Increased Risk

by Shannon Barry

Written with all of the frustration, grief, and gratitude that comes from a life with chronic illness, this poetry collection offers a cathartic read for anyone who lives in pain, and provides a revealing look for anyone who wishes to understand them more.

"Some days I think I might dislike the chronic part more than the illness part."

Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2024

Reviews

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Here I am once again crushed by the weight of it: a body older than I am.”

Shoutout to psoriatic arthritis. At least people always have to give me the comfy chair though.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearing other people put words to the pain and grief of chronic illness is so very necessary. Being sick is a little less lonely with books like this. 🖤

[Rebecca Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

every word is perfect. this will be forever on
my bookshelf, and shared with family and friends when i just can’t put these feelings into words myself ❤️

[Sofia Dimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon has done it again with making me fall in love with her words. She describes migraines in a way that I've been trying to find the words about for years. I wanted to cry, felt her anger, and celebrated her hope with her poems.

I was never the little girl in the doctor's room being told that I was fine but I'd hold her hand and help her realise that it wasn't going to be all pain. Sometimes there's good too

[Lydia McCook · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like I am reading thoughts taken out of my own head. It’s so surreal to see the extent that I am not alone in those thoughts. She says all the things I wish I could say. I teared up so much reading this.
Also, I definitely had to restrain myself from just highlighting everything.
Thank you Shannon Lee Barry for this <3

[Shauna Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Shannon knocks it out of the park with her writing.

[Kimberly (kimberly_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It means so much to be seen in books <3

[Corky · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When I am in pain
I am only half of myself"

Great (quick) read on the labor of being ill and dealing with the disbelief of friends and medical professionals alike.