an acclaimed medical historian, and this book takes us down the fascinating paths of [Sigmund Freud](https://www.verywellmind.com/sigmund-freud-his-life-work-and-theories-2795860) and [William Halsted](https://hub.jhu.edu/magazine/2022/fall/william-halsted-breakthroughs-addiction/), two important people in the history of medicine. He shows how cocaine shaped their enormous contributions to the fields of psychology and medicine, during a time when the drug was new, unregulated, and barely understood. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400078792?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=a7d549275125b85357bcac9656c57f88&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) --- I hope you enjoyed this book list. If you do read any of them, I'd love to hear your thoughts via the comments section below! If there are any other genres you'd like to see in the next selection, feel free to comment as well. ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://ghost.achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. More Book Recommendations for People with Chronic Illness: - [Book Recommendations for Spoonies (but You’re All Invited, Too!)](https://achronicvoice.com/book-recommendations-spoonies/) - [Book Recommendations for Spoonies: Part II](https://achronicvoice.com/book-recommendations-spoonies-2/) - [Book Recommendations for the Chronically Ill: Part III](https://achronicvoice.com/book-recommendations-3-chronically-ill/) - [Book Review: The Narwhal Who Suffers from Chronic Migraines](https://achronicvoice.com/book-review-narwhal-migraines/) - [Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: 16 Takeaways with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/mans-search-for-meaning-chronic-illness/) - [12 Lessons on Mindfulness (or “How to Relax” by Thich Nhat Hanh)](https://achronicvoice.com/lessons-on-mindfulness-thich-nhat-hanh/) ### Comments Archives: Comments imported from previous WordPress site. - Alice Jul 21, 2018 I shall definitely be reading some of those 😀 - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Jul 21, 2018 Yay, let me know how you find them! - [ Tea and Cake for the Soul ](https://teaandcakeforthesoul.wordpress.com/) Jul 20, 2018 Some interesting suggestions here. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Jul 20, 2018 Which did you find most interesting? 🙂 - Kirsten (Graphic Organic) Jul 16, 2018 These all seem interesting, especially the Writing Tools book. It’s always nice to learn new things. x - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Jul 17, 2018 Yes it was an absorbing read, definitely worth it at least for me – learned a lot of new things, or at least, jolted reminders! 😉 - [ Caz / InvisiblyMe ](https://invisiblyme.com/) Jul 16, 2018 Some really fascinating picks, Sheryl, most of which I hadn’t come across before (apart from Frankl’s book; an incredible man with some truly amazing insights). The Writing Tools book is one I’d actually quite like to check out, as well as Running From The Mirror, though that sounds heartbreakingly sad.Definitely adding that last one to my to-read list because I’m just too curious to not read it!! x - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Jul 16, 2018 Hi Caz, thanks for checking the list out! 🙂 Yes, the excerpt I read was gripping. I’m always impressed by people who can write personal narratives so well – a genre I really struggle with! And I liked the writing tools because it was really easy to read and also very practical – literally like a tool box! I believe there’s always something more to learn 🙂 Happy reading, my friend! x **Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!**