World Rose Day is celebrated on September 22 keeping in mind the welfare of cancer patients. Cancer is often looked upon with fear but those who must battle the diagnosis need as much support from fearless caretakers in the community as they can get. On this occasion, we thought we would look at some cancer literature.
TOUGH: WOMEN WHO SURVIVED CANCER edited by Marquina Ilieve-Piselli
Forty women tell their stories about their cancer experience. Although the journey is long and hard, the stories are filled with hope. Creativity is sometimes the best cure for any illness and many of the survivors talk about their tryst with creative pursuits.
The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness by Jerome Groopman
A must-read book for caregivers and the afflicted. Groopman doesn’t believe in providing false hope but he wants to explore how important hope is in the face of adversity. I
This autobiography of actor and model Lisa Ray is no-holds-barred account of her life. She suffered from multiple myeloma at age thirty-seven.
‘How fortunate it is when life alters you without warning.’
The Test of My Life: From Cricket to Cancer and Back by Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh gives a brave, honest account of his tryst with cancer and chemotherapy. The book is an account of his cricket journey and his own personal growth.
Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life by Manisha Koirala
Another celebrity cancer autobiography. Here Manisha Koirala speaks about her triumphant win against ovarian cancer.
My Cancer is Me: The Journey from Illness to Wholeness by Vijay Bhat
Cancer is a disease with many stereotypical notions attached to it. Vijay Bhat writes about how the disease can be used as a transformative experience. He explores perspectives toward the disease and holistic and scientific approaches that can help cure the afflicted.
Unafraid by Niyati TamaskarAt the Pothi.com Store, we have a book by cancer survivor Niyati Tamaskar. She was a thirty-four-year-old breastfeeding mother when she got the diagnosis. She grew up in India where the c-word was taboo and so she opens up about her journey. Her words give strength- watch her Ted Talk here.
What books would you recommend for cancer survivors and caregivers? Tell us in the comments section.