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Super Sick: Making Peace with Chronic Illness
Superheroes aren't sick. This has been Allison Alexander's observation, anyway. They don't lie in bed all day because they're in too much pain to get up. They don't face the challenges of the chronically ill—difficulties that include socially inappropriate topics like mental illness, sex, and diarrhea. The latter, of course, would be exponentially worse in a spandex suit.
Alexander, who has struggled with a chronic illness since she was a child, wants to see herself in her heroes and searches for examples of sick characters in pop culture. She weaves her own painful experiences with stories from other chronic sufferers, engaging with how society values healthiness, how doctors don’t always have answers, and how faith, friendship, and romance add pressure to already complicated situations. If you're a fan of Marvel, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy, and other stories from pop culture, you may find some familiar references inside.
Journey through sage stories as Alexander makes peace with her illness despite a culture that suggests she’s worthless unless she’s healed.
Alexander, who has struggled with a chronic illness since she was a child, wants to see herself in her heroes and searches for examples of sick characters in pop culture. She weaves her own painful experiences with stories from other chronic sufferers, engaging with how society values healthiness, how doctors don’t always have answers, and how faith, friendship, and romance add pressure to already complicated situations. If you're a fan of Marvel, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy, and other stories from pop culture, you may find some familiar references inside.
Journey through sage stories as Alexander makes peace with her illness despite a culture that suggests she’s worthless unless she’s healed.
228 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2020
4 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Allison Alexander
6 books25 followersAllison Alexander is a freelance book editor, writer, and artist. She has a BA in English, a certificate in Publishing, and ten years of experience working with authors. She is also a co-host of
The Worldbuilder’s Tavern
podcast and composer of her newsletter for fiction writers,
Editor's Alchemy.
Allison lives in Canada with her partner and their giant collection of board games.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 10, 2020
Allison Alexander, in her book Super Sick: Making Peace with Chronic Illness, shows how her lifelong search for examples of sick characters in pop culture, has uncovered "heroes" with whom she can identify. She shares those stories to help others with chronic illness learn the same lesson she has: "The best superheroes aren't omnipotent, perfect characters; they have flaws just like I do. They are broken, just like I am. There's strength in that brokenness, and maybe that in itself is my superpower."
Super Sick is an extremely personal book. Alexander is unapologetically open about her own experiences with Irritable Bowel Disease. She describes frustration with the medical system, fears of dating and, eventually, marriage and facing everyday tasks like work, housekeeping or shopping. Alexander's examples are raw and unremitting and may leave readers squirming with discomfort over topics they feel should be too personal to share. But as she explores the day-to-day challenges of living with a chronic illness, she uses examples from pop culture like Frodo Baggins (Lord of the Rings), Dr. Steven Strange, Rhys (Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance) and Remus Lupin (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) among others to illustrate her experiences.
What else sets Super Sick apart is its lack of answers. I've found similar books often reach for a metaphysical reason behind suffering or give a list of things you could do to change your situation. Alexander does neither of these, even when she explores the spiritual side of her experiences. Instead she honestly admits that, sometimes there are no answers or 10 easy steps to better health. She suggests, in the end, "if I practice being with my life just the way it is, if I use my superpowers of pain and illness for good, I can find peace."
Alexander's honesty makes Super Sick a must read for anyone with a chronic illness. I found myself identifying with much of what she writes. Finding a fellow traveller on the chronic illness highway was both comforting and encouraging. The book is also a must read for anyone who wants to understand what their family or friends with a chronic illness deal with.
Alexander's own words are the best reason to read Super Sick: "Those of us with chronic pain have something unique to offer, not in spite of our pain, but because of it. It's okay to grieve the losses of chronic illness. It's okay to be broken; everyone is in some way. Just because we're unfixable doesn't mean we're worthless."
Super Sick is an extremely personal book. Alexander is unapologetically open about her own experiences with Irritable Bowel Disease. She describes frustration with the medical system, fears of dating and, eventually, marriage and facing everyday tasks like work, housekeeping or shopping. Alexander's examples are raw and unremitting and may leave readers squirming with discomfort over topics they feel should be too personal to share. But as she explores the day-to-day challenges of living with a chronic illness, she uses examples from pop culture like Frodo Baggins (Lord of the Rings), Dr. Steven Strange, Rhys (Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance) and Remus Lupin (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) among others to illustrate her experiences.
What else sets Super Sick apart is its lack of answers. I've found similar books often reach for a metaphysical reason behind suffering or give a list of things you could do to change your situation. Alexander does neither of these, even when she explores the spiritual side of her experiences. Instead she honestly admits that, sometimes there are no answers or 10 easy steps to better health. She suggests, in the end, "if I practice being with my life just the way it is, if I use my superpowers of pain and illness for good, I can find peace."
Alexander's honesty makes Super Sick a must read for anyone with a chronic illness. I found myself identifying with much of what she writes. Finding a fellow traveller on the chronic illness highway was both comforting and encouraging. The book is also a must read for anyone who wants to understand what their family or friends with a chronic illness deal with.
Alexander's own words are the best reason to read Super Sick: "Those of us with chronic pain have something unique to offer, not in spite of our pain, but because of it. It's okay to grieve the losses of chronic illness. It's okay to be broken; everyone is in some way. Just because we're unfixable doesn't mean we're worthless."
April 17, 2020
Allison Alexander's book Super Sick: Making Peace with Chronic Illness taught me wonderful things, exposing many of my perceptions and giving meaning to my experiences with my family that has chronic illness. I picked up this book because I have been curious about this topic and my aunt has a chronic illness. Though they have different illnesses, there is still something to be learned from similar situations and sometimes, the best way to learn something that someone wont say is to read about it.
My four takeaways:
1 Sometimes there is no better response than just being there.⠀
2 Other people's struggles are not supposed to make us feel better about ourselves.⠀
3 It is okay to not feel like doing anything.⠀
4 I have started to notice chronic illness in stories I read.⠀
See full review on Armed with A Book. Overall, Super Sick is a fantastic book that I would highly recommend if you like learning about new things and read non-fiction. Well-researched with examples from all walks of life, this book will make you think. I hope you will give this book a chance. Many thanks to the author for providing me a review copy of this book.
October 16, 2020
The quote that jumped out at me from this book:
"Having a high pain tolerance does not mean I feel pain less than anyone else; it just means I don't show it as much as others."
"Having a high pain tolerance does not mean I feel pain less than anyone else; it just means I don't show it as much as others."
September 30, 2022
A book that examines the experience of living with chronic illness through the lens of storytelling? Yes, please. Also, the author includes an entire appendix of sick fictional heroes (chronic pain, chronic illness, disability) which will be informing my entertainment choices for a while.
July 13, 2020
All of us hate being sick, but what if you were sick and knew that you wouldn't get better? It is something I have never thought about much until having read Super Sick, a well written, descriptive, personal, educational, and ultimately hope-filled detailing of Alexander's life living with a chronic illness. Alexander opened my eyes to the difficult life that many people around me live every day. She helped me see that health shouldn't be taken for granted nor seen as a measurement for a meaningful life, how words matter (ie: saying "Get better soon" is NOT helpful to a person who has a chronic illness), that being sensitive and empathetic to people who are ill makes a difference, and that sometimes your guts can hurt so bad it can feel like you are "peeing knives." Reading quotes from as varied sources as Dumbledore and Jesus in the same book is something I've never done before, but it really works well. Ultimately, I'm thankful I read this book, as it will help me live more as I'm supposed to live - loving and caring for those people that God has placed in my world.
November 22, 2020
4.5 stars
This was a super interesting (no pun intended) book that made me feel seen and understood, as someone who also has a chronic illness. I loved the comparisons to characters from pop culture, especially since disabilities are often ignored, even more than other minorities and we desperately need more disabled characters
This was a super interesting (no pun intended) book that made me feel seen and understood, as someone who also has a chronic illness. I loved the comparisons to characters from pop culture, especially since disabilities are often ignored, even more than other minorities and we desperately need more disabled characters
December 7, 2020
I do not live with a chronic illness, but I can only imagine how cathartic this book must be for those who do. What I took away from Super Sick was not only greater appreciation and respect for proper pop culture representation of chronic illness, but more importantly a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for those who live with chronic illness day-to-day.
While Super Sick carries a heavy sense of pathos, it never claws for sympathy or pity. Alexander delivers her personal experiences with raw, real, and sarcastic sincerity, and the stories included from other individuals are treated with utmost respect. Super Sick aims to be an experience--not simply to inform, but to imbue a sense of understanding and empowerment. Each page of this book emanates with an open-mindedness about taboo topics and daily difficulties, always asking the reader to consider every involved perspective—including their own.
Since I am also a pop culture fan, I must offer incredible kudos to the author for her deft, insightful commentary on both time-honored classics and under-the-radar media. The connections between chronic illness and pop culture narratives are never made carelessly, and every sentence shows Alexander's thorough research and attention to detail. For example, a chapter about Cloud Strife's depression and Mako poisoning not only discusses the main Final Fantasy VII title, but also dives into the recently translated light novel, On the Way to a Smile, and the film, Advent Children. Mainstream characters like Frodo and Stephen Strange are analyzed alongside the likes of Rhys (Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance) and All Might (My Hero Academia).
Super Sick covers a wide spectrum, with each chapter broken into bite-sized portions, perfect for reading in-between activities. If you yourself live with a chronic illness, know someone who lives with a chronic illness, or wish to boost your own emotional intelligence and widen your perspective, do not miss this book.
While Super Sick carries a heavy sense of pathos, it never claws for sympathy or pity. Alexander delivers her personal experiences with raw, real, and sarcastic sincerity, and the stories included from other individuals are treated with utmost respect. Super Sick aims to be an experience--not simply to inform, but to imbue a sense of understanding and empowerment. Each page of this book emanates with an open-mindedness about taboo topics and daily difficulties, always asking the reader to consider every involved perspective—including their own.
Since I am also a pop culture fan, I must offer incredible kudos to the author for her deft, insightful commentary on both time-honored classics and under-the-radar media. The connections between chronic illness and pop culture narratives are never made carelessly, and every sentence shows Alexander's thorough research and attention to detail. For example, a chapter about Cloud Strife's depression and Mako poisoning not only discusses the main Final Fantasy VII title, but also dives into the recently translated light novel, On the Way to a Smile, and the film, Advent Children. Mainstream characters like Frodo and Stephen Strange are analyzed alongside the likes of Rhys (Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance) and All Might (My Hero Academia).
Super Sick covers a wide spectrum, with each chapter broken into bite-sized portions, perfect for reading in-between activities. If you yourself live with a chronic illness, know someone who lives with a chronic illness, or wish to boost your own emotional intelligence and widen your perspective, do not miss this book.
February 14, 2024
This was very funny & relatable & personal & probably the strongest chronic illness memoir I’ve read so far. I appreciated the lighthearted approach to tougher subjects while still maintaining honesty. I found the video game references to be a little much & forced after a while, but I also respect that that’s a lens through which the author sees much of the world. Very solid read overall!
September 26, 2020
A Nerds Guide to Being Chronically Ill
A valuable and relatable perspective for those of us who are both suffering from chronic illnesses and nerdiness. No overly clinical analyses or jargon. Not overtly religious. Not all Pollyanna nor woe is me.
A valuable and relatable perspective for those of us who are both suffering from chronic illnesses and nerdiness. No overly clinical analyses or jargon. Not overtly religious. Not all Pollyanna nor woe is me.
July 8, 2020
This was an engaging, easy read that I'm glad to have found. It was certainly nice to read a book on chronic illness written by someone from my subculture rather than some old lady who doesn't really get how to talk to people my age. I really like the structure of the book - how it covers different problems that chronically ill people face with a central illustrative fictional example in each chapter. (The chapter about feeling like a burden feat. my beloved Remus Lupin got me right in the feels.) I will probably make my boyfriend read it, because some of the things it covers are really difficult for me to talk about directly and are articulated very well here.
I think that in reading all of these books on chronic illness, I've subconsciously sort of been looking for an 'answer' as to what to do. This book doesn't give one, unsurprisingly. But I do like its central message - that people with chronic illness don't have to be defined by it, and can still contribute meaningfully to the world - and the use of fictional characters to make that point really works for me. Some other books tell you to accept your illness in a way that makes me feel uncomfortable, like they're telling you to give up. This book doesn't feel that way. I definitely don't resonate with every single thing in this book - notably, I've always been an atheist, and the author talks a fair amount about how chronic illness fits in with her Catholicism - but it's overall definitely worth a read for people whose daily lives are impacted by chronic illness (either in themselves or in a loved one).
I think that in reading all of these books on chronic illness, I've subconsciously sort of been looking for an 'answer' as to what to do. This book doesn't give one, unsurprisingly. But I do like its central message - that people with chronic illness don't have to be defined by it, and can still contribute meaningfully to the world - and the use of fictional characters to make that point really works for me. Some other books tell you to accept your illness in a way that makes me feel uncomfortable, like they're telling you to give up. This book doesn't feel that way. I definitely don't resonate with every single thing in this book - notably, I've always been an atheist, and the author talks a fair amount about how chronic illness fits in with her Catholicism - but it's overall definitely worth a read for people whose daily lives are impacted by chronic illness (either in themselves or in a loved one).
September 5, 2020
To Allison Alexander: Thank you for sharing. It is so hard to feel understood when in comes to living with pain, now I know there are people walking similar paths to me just out of sight. They feel what I feel, they struggle with what I struggle with. Your book is a friend that said all the right things.
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August 14, 2020Allison Alexander has a unique spin on a significant theme. To explore living with chronic pain she combines 1) vulnerable memoir with 2) qualitative research with 3) insights & characters from the world of sci-fi & fantasy. As memoir, it is with humour and hope that Alexander welcomes us into her world to witness the tremendous amount of personal energy required to cope with chronic pain. She doesn't shy away from the awkard, sifting through questions she's confronted in relation to pain--for example, the impact of gender, navigating relationships, sex, depression, and the value of a life. As qualitative research, Alexander shares insights and experiences from her many conversations about illnesses that last a lifetime, conversations with medical professionals and fellow sufferers. As a fan of pop culture, Alexander is well acquainted with super heros. Every chapter introduces a super hero with an illness and reflects on a culture that unconsciously values health over weakness. This book is a gift of inspiration. Alexander herself is a super hero as she validates the physical, emotional, relational and spiritual journey of making peace with an illness that will never go away.
January 12, 2024
Everyone should read this book. I particularly am a fan of the discussion about stigma facing chronic illness sufferers. I think more people, especially those in healthcare can learn a lot from it. People talk about those timely life changing books, and for me this is one of them. I loved the popular culture references which are great reminders, but it was Allison who really showed me that I'm not alone... Things will be hard, but they will also be okay. We are our own heroes.
August 17, 2021
I found my self in tears for the first few chapters. Allison's Alexander is beautiful honest in this book. I recommend to anyone wanting to understand life with a chronic illness, whether it's mental health, or physical or both. If you live with chronic illness, you will find a sister in Allison Alexander. She may help you find a measure of peace in the middle of this life.
July 19, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
In Super Sick, Allison Alexander perfectly captures the daily physical, mental and emotional tolls of living with chronic illness.
Alexander explores a wide range of examples from film, tv, books, comics and games to illustrate her explanations of both the realities of chronic illness and the accuracy of their fictional representations. She also uses her own experiences (IBS) to draw some very personal and moving comparisons with the fictional counterparts.
As a chronic illness sufferer myself (ME/CFS), it was just soooooo good to read these essays showing different sides of the portrayal of chronic illness in popular culture. Honestly, I cried. “This is me!”, I exclaimed. There is just no over-emphasising how important it is to be able to see yourself in fiction, or how grateful I felt to be seen and understood, to feel connected. It was wonderful to read a book where the author GETS it. Don’t get me wrong, I wish she didn’t, but as she does, I am glad that she has chosen to share it with the rest of us.
The whole book is written in a chatty, accessible style that turns what could be dry facts and depressing anecdotes into a cheerful, honest and entertaining easy-read. I don’t just want to read it over and over again, I want all of my loved ones to read it too, so they can get a light-hearted – but serious – glimpse into what life is like for all of us spoonie superheroes.
I would love to see more from this author on pop culture, illness, or any other subject she cares to cover, fictional or factual. She is clearly super-talented!
'Chronic illness and disability are hard to write around if they aren’t the main crux of a story. Hence, we have many stories about cancer patients, but not so many about people who are important characters outside of their illnesses. Audiences want heroes to overcome their challenges, and chronic issues can’t be fixed. Many writers think that if their story features a character who is chronically ill, that story needs to be about that sickness. Because what else is there to say? Once you’re the victim of a chronic illness, you’re done.'
– Allison Alexander, Super Sick
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
In Super Sick, Allison Alexander perfectly captures the daily physical, mental and emotional tolls of living with chronic illness.
Alexander explores a wide range of examples from film, tv, books, comics and games to illustrate her explanations of both the realities of chronic illness and the accuracy of their fictional representations. She also uses her own experiences (IBS) to draw some very personal and moving comparisons with the fictional counterparts.
As a chronic illness sufferer myself (ME/CFS), it was just soooooo good to read these essays showing different sides of the portrayal of chronic illness in popular culture. Honestly, I cried. “This is me!”, I exclaimed. There is just no over-emphasising how important it is to be able to see yourself in fiction, or how grateful I felt to be seen and understood, to feel connected. It was wonderful to read a book where the author GETS it. Don’t get me wrong, I wish she didn’t, but as she does, I am glad that she has chosen to share it with the rest of us.
The whole book is written in a chatty, accessible style that turns what could be dry facts and depressing anecdotes into a cheerful, honest and entertaining easy-read. I don’t just want to read it over and over again, I want all of my loved ones to read it too, so they can get a light-hearted – but serious – glimpse into what life is like for all of us spoonie superheroes.
I would love to see more from this author on pop culture, illness, or any other subject she cares to cover, fictional or factual. She is clearly super-talented!
'Chronic illness and disability are hard to write around if they aren’t the main crux of a story. Hence, we have many stories about cancer patients, but not so many about people who are important characters outside of their illnesses. Audiences want heroes to overcome their challenges, and chronic issues can’t be fixed. Many writers think that if their story features a character who is chronically ill, that story needs to be about that sickness. Because what else is there to say? Once you’re the victim of a chronic illness, you’re done.'
– Allison Alexander, Super Sick
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 27, 2021
Sometimes I read to escape and sometimes I read to learn. Super Sick was a learning book for me on a topic that is important because even though I don’t live with a chronic illness myself, I know several people who do.
It’s a pretty short, manageable read at only 252 pages, and I learned a lot about how to be empathetic and supportive of friends and family with chronic or unexplained sickness. The author does a good job of showing the reader a comprehensive picture of the different facets of life that people like her deal with and kindly makes suggestions for how healthier people can be helpful. As a Christian myself, I love that she brings God into the discussion and addresses the harmful teaching that if a person has enough faith then their problems will disappear.
I highly recommend Super Sick as a primer for people who have loved ones with chronic illness or for sufferers of disease who need to know they aren’t alone.
It’s a pretty short, manageable read at only 252 pages, and I learned a lot about how to be empathetic and supportive of friends and family with chronic or unexplained sickness. The author does a good job of showing the reader a comprehensive picture of the different facets of life that people like her deal with and kindly makes suggestions for how healthier people can be helpful. As a Christian myself, I love that she brings God into the discussion and addresses the harmful teaching that if a person has enough faith then their problems will disappear.
I highly recommend Super Sick as a primer for people who have loved ones with chronic illness or for sufferers of disease who need to know they aren’t alone.
August 18, 2021
I’m not chronically ill but I have family and friends who are and Allison’s wonderful book is such an incredible resource to help understand what the people I love face every day. Super Sick addresses the issues of chronic illness compassionately and frankly. It was so eye-opening to see how people from every walk of life deal with illness that will always be a part of them—but does not define them. I can’t recommend this book enough, not just for those who are chronically ill, but for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how it impacts their friends and family.
September 13, 2024
I felt like I was reading my own brain! This was so wonderful. I want more, more, more books like this!! We NEED more books like this. A must-read for every spoonie.
There were naturally some topics that needed TW (like su*c*de), but they are so important to discuss. There is also a potential for religious trauma to be triggered, but if that is a risk, I would recommend skipping over those chapters and still reading the book. I found the author's take on religion/spirituality to be extremely respectful and insightful.
Overall a fantastic book that truly made me feel less alone.
There were naturally some topics that needed TW (like su*c*de), but they are so important to discuss. There is also a potential for religious trauma to be triggered, but if that is a risk, I would recommend skipping over those chapters and still reading the book. I found the author's take on religion/spirituality to be extremely respectful and insightful.
Overall a fantastic book that truly made me feel less alone.
August 17, 2021
Reading this book was SO validating. For YEARS I have tried to work with doctors to find out what's wrong with me.
They ALMOST had me convinced that it was only psychological and that I should just learn to deal.
I'm sorry to hear that others are being dismissed as I was...am.
But hearing that others had a similar experience to me. . . also let me know - I'm not alone, so that's a good thing and I'll take it.
They ALMOST had me convinced that it was only psychological and that I should just learn to deal.
I'm sorry to hear that others are being dismissed as I was...am.
But hearing that others had a similar experience to me. . . also let me know - I'm not alone, so that's a good thing and I'll take it.
March 8, 2022
A chronic illness story sprinkled with bits of nerddom and some (very liberal, watered down) Christianity. Nothing spectacular, but an interesting angle and a surprisingly light, breezy listen considering the topics involved.
April 30, 2021
Should be a must in school, especially in these times.
It is masterfully written.
It is masterfully written.
August 28, 2022
Full review here: https://dearstrangethings.substack.co...
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October 4, 2023Really appreciated this
April 30, 2024
4.5 ⭐ | "Super Sick" offers a unique perspective on chronic illness and its portrayal in pop culture. Drawing from her own experiences as a chronic illness sufferer since childhood, Allison Alexander delves into the lack of representation of sick characters in mainstream media, contrasting the glamorous image of superheroes with the often harsh realities faced by those with chronic conditions. Alexander skillfully incorporates these nerdy allusions while also offering a nuanced exploration of privilege, including an intersectional perspective that addresses various layers of privilege and marginalization.
The book navigates through Alexander's personal journey with chronic illness, interweaving anecdotes from her life with insights from diverse other chronic sufferers. Offering the reader a wide range of understanding what the stigma of chronic illness is encompassing.
Through her engaging storytelling style, Alexander sheds light on the societal norms surrounding healthiness, the limitations of medical knowledge, and the additional pressures imposed by christian faith, friendship, and romance. (Though, I had not anticipated how big of a role Christianity would play, which was at times a bit much for my personal liking.)
Overall, "Super sick" is a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the intersection of chronic illness and pop culture. Alexander's candid and relatable storytelling style, combined with her thoughtful analysis of societal norms and expectations, makes this book a worthwhile addition to the discourse on chronic illness representation.
The book navigates through Alexander's personal journey with chronic illness, interweaving anecdotes from her life with insights from diverse other chronic sufferers. Offering the reader a wide range of understanding what the stigma of chronic illness is encompassing.
Through her engaging storytelling style, Alexander sheds light on the societal norms surrounding healthiness, the limitations of medical knowledge, and the additional pressures imposed by christian faith, friendship, and romance. (Though, I had not anticipated how big of a role Christianity would play, which was at times a bit much for my personal liking.)
Overall, "Super sick" is a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the intersection of chronic illness and pop culture. Alexander's candid and relatable storytelling style, combined with her thoughtful analysis of societal norms and expectations, makes this book a worthwhile addition to the discourse on chronic illness representation.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews