Rate this book

In The Kingdom Of The Sick: A Social History Of Chronic Illness In America (2013)

by Laurie Edwards(Favorite Author)

3.39 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0802718019 (ISBN13: 9780802718013)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Walker & Company

review 1: This is a very important book. Edwards chronicles the history of chronic illness in relation to the PWA (people with AIDS) movement, the womens health movement and the breast cancer awareness campaigns of the '90s. The history is peppered with personal narratives of people suffering with chronic illnesses. She also discusses the power of the internet and social medias impact on the chronic patient experience. Edwards commentary places chronic illness right at the heart of the health care reform discussion.
review 2: Those of us who hold citizenship in the dreary kingdom of chronic illness will recognize every word in this thoughtful appraisal of modern medicine and illness that is"treatable but not curable." Most of us have experienced the phenomena of "blaming... more the victim" or seen the look that means "It's all in your head, Little Lady." We have seen our symptoms frustrate, irritate and downright bore our employers, colleagues and acquaintances. We too, are frustrated, and Hoo Boy! are we bored. Most of us want nothing more than to feel well enough to work, play and live just like our healthier neighbors.Laurie Edwards is herself chronically ill. She knows whereof she speaks. She has spent many years poised between normal and the ICU and has a lot of ideas garnered from diligent research into American medical practice and the patients who never really get well. I almost wept as she described the horrid Limbo of not having a diagnosis; wondering if it IS really all in my head, wondering if it is all my fault for eating too many Twinkies, et cetera.For those of us who desperately desire to find someone who understands our issues, it is a breath of fresh air to read this book. It is compassionate without pathos. It offers some thought provoking suggestions for those disabled by pain, fatigue, lack of breath and lack of understanding. If you, or someone you love has a chronic disease process, you want to read this book. less

Download links for: In the Kingdom of the Sick: A Social History of Chronic Illness in America

Advertising