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Book Recommendations
Living with IBD can feel isolating, but sometimes, the best way to find connection is through the words of others. Here's a selection of our favorite books that capture the reality living with a chronic illness, as well as the strength, resilience, and hope that comes with it.
What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger
by Tessa Miller
Tessa Miller was an ambitious twentysomething writer in New York City when, on a random fall day, her stomach began to seize up. At first, she toughed it out through searing pain, taking sick days from work, unable to leave the bathroom or her bed. But when it became undeniable that something was seriously wrong, Miller gave in to family pressure and went to the hospital―beginning a yearslong nightmare of procedures, misdiagnoses, and life-threatening infections. Once she was finally correctly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, Miller faced another battle: accepting that she will never get better.
Chronic
by Christine Rich
Christine M. Rich was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at a young age and spent many years trying to hide from and deny the fear, anger, and sadness she felt because of her illness. Chronic is the story of how a serious health scare in her late twenties caused Rich to reevaluate and change her focus to wellness and self-love rather than illness and fear.
Up and Adam: A Patient's Experience on Winning with IBD
by Adam Finkelstein
Adam Finkelstein's book, Up and Adam, is based on his experiences with IBD as a child and how maintaining a positive attitude helped him overcome challenges.
The Purple Rose
by Josef Miller
This book is about a teenager, Jacob, who dreams of performing in a musical. But, in the process, Jacob becomes extremely sick and is eventually diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. This story follows Jacob as he battles through his Crohn's disease related struggles, as well as other aspects of his teenage life. Although the story is themed around Crohn's Disease, this story also tackles personal, family, and social dilemmas. This story is jarring, as many physical symptoms and experiences of Crohn's disease are mentioned in high detail.
Invisible: The (Sort of) True Story of Me and My Hidden Disease
by David Soren
J.J. Sugar was only eight years old when he discovered that he could really draw. Like…better than anyone else in class (no offense to the other kids!). After winning a citywide poster design contest, his dream of becoming an animator was born. Unfortunately for J.J., that same year, he also discovered his curse. After not feeling well for several weeks, he went to the doctor for some tests. (Actually, lots and lots and lots of tests.) And when his doctor dropped the diagnosis—Crohn’s disease—J.J. was suddenly no longer alone on the exam table. Sitting next to him was a giant, sarcastic, leather-wearing CREATURE: Norm, the not-so-invisible embodiment of J.J.'s chronic disease.
by Allison McGauley
It seems delicate, just like her mom, who doesn't always feel well. As the seasons change, her mom's health has ups and downs, and the tree sways in the wind and weather. Sometimes her mom is too tired to play, and they just cuddle. Other times, she has to go to the hospital. During the winter, she's away for many days. When a snowstorm hits, Kenzie frantically tries to keep the tree warm. And she worries: Has she broken her promise? But no matter the challenges, come springtime, the tree is still there, blossoming and strong—just like her mom, and just like Kenzie.