Reviews

How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard

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atintera's review

3.0

Maybe I shouldve expected this, but the books focus on Buddhist teaching made reading it a bit difficult. I thought the advice was helpful, though not always applicable to my life.

lisasibbett's review

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hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5

This book was like a balm to my very stressed-out, overextended, and weary self. Her story about getting so sick so randomly did truly drive home the point that such things can happen at any time to any one. As someone who seems to be getting sicker and sicker, I realized I had fallen into the “why me? Poor me?” Camp. Also all the other camps- resentful, blaming myself for getting sick, despairing at not being able to function like I used to or do the things I want to do. It’s a strange thing to realize what a hard, unforgiving person you’re becoming toward yourself. She provides not only compassion for this part of journey, but also practical exercises and meditations to work with your mind. At one point during the book, I asked myself, “maybe I don’t want to be graceful about my conditions” but then, I do. I don’t want to make it harder on myself or harder on the people in my space. Why deprive myself of the joy that is to be had when it can be had? And so, this book has renewed my desire to practice again and to work with my mind states. Short, easy to read- I highly recommend for anyone struggling with any long-term/chronic/persistent illness and their caregivers.

alextheunicat's review

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hopeful informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.25

This book helped me a lot. I especially liked to listen to it when my chronic illness symptoms were bad and all I could do is lie in bed. It would help me have compassion for myself and not feel bad about not doing the things I think I should be doing with my time instead of taking care of myself. My suggestion is to find some way to take notes, because I listened to this as an audiobook I can't remember the exercises and its hard to refer back to them. Lastly I think the author was a little too hard on herself about sharing her struggle with others, I think thats just what good friends do for each other, listen to what they are going through.

eharrison's review

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5.0

Beautifully and thoughtfully written. A deep dive into the emotions of chronic illness and coping mechanisms that can support you.

zjn's review

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3.0

While I will take some ways to reframe my thoughts on my chronic illnesses from this book I found the writing rather repetitive and found the author's referrals to her personal life, which occur frequently, difficult to relate to.